SUMMER is almost here, meaning the annual onslaught of dreaded hayfever symptoms is back with a vengeance and causing misery for the whopping 13 million Brits susceptible to the seasonal condition.
Common symptoms of hay fever, which are activated when the immune system reacts to the pollen allergen, include watery, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat and a runny, stuffy nose.
On the surface, hay fever symptoms can easily be mistaken for a cold.
But while a cold only lasts a few days, a pollen allergy can cause irritation for months.
When a person inhales allergens – in this case pollen – the body responds by releasing a natural chemical called histamine, which causes an allergic reaction.
Antihistamines (which work by blocking the immune system’s response to the chemical histamine) are the most popular over-the-counter solution to control symptoms.
But they don’t work for everyone, at least not enough, so why not try a natural approach, or in addition to your medications?
The secret to uncovering the cause of hay fever symptoms could actually lie in everyday ingredients lurking in your kitchen.
Quercetin is an antioxidant found in many common foods and has been shown in some studies to help relieve allergies.
It is thought to block enzymes that contribute to inflammation, such as histamine.
A study of 66 people in Japan found that those given 200 mg of quercetin daily for four weeks had reduced allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose, compared to people given a placebo drug.
No larger studies have been conducted, but the “secret wonder” that is quercetin is worth a try if you’re at your wits’ end with your symptoms. Here you can find it.
1. Dark chocolate
It may sound too good to be true, but chocolate is rich in quercetin, so it can help calm an over-reactive immune system.
The only catch? Your daily Kit Kat won’t cut the mustard, because there’s less cocoa and more sugar.
Chloe Thomas, a nutrition coach, says: “You can indulge in a few pieces of dark chocolate (ideally with a cocoa content of 70 percent or more) to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting some hayfever-fighting quercetin. ”
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea can help you close your eyes; that’s what it’s best known for.
But the relaxing brew can also help stop the sneezing fits caused by hay fever thanks to the quercetin found in the chamomile flower.
For extra va va voom, add a spoonful of propolis, available in health food stores.
This sticky substance, made by honey bees when building their hives, helps stop the release of histamine by immune cells.
Allow your cuppa to cool slightly before stirring in the propolis, as it can lose its natural strength if added directly to boiling water.
3. Herbs
If you’re prone to a pollen reaction, herbs are nature’s secret weapon to help eliminate uncomfortable symptoms.
Chloe says: “Sprinkle herbs such as parsley, dill, coriander, thyme and sage throughout your dishes to enhance the flavor and increase your quercetin intake.”
Get some herb seeds from your local garden center or use stem cuttings to grow your own hay fever-fighting plants on a sunny windowsill to use as a meal garnish.
4. Apples
The humble apple is known to keep the doctor away, and it also helps prevent uncomfortable symptoms of pollen season.
Chloe says: “Using quercetin-rich apples will help reduce symptoms, but make sure you leave the skin on.”
The medicinal power of apples lies in the peel, as research shows that the peel actually contains more antioxidants than the flesh.
5. Tomatoes
Quercetin is commonly found in colorful foods and tomatoes are one of the best sources.
But the next time you’re browsing the aisles of the grocery store, opt for cherry tomatoes over other varieties, as the bite-sized salad staple is known for higher quercetin content compared to other tomato varieties.
Chloe says: “To maintain the quercetin content in tomatoes, eat them raw or choose cooking methods that retain nutrients, such as steaming, sautéing or eating raw where possible.”
6. Onion
Onion is not only a basic ingredient for Spag Bol; it’s packed with quercetin – and red onions give you more quercetin bang for your buck.
To keep more of the antioxidant content intact, try to peel off as little of the outer layers as possible, as this is where most of the quercetin is found.
Chloe says: “You can add onion to stir-fries with mixed vegetables or to a Greek salad for a quick quercetin kick.”
7. Bell pepper
Peppers add color to your plate, and guess what? These members of the nightshade family will help you allergy-proof during sniffing season.
Chloe says: “Quercetin is thought to work synergistically with vitamin C, so combine quercetin foods with vitamin C foods to maximize the effects.”
This means eating peppers with vitamin C-rich broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
First aid kit for hay fever
Analyze your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you…
Antihistamines
Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful.
Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but it also causes an allergic reaction in people with hay fever. These are the watery eyes, stuffy nose, rashes and so on.
Max Wiseberg, airborne allergen expert and maker of HayMax, says many antihistamines are available by prescription, such as Telfast, which you can consult your GP or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy.
Telfast and other prescription-only antihistamines work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms.
“Get your prescription before the season so you get your medication in time so you can start taking it at the right time,” he says.
“Some are best taken at least a month before the hay fever season starts.”
Nasal sprays
A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness.
Pharmacists can also advise you on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant) and eye drops.
Nasal sprays can also help with other hay fever symptoms “because the medication is aimed directly at the nose, where the vast majority of allergens enter the body,” says Max.
Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: “Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, has antibacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist.
“If symptoms are more severe, try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – also called a steroid nasal spray – which may take a few days to work.
“Start with one that contains beclomethasone, used twice a day, morning and evening.”
Rita also recommends cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before using a steroid spray. She says: “It removes sticky mucus from the nasal cavity, improving the effectiveness of the medicine.”
Eye drops
If itchy eyes are your main concern, Rita says, “Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops.
“These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation.
“They need to be used four times a day to keep levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective.
‘Continue taking them even if symptoms improve.
“Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes can also help with dry eyes during the summer months.”