Experts share ‘one of the worst foods’ for hay fever

According to Allergy UK, up to 37 percent of adults experience hay fever, 57 percent of whom report experiencing sleep problems thanks to the condition. To make matters worse, hay fever is expected to become more extreme and impact more people in the coming years, thanks to climate change.

While there’s no cure for hay fever there are a number of ways the symptoms, like sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes, can be eased.

Experts at The Organic Pharmacy said: “You may be surprised to hear just how much the food you consume can impact your reaction to hay fever. Some foods can alleviate the symptoms, and make allergy season much easier.

“But others can do more harm than good and make your reactions even worse.”

So which foods should hay fever sufferers look to avoid?

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Melon

As refreshing as this tasty fruit is, unfortunately it can cause bad reactions in some hay fever sufferers, said the experts.

“Pollen-food syndrome (otherwise known as oral allergy syndrome) is a form of hay fever that is triggered by certain types of pollen, the three main ones being birch, grass, and ragweed. Some foods (usually fruit and veg) contain protein that is similar to these types of pollen. When people with pollen-food syndrome eat them, their body mistakes these foods for the pollen, which causes a reaction. Symptoms of this form of hay fever include swollen lips, an itchy mouth, and an itchy inner ear.

“Melon is a major trigger for people with pollen-food syndrome, as it is bad for those who are sensitive to both grass and ragweed pollen. But there are many other foods that may trigger this allergy too, such as celery, bananas, and pitted fruits.”

Coffee

Unfortunately, hay fever sufferers will have to find another way to perk themselves up in the mornings, as coffee is another drink on the list that should be avoided.

The experts said: “As well as triggering the release of the hay fever sufferer’s enemy, histamine, it has been found to cause liver congestion, which makes symptoms even more severe. Swap your morning coffee for a cup of chamomile tea, as this clears the excess mucus that hay fever triggers, and keeps sinuses clear. And if you still need a pick-me-up, opt for natural energy-boosting supplements to keep you going throughout the day.”

So what should you have instead?

Although it seems like there are a lot of things to avoid as a hay fever sufferer, there are still plenty of tasty foods that aren’t just perfect for summer, but can help ease hay fever symptoms too.

The experts advised: “Anti-inflammatory foods, such as berries, fish, and broccoli, are great at keeping swelling down. Pineapple is another tasty hay-fever reliever, as it is full of enzymes that soothe inflammation. And if you end up in the dreaded situation where you run out of antihistamines, opt for onions. They contain a natural antihistamine called quercetin, which calms down the cells reacting to the allergens.”

Margo Marrone, Co-Founder of The Organic Pharmacy, said: “As much we’ve been looking forward to summer finally arriving, it’s not fun and games for everyone. Hay fever can be a serious hassle, and can sometimes make it difficult to enjoy the summer months to the fullest. Food can have a major impact on our body’s reaction to pollen. Although this can be frustrating, it can actually be beneficial too. If we know what to eat and what to avoid, it becomes a lot easier for us to manage our symptoms.

“Watching what you eat isn’t the only way to manage your reaction to hay fever. As a skincare brand, we know just how irritating pollen can be to both your skin and overall health. To prevent irritation, opt for soothing creams and moisturisers, made with natural ingredients, to calm and hydrate the skin. And make sure to try out tinctures and homeopathic remedies as well, to treat your hay fever in a natural and holistic way.”