The evenings are always easier

– break tree leaves – the promise of summer is in the air

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Most of us are eagerly awaiting the arrival of warm weather, but for some unfortunate season brings misery in the form of hay fever and seasonal allergic rhinitis, often caused by pollen from trees and grass.

The proteins in pollen irritate the sensitive membranes of the nose and eyes, causing inflammation. Symptoms include red, itchy, watery eyes and runny or stuffy nose.

Not all people suffer from hay fever even react to pollen, so the timing of symptoms is observed. Tree pollen is usually present from February to May in the rush hours in April. Grass pollen are widespread in June and July, and pollen of weeds (eg nettles) will be worse in July and August, hay fever, which begins in late summer and the fall can be an allergy to mold. It is possible to identify allergy tests on pollen from plants that are sensitive to who you have -. Ask your doctor or therapist nutrition

So what can done to relieve the symptoms? be warned, as always is better than cure: a few simple preparations now, the severity of attacks later in the season

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If you’re lucky, you can buy locally produced honey, take one teaspoon daily. It was suggested that should the use of small molecules to the local pollen in honey contribute to resistance to pollen when they appear in full force later in the season.

Among the various natural remedies Butterbur is a plant, the scientific studies that has experienced a significant health benefits in relieving hay fever.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been shown that blood vessels and various smooth muscles to relax the body. It contains chemicals that are known to reduce inflammation, as demonstrated in human studies. Some studies have also shown that butterbur and a common antihistamine taken by people suffering from hay fever conducted extract, but without causing drowsiness.

Bioflavanoids are plant compounds that showed anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory. With Vitamin C supplements prevent the formation of histamine – the chemical reactions, the common streaming, itchy eyes and runny nose caused. Foods rich in bioflavonoid quercetin onions, garlic, green tea, red wine and dark chocolate (70% + cocoa). Vitamin C in broccoli, peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis found, cabbage and cauliflower.

Plant sterols (phytosterols) are fats naturally in plant foods. Phytosterols are very versatile substance that has been shown to be useful in the management of multiple conditions are immune disorders. Phytosterols inhibit the release of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances), whereby the production of histamine and its symptoms such as itchy eyes and sneezing. Plant sterols are in all plant foods with soy beans and all, especially whole grain oats, with a rich source available.

Omega 3 fatty acids in flaxseed and cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel, can influence the chemical pathways in the body to relieve symptoms of allergies and inflammation reduced.

Vitamin E during the pollen season in addition to anti-allergic other was taken showed that the severity of the symptoms of hay fever to reduce by 23%. Good food sources of vitamin E are wheat germ oil and cold-pressed sunflower oil, hazelnuts, sweet potatoes, avocado and spinach.

A strong immune system is important to help combat allergic symptoms. Zinc, vitamins A, C, D, E and selenium are antioxidants supplements, immune system function can help.

Vitamin A is found in the liver of calves, egg yolk, watercress, squash, and fatty fish such as mackerel and herring. Similarly, among the most important sources of vitamin D mackerel, herring, sardines and eggs and cheddar cheese.

Zinc can be extracted from pumpkin seeds, bread and red meat. to Brazil nuts only four fifty-six can eat per day provide your recommended intake of selenium, but other sources include fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, whole grain bread and cashew nuts.

There are other measures to avoid the worst effects of the pollen:

• A thin layer of Vaseline to intercept the nostrils and can prevent particles from pollen minute and that they breathed and the beginning of an allergic reaction.

• Steam inhalations help the “stuffy” feeling.

• Most national weather forecasts now take a pollen account for information and to keep windows and doors closed to minimize the chances of the invading pollen your house!

If you are taking medications, always check with your doctor or health care professional before taking any herbal supplements or vitamins.


Hay fever