After suffering from hayfever for many years, I visited my GP to discuss and remember a skin prick allergy test showed that I was allergic to grass – absolutely marvellous considering I live in the English countryside!
And so began the long (and costly) process of using nose sprays + anti-histamine every day for about 3 months during the summer months until I felt pumped full of chemicals and unable to function without them. I thought there must be another way to control this ands so started to research and try natural ways to boost my immunity and control histamine levels.
Here are a few things I’ve found along my way which have helped alleviate my symptoms which may help you. I’d also recommend coming along for a kinesiology session with me to investigate the trigger cause of your symptoms and discuss how to improve your health.
WHAT TO TAKE:
Vitamin C – known anti-histamine found in citrus fruit like oranges, lemons + grapefruit, wonderfully high in beta carotene.
Bioflavonoids – works well with vitamin C and have great anti-histamine properties.
Quercetin – anti-oxidant which prevents immune system releasing histamines
Fish oils – Up your intake of essential fatty acids with omega 3+6.
GOOD PRODUCT: I have found that Nutri’s Aller C tests up really well for hay fever. You can buy this by quoting my name as practitioner (after I have tested you of course). www.nutri-online1.co.uk
WHAT TO EAT:
Foods: Tumeric, garlic, onions, chillis, broccoli all contain quercetin, your natural anti-histamine. Garlic can help boost your immune system as well as acting as a decongestant to relieve the stuffy nose feeling.
Plus pineapple as the natural source of bromelain (a digestive enzyme) contained in this helps the body absorb quercertin in other foods reduces inflammation and the production of mucus.
Omega 3 found in oily fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon) and nuts and seeds (walnuts , sunflower, pumpkin, flax and sesame seeds).
Honey – eating a spoonful of LOCAL honey can help reduce the symptoms as the bee pollen can de-sensitise your body to other pollens. Make sure it is local honey though for maximum effect.
Considerations: Be mindful that garlic, onion + chillis can increase the symptoms of IBS in some people, so do be tested for tolerance beforehand and consider garlic as a supplement instead.
Also please be aware of the high fructose content in honey – especially if you have candida and I’ve told you to stay away from sugar!
WHAT NOT TO EAT:
Avoid: Dairy, wheat + tomatoes are common culprits.
Avoid any food triggers kinesiology may have identified – sugar and refined foods are often linked to lowering immunity and heightening hay fever symptoms.
WHAT TO DRINK:
Camomile tea – antioxidant + antihistamine and is great at reducing inflammation.
Lemon grass tea – sometimes referred to as ‘fever grass’ this is often taken to for anti-inflammatory reasons and can ease congestion.
WHAT TO DO:
Some other tried and tested remedies I’ve used include:
Cold water splashed on face and cupping hands to flood the nose with cold water to reduce inflammation.
Gargling Himalayan pink salt (rock salt can also work) to clear the itchy sensation in your throat.
Wash hands regularly.
Change clothes as soon as you come into your house, or at least remove the outer layer which could have a layer of pollen sitting on it.
Don’t hang your washing outside as this could pick up more the pollen.
FINALLY,
I hope these help as a starter for 10. Do get in touch if you want to discuss further and book in for a kinesiology session with me so we can discuss and address what your system needs for long term better immunity. Good luck!
