How to beat hay fever naturally

By MiNDFOOD

How to beat hay fever naturally
Hay fever doesn't just rear its ugly head in Spring, seasonal allergies can happen all year round. Here are the best ways to treat hay fever naturally.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to the naturally occurring pollens in the air that our body detects as harmful, triggering the release of histamines. Unfortunately, it is this plan of attack which causes us to feel those familiar symptoms of itchiness, sneezing, nasal congestion and watering eyes.

While treatment usually involves a round of medicine and nasal sprays, you could see yourself avoiding these often costly cures all together by listening our five simple to follow tips:

Honey

Consuming local honey is said to be a fantastic treatment for hay fever due to the desensitising nature of its main component – bee pollen. It is important to use honey local to your area to have the best protection against possible allergens.

Avoid sugary drinks during the cold & flu season as they suppress immunity. Opt instead for this warming drop.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a great natural antihistamine. Found in oranges, lemons and grapefruits – as well as berries and other citrus fruits, the powerful cold and flu fighters also contain bioflavanoids, which assist in decongesting your sinuses. High doses of vitamin C also help to alleviate symptoms effectively and quickly.

Garlic and Horseradish

Horseradish and garlic are both powerful decongestants, helping to clear nasal passages and help treat respiratory infections.

Probiotics

Probiotics are the live microorganisms found in bacteria, fungi or yeast. Probiotics are integral to maintaining your gastrointestinal tract and promoting overall gut health. Taken daily, a probiotic can help people who suffer from hay fever, to naturally restore a more balanced immune system.

Probiotics: How to get more of them in your diet. 

Get more sleep

Another easy but crucial step in wading off the irritable symptoms is sleep. Rest is an essential component in maintaining a healthy and functioning body, an article published by Harvard Medical School states that sleep deprivation alters our body’s immune function and hormone levels. Similarly, a survey undertaken by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit found that 87% of people with only mild symptoms of hay fever got at least 7 hours of sleep a night.

How to get to sleep: 7 surprising tricks and tips

 

 

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