Say goodbye to Hay fever
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. While often associated with spring, it can occur year-round, with pollen levels typically peaking in spring and summer. Hay fever occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless particles as threats, triggering an inflammatory response. I’m here to share some tips on how you can support your body and manage hay fever symptoms moving forward.
Common Symptoms:
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
Watery eyes
Fatigue
While antihistamines can help mask symptoms, let’s focus on addressing the root cause.
Management Tips:
Local Honey: Consuming local honey exposes the body to small amounts of local pollen, potentially helping build natural tolerance to allergens.
Vitamin C and zinc: Increasing the intake of these nutrients through food or supplements can help strengthen the immune system.
Quercetin-Rich Foods: Incorporate apples, onions, citrus fruits, capers, berries, broccoli, kale, and green tea. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that acts as an antihistamine by stabilizing mast cells and reducing the release of histamines.
Bone Broths and Fermented Foods: Bone broths (I recommend Gevity, Nutra Organics, Best of the Bone, or homemade) help heal the gut lining. Fermented foods promote gut health and immune function, which is crucial since 70% of the immune system resides in the gut.
Garlic: Garlic acts as a natural decongestant by clearing sinuses and upper respiratory tract mucus. It also boosts the immune system, reducing sensitivity to common hayfever triggers. Add more fresh garlic to your meals for added benefit.
Herbs for Immune Support: Include immune-boosting herbs in your cooking or herbal teas, such as thyme, ginger, onion, peppermint, licorice, and fennel.
Avoid Reheating Foods: Reheating foods can increase their histamine content, exacerbating allergy symptoms.
Support Detoxification: Consume cruciferous vegetables, and fiber, whilst aiming to drink at least 2 liters of water daily to support detoxification and improve liver function, which helps manage the toxic load from allergies.
Netti Pot and Inhalation Therapy: If you feel congested, using a Netti pot (nasal rinse) can help shrink membranes and increase drainage. Inhaling eucalyptus or tea tree oil can also support respiratory health. Adding eucalyptus to your shower or a bowl of hot water with tea tree or eucalyptus oil can help clear sinus blockages.
Environmental Management: Remove dust regularly from your environment, wash bedding frequently, and wipe down dusty surfaces. An air purifier can also help reduce allergens. In high pollen seasons, avoid keeping windows open to reduce pollen exposure.
Foods to Reduce:
Dairy: Limit dairy intake, as it can increase mucus production and inflammation.
Sulphites and Preservatives: These can trigger inflammatory and histamine responses, so reducing foods containing sulphites and preservatives can help manage symptoms.
High histamine foods: alcohol, chocolate, cheese, processed meats, tomatoes, seafood, citrus fruits, and strawberries.
By addressing diet and environment to support the immune system, you can better manage hay fever symptoms naturally.
If you’re someone who struggles with chronic hay fever, consider this your sign to book a consultation, and let’s work on finding relief together.
