With some saying we are due to experience the worst hay fever season in 70 years, if you or your little ones suffer from hay fever, now is the time to prepare now for a healthier, happier Summer, and think about managing hay fever naturally.
The itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, difficulty breathing and the drowsiness all combine to reduce our enjoyment of being outside. On top of the current Coronavirus pandemic and its restrictions, this does not make for good news! Fortunately, there is plenty that you can do to protect yourself and your family from the worst of the symptoms which we will share in this post about managing hay fever naturally.
Hay fever is an extreme response by an over-reactive immune system to a perceived threat. i.e. pollen or grass. While most people are unaffected by pollen or grass, those adults and children with hay fever will produce an inflammatory response to fight off this perceived invader. So, the key is to calm the immune system down and ideally. In an ideal world, this should be done good few weeks before hay fever season – but better late than never. Read on for our tips for managing hay fever naturally.
Cool it with quercitin
Quercitin is known as ‘nature’s anti-histamine’ and is found in apples, grapes, red onions, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, berries (red, blue and black) and green tea.
Beat it with Bromelain
Bromelain is another anti-inflammatory enzyme proven to modulate an over active immune system and ease your summer symptoms. Pineapples (mostly the core) contain high levels of bromelain.
SMASH is with oily fish
The anti-inflammatory qualities in oily fish will have a calming effect on your immune system too. Think SMASH (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring).
Net it with nettle
Nettle tea also has calming, anti-histamine benefits. While it may not be so easy to persuade children to drink nettle tea, they may prefer it cooled overnight in the fridge with added fruit juice or fresh ginger.
Remove or reduce sugar/dairy/gluten
Minimising inflammation may also mean removing or reducing some foods types for many people and some of the major culprits are sugar, dairy and gluten containing foods. If you’re unsure which of these food types might be triggering an inflammatory response, you could try eliminating the foods for two to three weeks and then trial a slow re-introduction, monitoring any reaction. A Nutritionist can help you with this.
We hope you found these tips on managing hey fever naturally helpful. Remember, it’s best to start implementing these changes as early on in the season – or even before the season starts if you can – to enjoy the benefits into spring and summer. Enjoy!
About Tamla
Tamla is a Nutritional Therapist and specializes in eczema and allergies. She sees clients in clinic in Kingston Upon Thames and Harley Street or over Skype. www.splendidnutrition.co.uk. Read her previous posts on boosting your immune system during Coronavirus and how to feed your family healthy food on a budget.
