5 Foods to BEAT Seasonal Allergies [Surprising!]

Spring is here.

Finally!

We’ve already seen some 80-degree days here in Arizona, and I’m loving it.

I also love to breathe in the smell of fresh-cut grass and see the vibrant colors in trees like the crepe myrtle and magnolia.

But if you have seasonal allergies, all you see is pollen.

And instead of breathing IN the scents, your body is getting the pollen and dander OUT as fast as it can.

Sneezing, runny nose, runny eyes, coughing… it’s a recipe for misery.

Fortunately, I can help with that.

Before you reach for an antihistamine, try reaching for one of these five foods instead.

Allergies occur when your immune system is in overdrive.

Your body releases antibodies to attack the allergen (in this case, pollen), histamines are released into your blood, and you end up with the miserable symptoms the go along with seasonal allergies.

But while nature produces the problem, it also provides the solution.

Numerous foods have been found to directly combat seasonal allergy symptoms.

Here are five of the best.

1. Ginger

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been shown to help combat seasonal allergies. It’s also a natural antihistamine, which means is blocks the histamine that triggers the allergic reaction.

In one study, taking 500 mg of a ginger extract worked better than a common antihistamine at improving nasal symptoms and quality of life for people with hay fever.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, and like its cousin, it has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties that make it surprisingly effective against allergy symptoms.

In one study, curcumin (the main component of turmeric) was found to alleviate nasal symptoms like sneezing and congestion in people with perennial allergic rhinitis.

It’s recommended to take 1.4 milligrams of curcumin per pound of body weight.

3. Citrus Fruit

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, an immune-boosting vitamin that also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.

One study found that a high dose of vitamin C (7.5 grams) reduced allergy-related symptoms and improved quality of life.

4. Onions

Onions contain a flavonoid called quercetin that has been shown to act as a natural antihistamine.

In an animal study, an onion extract reduced allergies and inflammation in mice with allergic rhinitis.

5. Tomatoes

The compound that gives tomatoes their bright red color—called lycopene — is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation caused by an allergic reaction.

One study showed that eating 2-4 servings of tomatoes per day alleviated health symptoms associated with asthma, like wheezing and shortness of breath.

 

P.S. Summer is just around the corner. And that means you’re probably spending more time outdoors. But sometimes outdoor irritants – like molds and pollens – can lead to an itchy rash. But before you go reaching for some topical cream, click here and learn about this “seasonal cure”.  You’ll want to try it!