Do you dread the hayfever season?
Do you suffer with allergic reactions or have other allergy-linked problems such as eczema, asthma, dermatitis, itchy eyes, chronic nasal congestion or catarrh?
These symptoms are miserable, but the good news is there are a number of substances that can reduce your allergic potential which you can either eat or supplement. What’s more, it’s also possible to reduce your allergic potential so you’re less likely to have these symptoms in the first place, reduce their severity if you do have them and can also help when you have an ‘attack’.
Curcumin.
Curcumin is the natural anti-inflammatory agent found in the spice Turmeric. A placebo controlled trial gave 241 patients who suffered fromn allergic rhinitis either placebo or curcumin for 2 months. "Curcumin alleviated nasal symptoms (sneezing and rhinorrhea) and nasal congestion through reduction of nasal airflow resistance." said the researchers. Also, measures of inflammatory markers (TNFalpha and IL4,6 and 10) reduced significantly. The problem with curcumin is its not very absorb-able into the bloodstream so its best to choose supplements that have a proven high bio-availability.
Probiotics
All that sniffling and snuffling, itchy eyes and blocked nose symptoms is medically called 'rhinoconjunctivitis'. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition gave 173 sufferers, during hayfever season, either 2 capsules of probiotics providing 3 billion units of bacteria or identical placebos in this randomised controlled placebo trial. At the end of 8 weeks those taking the probiotics had improved (less symptoms) by 68%, compared to the placebo group who reported 19% improvement. So, those on probiotics had improved by 49% compared to placebo.
So, consider taking a probiotic supplement during hay-fever season. This study used a combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
Omega 3
Research shows that Omega 3 helps reduce inflammation; the most common symptom of hay fever. Omega 3 contains Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) It’s this unique combination of fatty acids which all work together to help reduce that nasty inflammation of the sinuses, which is caused when the body tries to fight off the allergens.
