Could a gin and tonic be the 'cure' for hayfever?

Bad news for Dry Julyers

• In this article:

• The surprising reasong your favourite happy hour drink could be making your hayfever symptoms worse

• The best and worst drinks for hayfever sufferers

If you’re someone who finds themselves hiding away inside during spring and suffer to avoid triggering your hayfever, this classic happy hour beverage may possess the ability to ward off stubborn symptoms.

While most of us are eagerly counting down the days until the temperatures rise and the longer daylight hours set in once more, there’s one particular aspect of the warmer months that many of us could do without: Hayfever.

According to Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, hayfever affects 1 in 5 adults in Australia. That’s a lot of office sneezing fits, endless runny noses and itchy eyes to contend with. 

Triggered by pollen, seasonal hayfever (AKA allergic rhinitis) typically impacts Aussies from the onset of spring right through to the end of summer, and while over the counter medications such as antihistamines can certainly help to temporarily relieve symptoms, untreated hayfever can lead to headaches, issues with sleeping, ear or sinus infections, and can exacerbate asthma symptoms in those who suffer from it. 

But now, one alternative, and highly unexpected, method of managing hayfever symptoms is catching the attention of those with sniffly noses and itchy eyes everywhere. 

According to some research, sipping on a humble gin and tonic could be the key to keeping your hayfever symptoms under control in the upcoming warmer months. 

Histamines are the same substance that's released by the body during an allergic reaction, which can be exacerbated by suphites.  

According to a survey conducted by Asthma UK, 64 per cent of people living with the condition say alcohol triggers symptoms. This is due to the heavy presence of sulphites and histamines in many forms of alcohol. 

The classic highball cocktail may help ease common symptoms of hayfever. Image: Pexels

Histamines are the same substance that's released by the body during an allergic reaction, which can be exacerbated by sulphites. In other words, by drinking a pint of beer or a glass of wine, you’re essentially filling your body with the exact substance anti-allergy medications are designed to target.

Beer, arguably one of the most beloved and prevalent alcoholic beverages in Australia, is considerably high in histamine and can trigger or exacerbate hayfever symptoms when consumed. Wine is also high in histamine, sulphites and preservatives, having much of the same effect.   

While alcohol is typically considered to be a common trigger for hayfever symptoms, beverages made from clear spirits such as gin and vodka possess significantly lower sulphites and histamine levels. 

For this reason, switching to a gin and tonic as your alcoholic drink of choice during the warmer months could help you to avoid triggering your hayfever symptoms, helping you to enjoy a well-deserved hot girl summer without any pesky sneezing fits. 

Of course, if any beverages, alcoholic or otherwise, are exacerbating any symptoms of hayfever or asthma, it’s best to hold off. If turning to over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines to manage hayfever symptoms, always consult with a healthcare professional and take only as advised. 

Originally published as Could a gin and tonic be the 'cure' for hayfever?