Can Certain Foods Make Hay Fever Symptoms Worse?

When hay fever symptoms strike, most people immediately think about pollen levels, spending time outdoors and the weather. However, some people also find that particular foods and drinks appear to make their allergy symptoms more noticeable.

Foods including aubergine, avocado, shellfish and dried fruits, along with drinks such as red wine, are sometimes associated with increased allergy symptoms in susceptible individuals. This doesn't mean that everyone with hay fever needs to remove these foods from their diet, but it can be useful to pay attention to whether certain foods seem to coincide with worsening symptoms.

Why Might Food Affect Allergy Symptoms?

Some foods and alcoholic drinks naturally contain histamine or may be associated with histamine responses within the body. Histamine is also involved in many of the familiar symptoms associated with allergic reactions, including sneezing, itching and a runny nose.

Individual responses can vary considerably, so a food that appears to affect one hay fever sufferer may cause no problems at all for someone else. Keeping track of what you eat and when your symptoms become more noticeable may help you identify your own potential triggers.

Managing Hay Fever Throughout the Pollen Season

Diet is only one factor that may influence how you feel during hay fever season. Keeping an eye on pollen forecasts and understanding your individual triggers can also help you prepare for days when symptoms are more likely.

If you're looking for a convenient, drug-free option to help manage your hay fever symptoms, Hay-Band can be worn throughout the pollen season and is small enough to keep with you while you're out and about.

So, do you need to give up your favourite foods because you have hay fever? Not necessarily. Instead, pay attention to how your body responds and consider whether particular foods or drinks seem to make your symptoms worse.