Surprising alcohol drink could 'ease' hayfever symptoms experts say

25 June 2024 , 13:47

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Research has found gin and vodka are the best alcoholic drinks to combat hay fever symptoms (Image: Getty)

Hay fever sufferers know all too well the misery of runny noses, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats during the spring and summer seasons. With the weather warming up across the UK, plenty of people are feeling the effects of the pollen count rising.

Those looking for relief might be surprised to learn that gin could be an unexpected top choice for you. While alcohol is generally known to exacerbate hay fever and asthma symptoms, Asthma UK suggested that certain tipples might be more suitable than other alcoholic beverages as they won't irritate them.

Over 64% of people with asthma report that certain drinks can aggravate their allergies. This is largely due to histamine and sulphites found in higher levels in darker, fermented drinks like beer and red wine.

For those with hay fever, enjoying a drink often seems impossible. But, clear spirits such as gin and vodka could still be fine for you to drink, according to Asthma UK, due to their low histamine content - making them a better choice for allergy sufferers.

While they won't banish your hay fever, gin is particularly friendly for those with sensitivities because its distillation process usually eliminates sulphites unless added intentionally by the manufacturer. Vodka also boasts having some of the lowest histamine levels of all alcoholic drinks and are usually a safer bet for allergy sufferers.

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Wine, beer and cider can also trigger symptoms for some people because these drinks contain higher levels of sulphites and histamines. Those heading to the beer garden's armed with this new remedy are also warned to be aware that soft drinks that are sometimes mixed with alcohol, like fizzy drinks and juices, can also contain sulphites and histamines.

If wine is your preferred beverage, it's advisable to seek out wines with lower sulphite content. Try drinking dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wines like Cava or Prosecco as they are lower in histamines than red wines, according to The Wine Coach.

Andrew Nuttall