A nutrition expert shares five ways to prevent hay fever this spring by incorporating simple and affordable things into your diet.
Flora, a naturopathic nutritional therapist who goes by @florishlyhealthy on TikTok, posted the list as the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outdoors, which can be allergy-prone.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and is more prevalent from spring to summer.
When pollen comes into contact with the affected area, reactions typically occur such as sneezing, sore eyes, and coughing.
Flora says, “Given that a critical part of your immune system resides in your gut, managing your gut microbiome can be a game-changer for your immune system.” .
She revealed that probiotics are key to gut care, but they are not all the same.
“It’s important to be wary of strains known for their ability to reduce histamine levels.”
Specialized probiotics that reduce histamine levels include Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium gasseri, and Bifidobacterium breve.
A more consumer-friendly antihistamine is ginger, which also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be bought in supermarkets for just 65p.
Flora continues, “Whether you chew raw ginger or brew it as a tea, it can help relieve allergy symptoms.”
“Increasing your intake of vitamin C can also do wonders for your immune system.”
Kiwi, berries, pineapple, papaya, broccoli, and cauliflower are particularly high in vitamin C, which is found in most fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C is also a natural antihistamine and antioxidant.
Omega-3 fatty acids were next on the list. It’s found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, as well as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
When fighting hay fever, the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 are paramount.
But research suggests it’s also good for brain health, clear skin, and mental health.
A less common kitchen ingredient, but even cheaper at a low price, is nettle.
Flora says research suggests that nettle tea is also a natural antihistamine and that it “may also be effective in suppressing the inflammatory events that cause allergy symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing.”
The final natural antioxidant example in this post is quercetin.
It is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, and kale, and has the ability to stabilize the cell membranes of cells that release histamine during reactions.
Flora concludes, “By incorporating these foods and supplements into your diet, you can naturally reduce your allergy symptoms.”
