For those of us who suffer from hay fever, the relentless sneezing and excruciatingly itchy eyes can be pretty hard to take. Especially when you want nothing more than to spend as much time outdoors while the sun's still out.
Luckily, it turns out that there are plenty of foods you could be eating to help combat the most exasperating of hay fever symptoms:
1. A spicy curry
Spicy curries are known to alleviate symptoms of hay fever. Capsaicin, the ingredient that makes curry hot in the first place, allows the nasal passages to open up which in turn helps to clear blocked noses.
Also, turmeric, a spice widely used in curries and South Asian cuisine, can reduce inflammation caused by the enzyme phospholipase A2, which is triggered into action by pollen in hay fever sufferers, the Express reports.
2. Carrots and sweet potatoes
Foods rich in Vitamin A, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, will prevent your mucous membranes from getting dry and irritated, The Sun reports.
3. Oat milk
Dairy milk and other dairy products tend to intensify allergies as they promote the formation of mucus. So switching to plant-based alternatives such as oat milk might be your best bet.
Nutritional Therapist, Marcelle Rose, says: "Dairy products like milk and cheese stimulate the body to produce more mucus, making blocked noses or ears much worse. Matured cheeses also tend to contain high levels of histamine. And sugar, which causes your body to produce more histamine, can further exacerbate your symptoms."
4. Yogurt
Yogurt contains a lot of good bacteria which nutritionists believe can lessen the impact of hay fever on your body.
5. Red grapes
Red grapes are an excellent source of quercetin, an antioxidant with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Herbal tea
If you enjoy drinking hot beverages, you'll benefit a lot more from drinking herbal tea than you will from coffee if you're a hay fever sufferer. And that's because caffeine tends to increase histamine levels, aggravating your symptoms. Peppermint tea, on the other hand, can help unblock your nasal passages and nettle tea helps relieve inflammation.
7. Fish
One recent study revealed that fatty acids found in fish - particularly in salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines - prevent your airways from narrowing which is a massive help to you when you're suffering from a blocked nose.
8. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are a great source of antioxidants and Vitamin C which can help you manage any allergy symptoms.
So there you have it! Don't suffer this summer, and say goodbye to that hellish hay fever!
