Top Anti-Allergy Foods
Spring is finally here, but for those with seasonal allergies, it’s hardly a time to celebrate. Pollen counts are packing yet another serious punch this year, causing people who suffer from allergies to endure itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, stuffiness and other uncomfortable symptoms. While over-the-counter anti-histamines and other anti-allergy drugs can provide some relief, they often come with side effects like drowsiness and brain fog.
A healthier way to help reduce allergies and allergic flare ups is with food. A number of fruits, vegetables, spices and other foods are often used to reduce inflammation and promote a balanced immune response in the face of seasonal allergies. Consuming these foods regularly may help lessen the severity of seasonal allergies, so you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors in all its glory.
Importantly, more and more people are finding that their seasonal allergies are closely linked to food sensitivities and intolerances. So in addition to emphasizing the foods listed below, many people find that avoiding common inflammatory trigger foods like gluten, dairy and refined sugar helps reduce allergy symptoms.
Anti-Allergy Foods and Ingredients
Pineapple: This popular tropical fruit contains a powerful enzyme bromelain to help thin mucus and reduce allergies.
Spirulina: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent allergies. Spirulina is a nutritious source of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which helps support balanced immunity and reduces allergic reactions.
Berries: Dark colored berries such as blueberries contain an abundance of healthy phytonutrients such as anthocyanins that can help support immunity and help reduce allergy flare ups.
Turmeric: Yet another reason to love turmeric, this rich yellow spice contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant compound that supports immunity and can help alleviate occasional seasonal allergies.
Apples: An apple a day helps keep allergies away, because apples are good sources of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant compound that helps control occasional allergies and offers numerous additional benefits for immunity.
Citrus: Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and other citrus fruits contain the bioflavonoid hesperidin which helps control allergy flare-ups. They’re also good sources of vitamin C, another important nutrient for balanced immunity.
Local Honey: Many people swear by local honey to reduce their seasonal allergies. The logic is similar to the way vaccinations work: Introduce a safe amount of a pathogen to your system to encourage your body to develop immunity to that same pathogen. One study using local honey for allergies showed that patients who were treated with honey specifically created from birch pollen had significantly better control of their allergy symptoms than did those on conventional medication only.
An ancient Tibetan herbal formula called Padma Basic® also offers support for seasonal allergies. The unique herbs and botanicals contained in Padma Basic work together to promote healthy immune responses and provide potent antioxidant support. Decades of published clinical research on Padma Basic validates the benefits of this unique, synergistic formula for numerous areas of health.*
Don’t let allergies prevent you from enjoying the beauty of nature! Support whole body health with holistic strategies and enjoy increased vitality throughout the year.