Hatsjoe! “No, no corona, I suffer from hay fever.” Sneezing was no fun, but nowadays you also have to explain that it is hay fever ;) How do you get rid of that stuffy nose, sneezing, mucus in your throat and itchy eyes? Most people use hay fever medicines and only start using them when they have symptoms. But I have read an article about a natural way to reduce hay fever symptoms. That is a win-win situation.

What is hay fever?

Everyone knows by now that hay fever is an allergic reaction caused by pollen. The pollen from trees, grasses and herbs float in the air and typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. If you are allergic to these pollen, you will probably suffer from all kinds of complaints from February to September. Only the impact of hay fever complaints is often underestimated.
Not everyone knows that they have hay fever, often the complaints are attributed to a cold. But many hay fever patients also suffer from sleep disorders, concentration problems and headaches. A serious disease that should not be taken lightly.


Where does hay fever occur?

Are you making holiday plans and do you suffer from hay fever? Then there are only two places where you will have little or no trouble with pollen: along the coast and high in the mountains. This is where the pollen concentration is the lowest. In dry areas, pollen concentrations are lower than in areas with a temperate, humid climate. A worldwide known travel organization has selected a number of destinations where you can enjoy your well-deserved holiday with little pollen ????.

  • Gran Canaria in Spain
  • Scottish Highlands in Scotland
  • Merzouga in Morocco
  • Coronet Peak in New Zealand
  • Colorado Springs in the United States
  • Whistler in Canada

What can you do against hay fever in a natural way?

If you are not able to travel to these countries, I have read a good tip on what you can do to reduce the symptoms of hay fever. I like to share it with you, so that you can go to work without too many sneezes or just enjoy the outdoors with family or friends.

Most people quickly turn to hay fever medication or a hay fever shot. But there is also a simple and natural way to reduce your hay fever symptoms. Martine Prenen is a health consultant and has written an article about how you can get started with nutrition. Below you can read part of her vision.

Derailed immune system

“Pollen is not harmful to our system and yet our defense mechanism reacts to it. This means that the immune system is 'derailed' and makes unnecessary antibodies. In other words, your immune system is out of whack and the first thing you should do is stop undermining it and start supporting it. You do that in the first place through your diet.”

What should you better leave?

“Therefore, avoid all sugar such as in candy, soda, chocolate. But also white flour products, alcohol, coffee, vinegar, cocoa, pork meat, strong cheeses, preserves, canned food, bad fats and cow's milk products, except sour dairy. And don't overdo it with pepper, salt, mustard and curry.”

Is there anything left to eat?

Certainly! “Choose plenty of water, herbal tea, grain coffee, fatty fish and quality meat (mutton, beef, preferably organic), organic vegetables (fresh or frozen) and fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Choose dark bread, preferably baked in cold-pressed olive oil, red palm oil, coconut oil. Also go for foods which are rich in omega 3, such as cold-pressed vegetable oils, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and fatty fish.”

You can also think of:

  • Pineapple
    Contains an important source of the enzyme bromelain. This substance reduces allergic reactions, swelling in the nose and respiratory infections. Delicious in a smoothie.
  • Tuna
    This oily fish is full of omega 3 fatty acids, which act as a natural anti-inflammatory.
  • Turmeric
    Curcumin contains a powerful antioxidant that also prevents the production of histamines. And thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, your body should be better able to recover from an allergic reaction.

She gives another golden tip: “Early in the year, take two to three teaspoons of pure bee honey from the previous year, collected in May or June by a beekeeper from your own region. That honey contains very small amounts of the pollen to which you may be allergic and in this way you stimulate your resistance.”

Still having complaints?

Despite all the precautions, still having complaints? Then take a (warm) shower to remove all pollen. However, avoid strongly scented shower products, as they can intensify the allergic reaction. Chamomile compresses help when your eyes feel very burning.”

If you manage to follow these advices, I hope that those sneezing fits and itchy eyes will be history for you from now on. On to a hay fever free summer. Good luck!

 

References

  • ad.nl
  • gezondheidsnet.nl
  • verkeersbureaus.info
  • quest.nl