How your diet can relieve hayfever, asthma and eczema
Suffering from hayfever now that summer’s on its way? Maybe you have asthma or eczema? If you suffer from allergies what you eat could help relieve your symptoms.
Allergies affect around one in three people in the UK, a figure that is increasing by five per cent each year, according to Allergy UK (The British Allergy Foundation). They occur when the body’s immune system over-reacts to a substance or ‘allergen’, which could be anything from a type of food, to pollen, house dust-mites, pet hairs or even latex.
Contact with allergens causes antibodies to be released into the body, which in turn triggers inflammatory substances, including histamine, to be released. The resulting allergic reaction can be anything from sneezing or itchy skin, to breathing difficulties. However, research suggests that the food we eat could help ease the symptoms.
Beneficial bacteria
A study conducted in Finland in 2001 found that giving mothers-to-be and newborn babies live yoghurt containing probiotic bacteria halved the likelihood of their children developing eczema. This may also help prevent asthma, as eczema can be an indication of asthma risk in later life.
Sweet relief
If you're suffering from hayfever, the result of pollen exposure, you may be surprised to learn that taking a daily dose of honey could help relieve your symptoms. A teaspoonful should be taken daily, starting two months before the hayfever season begins – local honey is best. This acts in the same way as a vaccine, supplying an intensive dose of pollen collected by local bees, desensitising you to the pollen in your area that sets off an allergic reaction.
An apple a day
Eating more apples could also help. A study by London-based researchers in 2001 discovered that people who ate at least two apples a week were 22-32 per cent less likely to develop asthma, and other studies have suggested a strong link between eating apples and improved lung function. And some hayfever sufferers have suggested that apple cider vinegar is extremely effective as a cure. Devotees of this unusual therapy advise taking two tablespoons of the vinegar in 8oz of water either daily, or at the first sign of allergic reaction.
Quercetin
This is one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories. Found in abundance in red onions and garlic, as well as strawberries, spirulina and kelp, it acts as a powerful natural antihistamine, easing the effects of allergic reaction. However, it works best with bromelain, a nutrient present in pineapples.
Antioxidants
A groundbreaking study by Indian researchers in 2003 suggested that boosting the level of antioxidants in your diet could help ease the symptoms of asthma. Vitamins A, C, E and the minerals zinc and selenium all have antioxidant properties, so try to eat more apricots, carrots, avocados, green leafy vegetables, kidney beans, brown rice, turkey, chickpeas, cauliflower and broccoli.
Calcium and magnesium
Both of these minerals may also be beneficial. Calcium acts as an anti-inflammatory to combat the unpleasant affects of allergies, and is plentiful in foods such as dairy products, tofu and peas. Magnesium is also valuable as it helps relieve constricted airways associated with allergic reaction, and may also help combat stress.