Just because the dust clouds of pollen may have settled down doesn’t mean the end of seasonal allergies. However, what you eat may help you to reduce your symptoms naturally. Consider these foods that may help you fight seasonal allergies throughout the spring and summer.
Citrus fruits
This category of foods that may help you fight seasonal allergies is easy to add to your diet!
Foods rich in Vitamin C have been shown to reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
So, eat oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, berries and sweet peppers to ensure you’re getting plenty of Vitamin C during allergy season.
Tomatoes
Did you know tomatoes are another good source of Vitamin C? In fact, one medium-sized tomato can actually provide about 28 percent of your daily dose of Vitamin C.
Plus, tomatoes contain lycopene. Lycopene is another ingredient known to reduce inflammation.
Ginger
Both fresh and dried ginger help reduce swelling. This includes inflammation of the throat, nasal passages and eyes, for example. Try adding ginger to your diet in baked goods, stir fries or teas.
Turmeric
There are several easy ways to add this well-known anti-inflammatory to your diet. You can take a daily supplement in pill form, for one thing. Or you can add the spice to recipes, teas or smoothies.
If you use it in a recipe, add black pepper to increase the amount of curcumin. Curcumin is the active ingredient that helps reduce swelling and irritation from seasonal allergies.
Oily Fish
Think salmon, for starters. Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids from fish might naturally boost your allergy resistance.
Other sources of good fatty fish include tuna, mackerel and sardines. The American Heart Association suggests eating at least eight ounces of oily fish a week. Aim to reach or exceed that goal for an allergy-fighting boost.
Onions
Onions contain quercetin, which acts like a natural antihistamine. What’s more, onions are a good source of several other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Raw red onions have the highest amount of quercetin. Next up are white onions and then scallions. You can add raw onions to sandwiches, salads and dips.
Pineapple
Pineapples have bromelain, an enzyme known to ease sinus congestion. Pineapples hit their peak season about the same time seasonal allergies bloom, March through July.
Green Tea
Green tea has EGCG, a superstar compound that, once again, helps reduce inflammation. Sipping on a cup of green tea has often been said to help relieve symptoms like stuffy noses.
Summary
Adding foods that may help you fight seasonal allergies to your diet shouldn’t replace any seasonal allergy treatments. But eating these healthy options can help you feel better overall. If you have questions about your seasonal allergies and possible treatments, contact us today. Keep reading our blogs for more health news and lifestyle tips.
