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Researchers from the Medical University of Warsaw have proved that what was supposed to support the action of drugs and inhibit an allergic reaction, does not really work. Worse, it can hurt us even more. Why is it better to be careful with lime?
A water-soluble compound of calcium, i.e. lime, is the first rescue for many allergic people when allergens begin to circulate in the air. It has been assumed that it is a reliable way to relieve itchy skin, runny nose or cough. Unfortunately, the latest research debunks the myth about the effectiveness of calcium in fighting allergy symptoms.
It is nothing more than … a placebo
Scientists from the Medical University of Warsaw under the supervision of the immunologist Dr. Wojciech Feleszko, MD, PhD examined several dozen adults suffering from asthma and / or suffering from allergic rhinitis. Before starting the experiment, the patients were given allergens subcutaneously to confirm the diagnosis of allergies.
The subjects were divided into two groups – the first received calcium, the second – a placebo. Both drugs proved to be equally effective. What’s worse, not only does the lime not work, it can also harm us. Why?
It turns out that calcium compounds can reduce the effect of antihistamines, i.e. those used in the treatment of allergies, whose task is to block the allergic reaction. It can cause most harm in combination with corticosteroid medications.
The authors of the study emphasize that although we need calcium and our body cannot do without it – answers, among others, for water and electrolyte balance – it should be handled with care and only used when tests reveal deficiencies in us. Swallowing supplements on your own can be dangerous. Too high concentration of an element in the blood hinders the absorption of other drugs or preparations, e.g. those with iron or zinc. Excess calcium also leads to constipation, nausea, and eating disorders.
Fraud?
Interestingly, the results of the new research differ significantly from those carried out in the 80s and 90s. They showed that calcium preparations were as much as 30 percent. more effective than an inert substance. Where do these discrepancies come from? Researchers cannot answer this question.
The results of the research – both the new and the older ones – prompted doctors to check the reason for the belief that lime alleviates allergy symptoms and where, apart from Poland, patients use such treatment. The responses received from doctors and immunologists showed that the myth about the effectiveness of calcium “lives” only in a few countries in our part of Europe. Ukrainians, Czechs, Hungarians, Romanians and Bulgarians use a similar treatment. In Scandinavian countries or Western Europe, no one treats allergies with a calcium solution.
The results of the research should give food for thought to all those who are treated with “home remedies” or with the help of dietary supplements. Amateurs of such treatments usually take several different agents at once, often with a similar composition and effect. They do not realize that in this case the stronger action of the active ingredient does not work in their favor, on the contrary. An overdose of drugs can be much more dangerous than the disease they are supposed to fight. It is worth remembering about it before we fall for another miracle remedy for everything again.