Sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery red eyes, hay fever allergy is extremely common and affects 2 in 10 people in the UK each year. Hay fever is an allergy as you know and may have suffered from in the past. Like other reactions I covered this week, an allergic reaction is an immune response, and hay fever is no different. The most common trigger is of course pollen, dust mites, some pets, and also mould. During the high flying crazy pollen months your immune system is working extra hard for you even though you may feel like it’s given up on you! By boosting your immunity all year round but particularly during allergy season, you can help reduce the pesky hay fever symptoms.
Protocol to manage
There are certain things we can do to help support our bodies if you are suffering from hayfever symptoms.
- Bring down any inflammation in the body I especially like turmeric root for this- Add it to foods, like curries, eggs, stews and soups or take it as a supplement
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet, lots of wholefoods, healthy fats like oily fish, avocados, cold pressed olive oil, fruits and veggies, legumes, organic free range eggs, clean proteins.
- Limit your intake of processed inflammatory foods – White flour, pastries, cakes, sugar, vegetable oils, deep fried foods, most packaged goods, some sauces and condiments (always check your ingredients)
- Prioritise your health and wellbeing all year round – Take time out for you, reduce stress, limit alcohol and cigarette consumption, get plenty of good quality deep sleep, eat a well-balanced nutritious diet (more to come!)
- Boost your immunity with a cup of hot dandelion tea
- Consider herbal supplement – Nettle leaf: Not only is this herb abundantly mineral rich, nourishing the adrenals, and providing shiny healthy luscious hair, but it also doubles as a natural antihistamine. You can drink the tea or take in capsules, I like the tea! Red clover: Is equally as mineral and vitamin dense as nettle leaf, this herb improves circulation while clearing excess mucous due to its resinous substances s really great for blocked noses and runny eyes. Eye bright: An amazing herb rich in vitamin B, C, E, and beta-carotene alkaloids and antioxidants, this incredibly nourishing herb’s natural astringent-tannins reduce mucus discharge
- Keep windows and doors shut during high pollen season
- Avoid cutting grass, large grassy places
- Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors, especially after going to the countryside
- Wear some sunglasses when you are out to protect your eyes
- On car journeys keep windows closed and consider buying a pollen filter for the air vents in your car
