Hay-Band's top tips for hay fever relief
The hay fever and allergy prevention experts at Hay-Band have shared some tips on surviving this year's hay fever season which is well and truly upon us.
It is estimated that 1 million people in Ireland are affected by hay fever, with grass pollen by far the biggest trigger, causing cells to release histamine and other chemicals. For those affected, this can result in a runny, itchy nose, blocked sinuses, sneezing, redness and watering of the eyes, and a sore, itchy throat.
Preventing the symptoms associated with pollen allergies means that we can enjoy sitting in the garden or exercising outdoors in line with government guidelines. The Hay-Band team suggest the following:
- Keep your body as free from toxins as possible by eating wholefoods and avoiding junk
- Keep your caffeine and alcohol intake low and avoid nicotine
- Drinking plenty of water and keeping your bowel moving daily will help to reduce the toxic load on your system
- Many people with hay fever are also likely to have sensitivity to certain foods, including dairy. Dairy foods are mucous-forming which can make hay fever symptoms worse. Try to keep dairy produce to a minimum or seek out dairy-free alternatives such as rice or oat milk.
- Check prevailing winds and pollen counts and remember that wind dried clothes can become pollen catchers. Hanging clothes inside will keep them pollen free.
- Many people believe that local honey has an anti-histamine effect. Although it's not a solution that works for everyone, the pollen that is naturally present in the honey is thought to have a desensitizing effect.
- And don't be an early bird! Getting up early can make your symptoms worse as pollen counts tend to peak between 5am and 10am.
Hay-Band also offer a solution, which applies pressure to the acupressure point on either arm, called the LI-11 point (at the crease of the elbow). The principles of ancient Chinese acupressure have been used for centuries to help treat the symptoms of allergy, including hay fever, applying pressure to the L1-11 point can help unblock energy pathways to the nose and throat.
