EAT YOUR WAY OUT OF HAYFEVER THIS SPRING
When it comes to holistically treating hayfever, it is essential to begin the process in winter well before the first blossoms appear in spring. This is so that your body is in the best possible position to handle the pollens that enter the air in spring.
WHAT IS HAYFEVER?
Hayfever is an overreaction of the immune system as it mistakes a harmless substance such as pollen for a threat. Therefore, the body does what it can to protect itself from this mistakenly perceived threat, by sneezing & forming mucous to flush the pollen out. This overreaction by the immune system can have a myriad of causations such as dietary triggers, inflammation within the body and gut imbalances.
WHY TREAT HAYFEVER HOLISTICALLY?
While anti-histamine medications can work in the short term, over a long term period they can become less affective and actually increase histamine levels in the body, worsening hayfever symptoms. Anti-histamine medications do not deal with the root causations of the condition. By treating the body holistically, identifying the cause/s of this immune system dysfunction and treating these causes, the body is able to stop seeing this allergen as a threat and can alleviate or remove hayfever symptoms altogether.
COMMON FOODS THAT EXACERBATE HAYFEVER
(the usual suspects)
1. DAIRY PRODUCTS
Dairy products are highly inflammatory to the body and when consumed, cause excess mucous production. When you are already congested, dairy will only add fuel to the fire by congesting you further. Dairy is best avoided completely if you are wanting to alleviate your hay fever symptoms. Swap your cow’s milk morning coffee for a plant milk instead and see if you can notice the difference.
2. ALCOHOL
In hayfever sufferers, the body releases histamine when in encounters pollen. Histamine is also found in alcoholic beverages and will therefore increase histamine levels in the body when consumed, worsening symptoms. If you do consume alcohol, limiting your intake will reduce histamine levels in the body.
3. REFINED SUGAR
With histamine being released by the body, it causes a chain reaction. Adrenaline levels increase in order to reduce the inflammatory effects of histamine. Eating lots of refined sugary foods and beverages causes adrenaline to turn on and the body is therefore unable to settle histamine. Ditch the refined sugar and opt for delicious fruits and natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol that will help to alleviate your hay fever while also satiating your sweet tooth.
FOODS TO EAT DAILY TO ALLEVIATE HAYFEVER
1. STINGING NETTLE TEA
Stinging nettle is a humble plant that is often classified as a weed that grows may gardens over winter. This herb is a natural anti-histamine that doesn’t suppress the immune system or build up histamine the more it is taken. It is also highly anti-inflammatory and well worth enjoying in a tea daily.
2. LOCALLY SOURCED HONEY
Local honey works to relieve symptoms because it contains local pollen that causes your allergies and helps the immune system deal with it better. A teaspoon each day can relieve your itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and the general symptoms of hayfever.
3. WILD CAUGHT FISH
Wild caught fish is one of the cleanest sources of omega 3. This nutrient is anti-inflammatory and can therefore reduce allergy symptoms. Get to know your local fish monger and source some quality fish!
4. PINEAPPLE
Contains the enzyme bromelain which can assist in reducing your reaction to allergens. If is also rich in vitamins C which is vital for a healthy immune system.
FINAL WORDS
While these dietary tips will help to alleviate your hayfever symptoms, there are so many factors involved that might be triggering your allergies. If you are interested in a thorough naturopathic consultation so that we can work together to identify your individual hayfever triggers and work on a customised treatment plan tailored specifically to you, head to my bookings page and contact me if you have any questions.
If you would like a customised hayfever tea blend, please contact me, or via my Instagram page @lewinnaturopathy.