Hope for Hay Fever
Published: 30 May 2020 –
At this time of year, do you suffer from red itchy eyes or other signs of allergic reactions? Do you think that there is absolutely no hope for hay fever? Unfortunately, the warmer weather can fill millions of hay fever sufferers with absolute dread. This is because there are myriad uncomfortable symptoms associated with hay fever. And the level of severity can widely vary from person to person.
The good news is there are many natural, yet effective, ways to alleviate the miserable symptoms of hay fever. Making the spring and summer season a time for celebration!
WHAT IS HAYFEVER?
Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is when the immune system overreacts and produces allergic antibodies (IgE) to certain substances such as outdoor pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. These pollen particles produce proteins that cause inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages, eyes and throat. This eventually causes the release of an inflammatory mediator called: histamine. It’s histamine that influences the symptoms of hay fever in the body.
What’s more, hay fever can also be triggered by indoor house dust, mould and pet hair, which are known as allergens.
From a naturopathic perspective, hayfever symptoms can be exacerbated by internal health issues such as mucous buildup, candida (yeast) overgrowth, inflammation of the GI tract known as ‘leaky gut’, essential fatty acid deficiency and chronic stress.
Luckily, research has revealed that natural health strategies can help to lower inflammation and calm the immune system. So there is indeed hope for hay fever – especially when using a multi-pronged approach.
Hay fever symptoms
1) Itchy eyes
2) Sneezing
3) Watery red eyes
4) Blocked of runny nose
5) Post nasal drip
6) Headaches
7) Blocked sinuses
8) Tiredness or exhaustion
Reduce the Symptoms
Anti-hay fever dietary tips:
* Avoid mucous forming and pro-inflammatory dairy and meat
* Reduce alcohol consumption – dehydrating and gut disrupting – increases allergic potential
* Eliminate highly allergenic foods: glutenous grains (wheat, rye, barley), dairy, peanuts, eggs (especially egg whites), soy products and shellfish
* Work on establishing good gut health through eating low inflammatory foods and
food combining* Increase consumption of vegetables and low glycemic fruits for key bioflavonoid and antioxidant protection. Aim for organic when possible as pesticides residues can trigger allergic reactions!
* Drink between 1 1/2 – 2 litres of pure water each day for adequate hydration and to keep system flushed.
* Include anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger into the diet daily. When taken regularly, these two spices have shown to reduce hay fever symptoms
Key Supplements:
Quercetin
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid and antioxidant that helps promote a healthy inflammatory response. Studies have proven that quercetin is very effective in inhibiting histamine. Thereby helping to reduce inflammatory markers and airway inflammation.
Quercetin is found only in plant foods. Primarily in brightly coloured vegetables and fruits, but also in some grains, nuts and seeds. Foods that are highest in quercetin include: capers, apples, red onions and berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc).
Supplementation: 500mg 2-3 times daily if symptoms are severe and reduce down to 500mg daily once symptoms are reduced. Quercetin supplements are often combined with additional bromelain (a digestive enzyme from pineapple) and vitamin C for further immune support.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known as the ‘immune booster’ vitamin. It’s anti-inflammatory and helps to calm down allergic reactions. As it’s a water soluble vitamin it cannot be stored in the body. What’s more, it only lasts in the system for 4-5 hours. Therefore, it must be brought into the body daily via the diet or supplementation.
Rich food sources of vitamin C include a wide spectrum of fresh fruits and vegetables. Broccoli, red peppers, strawberries, for example, are valued for their high amounts of vitamin C. Another food exceptionally high in this important vitamin is raw, fermented sauerkraut. It contains a whopping 700mg of vitamin C per 150mg!
Supplementation: 1000-2000mg of vitamin C per day when allergic symptoms are severe. Whole food state form – non synthetic – vitamin C is always best. Take in divided doses 3 – 4 times per day with the inclusion of rich food sources to ensure that adequate levels are topped up.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples. It’s prized for it’s anti-inflammatory properties and is a popular remedy for swelling and inflammation. Studies have proven that it can reduce allergic sensitisation and allergic
airway symptoms.
Supplementation: 300mg per day while symptoms are severe. Later on reduce down to 100mg per day to reduce allergic potential and for prevention.
Omega 3 Fats
Omega 3 fats help support a balanced immune system. EPA/DHA found in certain omega 3 fats – krill, fish or algae sources – can have a positive effect in people with allergic conditions. Vegan algae oil form is the ‘cleanest’ form of omega 3 as some fish or krill oils can go rancid, and/or be contaminated with mercury.
Supplementation: 500mg EPA/DHA capsules twice daily when suffering allergic symptoms. Reduce to 400mg daily for maintenance dose.
Probiotics
Research has shown that certain probiotics, when taken on a daily basis, offer hope for hay fever sufferers as they help to reduce the symptoms of
allergic rhinitis.
When taking probiotics to reduce hayfever symptoms it’s best to make sure that the probiotics strains contain both lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria. Additionally, make sure that the diet is non-inflammatory which helps to ensure that the probiotics work their magic (see guidelines above).
Supplementation: Two probiotics first thing in the morning and last thing at night when suffering from allergic symptoms. Reduce down to once daily for maintenance.
Probiotic foods/drinks: coconut yogurt and kefir, raw sauerkraut, raw dill pickles and kimchee.
Lifestyle considerations
1) Wear sunglasses when going outside to help shield eyes from pollen
2) Nasal rinse each day using a neti pot, or saline solutions with sea salt are available at pharmacies
3) Lubricate the lower inside of the nostrils with coconut oil before going outside to help catch/prevent pollen from being inhaled
4) Wash clothing and hands after returning inside from high pollen areas.
5) Sleep is important for immune system regulation. Aim for at least 7 hours per night.
Fortunately, as you can see, there is hope for hay fever!
