Question:
Last summer, I spent five months laid low by hay fever that did not get much better with medication. I'm also afflicted by gut issues that appear to be triggered by wheat and dairy, which seem to make my hay fever worse. Can food intolerances add to hay fever?
Answer:
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects about 40% of people. And scientists expect rates to worsen as a result of climate change. A 2022 study published in Nature Communications predicted pollen seasons could start up to 40 days earlier, run for longer and cause more people to develop seasonal allergies.
Understanding whether diet can affect hay fever symptoms is there-fore highly relevant. And with spring around the corner, it's worth asking whether dietary changes can ease seasonal allergy symptoms.Allergic rhinitis refers to inflammation of the inside of the nose by an allergen, whether from mould, dust mites, cats, dogs or different types of pollens. It typically causes cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose. This can be particularly confusing in the Covid era, given the shared symptoms.
This story is from the August 5-11 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 5-11 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lost in the labyrinth
New Zealand was once one of the world’s most prosperous countries but it’s been mainly) down hill since the 60s. Dany. McLaucuLan identifies what’s gone wrong and the changes needed to keep us afloat.
A never-coming-of-age tale
Across 14 chapters, we chronologically follow the fortunes of George, from age 12 through to almost 40. George is an unlikeable character and we should be thankful that he is a fictional creation, because in real life no one would tolerate his deliberate and calculating cruelty.
Past glories
Debut novel takes a leaf out of the book of modern Irish writing, hurtling classical antiquity into the present.
A touch of flamboyance
Miki Magasiva fell in love with film at an early age and has finally launched a debut feature that takes a tragi-comic look at grief and families.
Pushing all the buttons
The fourth film in the hit romcom series arrives with familiar charms and fresh blokes. But it would be a good place to stop.
Gone to ground
The Te Aroha-filmed detective series that blends Irish and Māori cultures is back.
Refinding the self
Strokes and brain diseases can radically change our personalities. But with more understanding of how brains work, a leading neurologist says sometimes, our old selves can be restored.
In the cross hairs
Danish actor Claes Bang's late-career boost shows no sign of abating, as he moves from TV villain to big-screen hero.
Fabric of time
Tapa cloth samples collected from Polynesian nations on Cook's voyages have made their way into our museums and libraries.
Let's dance
Kiwi dancer, teacher and choreographer LEILA LOIS visited one of Manila's innovative dance companies as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.
