How a better diet could beat the suffering of hayfever. While the rest of us welcome the lengthening days, Britain's ten million hayfever sufferers greet spring with dread at the prospect of months of sore, itchy eyes and violent sneezing. The bad news is that this year could be far worse than normal, with the National Pollen Research Unit forecasting pollen levels five times higher than last year and close to the highest ever pollen count, recorded in 1. Hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis or pollinosis) is an allergic reaction - usually triggered by pollen, grasses or mould spores. It accounts for around 2. GP visits and more than . Although conventional treatments include antihistamines and steroids, there are alternatives. One of the most interesting theories suggests that what you eat could significantly affect hayfever. Discovery's Edge Magazine; Search Publications. The Mayo Clinic Diet Online; The Mayo Clinic Cookbook; Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease; Controlling High Blood. WebMD Magazine; Medscape; TheHeart; For Sponsors. Naturopath Roger Newman Turner of the Research Council for Complementary Medicine says: 'In nearly 4. I have found that diet plays a very important role in the management of hayfever. She says: 'I have certainly heard of people getting rid of their hayfever using nutrition alone, although it won't necessarily succeed with everyone.' Both experts agree the nutritional approach to hayfever involves cutting down on foods which encourage mucus production, while boosting foods that have natural antihistamine and anti- inflammatory properties. Have loads of nuts, sunflower seeds, onions, cabbage, blackberries and apples, including their peel. Linda Lazarides also reports that some people 'respond well to large doses of bee pollen supplements, starting in early spring'. The triggers for hayfever appear straightforward, so why does one person suffer miserably while others remain sneeze- free? And why is hayfever on the increase in cities? A report in New Scientist magazine asks whether the tendency to plant male- only shrubs and trees in cities (to avoid mess from fruit and seedlings) has led to the increase of hayfever in towns (only male plants produce pollen). Patrick Holford, of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, notes that pollutants such as exhaust fumes prime the immune system to react to other irritants. And he says: 'It is interesting to note that the three most common substances reacted to .
It may be that some hayfever sufferers become sensitised to proteins that are common to grains, grasses and possibly milk.' Kerrin Booth, naturopath, herbalist and nutritionist at Apotheke 2. London, also advises hayfever sufferers to look at food intolerances. Diet, herbs and acupuncture are used alongside conventional treatments. As patients' symptoms improve, most can gently be weaned off the steroids or antihistamines, and finally from the herbs themselves. Samantha Arthur, 3. David, 3. 3, a civil servant, both found relief from their hayfever this way. The first year my symptoms were much reduced and finished far earlier. So far I haven't been affected at all this year, despite the warnings of a high pollen count.' Institute for Optimum Nutrition (tel: 0. Apotheke 2. 0- 2. Chi Centre: (tel: 0. Roger Newman Turner (tel: 0. FOODS TO EAT Soya products (if you want to replace dairy). Fish: high in omega 3 fatty acids which have an anti- inflammatory effect. All vegetables other than tomatoes. All fruits other than oranges. Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds. Fruit, honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup or barley malt as sweeteners if required. Beans, lentils and tofu. Drink two litres of water a day. FOODS TO AVOID Dairy products: increase mucus production. Meat: arachidonic acid contributes to allergic and inflammatory reactions. Wheat and wheat products such as pasta, bread and noodles. Caffeine and alcohol: a congested liver can increase hay fever symptoms. Tomatoes, oranges, cheese, red wine, chocolate: contain histamine. Avoid foods to which you are sensitive. There is a self- test in Linda Lazarides book Gourmet Nutritional Therapy Cookbook (Waterfall 2.
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