(NaturalHealth365)  Allergies seem as ubiquitous as the air we breathe.  Trusty antihistamines, like Benadryl, have long been a go-to solution.  Yet, beneath its comforting relief lies a potentially harrowing reality.

A new study has emerged, shedding light on a startling revelation: prolonged Benadryl use may exact a terrifying toll on brain health.  As millions reach for this seemingly innocuous medication, the findings prompt a sobering reconsideration of the long-term consequences lurking within our medicine cabinets.

Did you know? Benadryl may pose serious risk to your brain

The study referenced, conducted on a Korean national cohort, examined the management of overactive bladders primarily with anticholinergics.  Researchers analyzed nationwide population cohorts consisting of those newly diagnosed with overactive bladder syndrome who started medication use in the half-decade between 2015 and 2020.  What does Benadryl have to do with this, you ask?  While Benadryl was not specifically included in the study, it’s important to note that antihistamines like Benadryl share similar anticholinergic effects with the drugs examined.

Findings from this analysis revealed an increased risk of new-onset dementia associated with anticholinergic usage, which could extend to medications like Benadryl due to their anticholinergic properties.  This raises concerns about the potential cognitive risks associated with long-term use of such medications.

Alarming study links anticholinergic medications to dementia risk

In total, the study analyzed data from 3,452,705 individuals.  Among them, 671,974 participants used a beta-3 agonist, while 1,943,414 strictly used anticholinergics.  Additionally, 837,317 study participants received both treatment modalities in combination.

The unexpected findings revealed that using anticholinergics alone increased the risk of dementia when compared with the use of beta-3 agonists.  Furthermore, the risk of dementia was found to increase with higher doses of anticholinergics.

Moreover, the study identified other anticholinergic medications, such as propiverine, fesoterodine, tolterodine, and solifenacin, as also associated with an increased risk of dementia.  Additionally, the combination of different treatment modalities taken together significantly heightened the risk of dementia.

Alleviate seasonal discomforts without pharmaceuticals

As the seasons transition, so do the allergens in the air, often leading to seasonal irritations for many individuals.  Natural remedies provide a gentle and holistic alternative for those seeking relief without resorting to conventional medications.  Here are some natural ways to alleviate seasonal irritations and boost your health.

Local honey:  Many swear by consuming local honey as a natural allergy remedy.  The theory is that taking small amounts of local pollen through honey may help desensitize the body to allergens over time.  Incorporating a teaspoon of local honey into your daily routine may relieve allergy symptoms.

Saline nasal irrigation:  Saline nasal irrigation, neti pot, or saline nasal spray are simple yet effective ways to flush out allergens and irritants from the nasal passages.  Regular irrigation can help reduce nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose associated with allergies.

Steam inhalation:  Steam infused with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can help open nasal passages and relieve congestion.

Quercetin-rich foods:  Quercetin, a natural plant compound with anti-inflammatory properties, is found in foods like onions, apples, citrus fruits, and berries.  Adding these foods to your diet may help reduce allergy symptoms by stabilizing mast cells and reducing histamine release.  You may also want to supplement with vitamin C and quercetin.

Butterbur: Butterbur, an herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, has traditionally been used to treat allergies and migraines.  Studies suggest that butterbur extract may help by reducing inflammation and inhibiting histamine release.

While seasonal allergies can be a nuisance, there’s no need to suffer in silence or rely solely on drugs like Benadryl.  Natural remedies can help alleviate allergy symptoms while nurturing your body and promoting overall health.

Sources for this article include:

Sciencedirect.com