SOOTHE SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Michelle Sanchez, naturopath, nutritionist and medical herbalist, on how to relieve hay fever naturally

Hay fever is a common condition that occurs in spring and early summer due to the pollen from trees and certain grasses. You can also get it in late summer and early autumn due to ragweed.

It’s caused by an immune system reaction triggered when a person comes into contact with airborne particles such as pollen or dust mites, as the immune system deems these substances as harmful. The immune system then produces antibodies which signal the release of histamine, a chemical produced by the body to rid itself of harmful substances. Histamine causes sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat, watery eyes, congestion, sinus pressure and discharge from the nose – the same symptoms experienced when someone has hay fever.

WHAT TRIGGERS YOUR HAY FEVER?

Only some people suffer with hay fever due to an imbalance in the immune system. Allergies are also triggered by antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. They cause inflammation in the gut and diminish beneficial gut bacteria. The gut plays a key role in immune health and the way the body responds to allergens.

WAYS TO RELIEVE HAY FEVER

Here are some all- natural steps you can take to ease hay fever symptoms…

• Eat plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and helps reduce inflammation. Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, tomatoes and strawberries contain lots of vitamin C.

• Eat more anti-inflammatory foods, including garlic, onions, ginger, leafy greens and omega-3 foods, such as avocado, mackerel, walnuts, almonds, lentils and chickpeas.

• Avoid foods that stress the gastrointestinal system, like sugar, refined carbohydrates (bread, pasta, pies), pasteurised dairy, foods containing gluten and fried foods. •

Supplement with probiotics, especially the lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains of bacteria, as they help to repopulate your gut bacteria and reduce an overactive immune response which is linked to allergies and hay fever.

• Eat more fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi as they’re rich in beneficial gut bacteria.

• Supplement with quercetin, a key antioxidant with anti-allergic and antihistamine properties. Food sources include apples, berries, broccoli, peppers and red onions.

• Bromelain is an enzyme (naturally found in pineapple) known to reduce hay fever symptoms as it decreases inflammation and swelling in the sinuses. Bromelain also comes in a supplement form.

• Check your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to allergies.

• Medicinal mushrooms contain beta- glucans which stimulate the immune system and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Reishi mushrooms, in particular, help reduce histamine release.

• Bee pollen is an excellent immune booster as it contains anti-viral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It is also rich in the antioxidants resveratrol and lycopene.

• Homeopathic remedies for hay fever include Allium cepa, Arsenicum album, Euphrasia and Nat mur.