A Nutritionist's Guide to Hay Fever Season
Spring is finally here! The days are longer, and the bulbs are peeking their heads up. Although this is a relief for many of us, it is the start of a tricky season for those who suffer from hay fever.
If you are looking for natural ways to support your immune system and reduce your reliance on conventional medications, I have some tips for you. I've curated a holistic guide focusing on specific nutrients, mycotherapy, and local remedies to help you overcome hay fever and embrace the changing seasons.
1. Quercetin:
Quercetin, is a flavonoid found in various plant foods and offers a natural solution to hay fever symptoms. It works by inhibiting mast cell activation and reducing the release of histamines that contribute to allergy symptoms.
Benefits of Quercetin:
Reduces the release of histamine
Reduction in allergy symptoms
Antioxidant properties
Anti-inflammatory effects
Quercetin-Rich Foods:
Apples
Onions
Berries (particularly blueberries)
Citrus fruits
Leafy greens (kale, spinach)
2. Sun Mushroom:
Mycotherapy, the use of medicinal mushrooms, has gained attention for its immune-modulating properties. Sun mushroom (Agaricus blazei) stands out for its potential to support the immune system and helps to regulate allergen response.
Benefits of Sun Mushroom:
Immune system modulation
Anti-inflammatory effects
Allergy symptom relief
3. Local Honey and Pollen:
Supporting your immune system with local honey and pollen is a time-tested method. By exposing your body to trace amounts of local allergens through these products, you can build immunity and reduce hay fever symptoms.
How Local Honey and Pollen Help:
Exposure to local allergens
Gradual immune system desensitisation
Include in Your Daily Routine:
Consume a spoonful of local honey daily
Integrate local pollen into smoothies or yoghurt
4. Reduce Histamine-Rich Foods and Leftovers to Alleviate Symptoms:
Histamine intolerance, a condition characterised by an inability to metabolise histamine properly, can exacerbate hay fever symptoms. Histamine-rich foods and leftovers are particularly problematic for individuals with this intolerance, as they can contribute to histamine overload in the body. Reducing consumption of these foods can potentially alleviate hay fever symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Identify High-Histamine Foods: Familiarise yourself with common histamine-rich foods such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, processed meats, and alcohol. Limiting or avoiding these foods can help reduce histamine levels in your body.
Minimise Leftovers: Leftover foods, especially those stored for an extended period, tend to accumulate histamine. Opt for fresh meals whenever possible and avoid reheating leftovers multiple times to minimise histamine exposure.
Incorporate Low-Histamine Alternatives: Focus on incorporating low-histamine foods into your diet, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and gluten-free grains. These options provide nourishment without contributing to histamine overload.
Functional Testing: We don’t want to avoid food groups for no reason. If you suspect you might have a histamine intolerance but aren’t quite sure, consider functional testing to get a clearer picture of what is going on for you.
Shopping list: Use MOLLY10 at checkout for 10% off
Quercetin and Nettle Complex
https://therapyorganics.co.uk/shop/terranova/quercetin-nettle-complex-50-caps
Sun Mushroom:
https://therapyorganics.co.uk/shop/hifas-da-terra/mico-sol-70-caps
https://therapyorganics.co.uk/shop/myconutri/sun-agaric-mushroom-60-caps
Local Honey Finder:
https://www.localhoneyfinder.org/UK.php
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