Hay fever sufferers across the UK face a longer and more intense allergy season as new research reveals the effects of climate change on pollen levels are already being felt.
A major review of climate and health impacts in Europe, published in The Lancet, found that the pollen season for trees such as birch, alder and olive trees started one to two weeks earlier from 2015 to 2024 than from 1991 to 2000.
The report also revealed a 15-20% increase in the seasonal severity of some pollen types in regions including southern England, northern France, Germany and parts of eastern Europe.
As a result, millions of hay fever sufferers may endure symptoms for significantly longer than previously, with some experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes and headaches for up to two more weeks.
Hay fever affects around 13 million people in the UK. It affects almost one in four adults and one in 10 children, and this number continues to increase every year. According to the World Allergy Organization, the UK now ranks as one of the countries with the highest prevalence of the disease in the world, along with Australia and New Zealand.
As hay fever season grows longer and more intense, public health nutritionist Dr. Frankie Phillips highlights simple, affordable kitchen essentials that may help reduce symptoms.
- orange juice: Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for hay fever season. 100% orange juice is an easy way to increase your intake. One 150ml glass provides over 80% of your daily vitamin C needs and counts towards your daily vitamin C intake of 5 glasses.
- Natural honey: Locally produced honey, often used as a traditional treatment, may help some people develop tolerance to pollen over time, but evidence is still emerging.
- Peppermint tea: The release of histamine can cause swelling and congestion. Peppermint tea acts as a natural nasal decongestant, thinning mucus and helping you breathe easier, while the steam from the hot drink can further relieve sinus congestion.
- Foods rich in quercetin: Foods such as green tea, red onions, apples, citrus fruits, berries, and broccoli contain quercetin, a natural plant compound with antihistamine properties that stabilizes the body’s response to allergens.
- dark chocolate: Cacao is rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-allergic properties and support the body’s response to allergens.
Hay fever is associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers. But relieving your symptoms may be easier and less expensive than you think. Evidence from scientific reviews suggests that drinking 100% fruit juice can lower the levels of some of these markers, and incorporating fruit juice into your diet is an easy and fun way to reduce inflammation. ”
Dr. Frankie Phillips, Public Health Nutritionist
sauce:
Fruit Juice Science Center
