Seasonal Wellness

by Lisa Schofield | April 1, 2021

Springtime means more activity outdoors—here’s how to help your customers keep their immune systems strong for their release from hibernation.

Spring fever is really a thing. It’s not just a myth. In this case, the use of “fever” means ebullience and zeal. According to Merriam-Webster, the first use of the term was in 1859 to mean “a restless feeling often associated with the onset of spring.”

This spring, people are going to enjoy the outdoors like never before. They want to be free, to roam. Pandemic restrictions/lockdowns plus several months of winter will likely result in an emergence of activity outdoors. However, for many of your customers, there is a dread involved when the earth awakens from its wintry slumber.

Defining Seasonal Wellness

The term “seasonal wellness” often refers to spring—and although the rest of the world calls it “allergy season,” natural products formulators and fellow retailers know it’s about supporting the body through the season of renewal, adapting to the annual changes in the warming climate.

“Seasonal wellness means having overall balance in the body through seasonal changes including managing or increasing resistance to chemical, biological, physical and emotional stress, and help it cope while the immune system is under attack,” described Jennifer Weinhardt, BS, MS, Texas-based Bluebonnet Nutrition. “I think it’s important for retailers to remind consumers that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” meaning, it’s more sensible to help customers support their immune system before it’s stressed by managing pollen.

Vanessa Pavey, ND, education scientist, Life Extension, Florida, agreed, noting, “Seasonal wellness represents taking a proactive approach to health during the changing of seasons. As spring progresses, she added, we become more aware of airborne challenges along with increased sun exposure.”

Adaptation is an underlying tenet of controlling spring discomforts. Jay Levy, director of sales, Wakunaga of America, Co., Ltd., explained that the human immune system is forced to adapt and react to different irritants, like dust and dry air in the winter, and pollen in the spring.

According to Dawn Thorpe Jarvis, MS RD LDN, senior director, nutrition science & education content, Garden of Life Inc., Florida, the term “seasonal wellness” means that you live in rhythm with seasonal cycles of nature, so seasonal wellness is about supporting your immune system for optimal respiratory and immune health throughout the seasons. “But this year, unlike any other, we are all seeking a healthy immune system and optimal immune wellness throughout the entire year, not just when the seasons change,” she commented.

Protecting Against Pollen

One of the key areas of wellbeing challenges are pollen-induced reactions. According to Pollen.com, more than 67 million Americans deal with allergies, and more than 80 percent of those react to pollen—defined as a typically yellow fine, powdery grains released from the male part of a flower or from a male cone. Technically, pollen grains are known as male microgametophytes; each grain contains a male gamete that fertilizes the female plant’s ovule, and thus, plant and other herbaceous growth occurs.

But unfortunately, these substances cause severe head and upper respiratory discomfort when the immune system detects it and tags it as a potential threat. According to Healthline, the most common symptoms of adverse pollen reaction are sneezing, watery/itchy eyes and nasal congestion.

When many of us wake up and the temps call for only a light jacket or sweatshirt, it’s ready, set … sneeze. Pavey commented, “As springtime approaches, many are excited to spend more time outdoors in 2021. Yet, seasonal changes can create immune challenges for some of us. The immune system typically ignores harmless things in the environment, like pollen, but for about 30 percent of adults, the immune system can overreact by releasing histamine, resulting in itchy, watery eyes, swollen nasal passages and congestion,” she explained.

She added that one important approach to boosting immune health during spring when pollens are abundant is by supporting the production of secretory IgA, an essential component of human respiratory immune defenses.

“There are ways to prepare for these challenges by supporting IgA production,” she emphasized. For example, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 and a yeast fermentate can assist. In combination, this probiotic and yeast fermentate can help balance the immune response during seasonal changes. L. rhamnosus CRL 1505 is a probiotic strain isolated from goat’s milk. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving hundreds of Argentinian school children who received 100 million colony forming units of L. rhamnosus CRL 1505 for five days a week for six months had nearly 50 percent less instances of immune challenges compared to those taking a placebo. The children given the L. rhamnosus CRL 1505 also had 47 percent higher levels of secretory IgA compared to the placebo group.

The whole food fermentate derived from brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is created through a special fermentation process. The yeast itself is inactive, but the beneficial compounds are still present, including vitamins, beta glucans, polyphenols and amino acids. There have been multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials showing immune benefits with this special yeast fermentate. One study with subjects taking 500 mg per day of the yeast fermentate for 12 weeks found significant reductions in the severity of nasal congestion during times of high pollen count, and 43 percent fewer days with nasal congestion when compared to placebo. This combination can be used year-round as a proactive approach to prepare for not just springtime challenges, but also in preparation for the winter months.

The seasonal changes that occur throughout the year can really take a toll on one’s body, Weinhardt pointed out. Many individuals start to feel congested, have watery or itchy eyes, are sneezing more frequently, and have a constant runny nose; with the changing of seasons come new allergens. Pollen provokes an exaggerated immune response in individuals who are sensitive to it. “You can minimize exposure to these irritants by staying indoors, but who wants to do that? Especially after the year we’ve all had, I imagine we’ll all be enjoying the great outdoors this spring,” she opines.

