Fight Seasonal Allergies With Vitamin-rich Foods
Seasonal allergies are caused by exposure to substances that are in the air, such as pollen, which appear at certain times of the year. Fortunately, you can fight seasonal allergies with vitamin-rich foods.
Of course, seasonal allergies are especially common in the spring, summer and fall, depending on what is causing your allergy.
You may be allergic to more than one type of pollen.
Fungal spores in the air over long periods (ie mold) can also trigger allergies.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Density
- Mucus production
- Sinusitis
- Sneezing, redness
- Burning eyes
Your immune system responds to irritants in the environment. Any external substance that enters your body can trigger an immune response.
Still, 80% of your immune system is in your gut.
Your body interacts with the outside world, absorbs nutrients from food and keeps out bacteria and pathogens, while getting rid of undigested food.
Your immune system can become very sensitive to seasonal allergies, and your body will manifest some of these symptoms.
At this point, you need to start removing things from your diet, to remove any foods that are toxic to you or cause inflammation in a few weeks, to calibrate your symptoms.
If your symptoms do not improve, you can reintroduce these foods slowly.
However, if they do improve, you are likely to be sensitive to these foods and should limit their consumption.
Modify your diet at the first sign of seasonal allergy
Although there is no specific diet to follow that will eliminate your symptoms, there are nutrients that act as natural antiallergens.
They contain nutrients such as vitamin C or folic acid, which will help reduce allergy symptoms.
Eat foods with a high concentration of vitamin C.
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that will help relieve your symptoms, especially respiratory problems that tend to peak during the spring:
- Watercress
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
- Oranges and lemons
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Cabbage
Foods that contain folic acid
Among the foods that provide large amounts of folic acid are:
- Lenses
- Chickpeas
- Spinach
- Chestnuts
- Asparagus
- Beans
- Salad
- Peas
Foods with flavonoids
It is a good idea to eat foods that contain flavonoids, especially quercetin, because this drug has very strong antiallergens:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Apples
- Pears
- Cherry
- Mango
- Oats
Your diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, and incorporate regular legumes. Three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit should also be included daily.
Dietary supplements to avoid seasonal allergies
- Increase your intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C.
- Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
- Drink green tea, as it acts as a natural antioxidant.
- Balance your consumption of fatty acids (ie choose olive oil over sunflower oil, or oil from other seeds).
- Eat more cold-water fish and eggs.
- Eat probiotic foods, such as yogurt.
Vitamins and minerals you should not miss
Vitamin E
This helps reduce the inflammation that is responsible for your symptoms. So, to get vitamin E, try eating:
- Whole grains
- Soy products
- Vegetable oils
- Green leafy vegetables
- Nuts
Vitamin C
This is an antioxidant that helps strengthen tissues that are irritated by allergies, and it stimulates the immune system.
Beta-carotene against seasonal allergies
This pigment is found in all vegetables that are yellow or orange.
- Especially in carrots, pumpkin, mango and apricots.
- Once in the body, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which is essential for the protection of mucous membranes and repair of respiratory systems.
- It is also an antioxidant that protects the body’s tissues.
Magnesium
This tracer works to relax the bronchial muscles, to improve the air flow in the lungs. You can find it in nuts in large quantities.
Spicy food against seasonal allergies
Spices will open your airways and reduce congestion. These are natural supplements that can help relieve some of the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
When and how much you consume will depend on your tolerance to spicy foods:
- Wasabi
- Dijon mustard
- Reddiker
- Chili pepper
- Turmeric
- Ginger
These ingredients all contain a natural chemical compound known as capsaicin, which helps your body get rid of allergens through sweating and sneezing.
This makes them very effective in relieving congestion and reducing inflammation.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a yellow color thanks to the content of curcumin, an active compound with good antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.
It has a decongestant effect, to relieve your allergic reaction. You can make the following drinks to get the benefits of turmeric.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon malt turmeric (10 g)
- 1 cup milk (200 ml)
Preparation
- First heat the cup with milk, and add ground turmeric.
- Mix well and drink once a day to relieve allergy symptoms.
Ginger for seasonal allergies
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are good for fighting allergies.
- It helps cleanse the airways, and prevents or relieves asthma symptoms.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (200 ml)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (10 g) or 4 thin slices of the root
Preparation
- First, heat the cup with water, and when it boils, add the ginger (either ground or grated).
- Then let it soak for 5 minutes, strain out the liquid and serve.
- You can drink up to two cups a day to relieve tightness.
Your symptoms will improve if you follow these tips. However, if you do not see any changes within a few days, it is advisable to visit your doctor, to determine if medication is needed.
