Almost 13 million people in England suffer from hay fever — almost one in four adults and one in ten children, with numbers rising year on year. The common allergy can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. While medication can help, public health nutritionist Dr Frankie Philips has revealed some affordable kitchen staples may also be worth giving a go to help reduce symptoms.
This includes 100% orange juice which is packed full of Vitamin C, a natural anti-inflammatory.
Dr Philips said: “Hay fever is linked with raised levels of inflammatory markers. But alleviating symptoms can be easier and cheaper than one might think.
“Evidence from scientific reviews suggests that drinking 100% fruit juice can reduce the concentration of some of these markers, including it in the diet is a simple and enjoyable way to help keep inflammation in check.”
Peppermint tea was picked out by Dr Philips as another cupboard staple that may help relieve hay fever symptoms.
She said this is because it can act as a natural decongestant, helping to thin mucus and ease breathing, while the steam can also help unblock sinuses.
Dr Philips added dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, making it an antioxidant and anti-allergy, supporting the body’s response to allergens.
The advice comes after a report earlier this year found hay fever sufferers are now enduring symptoms for up to two weeks longer than they would have done in the 1990s.
Climate change has “prolonged the pollen season”, increasing the amount of time people with hay fever are exposed to allergens, the Lancet Countdown in Europe 2026 report said.
The pollen count is set to be ‘very high’ across southern England and the Midlands on Saturday and Sunday, according to the Met Office.
On Sunday, Wales and north-west England will also see very high levels. In Yorkshire and Humber, north-east England, Northern Ireland and most of Scotland, the pollen count is expected to be high.
The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for parts of England and Wales for Monday and Tuesday.
Temperatures could climb to 34C, with the areas also forecast to see very high pollen levels.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
