Hay fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. It is very common and affects 1 in 5 people in the UK. It can develop at any age and produces symptoms that include: a runny or blocked nose, frequent sneezing and red, itchy, watery eyes. These symptoms are caused by the immune system releasing a substance called histamine.

For most people (ca 95%) it is caused by pollen from grass; however it can also be triggered by tree pollen, weed pollen and mould spores. For an unfortunate few, symptoms occur all year round - this is usually due to indoor allergens such as pets, dust mites and indoor moulds.

Nature provides nutrients which may counter the effects of these airborne allergens. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in foods such as onions and apples - it can stabilise the activity of histamine. Bromelain is a natural digestive enzyme derived from pineapple which helps with the absorption of quercetin and together they also break down the build up of mucous, often associated with hay fever. Vitamin C is useful for reducing flare ups. It appears that people with low levels of vitamin C produce higher levels of histamine.

Maintaining a healthy immune system ensures your body is better able to cope with allergens. Eating a diet rich in Vitamin C, bioflavonoids and antioxidants is key ie lots of colourful seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Some foods contain high levels of histamine and so should be avoided/minimised if you are susceptible as they may aggravate your symptoms. These include: shell fish, matured cheeses, red wine, spinach, strawberries and chocolate.

You could also try good, old-fashioned salt therapy. For those not lucky to be at the seaside, the same benefits can be found using a salt pipe. A salt pipe carries micron sized particles of salt that are able to penetrate the respiratory system, cleansing the airways and helping to expel mucous. They are widely available in a convenient portable size so you can take one with you on troublesome days.

Other useful tips:

  • Keep your windows shut at night and early in the morning

  • Avoid areas of newly mown grass

  • Wear wrap-around sunglasses outdoors

  • Apply petroleum jelly inside the rim of your nostrils to trap some of the pollen

Olivia Smarthay fever, hayfever, allergies, allergy, histamine, salt therapy, salt pipe, immunity, bromelain, quercetin, pollen, sneezing, mould, mold, seasonal