I absolutely love spring time with all the flowers blooming and warmer days filled with adventure and beach fun. However, for many of us, spring also means the return of hay fever...
Hay fever is very common but unfortunately we often mistake common as 'normal' because so many of us experience it. Hay fever and allergies can tell us that there is a deeper imbalance occurring though, perhaps within your gut, detoxification pathways, immune function or even hormones (anyone experiencing more PMS &/or painful periods as your hay fever has started?). Let's break this down a little further.
Gut Issues & Hay fever
The Gut Microbiome: Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, including immune system regulation.
The Gut-Immune System Connection: Your gut and immune system are intricately linked. In fact, about 70-80% of your immune system resides in your gut. The gut microbiome influences immune responses, inflammation, and allergy mediated responses throughout the body.
The Hay Fever Link: Recent studies have shown that a balanced and diverse gut microbiome can help modulate the immune system's response to allergens, like pollen. When your gut microbiome is out of balance or you have increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), it can lead to a hyperactive immune response, potentially exacerbating hay fever symptoms.
Clearing Histamines and Hay Fever: The Role of Detoxification
Histamines, natural chemicals produced by the body, play a significant role in triggering allergy symptoms, including hay fever. When allergens like pollen are detected, the body releases histamines, leading to the familiar symptoms of sneezing, itching, and congestion. If your body struggles to clear these histamines, it can cause a build up, resulting in hay fever symptoms and impacting hormone levels of oestrogen within the body. While detoxification alone may not eliminate hay fever, supporting the body's natural clearance processes could help reduce histamine levels and alleviate symptoms.
Here are practical strategies to help you mitigate hay fever and allergy responses
Gut Microbiome: Support a healthy gut by focusing on a diet rich in prebiotic foods to feed the microbiome, selective probiotics such as lactobacillus Paracasei LP-33, reducing sugar intake and refined/processed foods, minimising stress, addressing bacterial/fungi overgrowths, hydrating with filtered and/or spring water and focusing on a whole foods diet.
Liver Support: The liver is a central organ in the body's detoxification process. It helps break down and eliminate histamines from the system. Supporting liver health through a balanced diet, hydration, and avoiding excessive alcohol and processed foods can aid in efficient histamine clearance. Additionally, herbal teas that support liver and gut function/clearance can be supportive including green tea, dandelion root, nettle, turmeric, ginger and more.
Additional Tips:
Local Honey: Start your day with a spoonful of local honey. The theory is that consuming local honey can help your body build a tolerance to the pollen in your area, reducing allergy symptoms over time.
Saline Nasal Rinse: A saline nasal rinse can help clear pollen from your nasal passages and provide relief from congestion and irritation. You can easily make a saline solution at home or purchase a nasal rinse kit from your local pharmacy.
Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid found in certain foods like apples, onions, and berries (& supplement form). It has anti-inflammatory and natural anti-histamine properties that can help reduce allergy symptoms. Consider incorporating more quercetin-rich foods into your diet.
Air Purifiers: Invest in a good quality HEPA air purifier for your home. It can help remove pollen and other allergens from the air, providing a safe haven from allergens indoors.
Nettle Tea: Nettle tea contains natural antihistamines that can help alleviate hay fever symptoms. Enjoy a soothing cup of nettle tea in the evening.
Herbs: Speek to a Naturopath/Herbalist about an individualised blend to help reduce your allergy symptoms. There are many amazing herbs available! Remember, everyone's body is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedies, especially if you have severe allergies or underlying health conditions.
If you have any questions or would like to book an acute consultation to help improve your symptoms, please feel free to get in touch!
Comentarios