Around 8% of Americans experience seasonal allergies, a type of allergy that develops when your immune system overreacts to environmental allergies like pollen, usually in spring, summer, or fall. Wind-pollinated trees, grass, ragweed, burning bush, tumbleweed, and sagebrush are some of the plants that can trigger allergic symptoms. The symptoms include sneezing, itchy throat, sinus, ear congestion, watery eyes, and runny nose. Adopting the right diet can help reduce allergic symptoms. Try out the following food options to ease your seasonal allergy symptoms:
1. Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects. Allergic reactions usually start in your immune system. When the immune system notices a dangerous airborne invader, it releases chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream to defend the body against these substances. These chemicals are what cause allergic reactions. Omega-3 fatty acids moderates the activities of the immune system and strengthens it, reducing allergic symptoms.
2. Tree nuts
Allergies cause inflammation in the nose and throat tissues, leading to allergic symptoms like sinus, runny nose, and itchy throat. Tree nuts are rich in magnesium and vitamin E. Magnesium will protect you from wheezing, especially for people with asthma. On the other hand, vitamin E protects your body from free radicals that cause inflammation. It’s good to note that tree nuts are high in fat, so you should take them in moderation, especially if you are on a weight loss journey. Adding tree nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts to your cereals and salads is a great way to fight seasonal allergy without overindulging.
3. Avocado
Avocados are very high in omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve asthmatic and allergic symptoms. They also contain many essential minerals and vitamins, including magnesium and vitamin E. Magnesium deficiency results in high histamine levels, which the body releases to counter allergens, causing allergic symptoms. High magnesium levels lower histamine levels, reducing inflammation in the airways. The vitamin E in avocados helps reduce the levels of allergy-related antibodies IgE and calms the parts of the respiratory system involved in allergic reactions.
4. Garlic
Garlic is a strong antihistamine with the ability to treat and reduce seasonal allergic symptoms. It naturally attacks allergen’s free radicals and removes them from the bloodstream. Garlic helps fight off histamine, reducing the severity of allergic symptoms. It also has high antioxidant properties that strengthen the immune system during allergy flare-ups. Since it’s a decongestant, taking garlic during the allergy season helps manage sinuses. Allicin, a chemical found in fresh crushed garlic, helps thin any mucus layer blocking the nasal passage, which prevents airway blockage and reduces inflammation. The best way to use garlic in treating allergy symptoms is by crushing it and mixing it with a few tablespoons of honey. Swallow the mixture as a whole, and you can repeat the process thrice daily or until the symptoms subside.
Your lifestyle can greatly influence the impact of seasonal allergies on your body. The right way to relieve the allergic symptoms is by eating well. Incorporate the above foods in your diet; they will help you save the antihistamines for the worst days.
