How your diet can help or hurt seasonal allergies

There are so many fad diets to follow these days, but certain foods could help reduce some of the wheezing and sneezing this spring.

Allergy sufferers are set for a long and brutal season this year. Not only did it start early for somebut parts of the country have already seen or will soon see pollen levels reach record highs.

Although allergy medications ultimately provide the most symptom relief, some studies claim that a few dietary adjustments could alleviate some of your seasonal sniffles.

Add this to the grocery list

Check out the slideshow to see the best foods for fighting allergies.

1. Fruits and vegetables. This one seems like a staple in most diets, but there’s a good reason. Many of our fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and nutrients that can reduce inflammation caused by allergens.

Especially, vitamin C gives your immune system a boost – and that’s especially needed during allergy season. After all, an allergic reaction is an immune response, so it’s imperative to support your immune system even more when pollen counts skyrocket.

A study carried out by a team of researchers in Germany discovered that high doses of vitamin C helped relieve allergy symptoms.

Due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C can regulate histamine levels and reduce inflammation. So stocking up on citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, and other vitamin C-rich produce is a good idea.

2. Probiotics are a pro– and all the more reason to love Greek yogurt, if you’re a fan. Probiotics not only help the gut, but may also play a role in reducing inflammation caused by allergies.

3. Some fish are a great catch, including fatty fish such as salmon and sardines. Both are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, another natural anti-inflammatory.

4. A little spice makes it all nice. Some spices can “clear your sinuses,” so to speak, and it helps with congestion. Adding ginger or spicy condiments like mustard or wasabi to a dish might at least help temporarily clear the nasal passages.

5. Try the tea for a change. Not all teas have benefits, but some do, such as nettle and green tea. Along with soothing post-nasal drip and throat irritation, some teas contain high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), several studies have found that coffee may relieve symptoms for people with chronic asthma or allergic asthma.

Although moderation is key. The caffeine in coffee also contains histamines and can also dehydrate you more quickly. Those dependent on multiple cups of joe a day may want to find another alternative, such as pairing green tea with honey.

7. Drink more water. Water is always a must, but it’s even more important during allergy season. Staying hydrated with water not only increases body functionality, but limits histamine production. Also, allergy medications can make you dry, so it’s imperative to make sure you’re taking enough.

Foods and drinks to avoid

While Greek yogurt offers some allergy-fighting benefits, most cheeses and other dairy products can contain histamine, which will only exacerbate symptoms. Along with this, milky substances can thicken mucus, which can worsen congestion and make it harder to breathe.

Red meats and bread are also on the thumbs down list, along with sugar and other highly processed foods. All of this increases inflammation in the body.

As for drinks, avoid diuretic drinks which could further dehydrate the body. This includes happy hour coffee and cocktails.

Avoid drinking alcohol until symptoms subside, especially for those on medication. But those not taking medication should also wait if they experience allergy symptoms. Alcohol contains histamine, which could make symptoms worse.

Another thing to note: Using locally sourced honey to relieve allergy symptoms is a myth. That said, adding honey to your cuppa won’t make your allergies worse.

The AAFA explained in a report that the pollen used to create honey is not the same pollen that causes allergies. Therefore, ingesting spoonfuls of honey will not make you more immune to the pollen strains causing the problem.

Beware of oral allergy syndrome

Increasing your daily intake of fruits and vegetables has its benefits. But not for those who have Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)which could get worse when the pollen count becomes high.

According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), people who are sensitive to certain types of pollen may also experience a food allergy to certain raw fruits and vegetables.

Indeed, the proteins that make up this fruit or vegetable are like the pollen proteins that are the allergen.

When you ingest the fruit or vegetable, the body thinks it is invaded by the allergen itself and therefore reacts.

Interestingly, many VS sufferers find that when they cook raw fruits or vegetables, they no longer cause an allergic reaction.

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