Hay fever that occurs during Spring (seasonal allergic rhinitis) usually results from exposure to pollens from trees such as oak, elm, maple, alder, birch, juniper and olive.
Other culprits for hay fever, which may or may not be seasonal, include allergens such as house dust, animal hair, broken insect parts, fungus and mould spores, feathers, powders, insecticides and many grass pollens.
When the mast cells in our bodies are stimulated by pollen or other allergens, histamine and other chemicals are released, causing itching, swelling and excess mucus production, and very sensitive people can experience hives or other rashes.
Fortunately nature makes natural anti-histamines that will help to lessen this allergy response, including:
· Vitamin C is not only an anti-oxidant and immune modulator but is also an antihistamine! Vitamin C is found in high amount in blackcurrants, capsicums, chillies, kiwi fruits, citrus and berries.
· Quercetin, found in berries, green tea, onions and grapes, stabilises mast cells and significantly inhibits allergen stimulated histamine release.
· Bromelain, an extract from pineapples, is anti-inflammatory and helps to decrease the mucous production associated with hay fever.
Specific probiotic bacterial strains have been shown to decrease hay fever (and eczema) with the strain LGG having the most clinical evidence.
Many herbal medicines, including Albizia, Baical Skullcap and Eyebright, have shown to be effective in lessening hay fever and these are available in either tablet or liquid form, or as a herbal tea.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased hay fever, especially in children, and you may want to consider supplementing with Vitamin D if you’re not exposed to a lot of sunlight or if you have particularly dark skin.
Chronic allergies and asthma can be an indication that you’re living or working in a water-damaged building. If your asthma or allergies are worse at home or at work, or even just in certain rooms, this is a red flag for water damage, so perhaps do some investigating.
Effectively treating allergies requires more than simply allergen avoidance and symptom relief - it is imperative that the underlying factors that perpetuate the imbalance are addressed
There are many more ways in which your naturopath can help to lessen your allergy response and help balance your immune system to keep the sneezes and itchy eyes at bay.
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