The sun is shining, the sky is blue and you are stuck inside due to the dreaded hay fever. We all know how irritating hay fever is, but did you know pharmaceutical anti-histamine are not the only answer? Many foods have natural anti-histamine properties and can help your body fight these allergens. So stop letting hay fever control your life by trying these natural treatments!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, strawberries and red capsicum to name a few is an excellent immune boosting vitamin. It contains natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties.
You could also take a Vitamin C supplement, but make sure it contains bioflavonoids which are a natural antioxidant that enhances the effect of Vitamin C and is a potent anti-inflammatory.
Dosage: 1-3 grams of Vitamin C daily depending on bowel tolerance.
Turmeric
This popular spice has many wonderful health benefits. One being it is a strong anti-inflammatory. It can work as a wonderful natural anti-allergy compound.
Dosage: Consume 2 teaspoons of grated or powdered turmeric daily.
Garlic
Garlic is well known for its immune stimulating effects. It works as a natural antibiotic preventing infections and helps the immune system reduce its histamine reaction.
Dosage: Consume ½ a fresh clove of garlic daily.
Horseradish
If you have even eaten too much horseradish in one mouthful you will know its fantastic for clearing out the nasal passages. It helps to break up mucous reducing nasal congestion.
Probiotics
As 70% of our immune system is found in our gut a probiotic is important for improving immune function. These good bacteria, which are naturally found in our digestive system help fight off bugs and reduce inappropriate immune responses so that the body can better cope with allergens. Make sure to also consume pre-biotic foods such as fibre, sauerkraut, miso and other fermented foods.
Foods to avoid
There are several foods that promote inflammations in the body and may contribute to the symptoms of hay fever. Around this time of year avoiding dairy, wheat and refined sugar may help reduce your hay fever symptoms and improve immune function.
Other herbs to aid with hayfever
Albizia lebbeck and Baical skullcap are two herbs with strong anti-allergic properties. When prescribed correctly from a health care professional they can help reduce the immune response to allergens, improving hayfever symptoms.
Hi everyone! My name is Dionne and I am a fully qualified Kinesiologist and Naturopath. I have been raised with the use of natural medicine so have experienced its fantastic effects first hand. One of my biggest LOVES has always been food so by combining this love and my upbringing Naturopathy was definitely the degree for me. I also belive that our emotions underpin everything when it comes to our health so I teach a lot about emotional well-being. This blog is aimed at sharing some helpful facts about food and the way it can influence your health. It is also a way for me to share delicious but nutritious recipes as I discover them myself!