Nutrition expert reveals five natural remedies to beat hay fever symptoms like sneezing with simple kitchen ingredients starting from 65p The list was shared by ‘naturopathic nutritional therapist’ @flourishlyhealthy READ MORE: Hay fever warning as experts say allergy season has started early A nutrition expert has shared five ways to fend off hayfever this spring by incorporating simple and affordable things into your diet. ‘Naturopathic nutritional therapist’ Flora, who goes by @flourishlyhealthy on TikTok, posted the list as the weather warms up and we are going to be spending more time in the great, allergenic outdoors. Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen, which becomes more prevalent in the spring and summer months. Reactions – sneezing, sore eyes or coughing – usually occur when pollen comes into contact with the affected area. Flora began: ‘Taking care of your gut microbiome can be a game changer for you immune system, considering that a significant part of your immune system resides in your gut.’ Flora, who describes herself as a ‘naturopathic nutritional therapist’, posted a list of accessible ingredients to help with hay fever symptoms WHAT IS HAY FEVER? Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder which comes from plants. There is more pollen in the air in the spring and summer when plants are flowering. The reaction usually happens when pollen comes into contact with someone’s eyes, nose, mouth or throat. Hay fever symptoms include coughing and sneezing; a runny or blocked nose; itchy, red or watery eyes; itching throat, nose, mouth or ears; headaches and tiredness. People suffering from the allergy can put Vaseline around their nose to trap the pollen, wear wraparound sunglasses to keep pollen out of their eyes, wash clothes regularly and vacuum and dust indoors. Avoiding grass, cut flowers and smoke can help reduce symptoms, as can drying clothes indoors where pollen is less likely to stick to them. Source: NHS Choices She revealed that probiotics are key to looking after your gut, but they are not all the same. ‘It’s important to look out for strains that are known for their ability to lower histamine levels.’ Specialist probiotics for lowering histamine levels include bifidobacterium infantis, lactobacillus gasseri and bifidobacterium breve. A more consumer-friendly antihistamine is ginger, which is also anti-inflammatory, and can be bought in supermarkets for as little as 65p. Flora continued: ‘Whether you chew on fresh ginger or brew it as a tea, it can provide relief from allergy symptoms. ‘Boosting your intake of vitamin C can also do wonders for your immune system.’ Especially high in vitamin C – found in most fruit and vegetables – are kiwis, berries, pineapples, papaya, broccoli and cauliflower. Vitamin C is also a natural antihistamine and is an antioxidant too. Omega-3 fatty acids were next on the list – found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel but also in walnuts, flax seeds and chia seeds. When it comes to fighting off hay fever, omega-3’s anti-inflammatory benefits are the most relevant. However, studies have suggested it is also great for brain health, clear skin and good mental health. A less common kitchen ingredient, but even cheaper at the low price of free are nettles. Ginger, available for as little as 65p in UK supermarkets, is both anti-inflammatory and is a natural antihistamine Omega-3 fatty acids – found in oily fish like salmon – also has anti-inflammatory benefits Nettle tea is another natural antihistamine remedy, with research suggesting ‘it can also inhibit inflammatory events that lead to allergy symptoms such as runny noses and sneezing’, according to Flora. The post’s final example of a natural antioxidant is quercetin. This is found in many fruit and vegetables including apples, berries and kale, and ‘works by stabilising the cell membranes’ of the cells which release histamines during a reaction response. Flora concludes: ‘Incorporating these foods and supplements into your diet can provide natural relief from allergy symptoms.’
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