This week we continue the discussion on natural remedies to help with the management of seasonal allergies.
Probiotics and fermented foods can help to maintain a healthy balance in the digestive system, but, in some cases, they way they are fermented and the type of bacteria they produce can make a difference to whether we respond well to them or not.
A healthy gut supports a more balanced immune response and fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, or probiotic supplements can be beneficial.
A word of caution though, some probiotic bacteria produce histamine during fermentation, while others help break it down. For people sensitive to histamine, choosing the right strains and foods can make a big difference.
Lower histamine probiotic foods are usually better tolerated because they tend to have histamine-neutral or histamine-reducing strains. These include:
- Yoghurt (plain, live cultures, short fermentation time)
- Kefir made with certain strains (lactobacillus plantarum, bifidobacteria)
- Sauerkraut (fresh, short-fermented, not aged)
- Coconut yoghurt or kefir (fermented with selected low-histamine cultures)
Higher histamine probiotic foods contain histamine-producing bacteria which may trigger symptoms so should be avoided. these include:
- Aged cheeses like parmesan, cheddar, and blue cheese. The long fermentation process raises the histamine content
- Aged or long-fermented sauerkraut or kimchi
- Soy ferments like miso, soy sauce, tempeh
- Kombucha (fermented tea). This can be high in histamine and tyramine
- Cured or fermented meats such as salami or pepperoni
Nasal irrigation
Using a neti pot or saline rinse can help to clear allergens and mucus from nasal passages. Using sterile or distilled water prevents infection. Colloidal silver can also be used as a nasal spray. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties which can help combat the underlying causes of sinus infections and inflammation. It can be effective in breaking down bacterial biofilms, which are a common contributor to stubborn, chronic rhinosinusitis.
Stingling Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Stinging nettle has been traditionally used as a natural antihistamine. It can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form.
Essential oils
Some essential oils can be diluted and inhaled or used in a diffuser. Peppermint oil can help to open nasal passages, while eucalyptus and lavender oils may soothe respiratory irritation.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 30 October 2025 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am.