Hay fever as a signal of imbalance

At Optemuse, we speak to women every spring who ask themselves the same question: why does my body react so strongly to something as simple as pollen? Hay fever may seem like a harmless allergy, but it tells us so much more. About your immune system, your gut, your diet, and the overall burden on your body.

With our expertise in women's health and natural supplementation, we'll help you not only alleviate hay fever but tackle it at its core. This blog shows you what's happening in your body and how you can regain control through nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle.

What is hay fever (and why do you get it)?

Hay fever—or allergic rhinitis—is an overreaction of your immune system to substances like pollen, dust mites, or mold. Your body perceives these as "dangerous" and takes action. The result?

• Sneezing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Itchy, burning eyes
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Itching of the palate, throat or ears

Many women also experience hormonal fluctuations and skin problems during this time. This isn't a coincidence; it all has to do with your immune system and your gut.

The role of your immune system

Your immune system is a powerful defense system. It recognizes intruders like viruses or bacteria, but sometimes it goes completely haywire when confronted with something harmless like pollen. The adaptive part of your immune system plays a particularly important role in hay fever: it produces antibodies that actively attack allergens.

A specific antibody (IgE) binds to mast cells in your body. When these cells come into contact with pollen, they release histamine, which is what causes your hay fever symptoms.

Histamine: the substance behind your complaints

Histamine is a naturally occurring substance with important functions, such as wound healing and inflammatory response. However, during an allergy, it is overproduced, leading to hypersensitivity and irritation.

Many women turn to antihistamines to suppress their symptoms. But that doesn't address the underlying cause. What if you could help your body break down histamine more effectively?

DAO: the enzyme that regulates histamine

DAO (Diamine Oxidase) is an enzyme that breaks down histamine in your intestines. If you don't have enough DAO (due to gut problems, stress, or poor diet), histamine continues to build up in your body.

Symptoms such as sneezing, itching, headache, fatigue and even skin rashes then become more severe and last longer.

5 natural ways to tackle hay fever at the source

1. Reduce the overall load on your body

If your immune system is overstimulated, hay fever is often just the tip of the iceberg. Start with small steps:

• Use natural care (shampoo, deodorant, creams)
• Replace aggressive cleaning agents
• Use pans without toxic coatings
• Avoid synthetic fragrances, microplastics and PFAS in your daily routine

You don't have to do everything right at once. Start in the bathroom, then work your way to your kitchen and laundry closet.

2. Improve indoor air quality

A high-quality air purifier filters up to 99% of indoor pollen. This is especially essential in your bedroom, where your body recovers at night. Get advice on which model is best for your home.

3. Adjust your diet

Your gut plays a key role in how your body handles histamine. Less histamine in food = fewer symptoms. Focus on gut optimization and temporarily avoid histamine-rich foods:

Avoid (temporarily):

• Gluten-rich products (bread, pasta)
• Alcohol, old cheese, coffee, chocolate
• Tomatoes, nuts, raw vegetables, legumes

Feed on:

• Grass-fed meat, fresh fish
• Eggs, kefir, raw honey
• Sweet fruits, vegetables, olive oil, bee pollen

4. Support with supplements

You can further support your body with natural supplements. Consider:

• DAO-rich supplements such as kidney supplements
• Probiotics for a stronger intestinal flora
• Bee Pollen , a natural source of enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants

5. Breathe yourself to calmness

Breathwork helps calm your nervous system and clear your nose. Try the Buteyko Method:

1. Breathe in and out calmly through your nose
2. After exhalation: close your nose and hold your breath
3. Gently move your head up and down
4. Whenever you want to breathe: let go and continue breathing calmly
5. Repeat several times

You can do this several times a day, especially during peak periods of your complaints.

Finally

Hay fever isn't a separate problem. It's your body's signal that something is out of balance. By addressing the cause, rather than suppressing the symptoms, you can make a difference.

Want to strengthen your immune system, support your gut, and reduce your symptoms? Then discover Optemuse's natural products that help women find balance in a way that suits their body.