Hay Fever Natural Remedies - Exposed!

Hay fever natural remedies become popular every spring through fall...and with good reason. Over 20 million people in the United States suffers from hay fever / seasonal allergies! However, not everyone who experiences allergies wants to take a manufactured chemical pill to treat the runny nose and burning eyes. Some people prefer natural treatments because they are more holistic, while others take them for practical reasons such as financial reasons, limited access to prescription grade medications...etc. So what are some natural remedies for hay fever that work? Well, there are a few detailed here, as well as some of the potential dangers from using them:

Hay Fever Natural Remedies Work

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These types of good fats show up primarily in fish, however many people successfully supplement their intake of these fatty acids by taking capsules. Research has been conducted on their effect, and it seems they reduce inflammation by reducing inflammation causing chemicals in the body, such as inflammatory cytokines. Much like cartenoids, there is no direct evidence that taking omega 3's will reduce allergy symptoms, however, a German study found that out of 568 people, those with a high level of omega 3's in their blood experienced less allergies and reduced hay fever symptoms. Dosage: If possible, get your omega 3's from natural sources. 1 - 3 tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day will work, as will eating an ounce of walnuts (about 7 whole walnuts) a day. Also, soybeans, salmon, halibut, shrimp, and may other fish are great natural sources of omgea 3 fatty acids. Otherwise, you can supplement by taking a fish oil capsule containing 1.0 - 1.2 grams of DHA and EPA each day.

Side Effects: none from natural sources. If taking a fish oil supplement, there are possible mild side effects including indigestion and even a taste of fish in the mouth. Do NOT take fish oil if taking any blood thinners, as it can increase the thinning activity in the blood.

Acupuncture:

In eastern medicine, acupuncture has commonly been used to treat allergies. In fact, several studies have been conducted to determine just how effective acupuncture is at treating allergies and allergy symptoms... but the results so far are very inconclusive.

One study had two groups of participants...one group drank a tea for allergies and had acupuncture done, the other group drank a normal herbal tea and had faux acupuncture done. At the end of the study, the group that had the real thing and the allergy tea scored much higher on a global assessment review and a questionairre on the quality of life. However, symptoms remained the same for both groups.

In another study, 72 kids with seasonal allergies received either real acupuncture or fake acupuncture twice a week for 8 weeks. The children receiving the real thing had more symptom-free days...but none of the evidence was overwhelming proof that acupuncture works for allergies.

Food Allergies / Food Sensitivities:

Although you may not know it, it is possible to have an increase of hayfever allergy symptoms by eating certain foods. Although it is not an acute allergic reaction like most food allergies, it is a food sensitivity that can stimulate seasonal allergy symptoms. Some of the foods that people are commonly sensitive to include:

• Dairy products with lactose in them - it can cause excessive nasal mucus
• Foods that can trigger a mild allergy if allergic to grass:
  • Tomatos
  • Wheat (and all forms of gluten)
  • apples
  • celery
  • peaches
  • carrots
• Some people have a food sensitivity to protiens like eggs and pork
• Ragweed allergies can be triggered by:
  • Cucumbers
• Melons

These foods can be tested by a nutritionist or doctor using an elimination/reintroduction diet. First, cut all these foods out for at least a week, then slowly add them back into your diet, one per week. This will help you narrow down exactly what is causing the hayfever symptoms. Do this under the guidance of a doctor or nutrition professional.