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Fruit And Veg Make Hayfever 'Worse' Say Experts

The Huffington Post UK  |  By Posted: 23/04/2012 11:06 Updated: 23/04/2012 12:04

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Hay Fever

As Britain enters hay fever season, pollen from trees and plants, especially birch, is beginning to cause major problems for allergy sufferers across the country.

Yet, according to Allergy UK, certain foods can actually make hay fever symptoms 'worse'.

During National Allergy Week, the national medical charity reveal almost 40% of hay fever sufferers also react to one or more of nuts, fruit, vegetables or spices.

In a statement, the charity point out that the protein found in certain hay fever-related pollens is similar to that found in some foods, which could put hay fever sufferers at risk from another allergic condition, oral allergy syndrome.

Lindsey McManus, Allergy UK, explains: “Fifteen years ago oral allergy syndrome was considered unusual but now it is increasingly commonplace. The condition is caused by the proteins in some fruit, nuts, vegetables and spices triggering a cross-reaction in someone with hay fever. When they eat a food that shares similar proteins as the pollen, it can cause an allergic reaction, such as, an itchy mouth, swelling or tingling of lips and tongue.”

With 15 million Brits suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, the arrival of spring already signals months of misery. But a quarter of sufferers (24%) didn’t even realise that foods could also trigger a reaction.

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  • Foods That Fight Allergies

  • Beetroot: Anthocyanins

    The anthocyanin compound, found in purplish-red coloured food like beetroots, berries, red grapes and cherries, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent which help fight allergies.

  • Turmeric: Anti-Inflammatory

    Turmeric, the yellow-coloured spice commonly found in hot curries, is a great way to ward off pesky allergies. Previous research discovered turmeric has super strength antioxidant qualities which work just as well as anti-inflammatory-rich foods when fighting allergy attacks on the body.

  • Lemons: Hesperetin

    Lemons contain high levels of hesperetin, a potent phytonutrient which packs a powerful antioxidant punch when it comes to beating allergies. It's also a great anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and even lowers cholesterol as an added health boost. These are especially useful for hay fever because of its antihistamine qualities.

  • Onions: Quercetin

    Quercetin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine which helps ward off allergy symptoms like histamine-induced sinus congestion and runny eyes and noses - all common with hay fever. This is because quercetin is believed to help lung function and reduces the risk of lung infection. Add onions to every meal, along with other quercetin-rich foods like apples, parsley, citrus fruits and black tea.

  • Mango: Vitamin C

    Vitamin C is a great way to keep your immune system in greet shape so that allures have less chance of ruining good health. Mango's are a great alternative if you find oranges too bitter.

  • Garlic: Flavonoids

    These, along with quercetin, are great for providing the body with natural antihistamine which helps prevent the release of histamine which causes allergies to attack. They also boast impressive anti-inflammatory compounds. Garlic is a great way to boost your flavonoid intake as well as <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/01/19/flavonoid-rich-foods-reduce-heart-disease-diabetes_n_1216378.html" target="_hplink">these flavonoid-rich foods</a>.

  • Walnuts: Omega-3

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids are thought to reduce allergic reactions through their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are found in such foods as cold-water fish (think salmon), and walnuts.

The research from Allergy UK also revealed more allergy sufferers react to pollen than anything else. But if you seek solace indoors, the home could inadvertently trigger an allergic reaction, with house dust mite being a top three allergen.

This National Allergy Week, the charity reveals the top five allergens affecting the nation:

  1. Pollen

  2. Food

  3. House dust mite

  4. Pets

  5. Medication

Now, hear the cutest sneeze in the world ...

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As Britain enters hay fever season, pollen from trees and plants, especially birch, is beginning to cause major problems for allergy sufferers across the country. Yet, according to Allergy UK, cert...
As Britain enters hay fever season, pollen from trees and plants, especially birch, is beginning to cause major problems for allergy sufferers across the country. Yet, according to Allergy UK, cert...
 
 
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seahoorse
23 Fans
09:25 PM on 04/23/2012
So let me see if I got this right: The article claims that fruits, vegetables, nuts and certain spices might actually aggravate your allergies. The solution is to show photographs of fruits, vegetables and nuts that will help curb your allergies. O.K.
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PGU
22 Fans
07:59 PM on 04/23/2012
Far too vague, the only specific cause listed is house mites. Most of us allergic to pollen are so to the pollen of only a couple of species. Again, it will be specific foodstuffs, specific medication and specific pets. Many foods and medications will never have been found to cause an allergy in anyone. And surely fungal spores should be in the list? I also know several people allergic to wasp- or bee-stings, but none who suffer from birch-pollen.

Nor are those food reactions listed symptoms of hayfever, which affects the nose and eyes, not mouth and throat, so the foods are not making hayfever worse.
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wokingham7
8 Fans
05:17 PM on 04/23/2012
It is a shame that this research didn't get around to producing a list of what these fruit foods are but that would be too much to hope for"
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sabelmouse
i love to tumble , ask me why .
834 Fans
 
04:53 PM on 04/23/2012
makes sense.
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SirCweldrik
64 Fans
04:09 PM on 04/23/2012
Sounds like propaganda from the Butcher's, don't it?
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mebluetopaz
17 Fans
10:48 AM on 05/31/2012
hahahaha
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SirCweldrik
64 Fans
04:07 PM on 04/23/2012
Sounds like a message from the Meat trade or the Dairy next door !!!
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Ranta
I don't need no ****** badges.
355 Fans
05:25 AM on 04/24/2012
Don't forget to eat lots of sugar too. For me, a little nasal steroid during the season does the trick and has for the past 40 years. Diet is probably a minimal factor.
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medlar
14 Fans
03:12 PM on 04/23/2012
So if you eat your recommended five-a-day you'll make your hayfever worse?
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ajgupton
19 Fans
01:05 PM on 04/23/2012
So its Hay Fever or Piles...
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