Around this time of year 2 things happen.
We all start ducking at the sound of Magpies swooping
We walk around with either a tampon or tissue shoved up both nostrils to catch the constant flow of mucous from our sinus system, scratching the random itch, and ensuring every human around that yes we are fine, and no the water leaking from my eyes is not from having an emotional breakdown.
Focusing on the later, wouldn't it be incredible to wake up with confidence and trust in your body that it won't be a human tap seeping from every orifice today? Let's discuss how to reduce your symptoms of Hayfever.
Hayfever, scientifically termed allergic rhinitus, is a condition that presents in symptoms much like the cold and flu, but without the virus to instigate it.
The body is usually reacting to allergens such as:
- pollen
- dust
- mold/ fungi
- pet fur
- smoke
- perfumes
Symptoms can include:
- Runny nose/ post nasal drip
- Sinus congestion
- Itchy watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Itchy skin
- Itchy throat
- Headache
When the body comes into contact with an allergen, it reacts by raising histamine levels.
Histamine is a biochemical that directly affects how both the immune system and digestive system function.
It is also a neurotransmitter that affects thought and emotion (Hello anxiety and moodiness).
Histamine production can be triggered by food intolerances, pathogens (unhelpful gut bugs), environmental allergens, poor digestion (Read: low stomach acid that contributes to bloating, reflux, diarrhoea), physical and psychological stress and a leaky gut.
Our body is capable of breaking down and eliminating histamines, however certain gene mutations, gut bugs, and lifestyle factors contribute to the overload of histamine within the body, and impact on its ability to cope with it. Essentially our diet, digestive environment and outer environment, all need to be in a particular balance in order to process the histamine before you experience a symptom. Make sense?
The tricky part comes in identifying the causation.
You could be doing everything to minimise your exposure to histamines in your environment, but the bugs in your gut are producing copious amounts of histamines, and so you still experience symptoms.
Another important factor to consider is that many histamine symptoms are also symptoms of high oxalate levels within the body. So to ensure you're on the right path to feeling well, I suggest booking in a consultation to assess the root cause of your symptoms. You can book here :)
In the meantime consuming foods that are rich in Vitamin C, Quercetin and Rutin can be helpful as they act as an anti-inflammatory and work to assist in processing histamine.
Reducing inflammatory foods like sugar, alcohol and processed foods along with those that are rich in histamines can also help ;)
Know someone who could use this information? Share the love and pass it onto them :)
Happy Day!
Jenna Poole
Clinical Nutritionist