Food Precautionary Measures Hay Fever

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on June 2, 2010

What Is Hay Fever? Hay fever is a type of allergic reaction that occurs due to the presence of pollen in the air. It gets its name from the season when hay is usually harvested. During this season, pollen tends to be spread by plants as a part of their reproductive activity. Pollen spreads on the breeze or through animal skins and is transferred to new grounds for plants to grow in. Hay fever varies greatly in its symptoms and causes because of geographical conditions. Different types of pollen exist in different parts of the world, or even the country, based on the geography and the type of plant life.

Symptoms and Causes of Hay Fever: Hay fever causes symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, teary eyes, ear aches and blocked sinuses, itching of the skin around the face and the nose and a general sense of irritation which may lead to lack of sleep due to continuous nose irritation while attempting to sleep. Hay fever can be caused throughout the year and is not restricted to the period where pollen is most active. However, during this period, the dry winds tend to carry pollen further and in larger quantities which can cause the allergic reaction that is hay fever.

Hay Fever Diet: An important thing to note with hay fever is that not everybody in the same environment will develop the allergic reaction. This is because some people have bodies that are less prone to allergies while others are more likely to develop allergies immediately. You can improve your allergy resistance by changing your diet around.

Some foods are recommended for people who suffer from hay fever. These include brightly colored vegetables. These vegetables contain carotene and vitamin c and are linked to a reduction in histamine production.

Histamines are produced as a result of the allergen being present and are responsible for the allergic reaction. Omega fatty acids are linked with improved overall health. Fish are rich in such oils and these oils have an anti inflammatory effect. Onions and garlic are known to stimulate white blood cell production. White blood cells help to fight off an infection and can help reduce the symptoms of an allergy by dealing with the allergen itself. They are also anti inflammatory and help reduce symptoms of any allergy. You can also avoid foods that might cause allergic reactions in you. Dairy and citrus fruits may cause allergies. Saturated fats in foods should be strictly avoided.