Hayfever? Nutrition Advice

Hayfever – Sneezing – Itchy Eyes – Congested Nose ?

The levels of pollen this year have been particularly high due to the prolonged dry weather, and I am seeing many adults suffering for the first time, or experiencing old symptoms after supposedly ‘growing out of it’ for many years. Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen that affects the airways and sufferers experience congestion, a constant runny nose, with itchy puffy eyes and a raw throat. It can be very wearing and affect concentration, feeling like a constant cold. Antihistamines can help, but for some they barely take the edge off it. Sound familiar ?

The main aim from a nutritional point of view is to reduce any allergic potential. I try to find out what a person is allergic to nutritionally and from a lifestyle point of view, eliminate as many allergens as possible (sadly, there’s no way to eliminate pollen), and boost one’s intake of certain anti-allergy foods and nutrients.

Many hayfever sufferers feel much better when they eliminate wheat and dairy products from their diet. These are the foods that people are most commonly allergic to. Grass pollen is the most common airborne allergen, if you think about it, wheat is a grass and milk is made from grass. The more dairy people eat the more prone they are to being congested.

Eating oily fish (such as anchovies, salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring and kippers) three times a week reduces inflammation, as well as lots of fresh vegetables (especially antioxidant-rich broccoli, peppers, tomatoes and red onions which are a rich source of quercitin along with apples).

There are many other foods and supplements that help lower the levels of histamine in the body, reduce inflammation, rebuild the immune system and repair the delicate internal membranes. Nutrition can make a difference.

If you would like advice for Hayfever or nutrition, call to book an appointment on 07767 260374. www.whatseatingyou.co.uk Sam@whatseatingyou.co.uk

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