Natural hay-fever remedies for your family

After a long winter the first few weeks of sunshine are wonderful, but if you or your kids struggle with hay fever this time can also be more than a little uncomfortable!

According to Allergy UK, as many as 30% of adults and 40% of children suffer from hay fever. Symptoms can start from tree pollen in March, followed by grass pollen and weed pollen season all the way to September! But did you know what you eat can make symptoms better or worse?

Here are the foods to include and to avoid for hay fever...

Foods to include:

Antihistamines don't just come in pill form they can also be found in food. Adding in foods naturally high in vitamin C, quercetin and beta carotene, as these are natural antihistamines can help reduce symptoms for you or your family.

Quercetin containing foods: Onions, garlic, goji berries, asparagus, berries, apples, kale, plums and red grapes.

Beta carotene containing foods: Sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash, apricots, broccoli, dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce and kale.

Vitamin C containing foods: Berries, peppers, oranges, broccoli, kiwis, mango, courgettes, and cauliflower.

Local honey can also help due to the small amount of local pollen which helps your immune system increase tolerance. Try to get one from within 5 miles of where you live. 

Nettle tea can also be great. Nettle is anti-inflammatory and high in quercetin. For kids a cooled nettle tea with some lemon can be nice. 

Foods to avoid:

If histamine is an issue for you then the following foods containing high levels of histamine may make your symptoms worse. These include chocolate (apologies about that), tomatoes, dried fruit, cured meats and fermented foods like vinegar, sauerkraut, yoghurt, miso, soy sauce, and canned fish. 

Dairy products like milk and cheese can increase mucus, making blocked noses or ears much worse. Matured cheeses also tend to contain high levels of histamine. And sugar, which causes your body to produce more histamine, can make symptoms worse.

Is it hay fever or a food intolerance?While the main problem for hay fever sufferers is the pollen itself, you may also find that hidden food intolerances are making matters worse. I offer a range of food intolerance testing to suit different budgets and all can be done at home. To find out more book a call here