Foods That May Help Fight Seasonal Allergies
26 July 2023When most people think of food allergies, they think of avoiding certain foods to prevent an allergic reaction. However, the connection between seasonal allergies and food is limited to a few food groups known as cross-reactive foods. These kinds of foods can trigger an allergic reaction in people who are already allergic to certain pollens.
Seasonal allergies, known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur during certain months of the year, usually in the hot summer season and early fall. They are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to allergens, such as plant pollen. This can lead to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, allergic shiners, and itching. Sometimes, you'll have a general feeling of being unwell and tired.
While over-the-counter medication is often used as seasonal allergy relief, there are also a number of dietary choices that you can eat to help relieve these symptoms. Some foods can help reduce inflammation, while others can boost the immune system. By making these dietary changes, you can help mitigate the miseries of seasonal allergies.
9 Foods That May Help Relieve Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
If you are looking for ways to relieve seasonal allergies, adding these foods to your diet may be a helpful option. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes also contain an antioxidant called lycopene. Some studies have shown that lycopene may help to reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis. What's more, tomatoes are also rich in Vitamin C, which can help boost your whole body part’s immune function. Adding tomatoes to your favorite recipes, such as salads, soups, and stews, can definitely relieve seasonal allergies.
Salmon and Other Oily Fish
Salmon and other oily fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help lessen inflammation and provide allergy relief. Although they cannot cure seasonal allergic rhinitis, they can help make them more manageable.
Onions
Onions contain sulfur compounds to inhibit the release of histamine, a body chemical that is released in response to allergic reactions. This can help lessen the inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose, and other allergies.
Moreover, onions are also rich in quercetin, which may help desensitize the immune system to pollen allergens.
Dark Chocolate
Did you know that dark chocolate contains magnesium, which is a mineral that has been shown to help improve immune function? A study published in the journal Nutrients found that people who ate dark chocolate for 12 weeks had a significant improvement in their immune function.
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, a plant compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help lessen inflammation and allergy treatment.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. It is a natural remedy being used for centuries to treat various health problems, including nausea, motion sickness, and joint pain.
Ginger works by blocking the production of histamine, a type of chemical that is released by the body in response to allergic reactions. This can help to reduce symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, common cold, itchy eyes, and irritation or swelling of nasal passages. You can add ginger to your food, drink ginger tea, or take ginger supplements.
Bee pollen
There is some evidence to suggest that bee pollen may help to reduce the severity of allergic reactions. In one study from the American College of Allergy, people who took bee pollen for 12 weeks had a significant reduction in their symptoms of hay fever. Bee pollen is also a good source of quercetin, an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin can help to reduce inflammation and allergy treatment.
Citrus Fruits
Although citrus fruits are known for being Vitamin C-enriched, they also contain quercetin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help improve the immune system, while Quercetin is a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some of the citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C and quercetin include oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and limes.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine. This can help to reduce and relieve symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
Green Tea
Green tea also contains antioxidants and polyphenols to help boost the immune system. It also contains catechins, which are antioxidants that have been shown to boost immune function. In fact, some studies have shown that green tea may help desensitize the immune system to pollen allergens.
3 Home Cooking Guidelines To Help You Fight Seasonal Allergy
A balanced healthy diet and lifestyle changes can help fight seasonal allergies effectively. However, it would be ideal to use allergy medications like nasal spray, allergy shots, eye drops, and over-the-counter drugs to enhance your overall well-being. Meanwhile, here are some expert dietary guidelines that may help you fight seasonal allergy symptoms naturally.
Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Consume fish, like salmon and mackerel, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This can help keep blood pressure, ease nasal stuffiness, and combat allergic reactions during allergy season.
Opt for Antioxidant-Rich Vegetables
It is also recommended that you must include a variety of colorful vegetables and other foods, such as spinach, kale, and bell peppers. This is to boost your immune system, lower histamine response, and find relief from sneezing and itchy nose.
Replace Allergy-Triggering Foods
Avoid wheat bran and other common allergens that exacerbate symptoms. Instead, replace them with olive oil and local honey, which possess anti-inflammatory effects and may alleviate allergic conjunctivitis and postnasal drip.
Having such allergies can make you and your family uncomfortable. Since we cannot avoid dust mites and other allergens in our surroundings, it would be a better option to choose a house and lot Philippines close to nature and away from bustling cities. Not only you can breathe fresh air, but you can also taste some of the freshest produce that can help fight allergies.
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