BY ENDURANCE NEWS STAFF
Now that allergy season is hitting its full stride, you may be tempted to reach for an over-the- counter medication to combat your stuffy nose, sniffles, and watery eyes. Recent research, however, suggests you do otherwise.
The study, published in April's JAMA Neurology, found that the use of anticholinergics, of which popular allergy medication Benadryl is classified, cause increased brain atrophy, dysfunction, and cognitive decline, especially among older adults.
Researchers at the Indiana School of Medicine conducted a similar study and reached similar conclusions. They conducted cognitive testing on participants with an average age in their mid-70s with no prior history of dementia. Brain scans revealed that the patients taking anticholinergics had higher rates of cognitive impairment.
"The takeaway here is that just because it's over-the-counter does not necessarily mean it's safe for you to use long term. I want everyone talking to their doctor if they're using any of these medications on a regular basis," Dr. Alexandra Sowa, an internist and clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medical College told CBS News. "People need to know what's in their medicines. They have side effects and there may be increased risk down the road of significant cognitive impairment. We can't say that one causes the other, but we're now starting to see increased rates of association."
HAMMER QUICK TIP
When allergic reactions do occur, reach for a safe, effective solution. Instead of trading the misery of allergies for the drowsiness, blood pressure spikes, insomnia, and other side effects associated with prescription allergy medications, put Clear Day and Nasol to work for you.
Clear Day contains four natural "anti-allergy all-star" compounds - olive leaf extract, quercetin, bromelain, and resveratrol - that combat allergies on several fronts. The plant compounds in Clear Day have antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Nasol's natural formula includes a proprietary micro-dose amount of capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot. This convenient nasal spray safely and effectively clears nasal passages of dirt, dust, and pollen - all major causes of sinus congestion. Nasol also soothes and moisturizes nasal passages and sinus cavities. Together, Clear Day and Nasol are guaranteed to relieve your toughest allergies to airborne substances quickly, safely, and naturally - without the dangerous side effects of pharmaceuticals. You can rely on them not just during allergy season, but anytime allergy symptoms arise, year-round. With allergy symptoms out of the way, you'll be able to enjoy training, racing, and life, again - perhaps more than you have in years.
