The 8 foods that can relieve hay fever symptoms – as pollen levels soar this weekend
HAY FEVER season is well under way - and for the 13 million sufferers in the UK, it can be a miserable time.
From antihistamines to nasal spray and showering several times a day, most with pollen allergies have tried it all.
But experts say that it's possible to combat symptoms simply by choosing to eat certain foods.
Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of , said: "Some foods are believed to ease blocked nasal passages, helping you to breathe more easily.
"Other foods have immune boosting nutrients that may help your body fight sinus and respiratory infections, which are linked to allergies and hay fever."
With pollen levels set to soar to 'very high' in England this weekend, it might be worth looking at ways to switch up your diet now.
Here, Max talks us through some of the foods that can relieve hay fever symptoms - and the ones to avoid...
1. Nuts
They can be pretty addictive so it's a good thing that eating more nuts could be beneficial to hay fever sufferers.
Max says: "Eating foods rich in antioxidants is believed to be helpful. For example, nuts are a great source of magnesium and vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the body from damaging free radicals.
"These can cause oxidative tissue damage, triggering inflammation that contributes to problems like allergies and asthma.”
2. Red onions
Whether you like them chopped up in a salad or on top of a burger, turns out red onions are more than just a crunch addition to your dinner.
They're rich in a chemical that can actually ward off a blocked nose and itchy eyes.
“Eating foods rich in quercetin, a natural anti-histamine, such as capers, red onions and apples, can be helpful," according to Max.
"Also, if you eat pineapple which contains bromelain, that helps the body absorb the quercetin.”
3. Whole grains
Some of us may fear brown food, but let's face it, it's much better for us than its white counterpart.
Not only is it packed full of immunity boosting vitamins but you might even notice a difference with your weight too as they're usually lower in fat.
Max says: “Legumes, whole grains and tofu are high in zinc, which has an antibacterial and antiviral effect in the body and fosters immunity.
"Examples of legumes are lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans, soybeans, and peanuts, and whole grains include brown rice, oatmeal, barley, buckwheat, bulgur wheat and millet.”
4. Spicy foods
Good news, Vindaloo lovers - a super hot curry may help to blow those symptoms away.
Capsicin, the stuff that gives chilies their heat, is known to help open up the nasal passages and relieve that bunged up feeling.
But just make sure you've got a box of tissues to hand.
“Spicy foods and horseradish can have natural decongestant effects," Max says.
"Use with caution though, as they may also irritate the throat, resulting in excess mucous and cough.”
5. Seasoning
Instead of pouring a load of salt and pepper on your chips, why not go fancy and add rosemary.
Not only will it look like something you might order in a posh burger bar, but the seasoning could actually help with hay fever symptoms.
“Season your food with rosemary as it opens up the respiratory system, helping to reduce inflammation and encourages better breathing," according to Max.
6. Herbal tea
Okay, so we know tea doesn't count as a food but what you drink is definitely a part of your diet.
So, if you wake up each morning totally bunged up and reach for a coffee then you might want to reconsider.
Max says: “Drinking hot tea with lemon and honey first thing in the morning activates movement of the hairs in the nose, which some people believe will prevent early morning sneezing with allergies or hay fever.
“Drinking camomile tea can help as it has anti-inflammatory properties and contains azulene, a natural antihistamine.”
“Nettle tea can also be beneficial.
"Stinging nettles are thought to be able to reduce the amount of histamine in the body and can help with unwanted symptoms such as a stuffy nose, itching eyes and sneezing.”
He added: “Peppermint tea may help to ease a blocked nose.”
7. Mushrooms
Whether it's chucking more in your next risotto or asking for extra on tonight's pizza takeaway, consider the benefits of the humble mushroom.
“Mushrooms contain higher levels of polysaccharides, which encourage the body to switch off the part of the immune system that reacts to antibodies and cause those unwanted hay fever symptoms," Max says.
"Reishi mushrooms, if you can get hold of them, contain high levels of polysaccharides.”
8. Garlic
It's another simple one to increase in your diet - as long as you don't mind having a stinky breath.
Max says: "Fresh, raw garlic contains quercetin, a natural antihistamine.
"It’s also anti-catarrhal and contains vitamin C.”
And the ones to avoid...
Some foods can actually make hay fever symptoms a lot worse... and it's bad news if you're a chocoholic.
Max says: “Chocolate and alcohol contain histamine, the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in your body.
"So whilst you might not want to give these up completely, reducing your intake might help.”
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He added: “Avoid dairy drinks which may encourage the body to produce mucus.
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"Excess mucus is exactly what you don’t need if you suffer from hay fever.
"Instead, drink water, fruit tea, herb tea or any non-caffeinated tea.”