With the unseasonably warm spring and high winds we’re experiencing in Canberra, we are seeing an early onset of misery for hay fever sufferers. Let’s look at hay fever from a holistic perspective to understand why the body reacts this way and what we can do about it.
Why do you get hay fever?
If your hay fever is seasonal, it is caused by your immune system’s over-enthusiastic response to what are normally benign substances like pollens, grasses and flowers. In spring, prolific quantities of these minute particles float through the air and into the delicate mucous membranes of your sinuses where they meet the defences of your immune system.
One of the basic defences of your immune system is to flush out offending substances with tears and mucous, the bigger the immune reaction, the more copious the streaming eyes and mucous discharge and sneezing.
Other non-seasonal causes of irritation include dust mites and pet fur.
Why doesn’t everyone react the same way?
If you don’t get hay fever it means your immune system is not overreacting to environmental triggers…good for you! Getting hay fever can be a clue that your body is out of balance.
How do you switch off the hay fever response?
Many people choose to avoid the symptoms of hay fever with drugs that work by suppressing the immune system response, drying up secretions and masking pain signals.
However, for a more holistic solution that doesn’t just mask the symptoms you need to do two simple things:
De-stress: Stress levels can be the difference between your immune system reacting serenely or overreacting to triggers in the environment. Hay fever is usually a good indicator that your stress levels are too high, and your nervous system needs some support.
Sometimes there are simple tweaks we can make to get on top of stress like leaving work on time, getting to a regular Yoga or gym class, learning to meditate, or taking up a hobby. However, sometimes high stress levels are more intractable and along with implementing some self-help strategies, it’s best to get some professional help.
Detox: The other area of your body calling out for support when you have hay fever is your liver. Hay fever essentially alerts you that your liver is overburdened. Coming in spring, as hay fever often does, it can be a timely reminder to do a bit of a detox.
Simple ways to support your liver include reducing or cutting out alcohol, processed foods and dairy. As well as adding more whole foods including lots of veggies, green salads, whole grains and legumes.
If you holistically address hay fever, the chances are you’ll beat the symptoms and feel more energised, sleep better and can enjoy this beautiful time of the year.
Editor’s note: This wellbeing column provides information that is general in nature. Please always refer to your preferred health professional for advice suited to your personal healthcare requirements.
