Hayfever season is upon us folks! There’s no denying it we’re all walking around with runny red eyes, itchy noses and having sneezing fits galore!
So what can we do to beat the dreaded allergy season and attack it before it attacks us? We’ll we’ve got a few natural tricks to help you de-sniffle your nose from that nasty pollen!
Spirulina
Spirulina is a mix of blue and green algae that grows naturally in fresh water and it’s health benefits are beyond what you can imagine that it’s almost a miracle food.
It contains 60-70% more protein than most foods we consume as well as being packed with antioxidants which help fight disease. It contains a substance called ‘chlorophyll’ which has a very similar structure to haemoglobin which is found in blood. Haemoglobin transports oxygen around our body whereas chlorophyll carries oxygen around plants. When we consume a substance such as Spirulina which is very high in Chlorophyll, we increase the Oxygen around the body and that results in the blood being more clean and efficient in carrying Oxygen to where it’s needed in the body.
It contains 22 essential amino acids as well as high levels of Iron.
It’s also been found to benefit people who suffer with allergies as it acts like a natural anti-histamine which is perfect for this time of year when pollen is high!
Many allergies, including asthma, eczema and hay fever, are mediated in large part by mast cells. When an individual with a sensitized immune system is exposed to an allergen, be it pollen, dust or anything else, the allergen triggers the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to mast cells which then release histamine, a chemical that causes the typical symptoms associated with allergies (e.g. runny nose and itchy eyes in case of hay fever). In the late 1990s, a group of researchers discovered that spirulina seaweed could inhibit artificially-induced mast cell-mediated allergic reactions in rats by reducing their histamine levels. This study found that the natural anti-histamine effects of spirulina that were observed in the test animals were dose-dependent, meaning that the higher the dose used, the stronger the protective effect.
It also contains several B vitamins, Beta Carotene, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese and essential fatty acids which all add to its nutritional benefit. It’s been found to have liver protective properties which has helped people who suffer with hepatitis.
It’s generally been found to boost energy and the immune system and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body. It has also been found beneficial as an anti cancer agent.
Spirulina can be consumed as tablets or in powder or flake form. We’ve found the easiest way to consume it is by incorporating it into a green juice such as the one below;
Juice the following;
– 2 Apples
– 1 handful of Kale or Spinach
– A quarter of a cucumber
– 3 slices of pineapple
Then add;
– 1 Avocado
– 1 teaspoon Spirulina powder
– 1 teaspoon desiccated coconut
Blend well and enjoy!
Before purchasing Spirulina you must ensure it is from an uncontaminated source so be sure to ask where it is grown before you buy and that the brand is certified organic!
Bee Pollen
These highly concentrated and powerful natural granules produced by the bees collecting pollen from flower to flower have incredibly strong antihistamine power and help fight those allergies in a natural way plus all the added nutritional benefit they provide!
High in protein, antioxidants and vitamins, they are one of nature’s perfect superfoods!
They have been found useful in a wide range of respiratory diseases including asthma and chronic sinus infections.
If you think you have a sensitivity to pollen then this simple test should help identify whether or not you can take bee pollen. Place a few granules in your mouth and wait 2 minutes. If you experience no symptoms (runny nose, sneezing etc) then chew slowly and swallow. wait 24 hours and observe your body for any symptoms. If you don’t notice any symptoms then gradually increase the amount of bee pollen. It’s usually best to start with a half a teaspoon a day and gradually work your way up to 2-3 tbsp by the end of 4 weeks.
They have a sweet, powdery taste and are lovely sprinkled on to porridge or added to smoothies. They pair perfectly with any type of fruit to give a lovely flavour. The fruit fibres activate the pollen also and cleanse your gut simultaneously!
Make sure to buy a trusted brand where the label states it is mould and pesticide free and that has a variety of colours as this guarantees a range of nutrients obtained from different flowers.
If you have a history of anaphylactic shock or highly allergic to bee stings, it’s best to avoid bee pollen. If you’re pregnant, breast-feeding, or on blood thinners, please check with your doctor before consuming.
It is best to store them in the fridge also as sunlight and heat can destroy it’s nutritional value.
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