10 to 30% of all adults in North America
Hay fever is a seasonal allergy characterized by sneezing, tearing eyes, and itchiness triggered by
the inhalation of pollen or, less commonly, molds Medically known as seasonal or allergic rhinitis,
the term hay fever is a misnomer Although symptoms may occur during the haying season, hay itself
is not the culprit nor is there a fever
Although foods aren’t ordinarily associated with hay fever, people with certain types of seasonal
Allergies may experience symptoms after eating particular foods For example, plants in the sunflower
family have antigens that cross-react with members of the ragweed family Thus, a person whose hay
fever symptoms are triggered by ragweed may react to eating any herbs and vegetables in the
sunflower family
Similarly, people sensitive to mold spores may have an issue eating foods and beverages that
harbor molds
Nutrition Connection
There is no special diet to alleviate hay fever symptoms, aside from avoiding foods that may trigger
flare-ups
Avoid foods in the sunflower plant family If ragweed triggers hay fever flare-ups for you, avoid
foods in this family They include artichokes, chamomile tea, chicory, dandelions, endives, escarole,
Jerusalem artichokes, salsify, safflower (found in vegetable oils and margarines), sunflower seeds
and oil, tansy (used in some herbal medicines and folk remedies), and tarragon
Avoid fermented foods if you’re allergic to mold These include alcoholic beverages, especially
beer, wine, and other drinks made by fermentation; breads made with lots of yeast or the sourdough
varieties; cheeses, especially blue cheese; dried fruits, including raisins and others that are allowed
to dry outdoors; mushrooms of all kinds; processed meats and fish, including hot dogs, sausages, and
smoked fish; sauerkraut and other fermented or pickled foods, including soy sauce; and vinegar and
vinegary products, such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickles
Watch out for honey Contaminants or pollens in some foods can also trigger the onset of hay
fever symptoms This is especially true of honey, which may harbor bits of pollen, and bee pollen
capsules, a food supplement and natural remedy
Eat more omega-3s Some reports suggest that eating fatty fish and other foods that are high in
omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, herring, and flaxseeds
Beyond the Diet
Take over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications Drugs such as Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec
can provide considerable relief from mild to moderate hay fever symptoms
Try a nasal rinse Rinsing your nasal passageways with a water and salt solution helps to relieve
nasal congestion and keep the pathway clear by flushing out mucus and allergens from your nose and
sinuses A neti pot or a squeeze bottle can be found at your local drugstore
40% of all children in the United States suffer from hay fever
Talk to your doctor For severe hay fever flare-ups, a doctor may prescribe nasal or oral
corticosteroids, or leukotriene modifiers that block immune system chemicals that cause allergy
symptoms