Spring is a time of blooming buds and lush, thriving grass.
But with the blossoming flowers and warmer winds comes an increase in seasonal allergies.
Allergies are an overactive immune response to a normally harmless substances such as pollen or certain foods. This is your body’s immune response to the perceived threat (allergen).
This can result in:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Congested sinuses
Watery/itchy eyes
Common allergens include:
Pollen
Dust
Grass
Mould
Animal hair
Insect stings
Air pollutants
Hay fever
Allergic rhinitis or commonly known as hay fever affects 1 in 5 Australians. It occurs when an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by a susceptible individua triggering the production of the allergic antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE). This then causes the release of histamine, resulting in itching, swelling and mucus production.
Symptoms vary from individuals:
Sinus and nasal congestion
Hives and digestive disturbances
Headaches and fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Histamine intolerance is not a sensitivity to histamine, but an indication that there are excessive histamine levels.
Histamine is usually eliminated from the boxy by two enzymes, diamine oxidase (DAO) and histamine n-methyltransferase (HNMT).
The function of these two essential enzymes can be impaired by many factors, including gastrointestinal issues, hormones and genetic predisposition.
Antihistamine Diet
Some foods can either be high in naturally occurring histamine or block the DAO enzyme.
If you suspect high histamine try reducing histamine-rich foods.
Histamine is often produced by ageing and fermentation. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid leftovers, especially meat.
Other foods to avoid include:
Fish (Mackerel, Herring, Sardines, Tuna)
Meats (Sausage, salami, ham)
Aged cheeses
Vegetables (sauerkraut, spinach, eggplant)
Alcohol (wine both red and white, beer, champagne)
Natural solutions for allergic rhinitis.
Gut health and Histamine Intolerance
Histamine intolerance has been shown to play a significant role in gastrointestinal disorders. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea.
It's important to support gut health through improving gut barrier integrity, reducing inflammation and restoring a healthy microbiome.
Supplements
Quercetin
Is one of my favourite supplements for allergies and in particular hay fever.
Quercetin, a bioflavonoid has been shown to exert significant anti-allergy effects by preventing the release of histamine.
Vitamin C boosts immunity and is a natural antihistamine.
Bromelain is a compound found in pineapples, as well as supplements. It has anti inflammatory properties, especially for the sinuses.
Probiotics - a good multi-strain probiotic has been shown to modulate the immune response to harmful antigens and down regulate hypersensitivity reactions (2).
Please get in contact if you would like personalized help with allergy relief.
Jules x
References
(1) Hechtman, L. (2011). Clinical naturopathic medicine. Sydney, Australia: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier Australia.
(2) Isolauri, E., Sütas, Y., Kankaanpää, P., Arvilommi, H., & Salminen, S. (2001). Probiotics: effects on immunity. The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 73(2), 444s-450s. Retrieved from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/73/2/444s.full
(3) Speirs, A. (2016). Lunchtime Webinar: Spring is in the air. Brauer Professional.
Casuarina Holistic Health is conventionality located at Casuarina, on the Tweed Coast. Consultations are available in clinic or online. Please get in contact if you'd like to work one on one with me.
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