Foods Not to Sneeze At During Allergy Season
Most of us turn to our medicine cabinets to help alleviate those
runny noses, red, itchy eyes and sneezing.
Who would have thought turning to the kitchen might be beneficial as
well? There may not be a cure for your
allergies but these simple foods might just bring you some added relief.
An apple a day…
Yup, not only does it keep the doctor away but it also works
to relieve your allergy symptoms. The
peel, which is rich in quercetin, works as both an antihistamine and an
anti-inflammatory. Allergies occur when
our bodies mistake the protein from pollens and molds as bad guys and our
immune system gets trigger happy, shooting off histamines. This natural compound causes in increase in
mucus to help flush out the unwanted attackers. Quercetin stops the immune cells from
releasing histamines, which in turns helps to reduce allergy symptoms.
Other fruits and vegetables with high levels of quercetin
are leafy greens, tomatoes, berries and broccoli.
Go fishing…
Allergies bring about inflammation in the sinus cavity,
throat and eyes. Making sure you get a
lot of omega-3 fatty acids will go a long way toward controlling the
inflammation. Unfortunately, most of our
diets are rich in omega-6 fatty acids that are found in mayo, corn oil, certain
nuts, fried foods and bakery cakes. All
of these foods have been known to cause systemic inflammation. If you suffer from allergies that is the last
thing you want!
Two of the best fish to eat are albacore tuna and salmon. Work these fish into your diet two to three
times a week. You will notice a difference in your allergy symptoms.
Ah, nuts…
Nuts like flax seeds, hemp seeds, butternuts, walnuts and macadamia
are packed with allergy fighting, immune boosting power. These nuts and seeds are high in antioxidants
and super foods for tackling seasonal allergies.
Studies have found that people who practice the
Mediterranean diet of fish, fresh produce, olive oil and nuts are less likely
to suffer allergies. Other benefits from
eating this type of diet are an empowered immune systems and protection against
free radicals.
Oh say can you C…
Vitamin C is another great way to treat allergy
symptoms. Foods rich in vitamin C like
bell peppers, red peppers, dark leafy greens, kiwi and citrus are natural
anti-histamines that can reduce swelling and inflammation. Vitamin C is also another optimal way to
boost your immune system.
Finding relief from seasonal allergies can be the difference between enjoying the warmer weather and dreading the changing seasons, so try one of these remedies today!
Finding relief from seasonal allergies can be the difference between enjoying the warmer weather and dreading the changing seasons, so try one of these remedies today!
