Gin: why pollen allergy sufferers should drink gin instead of beer

Summer time is pollen time – nothing can be done about it. While some enjoy the warm nights and sunny days, allergy sufferers struggle with itching, stuffy noses and swelling of the respiratory tract. Now a study shows that gin – and also vodka – is the better alternative to alcohol for people suffering from pollen.

As “” reports, clear alcohols have a better effect on the body of allergy sufferers than, for example, beer or wine. According to the experts, the reason for this is histamine and sulphites, which are contained in many alcoholic beverages. The body sends out histamine as a messenger substance in an allergic reaction – it causes the nose to swell. The problem: Alcohol adds even more histamine, and the symptoms are even worse for allergy sufferers. Sulfites, which are used as preservatives, also have a negative impact on the body suffering from allergies. In short: Those who suffer from hay fever can worsen the symptoms by drinking alcohol. According to “”, 64 percent of asthma patients complain about increased symptoms when they have drunk alcohol.

Gin Tonic instead of beer

The good news is that clear alcohol contains very little sulphite and histamine, according to Asthma UK. The distillation of vodka even works without sulphites, reports “”. In addition, gin and vodka contain anti-histamines, which are said to even alleviate the symptoms of hay fever, the British newspaper reports. So gin and tonic is not a cure – but allergy sufferers should better rely on clear alcohol. Even not taking some can relieve symptoms.

However, anyone who takes anti-allergic medicines should avoid alcohol altogether, as it could increase the effect of the medicine.

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