Happy Spring OptiLifers! 

Did you know allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with more than 50 million Americans suffering from allergies each year?

How many of you fall into that bucket of 50 million Americans? Before OPCs, I was. Spring used to mean itchy, watery eyes and constant sneezing.  I never looked forward to the change of seasons.

Allergies are hypersensitivity reactions that occur when the body comes in contact with harmless substances that it perceives as harmful. 

These substances vary by individual but many of the most common allergens include: dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold & cigarette smoke.

When a hypersensitive person comes in contact with an allergen, the body releases histamine in an attempt to fight off the allergen. 

This release of histamine is what triggers the symptoms many of us struggle with: sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, itchy/watery eyes, headaches, wheezing & fatigue.  

OPCs have been shown to help control symptoms associated with allergic reactions in three ways: 

1. OPCs appear to block histamine release in in vitro studies, therefore potentially stopping the cascade of symptoms that follow a histamine release after contact with an allergen
2. OPCs appear to increase the uptake and re-uptake of histamine into histamine’s own storage granules, so its out of the way
3. OPCs also appear to potentially inhibit the production of histamine all together, by blocking the action of an enzyme called histidine decarboxylase, which is responsible for forming histamine from the amino acid histidine 

I have heard from many of you how OPCs have helped combat your allergies and I included some of your first hand experiences below:

"This is a daily must. I feel overall better and I have less issues with my allergies since I started taking OPC Xtra. Really makes a difference in how I feel." - Karen D.

"I SWEAR by the fact that my seasonal allergies have become less severe since taking OPCXtra. If I do lapse in my dosing, I make sure I start taking it daily in late February, early March so when spring irritants hit, my reaction is minor. Love this stuff. Both my sisters take it too." - Julie B.

"My husband swears that his seasonal allergies are now much better because of the product." - Elspeth L.

"I've been taking your OPCXtra for over 5 years now. I know that I have had health improvement because of it - no more allergies and I rarely get a cold." -Karl M.

By reducing histamine production naturally, OPCs could potentially eliminate the need for taking over the counter antihistamines. Over the counter antihistamines generally work by interfering with the attachment of histamine to cells in the lining of the throat and nose after it has been released. 

OPCs however, prevent histamines release in the first place, which could be viewed as more efficient than trying to keep the already released histamine away from the receptors on target cells. 

OPCs make a great natural alternative to over the counter medications, which have been associated with side effects such as drowsiness and dry mucous membranes.

Let's get back to enjoying the change of seasons!

Best of Health! Alicia 😀 

P.S. If you know someone who is struggling with allergies and you want to share your love of OPCs, you can send them a $10 OFF coupon by heading to https://www.optiliferrewards.com to find your unique referral link.

P.P.S.  By the way, if they redeem the $10 OFF discount, you will also earn a $10 OFF coupon for yourself!

Resources: 

Live Better, Longer The Science Behind the Amazing Health Benefits of OPC by Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D. 

Dr. Jack Masquelier’s Mark on Health by Bert Schwitters 

https://acaai.org/news/facts-statistics/allergies