Hello and welcome to my monthly journal, written lovingly to inspire you to improve your health through food and nutrition.
In March 2024 I completed a 3-year naturopathic nutrition diploma at the prestigious CNM. May marks the birth of my new business, Nourishing Kind.
Is there a better moment in life than to be in an English garden in May, that is unless you suffer from the springtime assault of pollen.
This month I will look at eight natural ways to manage your symptoms, freeing you to get out in nature while she is looking her most joyful.
NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO HAY FEVER
- QUERCETIN
Anyone who knows me will have heard me bang on about the joys of quercetin, a flavanol found most abundantly in red and purple coloured fruit and vegetables; onions, apples, grapes. You can also find it in capers, broccoli and kale.Quercetin is a naturally occurring antihistamine which helps dampen our immune response, meaning less histamine ends up in our cells, thereby lessening the symptoms. It’s anti-inflammatory properties relieve some of the more persistent symptoms.It is important to only take quercetin during hay fever season. You don’t want to dampen your immune response all year, as it can affect your histamine levels as well as the body’s ability to methylate. - BROMELAIN
A proteolytic enzyme (one that breaks down protein) found in pineapples, with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Research suggests it is an important mucolytic agent (meaning it breaks up and thins mucus making it easier to clear form the airways) by decreasing pro-inflammatory prostaglandin production and reducing swelling in nasal routes. Bromelain also significantly reduces mucus production and improves drainage. - NETTLE LEAF
Reduces the effect of histamine, inhibiting COX-1 and 2 pathways which are associated with allergic rhinitis. - VITAMIN C
The most important anti-allergy vitamin. It is a powerful promoter of a strong immune system and immediately calms down allergic reactions. Supports histamine detoxification. It acts as a co-factor for the enzyme ‘diamine oxidase’ (DOA), which degrades histamine in the gut. - NASAL IRRIGATION
Human trials found nasal irrigation with salt water improved symptoms of allergic rhinitis in both adults and children. It works by washing away allergens and mucus, as well as reducing inflammation and swelling.
- VITAMIN D
Our sunshine vitamin, levels are often low at the start of hay fever season following a long dark winter. A few human trials found that supplementing with vitamin D improved nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. It could help by regulating immune cells and influencing the allergy-related inflammatory response. Low serum vitamin D levels might also play a role in the risk of allergic disorders. It is important to test levels and dose accordingly with Vitamin D3 + K2. - HOMEOPATHY
A holistic system of medicine, harnessing the power of nature in pill form. The most indicated homeopathic medicines for hay fever occurring during the spring are AlliumCepa Euphrasia and Sabadilla. - LOCAL HONEY WITH ADDED BEE POLLEN
Anecdotal evidence shows adding bee pollen to local honey is hugely therapeutic in managing hay fever symptoms.
RECIPE TO MAKE THIS MONTH
Particularly good with fish and chicken, or anything in a taco! Loaded with red onion, pineapple and red pepper to give you a heavy dose of the healing compounds discussed; quercetin, bromelain and vitamin c respectively.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
For natural and convenient ways to treat hay fever, that won’t leave you feeling drowsy, like many over-the-counter antihistamines do, I really rate the following:
- Biocare’sQuercetin Complex as it includes nettle, bromelain and vitamin C. To use my1 0% practitioner referral code p15451 add at the point of registering.
- NeilMed Sinus Rinse More information on this guide.
- Vitamin D3 + K2. Account number C000339913 for a discount
- Helios Hay Fever combines three homeopathic remedies
Disclaimer: The information in the article is for education purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose, prevent or treat any medical or psychological conditions. This should not replace the advice from a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Please do not stop, adjust, or modify your dose of any prescribed medications without the direct supervision of your healthcare practitioner.
