Hay fever
Spring is such a beautiful time of the year. The days become longer, grass grows quicker, trees and flowers begin to bloom and weeds release pollen. What makes spring so beautiful for many people can cause debilitating misery for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Hay fever- also known as allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms in spring, summer and autumn time. Seasonal allergies can occur in anyone, at any age.
Allergy symptoms occur when our bodies release histamine in response to an allergen. A strong immune system is key to fighting hayfever. People can be particularly susceptible to seasonal allergies when their immune system is compromised after trauma, surgery, antibiotic use, inflammation, physical and emotional stress and lack of sleep. Nurse Fiona shares her tips on how to combat hay fever symptoms naturally.
Common allergy symptoms
-Congestion
-Sneezing
-Runny or stuffy nose
-Itchy and watering eyes
-Puffiness of face, especially eyes
-Fatigue
Foods to avoid during hay fever season
-Dairy
-Wheat
-Refined sugar
-Processed foods
-Alcohol
-Caffeine
-Peanuts, sunflower seeds
-Melons, bananas, cucumbers
Natural ways to combat seasonal allergies
- Quercitin: This flavonoid acts as a natural anti histamine
- Probiotics: This can help support your intestinal microbiome to improve immunity. It is also advisable to include pre and probiotic foods in your diet such as kefir, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut.
- Zinc: This trace mineral can help to boost immune system. It can also help to lower stress levels, as stress can worsen allergy symptoms
- Stinging nettle infusion: This leaf is abundant in spring time and you will find wild nettle leaves in many parks throughout London. You will need gloves to pick these leaves. Infuse in hot water for 15 minutes and drink throughout the day. Nettle leaves have strong anti histamine and anti inflammatory properties
- Apply an organic, drug free allergen barrier balm such as HayMax to the nostrils and eye sockets to trap 1/3 of pollen particles
- Acupuncture: This ancient therapy can help to boost immune system and to alleviate hay fever symptoms.
- Dry clothes inside and remember to close windows to avoid pollen from blowing in