Kate Jones, president, MyBite Vitamins LLC, observed that so far this year, people are shifting their mindsets and more proactively looking to attain full-body immune support. Supplements that combine vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C, D and zinc provide 360-degree protection. But, a hallmark of seasonal challenges is an overproduction and release of histamines. Vitamin C may reduce the body’s natural production of histamines, leading to better control of seasonal allergy symptoms. A 1990 study found that vitamin C supplementation decreased the number of participants who had bronchial hypersensitivity to histamine by more than 50 percentage points,” she reported.

Other ingredients that help your customers build better resistance to airborne plant particles include quercetin, bromelain and several herbs.

Quercetin, explained Weinhardt, has been shown to favorably modify allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms. Quercetin plays a role in allergic inflammatory responses by inhibiting mast cells and eosinophils from producing chemical mediators (e.g., histamine and leukotriene) and inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for the induction and persistence of allergic reactions. Further, supplementing with quercetin may alleviate eye reactions and nasal symptoms that are hallmarks of pollinosis. The therapeutic dose for allergic rhinitis based on clinical research ranges from 250 to 600 mg.

Quercetin’s efficacy may be enhanced when taken in conjunction with bromelain, according to Weinhardt. Bromelain is used for reducing swelling (inflammation), especially of the nasal passages and sinuses. It is also used for hay fever. Weinhardt noted that several studies suggest that bromelain stimulates the body to produce substances that fight discomfort and swelling (inflammation). The therapeutic dose for allergic rhinitis based on clinical research ranges from 400 to 500 mg.

Herbally, some research has suggested that consuming a stinging nettle supplement at the first signs of spring discomforts seems to help provide relief. A randomized double-blind study of 69 participants found that 600 mg of freeze-dried nettle leaf taken daily reduced seasonal symptoms; 58 percent of participants reported relief from discomforts while 48 percent claimed that nettles were more effective than over-the-counter products, Weinhardt reported.

In the mushroom realm, cordyceps has been studied and shown to potentially support resistance by stimulating specific immune cells in the immune system. Early research suggests that taking cordyceps alone can reduce asthma symptoms in adults. In a randomized, double-blind study, 120 individuals with respiratory challenges consumed either cordyceps (1.2 grams) or placebo. Cordyceps improved the parameters of lung function, as well as inflammatory profile of the participants, according to the study authors, who asserted that the “main constituent of the extract derived from this fungus comprises a novel bio-metabolite called as cordycepin (3’deoxyadenosine), which has very potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, cordyceps has been found to be beneficial to reduce bronchial secretions, improve lung function and energize the body.”

Products in Bloom

Homeopathic medicines shine for seasonal pollen fights. Pennsylvania-based Boiron USA, for example, has several pellet products that tackle allergy symptoms. Its non-drowsy Ambrosia Ragweed Allergy Relief (Ambrosia artemisiaefolia 30C) eases key symptoms such as runny nose, irritated eyes and sneezing. Its non-drowsy RhinAllergy quick dissolving tablets also addresses watery, itching eyes, sneezing, runny nose and other symptoms; it contains Allium cepa 5C, Ambrosia artemisiaefolia 5C, Euphrasia officinalis 5C, Histaminum hydrochloricum 9C, Sabadilla 5C HPUS and Solidago virganurea 5C. Boiron Histaminum pellets (Histaminum hydrochloricum 30C HPUS) also relieves common allergy symptoms.

California-based Standard Homeopathic Co.’s Hyland’s brand offers non-drowsy Seasonal Allergy Relief that also eases symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, headache and sinus pain. The blend features Allium cepa 6X, Natrum muriaticum 6X, Histaminum hydrochloricum 12X, Luffa operculate 12X, Galphimia glauca 12X and Nux vomica 6X.

Garden of Life’s Immune Balance Sinus is formulated to provide natural support for sinus health, which relates to pollen-impacted upper respiratory function, according to Thorpe Jarvis. “This multidimensional herbal formula contains clinically studied wild crafted butterbur extract with 15 percent petasins (PA Free), which has been validated in multiple gold-standard human clinical studies to not only support sinus health but also to support a healthy immune system,” she described. “Our wildcrafted butterbur is combined with an Herbal Immunity Support Blend of eight other wildcrafted herbs with probiotics, enzymes, citrus bioflavonoids, whole food vitamins, minerals and beta glucans.”

The Herbal Immune Blend contains acerola cherry, angelica root, citrus bioflavonoids 95 percent (fruit), elderberry extract (fruit), ginger root, lemon balm (leaf), and olive leaf extract (10 percent oleoropein). Immune Balance Sinus also contains1,000 IU of Garden of Life’s own RAW Vitamin Code D3, 250 mg of whole food vitamin C derived from the Citrus C Blend, a proprietary vitamin C and grapefruit bioflavonoid complex including amla berry; and 5 billion CFU1 of Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic shown to support immune system function.

