Yes, You Can Beat Hay Fever
For the estimated 20% of Canadians who suffer from hay fever, spring triggers the annual onslaught of sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes and runny noses. But don’t despair – help is at hand!
By Marilyn Arthurs
Spring has sprung. And along with it come the symptoms of hay fever. They can be debilitating symptoms, often resulting in loss of sleep, reduced concentration and irritability. And perhaps worst of all, spring marks just the beginning of symptoms that may well run through to the fall. Thankfully there are several natural and effective ways of dealing with and reducing the symptoms of hay fever.
What is hay fever?
Also known as pollinosis or seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever is the result of an allergic reaction which urges the body to release antibodies to combat the allergen. Spring attacks of hay fever are usually triggered by tree pollen, summer attacks by grass pollens, and fall attacks by weed pollens. Most hay fever sufferers experience symptoms at about the same time every year.
Yes, diet can help
While antihistamines and nasal sprays are widely used to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever, many sufferers find that a few minor changes to their diet can achieve similar relief.
One of the simplest and most effective approaches is a daily intake of honey. As honey contains pollen grains, the reason honey relieves hay fever may be related to homeopathic theories: fight like with like.
Also beneficial are onions, garlic, courgettes and broccoli. These foods contain quercetin, a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C helps as well, so hay fever sufferers should eat plenty of citrus fruits, peppers and kiwi.
Dark green salad leaves are also effective, as are herbs, especially parsley and thyme, which work well as decongestants. Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts are also recommended.
When it comes to drinks, try nettle tea, perhaps with a little honey for extra effect, or warm water mixed with the juice of half a lemon and a dessertspoonful of runny honey.
Foods to avoid
People susceptible to hay fever should avoid wheat and high-fat dairy products: both tend to trigger mucous production which will just exacerbate congestion. Try eliminating full fat milk, cheese and cream from your diet and see if it makes a difference. It’s also advisable to avoid sugar and alcohol to help keep your immune system fighting fit.
Help yourself
Of course, one of the best things hay fever sufferers can do to help themselves is to avoid the allergen in the first place. But remaining behind closed doors for weeks or months is obviously not a viable, or enjoyable, option. How reassuring, then, to know that an effective hay fever remedy could be as close as your own kitchen cupboard!
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