Many supplement their diets by consuming vitamin-rich foods that have been known to keep the body chemistry healthy and balanced. Did you know you can also do this to protect yourself from the symptoms of allergy? When an allergic reaction attacks the body, it stimulates the production of histamine, which causes the symptoms, such as coughing, runny nose, sneezing, and even hay fever.
Consuming foods that have antihistamine properties, as well as other vitamins and supplements that can help strengthen the body’s internal health as well. Here are seven allergy-fighting foods to help you get started.
1. Apples
If you are used to eating apples without the peel, you could be missing out on many of the allergy-fighting elements. Apple skin is known to contain anti-histamine, as well as anti-inflammatory qualities. It also contains quercetin, a flavanol that research has shown to relieve sinus infections and congestion, to name a few.
2. Salmon
Salmon, or any type of fatty fish for that matter, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known as “good fats.” Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to reduce inflammation caused by sinusitis. It can also help maintain great heart health.
3. Spicy food
After eating spicy food, you may notice your skin begin to warm up, a runny nose, and your body beginning to sweat. Spicy food clearly has an effect on the body from the inside and out. You can add spice to your meal by using hot sauce. Other ways you can add spice to your food is to include chili peppers, cayenne pepper, garlic, or wasabi. It can naturally decongest a stuffy nose, and you can have a tasty meal to go right along with it.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an interesting addition to this list, as it is popularly known to be an allergy trigger. Yet, one test that was conducted on individuals who suffered from hay fever showed that a diet replete with vitamin E had a 30% lower chance of developing the reaction, as opposed to individuals who did not. Vitamin E is found in food items such as wheat germ and almonds.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has always been unusually recommended as a way to reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, but it can also help do the same with your allergy symptoms. Research has shown that Vitamin C may be able to help lower the production of histamine. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, peas, and kale.
6. Grape seed extract
Another form of natural defense for allergies, grape seed extract is what is known as a “bioflavonoid,” which has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants fight free radicals from invading the body and causing damage to other cells. It also stimulates prostaglandin production, which can help reduce inflammation.
7. Hot tea
Consuming hot tea, or any type of clear, hot liquid, helps to open up the nasal passages which become swollen due to infection from an allergy attack. For those who suffer from sinus infection or sinusitis, this form of relief is a natural, cost-effective, and also very soothing for your throat.
Our team of board-certified allergists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia encourages you to find relief for your allergies any way you can. It is our mission to help every single person who comes to us for help. Not only do we treat your symptoms, we provide you with the educational and tools necessary so that you can live your life as remarkably as possible.
Schedule your no-wait appointment with us today!