Nutrition for Hayfever

Hay fever or Allergic Rhinitis is a problem affecting around 10-30% of the UK adult population and as many as 40% of children! At this time of year when the temperature rises, we all want to enjoy the warmer days getting out and about. However, with the warmer temperatures also brings higher pollen counts, creating misery for many of those hay fever sufferers.

Natural strategies for overcoming hay fever is an extremely common question here at Therapy Organics at this time of year, so we thought we would provide you with a quick rundown of my top tips to help you get out and enjoy the outdoors.

It starts with Gut Health as with many conditions, balancing digestive health is critical to lay the foundations for good health. Our gut flora provides the first line of defence against external allergens and also most of our immune cells start life in the gut.

Both probiotics and fermented foods may be a helpful strategy as a foundation nutritional programme to alleviate hay fever.

The word Rhinitis comes from the Greek for nose with the ending 'itis' implying inflammation. Where this is inflammation present in a condition, anything to activate anti-inflammatory pathways may be helpful. One common food, much renowned at the moment for its anti-inflammatory benefit is turmeric but the more accessible ginger is also a potent anti-inflammatory. These foods can be used in your foods, juices or steeped as a tea. Where these foods are less used in the diet, then supplements with stronger extracts and cofactors for absorption may be helpful.

We also should evaluate essential fat balance when it comes to inflammation. Omega 6 fats such as those from animal fats should be moderated due to their pro-inflammatory effect and omega 3 fats such as those from oily fish or flaxseed should be well represented in the diet due to their anti-inflammatory effect.

In hay fever sufferers, the pollen creates an IgE mediated mast cell reaction followed by a late stage Th2 immune response and histamine release . It is therefore important to look at immune modulation and how we can use natural therapeutics in this area. Firstly, quercetin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit, apples and onions may be helpful to reduce mast cell secretions, thereby having natural anti-histamine activity.

Nettles have also shown natural anti-histamine potential and are a gift of nature given that they are currently in season! Nettle can be used in supplement form but for those who love the wild, get your gardening gloves on and pick out the nettle tips before they start to flower to make your own nettle tea! Pick them away from any known dog walking routes and give them a little wash first just in case!

Pycnogenol, derived from the French Maritime Pine tree also has proven potential but best results are shown when this is taken in supplemental form 7-8 weeks prior to onset of seasonal allergies . It's also worth noting that pycnogenol also has also shown clinical use for improvement of skin elasticity and hydration, nice!

If you're really struggling with a runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing for days, then we do have some fast acting, natural antihistamines that seem to do the trick for most people. Firstly, we have Helios Hay Fever Pillules, which combine three homeopathic remedies—Allium cepa, Euphrasia, and Sabadilla. Allium cepa, derived from red onions, is known to reduce runny noses and watery eyes (I know what you're thinking, don't onions make us cry? But trust us on this). Euphrasia, or eyebright, has been traditionally used to minimize eye irritation, including redness and itching, and Sabadilla, a plant extract, helps to address sneezing and nasal congestion.

Another option is Luffa (or its better name - Sponge Cucumber), which is popular among the sufferers in the shop. This potent tincture can be taken three times a day in a little water and has been known to reduce symptoms almost immediately in some people. It includes Sponge Cucumber (Luffa), Heartseed, American Spikenard, and four other tropical herbs sourced from various tropical regions around the world, which, when combined, create a beautiful synergy to support the immune response to hay fever and give you the freedom to survive in the grass again!

We also have Cytoplan Aller-G Formula, which can be used acutely three times a day, or as a maintenance dose 1-2 times a day, if you were organised enough to start before the hay fever season greeted us! Aller-G Formula contains quercetin, a natural phyto-antioxidant, and optimal levels of vitamins A, C, and D, as well as zinc and selenium. It also contains oregano with rosmarinic acid, which may influence the immune response to allergens, and Beta 1-3, 1-6 glucan, a natural dietary fiber that helps reduce allergy symptoms. When combined together, you have a great blend of essential nutrients known to support seasonal allergies and minimise associated symptoms.

Lastly, but by no means least is yummy Raw Local Honey. Studies on its efficacy are limited, potentially due to the fact that local beekeepers wouldn't have the money to invest in such research yet anecdotal evidence based on feedback from our customers would suggest good efficacy. However, one small scale study did show promise using a birch pollen honey for birch pollen allergy with a 60% reduction in the total symptom score of sufferers, showing promise for further research in this area.

Again, in my experience efficacy is best with daily intake prior to onset of the season. Wishing all of our customers good health and happiness with fun outdoors.