Foods that Help Fight Allergies

If you’re one of the millions of allergy sufferers that are plagued with annoying symptoms each year, the good news is you may find relief from some food sources.

To begin with, allergies are caused by tiny pollen grains that are released into the air from trees, weeds, and grass triggering such symptoms as a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. Unfortunately, to make matters worse, allergy season is now lasting longer due to warmer climate changes and earlier spring like temperatures.

Fortunately, there are some foods that can help alleviate allergy symptoms. In fact, research studies point to the fact the right diet may help to alleviate allergy symptoms in some people.

What kind of foods can help alleviate allergy symptoms? Here is a list of some foods that may help.

• Citrus fruits

Foods that are rich in vitamin C can help to alleviate the annoying symptoms allergies frequently bring. Some of these potent citrus fruits include oranges, limes, grapefruit, and lemons.

• Parsley

This rich green herb can help inhibit the histamine that triggers inflammatory responses to allergens in the air.

• Local Honey

This sweet, natural nectar is thought to help alleviate allergy symptoms using the same principle as allergy shots. The theory follows the principle that when miniscule amounts of allergens from flower blooms are deposited in the honey when bees pollinate them, it should create the same kind of immunity as the allergy shots. Local honey is best since it’s thought to contain the same allergens you would have been exposed to.

• Onions

The allergy fighting compound contained in onions is Quercetin. This plant derived flavonoid acts like an antihistamine. Garlic also is a great source of Quercetin to aid the fight against allergies.

• Broccoli
As a dark green member of the crucifer family, this healthy vegetable is packed with an allergy reliever that is thought to help clear sinuses, as well as a potent source of vitamin C.

• Salmon

This excellent food source rich in omega 3 fatty acids acts as an anti-inflammatory to help relieve allergy symptoms.

• Nuts

This wonderful food source is rich in vitamin E, which can help reduce the inflammation associated with allergy symptoms. Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, are all good examples of nuts that are also beneficial to your overall health.

• Spices

Sage, hot mustard, horseradish, and anise can act as natural decongestants that may help break up congestion by stimulating hair-like structures known as cilia.

• Kale

This healthy green vegetable is rich in carotenoids, pigments that are thought to help fight allergy symptoms. Along with kale, collard greens are also a great food source to ease allergy symptoms since it too contains carotenoids.

• Stinging Nettle

This herb contains histamine, the naturally occurring chemical your body produces when it reacts to an allergen. There are freeze dried capsules available in most health food stores, but use of this herb should be discussed with your doctor.

If you experience any severe allergy symptoms, it’s best to consult your doctor for further evaluation, and prescribed medication when needed.