EASY Food Fixes Nip Seasonal Allergies in the Bud
It’s NOT your imagination, and you’re NOT alone. Seasonal allergies hit early and HARD this year.
In fact, in some cases, folks who’ve never battled seasonal allergies are struggling with symptoms.
I do love the change of seasons. Breathing in the smell of fresh-cut grass and seeing the vibrant colors of the blooming crepe myrtle and magnolia trees is a treat for me.
But if you have seasonal allergies, all you see is pollen. Instead of breathing IN the scents, your body is forcing the pollen back OUT as fast as possible.
Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing… it’s a recipe for misery. Fortunately, I can help.
Skip the risky antihistamine and reach for one of these five foods instead.
Allergy symptoms are an external sign of an internal battle.
When you’re allergic to pollen, your immune system kicks into overdrive. Your body starts pumping out antibodies and histamines in reaction to the allergen.
As a result, you end up battling miserable seasonal allergy symptoms all spring long.
But while nature produces the problem, it also provides the solution. Because numerous foods can directly combat seasonal allergy symptoms.
The following are five of the best:
- Ginger: This spice is a natural anti-inflammatory that can combat seasonal allergies. Even better, ginger is a natural antihistamine that blocks the histamines released during an allergic reaction.
In one study, 500 mg of ginger extract worked better than a common antihistamine in improving nasal symptoms and quality of life for folks battling hay fever.
- Turmeric: This golden-yellow spice is a member of the ginger family. Like its cousin ginger, turmeric is anti-inflammatory. Plus, it’s a natural decongestant that’s surprisingly effective against seasonal allergies.
In one study, curcumin (turmeric’s main component) alleviated nasal symptoms like sneezing and congestion in people with perennial allergic rhinitis. I typically recommend taking 1.4 mg of curcumin per pound of body weight.
- Citrus fruit: Citrus is packed with immune-boosting vitamin C that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.
One study found that a high dose of vitamin C (7.5 g) reduced allergy-related symptoms and improved quality of life.
- Onions: Onions are rich in the flavonoid quercetin, a natural antihistamine. The compound stimulates the immune system, inhibits histamine release, and suppresses inflammation, fighting back against seasonal allergies.
In animal studies, onion extracts significantly reduced allergy symptoms and inflammation.
- Tomatoes: Lycopene is the compound that gives tomatoes their bright red color. This powerful antioxidant naturally soothes the inflammation caused by allergic reactions.
One study showed that eating two to four daily servings of tomatoes alleviated wheezing and shortness of breath in asthma patients.
P.S. This “new” SUPERFOOD is creating a BIG BUZZ over its ability to fight respiratory illnesses!
SOURCES:
Yamprasert, R., et al. Ginger extract versus Loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther 20, 119 (2020). [https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-2875-z]
Wu S, Xiao D. Effect of curcumin on nasal symptoms and airflow in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016 Dec;117(6):697-702.e1. [doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.09.427]
