Natural ways to combat Hay fever this spring

Eat more vitamin C

By filling your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, you can rely on a constant supply of Vitamin C, which will support your nasal lining and reduce the amount of histamine in the blood. Kiwi berries, strawberries and lemon juice are all great sources of Vitamin C. Kiwi’s contains more vitamin C, gram for gram, than oranges and also contain bioflavonoids, antioxidants that complement vitamin C’s effect in the body and are potent antihistamines.

Strawberries are also great because they contain a plant compound called Quercetin which helps in inhibit the release of histamine in the body, as well as reducing inflammation.

Eliminate stress

Stress takes out our vitamin C levels whilst also impacting on our immune system and we all know that when we are then under attack from allergens, we will be too weak to fight back. Symptoms of hay fever may then be worst or take forever to disappear so make sure you are getting 8 hours of sleep a day and anti stressing.

Eat anti inflammatory foods

As allergies are linked to inflammation, try colourful foods and fruits that naturally reduce this in your body including berries such as blueberries, blackberries and cherries. Keep eating these and you'll soon be on your way to recovery.

Reduce Dairy intake

Many people prone to allergic reactions can struggle with dairy, so it is worth trying some alternatives to cow's milk such as almond or rice milk. Dairy also increases the production of mucus in the respiratory tract and exacerbate hay fever nasal congestion.

Kick the coffee habit

If your nasal passages are runny, give anti - inflammatory green or white tea a go. A lot of caffeine can trigger histamine release which might accentuate your hay fever symptoms.