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:
- Skin rashes or hives
- Itchy skin, tongue, or throat
- Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Runny nose or congestion
- 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.
FAQs
What ingredients in Athletic Greens cause the most allergic reactions?
The most common ingredients in Athletic Greens that cause allergic reactions are mushrooms like reishi and shiitake, herbs like ashwagandha and astragalus, probiotics, and leafy greens like wheatgrass, spirulina and chlorella.
Are allergic reactions to supplements common?
Allergic reactions to supplements are less common compared to foods, but certain ingredients can cause problems for those vulnerable. Up to 5% of people may have an allergy to mushrooms, herbs or probiotics.
What should I do if I suspect I had an allergic reaction?
Stop taking the supplement immediately. Treat minor symptoms with antihistamines but see a doctor if you experience a severe reaction with throat swelling, shortness of breath, etc as this can be life-threatening.
Is it okay to try another greens powder after having an allergic reaction?
Yes, but carefully read the ingredient list to spot any overlaps with known allergens. An elimination diet by introducing single ingredients can also help identify the specific trigger before trying an alternative powder.
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.
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