Eating more onions, apples, broccoli, grapes and tomatoes could help combat hay fever this spring, according to an expert. Forecasters have predicted a “more severe” season for tree pollen, with thousands of people already thought to be experiencing irritating symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes.
Drugs including antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops can help ease the effects, but dietary choices may also play a role. Rhysa Phommachanh, a health specialist at Landys Chemist, recommended eating anti-inflammatory foods that are rich in an antioxidant called quercetin.
It is found in many plant-based foods such as onions, kale, broccoli, bell peppers and asparagus, as well as green tea and red wine.
A 2022 study in Japan involving 66 people who were allergic to pollen found that taking a 200mg quercetin supplement daily appeared to improve their scores for symptoms including eye itching, sneezing and nasal discharge, compared to taking a placebo dose.
Ms Phommachanh said: “There is no ‘cure’ for hay fever, but there are a range of treatments available that can lessen the severity of symptoms.
“With the UK’s hay fever season starting earlier this year, it’s important to be prepared so that you can still spend time outdoors without becoming congested.
“Alongside over-the-counter solutions, hay fever sufferers can also benefit from using supplements.
“Supplements like quercetin found in fruits and vegetables, have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, and omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, may also help to reduce inflammation.”
Lab studies suggest that quercetin may ease hay fever symptoms by prevening immune cells from releasing histamines, which are chemicals that cause allergic reactions, according to advice issued by Mount Sinai Health System in the US. It may also help protect against heart disease and cancer.
Ms Phommachanh’s other top tips included using nasal rinses to flush out allergens and applying balm below the nostrils to trap pollen particles before they enter the airways.
Washing clothes after outdoor activities and keeping windows closed on high pollen days can also reduce exposure.
