Foods to Help You Get Through Allergy Season
| 2 min read
Most Michiganders can’t wait for the time of year when the days get a little longer, temperatures get warmer and flowers begin to bloom. But as beautiful as spring in Michigan is, it can be absolute torture for those who experience the sneezing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes associated with seasonal allergies. While you can always opt for an over-the-counter allergy medicine, you can also try reducing your symptoms by tweaking your diet. Here are a few foods to add to your springtime meals that could make your allergies feel less intense:
- Onions and garlic: These flavorful vegetables contain an antioxidant called quercetin, which can help prevent the release of histamines (the chemical created during an allergic reaction that leads to your symptoms).
- Apples: The skin of this popular fruit is full of quercetin (just like onions and garlic). The fruit also contains polyphenols, which studies show can reduce sneezing and runny noses associated with allergies.
- Salmon and tuna: Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, helping keep allergy symptoms in check.
- Pineapple: This tropical fruit contains bromelain, an anti-inflammatory that helps calm nasal and sinus swelling caused by allergies. As an added bonus, research has shown that it can also help with asthma.
- Yogurt: Fermented foods like yogurt contain probiotics, bacteria that promote a healthy and strong digestive and immune system. The healthier your immune system, the better your body is at fighting off allergies. Other foods that contain probiotics include kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, and pickles.
While these foods can help improve your allergies, always talk to your doctor if symptoms don’t get better or interfere with your day-to-day activities.
Photo Credit: iLpO88
