Get a head start to beat hay fever
AN APPLE A DAY
It seems consuming a potent antioxidant found in apples, onions, capers, peppers, leafy greens and berries could improve hay fever symptoms. Quercetin, which can prevent mast cells from releasing histamine, is “considered one of the best food-based anti-allergy agents,” says Dr Macciochi.
She says a typical diet provides up to 30mg of
W e s t ern quercetin a day but we can boost it by consuming cherries, spring onions, tomatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus and black tea. It can also be taken as a supplement.
“Its anti-allergy effects are typically seen in doses of 1,000mg,
twice a day,” she says.
PRE-MEDICATE
Waiting until your hay fever symptoms kick in before taking medication could be too late, warns allergy consultant Dr Adrian
Morris, who is medical director of the Surrey Allergy Clinic.
“Keep an eye on the pollen counts and when they begin to rise, take a once-a-day antihistamine,” he says.
“The evidence suggests that if you take it daily through the season you fare much better and need less medication, so don’t wait until you’re symptomatic.
“If you miss that early window, you could end up chasing the symptoms.”
He recommends a raft of nonsedating antihistamines including levocetirizine, desloratadine and fexofenadine, which are available on prescription.
GO POTTY FOR PINEAPPLE Pineapple is more than controversial pizza topping – could be your secret weapon against pollen.
Dr Macciochi says: “Bromelain, an enzyme from pineapple, has been shown to relieve hay fever or sinusitis in several human clinical studies by working as a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and decongestant.”
Bromelain is also thought to enhance the beneficial effects of quercetin by absorption.
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BUG OUT
Start taking the right ‘good’ bacteria now to give your body the best chance against pollen in a month’s time.
“There is some interesting research coming out on the preventative and therapeutic role that probiotics can play,” says Dr Macciochi.
“Supporting gut health is the top priority in managing histamine intolerance. Re-balancing the gut microflora and improving gut integrity is a key step to doing this.”
Keep an eye out for particular strains when you buy a bottle of probiotic supplements, she says.
“The following have been shown to have immune-regulatory properties that may help in the prevention and treatment of allergies: Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001,42 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM.”
Quite the mouthful, but worth knowing in the battle against hay fever.