The Surprising Way Vitamin C Can Affect Your Allergies

Vitamin C gets a ton of recognition for boosting the immune system, as it rightfully should. WebMD reports that the vitamin not only helps keep you healthy and robust but may protect against immune system deficiencies, as well as cardiovascular and eye disease. The powerhouse vitamin can be found in many foods, like citrus fruit, kale, and bell peppers and there are many supplements on the market, including liquids, capsules, and powders. 

When you are deficient in vitamin C, you are more susceptible to getting sick, so it's important to ensure you are getting enough (per the Cleveland Clinic). While the recommended daily allowance is 75 to 90 milligrams per day for adults, WebMD shares that an ideal dose may be around 500 milligrams daily. 

You might also know that vitamin C is excellent for supporting a healthy glow for your skin. By using a vitamin C enriched serum or lotion in your skincare routine, you can minimize uneven skin tone, fine lines, scarring, and add overall brightness (via Allure). As incredible as this vitamin is, there is another good reason you may want to consider adding more C into your daily routine.

According to Healthline, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and also an antihistamine, but it doesn't work like Zyrtec or Benadryl. Over-the-counter antihistamines work by blocking histamines, while vitamin C reduces the amount of histamine your body creates. 

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that those who regularly receive vitamin C can potentially decrease their histamine levels. Healthline also reports that vitamin C may help with moderate allergy symptoms, as well as environmental offenders like pollen, dust, and pet dander. Research has indicated that receiving vitamin C through a nasal spray can potentially relieve allergy symptoms as well.

If you are annoyed with your allergies, be sure to discuss with your doctor which course of treatment may offer relief. They can also let you know whether you should add some extra vitamin C to your daily diet.