Brits affected by pollen have been advised not to exercise at specific times as it will increase their symptoms, an expert has warned. With the recent change in temperature bringing joy to many, millions in the UK suffer with hay fever. This year, experts are expecting to see high pollen counts and for the 13 million people across the country who struggle with hay fever, it can affect their daily excercises. Just last month alone, the search for “pollen count” online soared by a staggering 866%, reflecting how many people struggle with hay fever.
However, it doesn’t mean Brits can’t not enjoy the outside. Dr Linda Khoshaba, founder of Natural Endocrinology Specialists (NES), has teamed up with experts at Live Football Tickets to discuss the best way to deal with allergies. She said: “As a naturopathic endocrinologist, I understand that seasonal allergies, or hay fever, aren’t just about sneezing and itchy eyes. They involve complex interactions between your immune system and your hormonal balance.
“This is especially important to consider when thinking about exercise. While physical activity is vital for overall health, it can also place stress on the body, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms. [By] focusing on supporting your body’s innate ability to regulate these systems, this allows you to maintain an active lifestyle even during peak allergy season.”
She said: “On a typical high pollen count day, where weather conditions are warm, sunny and dry, the pollen count will be highest in the early morning, until around midday and then will rise again at around 4pm, until late evening.
“Although it is best to check the updated pollen count for the day, these are usually good times to avoid doing your exercise outside, as you are most likely to be affected by the higher pollen count peaks. Although it might not be the most convenient, if it is possible to get your workout done around lunchtime, this would be beneficial for hay fever sufferers.”
“Consider indoor exercise during peak pollen times and choose locations that avoid grassy fields or areas with high concentrations of flowering plants”, the expert said. “Opt for moderate-intensity exercises like brisk walking, yoga, or swimming, and keep workouts shorter than usual to minimise stress on the body.
“Pay close attention to your body’s signals and reduce the intensity or stop exercising if you experience increased symptoms. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga, and prioritise sleep to support immune function and hormonal balance” says Dr. Linda Khoshaba.
“Choosing where to exercise outdoors is important to help avoid increased pollen exposure. Try to avoid grassy areas, like parks, fields or even forests. Stick to paved areas, or areas by water where the pollen count is typically lower. Avoiding allergy hotspots and keeping a note of any you discover is important to reduce your exposure to allergens.
“Adding wrap around sunglasses and a cap can also be beneficial during your workout as this should help shield your eyes from the pollen in the air, as well as other allergens.”
Dr Linda Khoshaba said: “Not only is it important to adapt your workout routine during your outdoor activity amid hay fever season, but also prioritise your routine after exercise. It’s important to note that pollen can stick to ourselves, our clothes, and even our pets fur.
“After exercising outside make sure to not only shower but also wash your clothes to help remove pollen, as well as regularly brushing and washing your pet’s fur if they have been your workout companion.
“It’s a good idea to rinse your clothes with cold water before the wash as this can help further remove any pollen, and it’s best to avoid a hot wash cycle as this can actually set the pollen into your clothes further. When it’s time to dry your washing, make sure you don’t hang this out to dry outside, especially during pollen peak times, as this will introduce more pollen to your clean clothing.”
She concluded: “Make sure you check the weather forecast before you plan to do your exercise as this can help plan the specific times you should try to workout in. Checking the pollen count and air quality in your area is crucial.
“The best time to work out during pollen season would be after a heavy rainfall as the rain can wash away the pollen in the air, which should significantly help you complete your workout. Alternatively, if it’s windy it might be best to swap your workout to an indoors routine as the pollen will be easily spread by the windy weather.”
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