How to beat your allergies

British scientists have found a potentially effective vaccine for allergic-asthma sufferers - a real breakthrough in the treatment of the condition that affects three million Britons. But since it may not be available for up to five years, we asked experts what you can do to reduce your risk of an allergic reaction.

Their advice is timely because hay fever sufferers are being warned that this year could be the worst for some time. The unusually warm weather over the past month has made plants and trees shed pollen early, starting the season of itchy eyes, sneezing fits and streaming noses.

Boost immune system

Some alternative experts believe that allergies are triggered when the immune system is continually overloaded, which can be exacerbated by stress. Martin Healy, alternative allergy specialist and author of Cure Your Allergies (020 7937 5332 www.martinhealy.com) says: "Your allergic potential relates to the amount of irritants your body can take before it develops an allergy." He recommends acupuncture to boost the immune system.

Eliminate food irritants

Patrick Holford, founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, says: "If you are prone to allergic reactions, including hay fever, you can very often have a reaction to certain foods - typically grain (gluten) and dairy foods, which, like pollen, contain grass proteins. If you avoid these foods during the summer, you are less likely to get hay fever."

He says the immune system starts to mount an allergic reaction to the wrong foods, and "in this reactive state, you are more likely to develop allergies to pollen, dust or chemicals". Holford recommends eliminating dairy and wheat from the diet completely for two weeks to see if this makes a difference. Instead of cows' milk, try soya or rice milk and switch to eating grains, such as rice and corn - and gluten-free bread.

"You can also be tested for food allergies; the IgG test from York Laboratories, can be very useful." The basic test costs £20 (0800 074

6185). Calcium and magnesium supplements can also reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Maximise gut health

Trials in Finland found that children born to mothers who suffered from hay fever and asthma were less likely to develop allergies if they took supplements of probiotic bacteria such as acidophilus.

Martin Healy recommends eating live yoghurts containing probiotic bacteria plus apples, vegetables and wholegrains because they help the vital bacteria to flourish. After a course of antibiotics, nutritionists recommend high-potency capsules of probiotic bacteria - available from health-food shops.

Liver Detox

The liver removes many of the body's major toxins and affects allergies. Martin Healy says that key ways to boost your liver function include cutting out alcohol, smoking and caffeine and embarking on a detox programme. A glass of water containing freshly squeezed lemon each morning will help. Antioxidants and vitamins found in fresh fruits and vegetables will reduce liver inflammation and boost immune function, while Brussels sprouts will increase the activity of important liver enzymes. The Weekend Detox by Farmacia Urban Healing (£17, 020 7404 8808) and the Bioforce Detox kit (£23.99, 01294 277 344) contain herbal remedies designed to cleanse the liver.

Herbal cures

Marcia Mendosa, medical herbalist at the University of Westminster, says: "Herbs such as echinacea, devil's claw and bloodroot contain molecules that work together to correct allergic reactions in hay fever, asthma and other allergies by rebalancing immunity.

"Some people notice a difference in days or weeks and may be able to come off a medication such as steroids." Other herbs that are well known to reduce allergic reactions include nettle drunk daily in the build up to the hay fever season. For herbal allergy consultations at the University of Westminster's Polyclinic (£18) call 020 7911 5041.

Natural antihistamines

If you already suffer from an allergy, focus on eating natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories, such as vitamin C. If you suffer from hay fever, Patrick Holford recommends taking four 1g tablets of vitamin C daily.

The Indian spice, turmeric, is a good natural anti-inflammatory as is Boswellic acid, found in frankincense (available as supplements). A B-vitamin complex may also help.