For some of us its Spring time and for others its just turned Autumn.
With a change of season for seasonal hay fever or allergic rhinitis sufferers can often mean on onset of symptoms.Typically a reaction to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds or household dusts that makes the immune system believe these particles are harmful invaders, triggering production of the antibody immunoglobulin E.
This stimulates a release of histamine, causing inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, along with excessive mucus production and other symptoms such as sneezing, itching nose and throat, watery eyes and a clear, runny nose.
However, before you reach for anti-histamine medications, there are a number of foods, nutrients and herbs that are extremely beneficial for alleviating hay fever symptoms.
Vitamin C - Kiwifruit and oranges. Kiwi fruit also contain bioflavanoids, antioxidants that complement vitamin C’s effect in the body and are potent anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories.
Other good food sources of vitamin C and bioflavanoids include citrus fruits, strawberries, red capsicums, broccoli, papaya, guava and mango.
Pineapple - rich source of bromelain, an enzyme with strong systemic anti-inflammatory effects, which helps decrease mucosal inflammation and nasal congestion.
Turmeric - this spice contains curcumin. Curcumin has been found to have anti-allergy properties, which inhibit the release of histamine.
Onion - Onions are packed with the flavanoid quercetin,
a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and natural anti-histamine.
Licorice and nettle teas - Studies have shown that nettle tea can help relieve inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and ease nasal congestion, sneezing and itching.
Immunity Fuel Probiotic Superfood - Immunity Fuel is packed full of vitamins and minerals essential to promoting a healthy immune function, preventing infections and reducing inflammation.
Horseradish and Garlic - Horseradish is a pungent root vegetable which acts as a decongestant, helping to clear nasal passages.
Garlic helps clear nasal congestion and its potent antibiotic properties help prevent secondary respiratory infections in chronic suffers. It is also a good source of quercetin, a natural anti-histamine.
Probiotics - Without a healthy balance of good bacteria in our gut, our immunity is likely to be compromised, leaving us more susceptible to developing allergies and illnesses.
Immunity Fuel Probiotic Superfood contain 15 strains of beneficial bacteria,so a daily dose can help hay fever sufferers restore a more balanced immune response to pollens.
Ginger - Make yourself a fresh vegie juice with a good slice of fresh ginger. Ginger is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce nasal swelling and associated hay fever symptoms.
A good juice combo is carrot, celery, beetroot, apple and ginger and add a teaspoon of Immunity Fuel for your probiotic goodness.
Avoid cow’s milk and other dairy products as they can increase the production of mucus in the respiratory tract and exacerbate hay fever nasal congestion. Try alternatives such as rice, almond, quinoa and coconut milks.
