Spring is just around the corner and the first pollen is already on its way, a terrible prospect for every allergy-sufferer. Staying in the fresh air becomes a torture. Symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose or itchy and watery eyes appear, whereby each person can react with different symptoms. The number of allergy sufferers has increased dramatically in recent years. For example, even people at the age of 50 can suddenly suffer from a pollen allergy. But why can harmless pollen make life so difficult for some people and what is the best way to relieve the symptoms?
In the mild winter, alder and hazel pollen are already flying around in January or February. In March birch and later ash, oak, lilac and beech pollen are in the air. In summer the grain and grass blossoms make life difficult for allergy sufferers and in autumn there are flowering weeds and herbs. According to the AOK, birch, mugwort, alder, hazelnut and rye are responsible for about 90 percent of all pollen allergies. If you are allergic to several types of pollen, you can suffer from hay fever for half a year. More and more people suffer from pollen allergies. In Germany, according to the Robert Koch Institute, about 15 percent of adults and 10 percent of children are already affected.
Above all, food rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin C should be consumed during the pollen season.
What causes allergies?
According to Luger Klimek, head of the Centre for Allergology and Rhinology in Wiesbaden, genetic factors play a major role in allergies. If the mother or father, or even a sister or brother is already affected by an allergy, there is a 25 to 30 percent higher probability of becoming an allergy sufferer. If both parents suffer from pollen allergy, the probability of becoming an allergy increases by 60 percent.
The immune system is responsible. The immune system misinterprets certain proteins contained in pollen and considers them to be harmful pathogens. Thus, the immune system forms antibodies, called immunoglobulins E (IgE), to fight against the supposed threat. The antibodies dock to the mast cells, which are responsible for immune defence and wound healing. If contact with pollen occurs, the antibodies stimulate the mast cells to produce inflammatory substances such as histamine, which is responsible for the symptoms of pollen allergy. Histamine irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat to flush out pollen declared as enemies.
But it is not clear why the number of allergy sufferers has increased in recent years. Apart from the genetic factors, the changed living conditions can be seen as the cause. This includes the increasing hygiene, which puts a completely different strain on the immune system. In the past, humans were exposed to many more bacteria and germs. Due to the hygienic conditions today, infectious diseases like plague and cholera could be eliminated, but the immune system seems to be underchallenged by this, which leads to a harmful declaration of actually harmless foreign bodies. However, the number of virus infections has increased due to frequent travel.
It is also being discussed whether plants in the city might produce more “aggressive” pollen due to the increasing pollutants in their environment, so that they can continue to reproduce despite the more difficult conditions. Climatic changes can also be responsible for altered pollen flight. This is mainly because the flowering time and duration are influenced by global warming.
Probiotics can alleviate allergic reactions
Natural treatment methods in the case of allergies
There are, however, a few natural treatments that can help reduce the allergic reactions.
Research has shown, absurd as it may sound, that taking pollen can have positive effects and even relieve symptoms in the long term. It is a so-called hyposensitization, a pollen treatment that is best carried out during the winter months when there is no pollen flight. In this way the body is made more sensitive and later on the body no longer identifies pollen as an enemy. During the pollen treatment, ever larger quantities of the allergen are applied by tablets, drops or injections. The immune system is thus strengthened from within and does not react so violently in the following spring.The therapy lasts a total of 3 years but does not always lead to success.
Propolis can also strengthen the immune system and protect those affected from strong allergic reactions. Although the natural product comes directly from the pollen, it strengthens from within and can reduce the first symptoms. It is available in drop form.
Avoiding allergens is recommended for most allergy sufferers, although this is almost impossible with pollen. However, there are pollen forecasts that can be taken into account. In the high season you should stay outside less and windows should be kept closed at night.
In their diet, allergy sufferers should pay attention to a diet rich in vitamins and low in histamines. The histamine intensifies the symptoms. Above all, foods rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin C should be eaten during the pollen season.
Black cumin oil can also be used to alleviate and prevent allergic reactions. The therapy should be started several months before the first symptoms appear in order to achieve a good effect. The recommended daily dose of black cumin oil is 300 mg. Probiotics can also alleviate allergic reactions.
In another article we have also done some research in the field of natural antihistamines – read more here: Natural antihistamines