Bluebonnet’s seasonal offering is its Targeted Choice JustBreathe, Weinhardt said, is “formulated to support the body through seasonal changes by helping to encourage respiratory support with a unique blend of immune-protective nutrients and sustainably sourced herbal extracts.” Targeted Choice JustBreathe supports healthy immune function, provides potent antioxidant protection by reducing oxidative stress from free-radical damage, assists in respiratory health, and supports histamine breakdown.”

Mybite’s Triple Defense Immune combines vitamin C, vitamin D, echinacea, zinc plus elderberry in a tasty dark chocolate bite with a berry center. “Mybite Triple Defense Immune is the perfect companion for the morning multi,” said Jones, adding that the supplement supports a strong immune system and reduces duration of seasonal discomfort. “Also, all Mybite products utilize Advanced Absorption Technology for a stronger immune system. Besides being delicious, our patented delivery format provides better absorption of essential immune-supporting vitamins like A, D and E,” she commented.

Life Extension’s FLORASSIST Immune & Nasal Defense combines 100 million CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 1505 and 500 mg of dried yeast fermentate from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in one vegetarian capsule. According to Dr. Pavey, FLORASSIST encourages the body’s healthy immune response, promotes production of immunoglobulin A (IgA) production, and supports healthy nasal airflow.

Breathe Free, from Rootology is a formula rooted in traditional Chinese herbology, to provide fast-acting nasal and sinus support against the effects of pollen and other irritants. The multi-herb blend contains magnolia flower, xanthium fruit, platycodon root, angelica root, forsythia fruit, cinnamon, schizonepeta stem, ledebouriella root, schisandra fruit, chrysanthemum flower, anemarrhena, phellodendron bark and licorice root.

In a 2017 University of Florida study, Wakunaga’s Kyo-Dophilus probiotic line was found to offer effective hay fever relief, according to Levy. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences reported that the combination of probiotics in Kyo-Dophilus, specifically the combination of L. gasseri, B. bifidum and B. longum, reduced the symptoms of hay fever.

In addition, Wakunaga’s Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract can also help support immune health, Levy said. “The properties that make Aged Garlic Extract such a powerful tool in maintaining cardiovascular health give us a window into why it also benefits the immune system,” he explained. “It supports healthy inflammation response and reduces oxidation. In moving the system away from chronic immune activation, it frees the body to fight invaders rather than constantly work to do things like push blood through inflamed arteries.”

Prepping for the Pollen-aggrieved

Manav Segal, MD, board-certified allergist and immunologist, Chestnut Hill Allergy & Asthma Associates (Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania), asserted, “While COVID shutdowns have many people yearning for warm weather and outdoor activities, allergy sufferers know that spring means one thing . . . allergy season has arrived.”

The good news for retailers is that you can help your customers who are just itching to get out (pun intended) to create their seasonal pollen-fighting strategy now. Here are several tips for you to share with your customers and community.

1. If your customers still want to take OTC (over-the-counter) or prescription allergy medications, they should begin this routine two weeks before plants begin to bloom, for them to be effective in preventing inflammation.

2. Post pollen counts and track them daily. You can also encourage your customers to download free mobile pollen count apps.

3. Remind all customers via your social media or with store signage to dive into thorough spring cleaning. Co-marketing tip: partner with a duct-cleaning service for creative marketing for mutual recommendations.

4. Tree pollen tends to peak in the early mornings and on windy days, so encouraging your customers to wear their masks and eye protection should help reduce contact.

5. Changing air filters more regularly may be a bit more expensive but worth it, as clean HEPA air filters will trap a lot of the pollen.

This season for fighting pollen may be marked by more turbulence, so ensure that your arsenal is stocked. According to a newly published study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (Feb. 16, 2021), human-caused climate change has already worsened pollen seasons in North America (as measured between 1990 and 2018). According to the researchers, “climate-driven pollen trends are likely to further exacerbate respiratory health impacts in coming decades.”

Now is the time, if you haven’t already jumped on getting your seasonal stock front and center. Wakunaga, said Levy, helps its retailers plan for these seasonal changes so that they are not taken by surprise when these issues start affecting their customers’ health. For example, “We send newsletters to our retailers around Valentine’s Day, letting them know that spring is coming, plants will be blooming, and to encourage their customers to focus on their immune health now. We also reach out in the summer, letting them know that it’s almost “back to school” time for their customer’s children, and to prioritize their families’ immune health so that they can start the school year strong.”

Of course, there are many more products in this category to provide for your customer base. And enjoying the outdoors in the warmer months is, of course, more than simply battling and winning over pollen. Create an outdoors-themed promotion that also include sun/skin care, and even detox products (for the inner spring cleaning). Spring is right about to happen, and you will undeniably be greeting many customers who are glad to be “sprung” from their houses! VR