Over the Pollen?

Exploring the deeper side of hayfever

The coming of spring also heralds the start of hayfever season, so I have been turning my thoughts to helping clients to overcome the runny nose, itching eyes, stuffiness and fatigue that comes with seasonal allergies. While we can find natural ways to quell symptoms, we can also provide additional support for underlying factors affecting hayfever. 

Allergies occur when we have an exaggerated immune response to common antigens such as pollen, dust mites or mould spores.  In sensitised people, the antigens will trigger immune cells to release histamine and other inflammatory mediators that result in the symptoms of seasonal allergies. 

But what is underlying these symptoms to cause such an exaggerated response?

An excess of histamine can be attributed to hayfever symptoms (hence the actions of ANTI- histamines).  We may already have more histamine circulating due to reduced breakdown caused by genetic variations, stress, inflammation or poor integrity of the gut, or deficiencies in vitamins B6, C, or copper.  Furthermore, our histamine ‘cup’ can be filled by high histamine foods, meaning that further influence of seasonal allergens can simply tip the balance of histamine.  High histamine foods include processed meats, bananas, avocado, alcohol, chocolate and more.   On the other hand, foods that are high in quercetin, such as onions and apples can help stabilise histamine release.  While the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 rich foods such as walnuts and fatty fish can also support a healthy immune response.  As nettle is a natural antihistamine, nettle tea is a good addition to daily habits to help manage allergies. During the warmer months, you can make up a large batch of nettle tea, chill in glass bottles and drink cold from the fridge.

Traditional antihistamines act by stopping the release of fluids as a response to histamine, by blocking the histamine receptor.  First generation anti-histamines have effects in the brain and can lead to drowsiness, but have also been linked to increased risk of developing dementia from long-term use.  To avoid resorting to traditional antihistamines, homeopathic combination formulas are popular for quick symptomatic relief.

For long-term reduction in allergen sensitivity, as always, we go back to the gut first and foremost.  This is a hub for our immune system responsiveness, and by maintaining integrity we lessen inflammation and aggravation by foods, pathogens and toxins moving from the gut to cause systemic issues.  The balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut can also improve immune function. Implementing stress management techniques can also assist the health of the gut, while supporting a healthy immune response and histamine breakdown. 

As you can see from the image above, oestrogens play an important role in the picture of histamine balance, as histamine stimulates oestrogen production, which then triggers more histamine release and reduced histamine breakdown.  While this is relevant to women, especially those with oestrogen dominance or fluctuating oestrogen levels, external sources of oestrogens should also be considered for both men and women.  Phytoestrogen sources can create this same feedback loop if eaten in excess - these include soy products, beer, linseed and legumes.  Exposure to xenoestrogens found in plastics, cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides and herbicides can also create a feedback loop to raise histamine levels in the body.  As the liver is responsible for metabolising and clearing histamine and oestrogens, support for the liver through herbal tonics or nutrients needed for detoxification are also valuable. 

If you would like further assistance getting to the bottom of your seasonal allergies, and looking beyond the pollen symptoms, you can make a naturopathic appointment to assist with diet, lifestyle and supplement advice. Neuro integration may also be beneficial, as we can assess and correct aspects of the immune system, gut function, histamine levels and hormonal conflict. You will find our online bookings at the bottom of this page.