With Spring arriving, so too does hay-fever season. Hay-fever in Melbourne in particularly bad, with a temperate climate being perfect for the growth of certain grasses, combined with wide open spaces and constantly changing weather patterns.
The sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and mental fog can be debilitating. Unlike other allergens, we can't avoid hay fever as the allergens are in the air around us.
There are a few remedies below that may prevent and minimise symptoms by preventing an allergic reaction.
The first is get your gut in balance. An article published on WebMD suggests that probiotics can help regulate your immune system's response to allergens. Studies show that introducing "good" bacteria to the digestive system can prevent an allergic reaction to food allergens and also regulate the production of histamines and the body's response to an allergen. Start introducing probiotics such as kefir, kimchi, and fermented vegetables to your diet or taking a probiotic supplement before hayfever season starts.
Bee pollen and honey are said to be great hayfever remedies because they desensitise you to the pollen you react to. Try to get honey and bee pollen from your local area to desensitise you to the pollen you come into contact with. Take a small amout daily before hayfever season starts.
Vitamin C is a well-known antihistamine, so increase your intake of vitamin C during hayfever season.
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in many vegetables and fruits, is reputed to be an effective treatment for hayfever as it works on two levels: regulating the immune system's response to allergens and works as an anti-inflammatory. Foods with high concentrations of quercetin are red onions (especially the outer layers), apples, green tea and capers.
Cod liver oil has been used for many years to treat hay-fever. Cod liver oil helps keep your mucous membranes healthy.
If you would like to learn more about balancing your gut health, our Gut Health Masterclass has you covered. You can see upcoming dates for this here. To a sneeze-free Spring, Rose x