Treat Hayfever Naturally!

Seasonal allergies such as hayfever affect 15 - 20% of the population in Britain. For many people, the simple act of opening a window, vacuuming the carpet or being in the vicinity of animals provokes sniffles and sneezes. It has been stated, however, that the cause of the symptoms is not pollen, dust or cat hair, but an overactive immune system.

‘Allergic rhinitis’ is the medical term for the nasal symptoms caused by allergies to airbourne particles. The condition can be an occasional inconvenience or a severe problem that interferes with every aspect of daily life. If you notice symptoms during warm weather you may have the seasonal allergies commonly known as hayfever, triggered by tree or grass pollen during late spring and early summer.

What causes it?
When bacteria, viruses or other substances enter the body, the immune system tries to destroy those that might cause illness but ignores harmless particles such as pollen. In allergic individuals the immune system cannot tell the difference between threatening and benign material; as a result harmless particles trigger the release of a naturally occurring substance called histamine and other inflammatory compounds in the area where the irritant entered the body – the nose, throat or eyes.
No one knows exactly why the immune system overreacts in this way, but some researchers think that poor nutrition and air pollution weaken the immune system. This is why a multivitamin and multimineral formulation such as G&G’s Mega 2000 should be taken in addition to the other supplements below, all available from G&G:

Natural Remedies :

• Vitamin C 1000mg with Rosehip, Acerola & Dolomite
  Code G0058, 100 capsules (G&G) RRP £11.50
• B5 Pantothenic Acid 500mg
  Code G0615, 100 capsules (G&G) RRP £10.25
• Bee Propolis 150mg (5x concentrate)
  Code G0384, 50 capsules (G&G) RRP £4.95
• Mega 2000
  Code G0998, 90 capsules (G&G) RRP £9.95

For seasonal allergies, take the above supplements from spring onwards. In place of over-the-counter drugs, try the flavonoid Quercetin. Drugs simply block the effect of histamine but Quercetin inhibits its release – without any side effects.

Vitamin C is the main antioxidant in the cells of the respiratory passages. It supports the immune system, and may also have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.

The B vitamin Pantothenic Acid should reduce nasal congestion.
You may want to take these three nutrients throughout the allergy season, even if you opt for traditional drugs for specific symptom relief. Other supplements which have been known to alleviate the symptoms of hayfever (and other allergies) are Bee Pollen and Bee Propolis.


© 2006 G&G FOOD SUPPLIES LIMITED
All rights reserved. This e-newsletter is intended for the use of the designated recipient for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor or any other health care professional. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy and any errors or omissions are unintentional.

As with all supplements, if you have an illness please consult your medical practitioner before use.