Hayfever health hacks

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Hayfever can make summer really difficult for some people. Between streaming eyes and constant itching, it can be really unpleasant for sufferers. But did you know that your diet could potentially play a part in reducing these unwelcome symptoms?

What actually is hayfever?

Hayfever is an allergy caused by pollen and dust. For a sufferer, the mucous membranes of their eyes and nose become inflamed: causing sneezes, watery eyes, itchy throats and even puffing around the face. People whose hayfever is caused by pollen are allergic to different types, meaning one year they may not suffer too badly, but the following year, the pollen count they react to may be higher. And what's more, it's not actually just summer when people suffer: people can feel the effects of hayfever at any point throughout the year.

But before you reach for the over-the-counter remedies you're used to taking, we're here to tell you about some of the foods that might improve, or certainly reduce, these symptoms.

How can diet play a part?

Some foods contain antihistamine properties, which when ingested can help block your immune system from reacting to allergens they usually would. Here are some interesting foods which could help with hayfever symptoms:

Vitamin C

The immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory features of vitamin C are useful when combating allergies. Vitamin C is vital to the production of the histamine degrading diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme. Without adequate amounts of Vitamin C, DAO is impaired and histamine levels rise. Up your intake of this vitamin with citrus fruits and green leafy veg like kale and broccoli.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, which is a protein-digesting enzyme that may help as a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and decongestant. Plus, they're in season and at their best in the spring and summer months; the perfect moment for hayfever sufferers.

Ginger

Ginger can soothe troublesome symptoms in the nose as it calms inflammation and in doing so acts as a natural decongestant. So if you've spent the weekend outside getting irritated by pollen, try a ginger tea and it might just offer some relief!

What to avoid

Just as certain foods could help alleviate symptoms, some could make them worse. Here are some areas of your diet to be mindful of if you're a hayfever sufferer...

Caffeine

Since higher histamine levels can exacerbate allergic reactions, caffeine inhibits the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which may lead to increased hayfever symptoms for sufferers such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Sorry, coffee lovers!

Dairy products

Dairy is often thought to increase mucus production, which could theoretically worsen symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. However, scientific evidence supporting this is limited. Some individuals might have sensitivities or allergies to dairy that could exacerbate their hayfever symptoms. For these individuals, reducing or eliminating dairy altogether could potentially help in managing symptoms.

Refined sugar

Excess consumption of refined sugars can promote inflammation in the body, which may worsen allergic reactions including hayfever. What's more, too much sugar can also impair immune function, making the body more susceptible to allergens. Reducing refined sugar could help in reducing the frequency and severity of hayfever symptoms – in case we needed any more reasons to cut down on refined sugar.

What's the final word?

Look, we're not saying these foods will solve your hayfever completely. But as ever, your diet can do miraculous things for your overall health: so why not see if any of these foods work for you next time your hayfever starts to flare up?