Hay Fever Help

I always feel so sorry for Hay Fever sufferers at this time of year.  So here are a few suggestions of foods and supplements to help.

As with most ailments there’s a short and a long answer.  Plenty of foods and supplements may help to reduce symptoms in the short-term, but a long term solution needs to look at boosting your immune system, making sure all is well in the gut and checking that your body has all the right ingredients to keep your mucus membranes strong and healthy.

Water is worth remembering, particularly if your nose is streaming.

Get Colourful.  Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables contain compounds such as lycopene, quercetin and anthocyanadins all of which may be helpful.  Up your intake of fruit and veg but particularly; greens, salads, peppers, garlic, carrots, blueberries, blackberries, citrus fruits, tropical fruits, avocados, red onions and apples.

Proper Protein.  As usual zinc is worth a mention too.  Studies have shown that people with nasal allergies tend to have low levels.  Zinc is found mainly in protein-rich foods.  Top choices are fish, especially oily fish such as mackerel, trout, salmon, sardines and pilchards.  Also shellfish, nuts and seeds and pulses.

Allergy Avoids.  Some people find that cutting down on common dietary allergens such as wheat and dairy helps to keep their hay fever at bay.  

Some foods tend to more mucus forming and are best kept to a minimum.  These include dairy products, processed meats, white flour and sugar.

Seaside help.  I was interested to find some research from Japan which shows that eating seaweed regularly can reduce the incidence of hay fever.  Mussels may be another seaside super foods as these contain good levels zinc, manganese and selenium, all important for immune health.

Happy Beachcombing!