10 Foods to Support Your Seasonal Allergies
Food plays a major role in affecting your immune system and supporting your seasonal allergies. When you think of allergies, the first reaction is to avoid certain foods or remove them from your diet. The connection between food and seasonal allergies is limited to a few groups of foods known as cross-reactive foods.
Seasonal allergies can be experienced during certain parts of the year like spring or summer. It is also called Hay fever or allergic rhinitis. It develops when the immune system overreacts to allergens, like plant pollen, which results in lots of congestion, sneezing, and itching.
There are treatments, medications, and creams for seasonal allergies. But the easiest way to handle them is with lifestyle and dietary changes. Adding certain foods to your diet can actually improve your conditions and relieve symptoms like eye-watering. You can reduce inflammation and even boost your immunity with these foods. Below is our list f 10 foods that will alleviate seasonal allergies.
Bee Pollen- This mixture of enzymes, nectar, honey, flower pollen, and wax is often sold as a curative recipe for hay fever. Research has proven that bee pollen can reduce inflammation, and have anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Bee pollen can also be a preventative remedy for allergies. Bee pollen is found in small pellets, with a flavor some describe as bittersweet or nutty. You can purchase it at your local farmer’s market or organic stores. Bee pollen can be had as a sprinkling over yogurt, oats, cereal or smoothies.
Egg Yolks- Low levels of Vitamin D can corelate with poor lung function. This leads to strained or tired breathing and difficulty with respiratory system. Including egg yolks in your meal or breakfast can help maintain sufficient amounts of Vitamin D.
Turmeric- Turmeric is a well-known superfood. It has been hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to boost your immune system. Its active ingredient, curcumin has been linked to reducing the symptoms of many inflammation-driven diseases and helps minimize the swelling and irritation caused by allergic rhinitis. Turmeric can be included in your meals, teas, milk, or taken as pills and supplements. Pairing turmeric with black pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2,000 percent.
Tomatoes- An excellent source of Vitamin C, tomatoes are usually ignored as a source of nutrients and vitamins. One medium-size tomato can contain up to 26% of your recommended daily dose of Vitamin C. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant compound that quells systemic inflammation. Lycopene is easily absorbed in the body when it is cooked so pick cooked tomatoes for the additional boost.
Salmon- Studies have indicated that Omega-3 fatty acids could bolster your allergy resistance and improve asthma. Fatty acids help decrease the narrowing of airways that occurs in asthma and some cases of seasonal allergies. Getting 8 ounces of fish per week, such as low mercury fatty fish including salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna is recommended for adults.
Onions- Onions are an amazing source of quercetin, a bioflavonoid that is also sold separately as a supplement. Quercetin can act as a natural antihistamine, reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Onions also contain a number of other anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compounds. Raw red onions have the highest concentration of quercentin, followed by white onions and scallions. Cooking reduces the impact of quercetin, so you can add raw onions to your salad or as a side dish. Onions also nourish your gut and act as a prebiotic.
Citrus Fruits- Vitamin C may help shorten the duration and intensity of the common cold. Eating foods high in Vitamin C have been shown to decrease allergy rhinitis. They can reduce the irritation of the upper respiratory tract caused by pollen from blooming plants. Include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and sweet peppers in your diet to battle seasonal allergies.
Ginger- The unpleasant allergy symptoms come from inflammatory issues like swelling, irritation in the nasal passage, eye, and throat. Ginger can reduce these symptoms naturally. Ginger has been considered a natural remedy for several ailments like sore throat, joint pain, cough, and nausea. You can add fresh or cooked ginger to your meals, drinks, teas, or just have a mixture of ginger, honey, and turmeric to boost your immunity.
Yogurt- Probiotics are perfect to support your immunity and battle seasonal allergies. The digestive enzymes can aid in reducing inflammation. But yogurt or dairy can exacerbate symptoms for some people like acne or skin rashes. Consult a doctor if these symptoms persist.
Nuts and Seeds- Nuts like walnuts are a good source of Omega-3, which makes them an alternative to fish for vegetarians. Seeds like flaxseeds are also another way to support your seasonal allergies as they have several benefits. You can include flaxseeds in your smoothies or drinks or cereal to add them to your regular diet.