Hayfever

Allergies can be a big problem for many people and for some, can be highly disabling.  Hayfever – an allergy to pollen – is just one of these.  Symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion, itchy, puffy or watery eyes and skin rashes are common.  Other common allergens (apart from pollen) include dust, pollution, pesticides and additives in foods, household ...Read more chemicals, perfumes and many foods themselves, such as nuts, wheat, dairy foods, shellfish, other fish, eggs and soya.  

Please note that asthma and other severe allergic reactions must always be referred to – and treated by – your doctor.

For some people, managing or eliminating their symptoms may be as simple as avoiding the thing they are allergic to.  Often however, this is not possible, either because the allergen has not been identified or because it is more or less unavoidable – for example, pollen in the case of hayfever.  In these circumstances, other solutions are needed.

The following dietary tips may be helpful.
●    Eat organic where possible, to avoid pesticides, herbicides and additives.  Even if these are not the trigger for your allergy, they may sensitise the body and make it more likely to react to other harmless particles such as pollen.
●    Eat lots of berries and other fruits high in antioxidants and vitamin C – such as pomegranates, plums and cherries (unless these are what you are allergic to!)  Try to eat a good serving of one of these every day.  Vitamin C and flavonoids may function as natural anti-histamines.  The flavonoid quercetin is thought to be a particularly good anti-histamine – some of the richest sources include onions, apples (especially the skin), cherries, berries, pineapple and cabbage.
●    Try to reduce or eliminate dairy foods, sugary foods, alcohol and 'white' carbohydates such as white bread and pasta, even if you don't think any of these foods are causing the reaction.  These types of foods can increase the production of mucus in the sinuses (and lungs) and therefore can worsen the problem.  
●    Low-allergen foods are thought to include brown rice (try also quinoa, millet and buckwheat), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower etc.), carrots, sweet potatoes, leeks, white potatoes, green peas, pears, apples and papaya.  For meats, lamb is thought to be the most hypo-allergenic.
●    Drink nettle tea, which may also help to ease the symptoms especially of hayfever or allergic rhinitis.
●    Garlic, ginger and onions and other spices used in cooking can help to clear the sinuses and ease congestion.

In terms of supplements, the following may be particularly helpful and are often among the first things sufferers may try.  These can also be found in combination supplements together with other supportive nutrients.
●    Quercetin (as mentioned above, may function as a natural anti-histamine)
●    Bromelain (an extract of pineapple – seems to work well together with quercetin)
●    Vitamin C
●    Nettle
●    Other antioxidants such as Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) or grapeseed extract

If these don’t fix the problem, it may be worth taking a more ‘holistic’ approach, looking at imbalances in the body that could be the cause of the allergy.  This can involve supporting the immune system, looking at food intolerances and supporting the digestive health (as around 70% of the immune system is located in the gut walls.)  The following may used as part of this strategy:

●    A good probiotic ('good' bacteria) to support the health of the digestive and hence the immune system.
●    Glutamine.  May help to heal and repair the digestive tract to stop larger particles of food or other substances entering into the bloodstream (which then act as allergens).
●    A beta glucans supplement.  Beta glucans – commonly found in mushrooms and yeast – may stimulate our immune system to work in the correct way instead of acting against harmless substances.
●    A plant sterols supplement.  Plant sterols may also be 'immune-modulators' in a similar way to beta glucans.
●    A liver support supplement, or Milk Thistle.  
●    Even if you have had allergy tests through your doctor, a food intolerance test may be helpful.  A basic 'at home' food intolerance test is available here. [Link to Food Detective test – NHAS283]


Specific products for helping to clear the nose or sinuses – such as nasal sprays and nasal oils – are also available.  For supporting the eyes in particular, the herb Eyebright can be helpful (taken internally), or use an eyewash containing the herbs Eyebright and Goldenseal.  Specific eye drops for allergic symptoms are also available and seem to be very effective for some people.

The products on this page have been selected by the Nutri Centre nutritionists.  To find the right choices for you, or if you are on any prescription medication, please give our nutritionists a call on 0207 436 5122.  

Disclaimer

All content of this website is for information only.  Our service is not intended to replace your usual healthcare professional.