5 Amazing Foods That Will Cure Food Allergies

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, allergies are the 6^th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States with an annual cost of $18 billion. Furthermore, each year about 58 million Americans deal with the same problem – seasonal allergic rhinitis or more commonly known as hay fever. Even though there’s no magic formula that would eliminate seasonal allergies for good, there are still some effective ways of dealing with this problem and food is one of them. Throughout this article, we’re going to list 5 amazing foods you should add to your menu to cure allergies.

Causes of seasonal allergies

While spring reminds some people of colorful flowers, nice smells, sunshine, and other happy things, people who deal with allergies just want this season to pass as quickly as possible. When it comes to causes of seasonal allergies, pollen accounts for the primary culprit. When pollen grains get into nose of a person who’s allergic they cause overdrive of their immune system. In turn, person’s immune system sees pollen as some sort of invader and releases antibodies that attack allergens. This leads to release of histamines into the blood. Then, histamines cause runny nose, itchy eyes as well as other symptoms of allergies like coughing, sneezing, and dark circles under your eyes.

As mentioned above, there’s a wide range of ways you can address seasonal allergies. Keep reading this article to find out what foods you should eat.

1. Fatty fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines etc. are the richest sources of Omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for your health. In fact, one of the most common healthy living tips you can read is to eat more fish and there’s a good reason for it; besides other health-boosting benefits fatty fish is also known for alleviating allergy symptoms.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition study conducted by Miyake Y. and team of scientists at the Fukuoka University from Japan showed that intake of EPA and DHA, two types of Omega 3 fatty acids, is associated with decreased prevalence of allergic rhinitis.

Before you decide to buy supplements instead, you should bear in mind it’s always best is to eat your Omega 3’s. Why? It’s because experts explain that taking minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients is more beneficial and effective in food form.

1. Pineapple

Pineapple contains enzyme called bromelain which reduces irritation in allergic diseases such as asthma. For instance, Secor E. R. Jr. and team of scientists at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine conducted a study to inspect effects of bromelain on asthma. Results of the study, published in the Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, showed that bromelain has anti-inflammatory benefits and therapeutic effect which may translate into effective adjunctive therapy in patients with similar conditions. 

1. Walnuts and flaxseeds

Although the biggest source of Omega 3’s is fatty fish, they also appear in some plant-based sources. For example, walnuts and flaxseeds can supply your body with much-needed Omega 3 fatty acids as well. That’s not all; flaxseeds also contain selenium which helps reduce allergic response.

Naturally, if you have some food allergies then it’s probably best for you to skip walnuts and stick to fish as your source of Omega 3’s.

1. Oranges, strawberries, peppers

Oranges, strawberries, and peppers are excellent sources of Vitamin C which helps control allergy symptoms. Just like with Omega 3’s, it’s better to take Vitamin C via food rather than in supplement form. You can also get sufficient amount of Vitamin C from broccoli and other vegetables. Here’s another reason to eat broccoli; it’s rich in quercetin which is the flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin blocks release of histamines. Other sources of this flavonoid include onions, apples, black tea, berries, plums, peppers, capers etc.

1. Yogurt

James Turner and team of scientists at the Vanderbilt Universityconducted a study which revealed that using probiotics symptoms of seasonal allergies. Results of the study, published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, showed the significant improvement in the rhinitis-specific quality of life and nasal-specific quality of life in people who consumed yogurt and types of probiotics.

Other tips to relieve allergies

• Go shoeless at home to avoid bringing pollen to your home via shoes
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Switch out filters in air conditioner and furnace
• Adjust indoor humidity level
• Check pollen count and plan your day accordingly.

Conclusion

Spring allergies can be quite frustrating. There’s more to seasonal allergies than just sniffles and coughs, they can have a big impact onto person’s quality of life and prevent them from enjoying spring like the rest of us. Luckily, you can minimize symptoms you experience by choosing your food wisely and this article mentioned a few suggestions.

References
http://community.healthywomen.org/profiles/blogs/health-benefits-of-adding-cottage-cheese-in-your-meals
http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2015/05/study-shows-probiotics-may-help-ease-allergies/