Allergy season is upon us, and many of us are absolutely dreading it. Although these next few months may be beautiful and warm, many people won’t be able to enjoy the nice weather thanks to allergies. Pollen and other “debris” in the air can cause people to have allergic reactions that could result in nasty side effects such as sneezing, stuffy noses, or rashes. Depending on the severity of your allergies, your condition could range from a minor annoyance to a major health problem. There is medication you can take in the form of pills and shots, but these aren’t always completely effective. Thankfully, there are some natural ways that you can fight allergies and other health problems, meaning you won’t have to take drastic methods such as receiving injections or getting a nonsurgical nose job. This natural remedies largely involve changing your diet to include certain healthy foods. What exactly are these foods that combat allergies? Here are some of the best foods you can eat to cure your allergy problem.
Fish
Fish such as tuna and salmon are full of Omega-3 fatty acids, something that can be a big help in your fight against allergies. These fats can help reduce inflammation, a major health benefit for those that struggle with allergies. Various studies have shown that people with higher levels of these fatty acids have a lower risk of allergies. If you’re someone who struggles with allergies then try incorporating fish that is rich in these vital fatty acids into your diet.
Grapes
Grapes are a fruit that is rich in antioxidants, something that is very important in the fight against allergies. They are easy to consume, taste good, and require little preparation, making them very easy to incorporate into your diet. Fruits such as grapes also provide a boost to the “good” bacteria in your stomach. The presence of this good bacteria may help against allergies and the severity of allergic reactions.
Honey
Out of all the things on this list, honey is definitely the most controversial due to conflicting research. Some studies have supported the claim that honey can increase your immunity to allergies, while similar studies have found no correlation between honey and allergies. The theory behind it is that consuming honey found in your area will allow you to build a tolerance toward pollen in your area, sort of like a vaccine. While research may not fully confirm this idea, it still wouldn’t hurt to give it a try and see if it works for you.
Pineapples
Pineapple is rich in an enzyme known as bromelain, a key ingredient in the fight against allergies. Bromelain is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties, something that is very important when trying to deal with allergies. In addition, bromelain can reduce swelling of the nasal cavity, a very common side effect of seasonal allergies. Receiving bromelain in your diet is a key part of coping with allergies and recovering, and pineapples are one of the best sources to receive it from.
Onions
Quercetin is an important chemical that is found in plants, and has been shown to be a great help in the fight against allergies. Thankfully, onions are rich with this chemical, making them an amazing choice for those looking to combat allergies. This chemical blocks the release of histamine, the primary compound involved with allergic reactions. Quercetin also has a whole slew of other side effects that could help with allergies such as its anti-inflammatory properties. If you want to fight back against allergies, then consuming quercetin from onions will be a big help.
CitrusCitrus fruits such as oranges can be a great boost to your immune system and overall health. Citrus fruits are a great source of Vitamin C, a natural antihistamine. As discussed before, histamine is the primary compound involved with allergic reactions. Blocking its production and release can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions or even stop them all together. Vitamin C can also act as an immune system booster, allowing you to fight off any other afflictions that may stem from your allergies. If you’re looking to boost your immune system and overall health, then try incorporating citrus fruits such as oranges into your diet.