I think I'm developing an allergy to my cat. My eyes stream and nose runs when she's in the room and I think it's getting worse. I'd be heartbroken if I had to re-home her so I really want to try natural treatment first. Can you suggest anything?

Allergies can strike at any age, and are often triggered or aggravated by stress or emotional factors, especially if the immune system is not functioning properly. Trying to reduce the stresses in your life will help to take the pressure off and may ease symptoms.

One of the best ways to boost immunity and reduce allergies is to ensure the gut is in good order. Many people with inhaled or contact allergies have underlying food sensitivities, particularly to dairy which causes over-production of mucus and irritation of the nasal membranes. Try replacing cow’s milk with alternatives such as goats, rice or oat milk. Allergy sufferers often have imbalanced gut flora, so include plenty of natural live sheep or goat’s yoghurt and take a mid-strength probiotic such as Biocare’s Bioacidophilus Forte

It is also important to boost antioxidants especially Vitamin C, a natural antihistamine. Include plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables such as berries, oranges, kiwi fruit, peppers, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, and broccoli. Onions and garlic contain quercitin, another natural antihistamine. Avoid caffeine and sugary and refined carbs which lower immune function, and opt for wholegrains which contain plenty of immune-boosting B vitamins. Nettle or elderflower tea may also help reduce nasal symptoms.

Other helpful supplements include Vitamin C – try taking 2g of Biocare’s vitamin C powder every day, or Biocare’s Histazyme, an anti-histamine complex including vitamin C and anti-inflammatory Bromelain. Sterol 117 by Nutri helps to calm an overactive immune system and reduce allergic reactions, available from the Nutricentre tel 020 7436 5122. For short-term relief try Pukka’s Rosewater Eyedrops and Nasya Nasal Oil, both available from Xynergy Health Products www.xynergy.co.uk tel 08456 585858. Homeopathy can really help both life-long and acquired allergies, for best results seek treatment from a registered homeopath – see the Society of Homeopaths www.homeopathy-soh.org to find a practitioner near you.

Stella New RSHom MBANT is a registered homeopath and nutritional therapist with clinics in Midhurst and Farnham, and technical consultant for Xynergy Health Products. Prior to her training she spent many years as an expedition leader, taking groups into some of the most challenging parts of the world, where she was inspired by the use of natural remedies for treating all manner of ailments. Email stella@stellanew.co.uk