Understanding Allergic Reactions to Popular Greens Powder Athletic Greens

Understanding Allergic Reactions to Athletic Greens

Athletic Greens is a popular greens powder supplement containing over 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients. It aims to fill nutrient gaps in your diet and support your body's overall health. However, some people may experience allergic reactions after taking Athletic Greens.

What is in Athletic Greens?

The main ingredients in Athletic Greens include:

• Grasses and vegetables - wheatgrass, spinach, kale, carrot
• Antioxidants - vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium
• Adaptogens - ashwagandha, astragalus, rhodiola
• Digestive enzymes and probiotics
• Nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, iodine

Common Allergic Reactions

The most common allergic reactions to Athletic Greens are:

1. Skin rashes or hives
2. Itchy skin, tongue, or throat
3. Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat
4. Wheezing or difficulty breathing
5. Runny nose or congestion
6. Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Causes of Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to Athletic Greens occur when your immune system overreacts to one of the ingredients. The most likely allergens include:

• Mushrooms - Reishi, shiitake, cordyceps
• Herbs - ashwagandha, astragalus, rhodiola
• Probiotics - bifidobacterium, lactobacillus
• Grasses and veggies - wheatgrass, spirulina, chlorella

Managing an Allergic Reaction

Seek Medical Care If Severe

If you experience a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, seek emergency care immediately. Symptoms include swelling or tightness in the throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness.

Take an Antihistamine

For mild reactions like skin rashes or an itchy throat, an over-the-counter antihistamine like cetirizine or loratadine should provide relief. Follow dosage instructions on the label.

Use a Steroid Cream

Applying 1% hydrocortisone cream can calm skin reactions like hives or eczema. Gently rub the cream over the affected area 1-4 times daily until symptoms resolve.

Preventing Future Reactions

Stop Taking Athletic Greens

If you confirmed that your allergic reaction was caused by Athletic Greens through allergy testing, you will need to stop taking it altogether. Continued exposure could cause an increasingly severe reaction.

Check the Ingredient List

Review the labels of greens powders closely for any ingredients you may be allergic to if you wish to try another product. Many contain similar grasses, herbs, probiotics and extracts.

Try an Elimination Diet

Reintroduce single ingredients like mushrooms or ashwagandha supplements before trying another full greens formula. This can help you pinpoint the exact trigger.

The Bottom Line

While Athletic Greens aims to improve health through its blend of vitamins, minerals and plant nutrients, allergic reactions can unfortunately occur. Stop taking it immediately if you develop any concerning symptoms and treat with antihistamines or steroid creams as needed. Trying an elimination diet can help confirm the trigger before considering another similar greens supplement.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.