Hayfever—Not to be Sneezed At

Hayfever is a seasonal form of allergic rhinitis caused by pollen.  Symptoms include red, sore, itchy eyes, frequent sneezing, sinusitis and excess catarrh.  These can leave the sufferer feeling tired, irritated and depressed.  The hayfever season also seems to have gotten longer, with tree pollens around from February to May, then grass pollens throughout the summer.  Then there is perennial rhinitis, which can be triggered by animal hair or feathers, dust, mould, fungus spores or pollution.  For some, it is never ending.

There are changes you can make to ease the suffering.  Cut down on mucous forming foods such as dairy products and wheat; lessen your intake of refined foods (white bread, white pasta and both white and brown sugar) replacing with wholegrain versions.  Avoid those processed foods with additives you would not use yourself.  Limit your alcohol intake as much as you can – or at the very least alternate each drink with a glass of water.  Regular caffeine consumption makes it harder for the body to cope with stress and blocks the absorption of vital vitamins and minerals as well as depleting stores already in the body. Substituting herbal teas or drinking water is much more beneficial for your overall health.

As a nutritionist, I know that it’s not just what you eat that has an impact on how you feel—although it does play a big part—it’s also what you drink, what you think and what you do.

There are many remedies that can help with hayfever and its many symptoms.  Subscribe to my RSS feed to find out more.

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