Are There Any Foods That Help Relieve Allergies?

I started The Worx in Alexandria, VA, to help people get fit and feel better. Believe me, I know how bad it can feel when you’re overweight and not working out. Sometimes, things can prevent you from your normal workout schedule. Seasonal allergies, for instance, can make you feel miserable and look just as bad. That runny nose that requires constant wiping, the sneezing and coughing not only makes you miserable, it can scare others around you, who may think you’re contagious. That’s one reason I want to share information on foods that help relieve allergies.

Bee pollen may be a big help.

Bee pollen is what bees eat, but it also can be good for humans. It’s a mixture of nectar, honey, enzymes, flower pollen and bees wax. You may even find it at health food stores and farmer’s markets sold as an aid for hay fever. Bee pollen is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal. One study found the pollen prevents a critical step in allergic reactions. It’s best to use local bee honey, since there are studies that show it can build your resistance to local pollen that’s giving you the problem in the first place.

Grab an orange, lemon or red pepper.

Foods high in vitamin C may help allergies by protecting the upper respiratory area. It may shorten the length of time you have a cold as well, even though vitamin C won’t prevent a cold. Studies show that vitamin C intake has an effect on hay fever and that runny nose that comes with it. It decreases the symptoms, like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Eat a grapefruit in the morning, add some red sweet pepper to your salad and snack on berries.

Add some spice to your life and get rid of those seasonal blues.

When you have seasonal allergies, you often look like you’ve been crying, with your eyes swollen, face puffy and nose bright red. It’s the swelling and irritation of your nasal lining and the tissues of the throat and eyes. Ginger has been a trusted aid for stomach upsets, joint pain and even respiratory issues. In one animal study, ginger showed it suppressed the proteins that caused inflammation, which gives you those allergic reactions. Drinking some ginger tea may help.

• Slice some extra tomato on your salad or eat food with cooked tomatoes. Tomatoes not only contain vitamin C, they contain lycopene. It’s an antioxidant that stops allergic inflammation. Cooked tomatoes are even better than raw ones. Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine and is often at health food stores, but you can get it by eating onions, too. Onions also contain other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytochemicals that help quell allergic reactions. Raw onion is best.
• Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent allergies and even aid asthma. Several studies show it helps decrease the narrowing of airways, decrease allergic sensitivity and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Another healthy spice you can sprinkle on your food is turmeric. It’s anti-inflammatory, due to the curcumin it contains. It can reduce the irritation and swelling caused by allergies. Combine it with black pepper for the best results.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx