As temperatures are starting to rise, people are beginning to venture out of their winter hibernation and embrace the outdoors once again. However, if you suffer from hay fever, you are most likely dreading the stinging eyes, streaming nose, and unstoppable sneezing.
These irritating symptoms can be a massive hindrance when it comes to enjoying summer activities. A Vogel’s nutritional therapist Alison Cullen shares her top tips for survival when there is a high pollen count.
Curb the caffeine: Opt for anti-inflammatory green or white tea if your nasal passages are pouring. Caffeine triggers histamine release which can bring the skin up in a red, itchy, angry-looking rash and dilate your blood vessels until everything feels inflamed.
Be wary of mucus-inducing dairy products: People prone to allergic reactions often struggle with dietary dairy, so instead investigate the dairy-free offerings at your local health food store.
Reduce the sugar: Refined sugar triggers a dramatic rise and fall of blood sugar levels which causes an adrenalin surge that activates histamine release. Opt for sweet dried or fresh fruit for a natural sugar fix instead.
Top up on Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine. Fill your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure a steady intake throughout the day.
Fill your diet with tasty anti-inflammatory foods: Blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, blackcurrants, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, mangoes, apricots, peaches, and many other foods can all help counter inflammation.
Clothing: Dry clothes indoors as damp clothes on the washing line will collect pollen. Undress in the bathroom not the bedroom so the pollen from clothes does not float around the bedroom.
Vaseline: Spread Vaseline around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollen. Reapply each time you blow your nose.
Keep an eye on pollen count reports: Pollen count forecasts can give you an idea of what kind of days are ahead, allowing you to plan in advance.
Stock up on A Vogel Pollinosan tablets: A Vogel Pollinosan tablets are a natural remedy containing seven tropical herbs that work on all the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis. For best results, it can be taken a month before your symptoms usually start.
