How Diet Helps or Hurts Seasonal Allergies

There are many diet fads these days, but this spring there are foods that can help reduce wheezing and sneezing.

Allergy sufferers are entering a long and brutal season this year. Not only did it start early for some,but in some parts of the country, pollen counts have either reached record levels or will soon be seen.

Allergy medications ultimately provide maximum symptom relief, but some studies claim that some dietary adjustments can alleviate some of the seasonal stuffy nose. doing.

Add this to your grocery list

Check out our slideshow to see the best foods to fight allergies.

1. Fruits and vegetables. This seems like a staple in most diets, and for good reason. Many of our fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and nutrients that reduce inflammation caused by allergens.

especially, Vitamin C Strengthens the immune system. It is especially necessary during the allergy season. After all, an allergic reaction is an immune response, so when pollen counts spike, it’s imperative to provide extra support for your immune system.

Research by a team of German researchers High doses of vitamin C have been found to help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C can regulate histamine levels and reduce inflammation. That’s why we recommend consuming plenty of citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, and other vitamin C-rich produce.

2. Probiotics are pros– And if you’re a fan, even more reasons to love Greek yogurt.

3. Some fish are good catches, including fatty fish such as salmon and sardines. Both are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, another natural anti-inflammatory.

4. A little spice makes everything delicious. Certain spices can “clear the sinuses,” so to speak, which can help fight congestion. It helps to

5. Drink tea for a change. Not all teas work, but some, such as nettle and green tea, do. Along with relieving postnasal drip and sore throats, certain teas contain high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. According to the American Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA), in multiple studies, coffee May relieve symptoms of chronic or allergy-induced asthma.

Although moderation is important. The caffeine in coffee also contains histamine, which can speed up dehydration. People who rely on a few cups of joe a day may want to find another alternative, such as a combination of green tea and honey.

7. Drink more water. Water is essential at all times, but even more so during allergy season. Hydrating with water not only helps your body function better, but it also limits histamine production. It is essential to

Foods and drinks to avoid

Greek yogurt has benefits in fighting allergies, but most cheeses and other dairy products can contain histamines, which only make symptoms worse. and can worsen congestion and make breathing more difficult.

Red meat and bread are also on the unpopular list, along with sugar and other highly processed foods.

As for drinks, avoid diuretic drinks that can further dehydrate your body. This includes coffee and happy hour cocktails.

Avoid drinking alcohol until your symptoms subside, especially if you are taking medication. However, even people who are not taking medications should refrain from taking allergy symptoms if they feel they are developing. Alcohol contains histamine, which can make symptoms worse.

Another thing to note: Using locally grown honey to ease allergy symptoms is a myth.

The AAFA explained in its report that the pollen used to make honey is not the same pollen that causes allergies. As a result, consuming a spoonful of honey does not improve immunity against the pollen strain that causes the problem.

Beware of Oral Allergy Syndrome

There are benefits to increasing your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.but it’s not Oral allergy syndrome (OAS)which can be exacerbated by high pollen counts.

People who are sensitive to certain types of pollen may also discover food allergies to certain raw fruits and vegetables, according to the American Association for Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

This is because the proteins that make up these fruits and vegetables are like pollen proteins, which are allergens.

When you consume fruits and vegetables, your body thinks the allergen itself is invading and reacts.

Interestingly, many OAS sufferers do not develop allergic reactions when raw fruits and vegetables are cooked.

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