ROOTS HEALTH GUIDES: HAYFEVER

Introduction

Seasonal rhinitis, commonly called hayfever, is an allergic reaction to pollens: affecting up to 30% of teenagers in June and July, incidence declines with age. Perennial rhinitis is an allergic response to some other airborne allergen such as house dust mites, animal fur and moulds. One can suffer from both and both are covered in this guide. I concentrate on what you can do, in terms of lifestyle, diet and supplements, rather than symptoms – which you already know about only too well if you are a sufferer.

What happens?

The body is constantly assailed by a wide range of harmful chemicals and other substances. These allergens react with antibodies on the surfaces of cells, causing them to release histamine and other inflammatory compounds. In an allergic reaction, the body is unable to distinguish between harmful and non harmful chemicals, therefore releasing chemicals when there is no need. These chemicals make blood capillaries more permeable, causing the throat, eye and nasal symptoms. Scientists are not sure why allergic responses occur, though poor nutrition and high levels of air pollution seem to be involved. There is also a strong hereditary factor, though again the mechanism is far from certain.

Lifestyle advice

These won’t cure hayfever, but can reduce the severity of symptoms.

Stay indoors as much as possible, this can reduce pollen levels by a factor of 10,000.
When going out, bear in mind that the pollen count is highest as the temperature changes, mid morning and early evening.
Try to take your holidays away from the main hay fever season, preferably by the coast
Don’t pick flowers or have them in the house.
Air bed linen early in the day, when pollen count is lower.
Keep bedroom windows closed.
Keep car windows closed, a pollen filter is also a good idea.
Consider an ioniser in the bedroom.
Wrap around sun glasses can help, a face mask is also worth considering.
Washing bedding at 60C kills dust mites, but may destroy the bedding. Alternatively, pre-soak bedding in a solution of washing up liquid and eucalyptus oil (in a 1:3 ratio to prevent separation) for 30 minutes.
Cover mattresses and pillows with anti – allergy covers.
Fit washable loose covers over upholstered furniture.
Replace carpets with other types of flooring.
Clean damp areas frequently to prevent mould.
Avoid contact with animals.
Avoid too many soft toys for children, and adults!

Stress

Studies have found strong links between stress and allergies. Stress inhibits the immune system, but I think it’s main role is to make the allergic response more severe, rather than actually inducing allergies. Yoga, meditation, prayer and exercise (indoor!) are all worth considering. These measures also contribute to general health.

Dietary changes

These steps would be worth trying, though not everything works for everybody. The key is a generally good diet (there will soon be a health guide in the shop about this) as studies have found links between allergies and poor diets.

Reduce dairy products
Reduce caffeine, found in many fizzy drinks as well as coffee and tea
Reduce alcohol consumption – this can act as a trigger to an allergic reaction.
Reduce wheat – which is a grass.
Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates. The increase in hay fever has risen in line with increased sugar consumption.
Reduce smoking – this robs the body of vitamin C, important for the immune system
Increase intake of raw carrots, a good source of vitamin A
Eat a fresh salad daily – this increases the level of protective nutrients in the body
Eat Quercetin containing foods – onions, garlic, green tea, apple peel and cabbage.
Live yogurt can help – there seems to be a link between allergies and an unhealthy bowel flora.
Hot foods, such as chillies, open the capillaries.

I would suggest doing all the things on this list which would improve your general diet. But I would only seriously reduce one thing at a time, otherwise you won’t know which has worked. Some of this is quite speculative, the link to sugar for example. I think the increase is more likely to be linked to the increase in draught excluding, and sanitised, houses.

Supplements

As with any supplement regime, the basis needs to be a good multi – I would suggest Solgar’s VM75 one a day. Other, specific, nutrients include:

Quercetin –conventional drugs merely block the effects of histamine, Quercetin inhibits its release. Unlike many conventional drugs, it has no side effects. Recommended dose is 500mg twice a day, taken 20 minutes before food. Ideally this should be started several weeks before problems start, but it is never too late to start.

Vitamin C – supports the immune system. Take up to 2g a day. If you take too much the only side effect is slightly loose bowels.

Omega3 essential fatty acids, from fish oils or flaxseeds. Studies have found higher levels of allergies in people with low levels of these chemicals.

Garlic capsules

Vitamin A – supports a healthy respiratory system

Vitamin E – reduces capillary permeability and reduces the release of histamine, thus reducing redness and itching.

Probiotic – such as acidophilus – useful if allergies are linked to dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is usually linked to a generally unhealthy digestive system or is the result of taking antibiotics.

Local Honey

Many people find this really useful. It contains pollen, so the more local it is – the more it will replicate the pollens you are exposed to. Ours come from Stockhill, Aslockton and the Vale of Belvoir, It acts by desensitising one to the harmful effects of pollen. Take a dessertspoon with each meal; This should preferably be started several weeks before the hay fever season, but again it’s never too late.

Herbal mixture

We make our own hay fever tincture, formulated by our own Medical Herbalist. It contains Echinacea, goldenseal, eye bright, golden rod and nettle. It is suitable for children, we can calculate their dose. If you are pregnant we can make up a mix without the goldenseal.

This mixture contains potent immune boosting herbs. It is also anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, is a tonic to the eyes, nose and throat and helps control mucus production.

Ideally you should start taking it a couple of months before your symptoms are due to start – though it is never too late to get benefit from it. Full instructions are provided.

Tea

We also have our own hayfever tea, consisting of nettle, elderflower, chamomile and plantain. Between them, these boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and soothe the mucus membranes of the throat and nose, Several cups a day can be taken to supplement the tincture.

Steam inhalation

A good, old fashioned help. Add a couple of drops of chamomile essential oil to boiling water, put a towel over your head and breathe deeply.

Other products

We also stock a range of nasal sprays, eye drops and nasal barrier creams. We also have homeopathic mixed pollen, Pottters “Antifect” and the New Era tissue salt for hayfever.

Multiple problems

If you have particularly bad symptoms, or are suffering from a range of ailments, it would be worth having a full consultation with me. This lasts for about 90 minutes and gives us a chance to discuss your entire health. Herbs and supplements will be prescribed as necessary and we can also discuss lifestyle changes. A consultation also lets me use stronger herbs such as Ephedra, which can’t be sold over the counter..

Conclusion

It is worth trying things from each area; lifestyle, diet and supplements, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Unfortunately, as we are all different, different things work for different people.

Please note
The advice in this leaflet is of a general nature and based upon my professional training. More specific advice can be obtained by booking a consultation with me.

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