Hey there, Its Hayfever season again!

Do you or someone you know deal with itchy, watery eyes and constant sneezing? It’s that time of year when Mother Nature both challenges and surprises us. Believe it or not, tweaking your diet can significantly ease those annoying hayfever symptoms.

As we all look forward to spending more time outdoors, soaking up the sun in our gardens, it’s crucial to find ways to manage hayfever. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the season to the fullest!

What is Hayfever, Anyway?

According to Allergy UK, up to 30% of adults and 40% of children suffer from allergic rhinitis, a reaction to pollen. Symptoms can start as early as March with tree pollen and continue through grass and weed pollen seasons until September.

If you’re one of the many who struggle with hayfever, I get it. Itchy, red eyes, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and even headaches can really put a damper on your summer plans.

Is Your Food Making You Cry?

Certain foods can exacerbate hayfever symptoms, while others can help reduce them. Here’s a breakdown of what to avoid and what to include in your diet:

Foods to Avoid:

• High in Histamine: Chocolate (sorry!), tomatoes, aubergines, fermented foods like vinegar, sauerkraut, yoghurt, miso, soy sauce, and canned fish.

• Histamine Liberators: Strawberries, pineapple, bananas, citrus fruits, and egg whites.

• Grass Pollen Triggers: Bread, pasta, cakes, and pastries (wheat-based foods).

• Mucus Makers: Dairy products like milk and cheese can worsen blocked noses and ears.

• Sugar: It can cause your body to produce more histamine, aggravating your symptoms.

Foods to Embrace:

Some foods act as natural antihistamines, blocking or disrupting histamine receptors and easing allergy symptoms.

• Quercetin-Rich Foods: Goji berries, asparagus, berries, apples, onions, garlic, kale, okra, peppers, plums, and red grapes.

• Vitamin C Powerhouses: Blackcurrants, blueberries, peppers, kale, broccoli, kiwis, mango, courgettes, and cauliflower.

• Beta Carotene Boosters: Sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash, red and yellow peppers, apricots, peas, dark leafy greens like kale, and romaine lettuce.

Thirst Quenchers:

Staying hydrated is key! Here are some beverages that can help reduce your hayfever symptoms:

• Water: Obvious but essential. Staying hydrated thins mucous membranes and reduces that ‘blocked up’ feeling.

• Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants, it blocks histamine receptors.

• Ginger Tea: Lowers IgE levels, reducing allergic reactions.

• Peppermint Tea: Contains menthol, a natural decongestant.

• Nettle Tea: Eases nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.

Anti-Inflammatory Tips:

Hayfever is an inflammatory condition, so including anti-inflammatory foods can help balance your body’s reaction.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in oily fish like salmon, trout, sardines, and walnuts and flaxseeds.

• Coconut Oil: Use in cooking, baking, or smoothies.

If you’re sensitive to any of these foods, it’s best to avoid them. Want to explore more personalised solutions? Book a discovery call today!

---

Find out how NAET therapy can help desensitise and alleviate your symptoms.

Let’s make this hayfever season a breeze!

Book a Call