All about the eyes
This month I will focus on Hayfever, look at some of the best tips from a natural to a medication perspective. Lots of you are suffering at the moment so I hope it helps.
Hay fever is very common. It affects about 2 in 10 people in the UK. It often first develops in school-age children and during the teenage years. Symptoms return for a season each year. But, the condition eventually goes away or improves in many cases.
Hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen. Common hay fever symptoms are a runny, itchy and/or blocked nose, sneezing and itchy eyes.
Hay fever tends to run in families. You are also more likely to develop hay fever if you already have asthma or eczema. Equally, if you have hay fever, you are more likely to develop eczema or asthma.
Common symptoms
( Please out these in a box)
Sneezing and a blocked, itchy, irritated or runny nose
itchy or watery eyes
Lethargy and feeling unwell
Medications that can help
( please put this in one co.um then the natural things that can help so people can compare)
Nasal sprays
Steroid-based nasal sprays – One of the most popular forms of nasal spray, these can help to ease congestion by reducing inflammation caused by the irritation of hayfever. However, they need to be taken regularly to work
Antihistamines – These can be less effective at unblocking your nose because they only work against histamine, not against inflammation, but they will help to reduce sneezing or a runny nose
Decongestants – Can work well in the short-term by reducing swelling in the lining of your nose and preventing mucus production, but regular use can make a blocked nose worse
: Hayfever eye drops will help with itchy, sticky watery eyes
Antihistamine tablets daily
you do suffer from a more serious hayfever allergy, you may want to speak to your GP about specialist immunotherapy treatments such as phleum pratense (Grazax).
Natural remedies thought to be useful for hay fever sufferers
1 purple berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and elderberries, for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Try making a refreshing fruit smoothie with frozen berries in the am
2 Drink peppermint tea. Peppermint contains a substance called rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that blocks production of allergy-producing leukotrienes.
3 Ensure you’re getting plenty of immune-boosting nutrients. Vitamin B6 and zinc play an important role in balancing histamine levels and supporting the immune system.
Increased sunlight in the summer results in higher levels of pollution in urban areas, causing the immune system to react. A good all-round antioxidant supplement can increase your resistance. Try one that includes vitamins A, C and E, selenium and zinc.
4 For stubborn symptoms, the amino acid methionine, in combination with calcium, can act as an effective anti-histamine. Try taking 500mg l-methionine and 400g calcium twice daily.
5 Omega-3 oils are one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory nutrients. Include oily fish in your diet at least twice weekly, and supplement with a good quality fish oil or flaxseed oil.-
If you’re feeling lethargic or unwell, some practical steps may help
Keep doors and windows closed when forecasters warn that high pollen counts are expected
