The Top Foods To Naturally Fight Seasonal Allergies
Spring is in the air! But so are pollen and mold! Constant sneezing, runny or congested nose, watery eyes, and coughing can really put a damper on life, but at Leanne T Nutrition we are focused on food, nutrition, and health, so we are going to share the top foods to fight seasonal allergies naturally! Grab your Kleenex, let’s go!
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Citrus Bioflavonoids can help alleviate seasonal allergies
Citrus bioflavonoids have properties that are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic! There are three types to highlight, we will share the food sources!
Quercetin provides anti-inflammation for allergy symptoms
Quercetin is naturally occurring in onions, capers, apples, berries, tea, tomatoes, and grapes. It has been shown to exert a natural antihistamine effect on the body.
Rutin, a natural remedy for seasonal allergies
This bioflavonoid also provides a natural antihistamine effect (without drug induced side effects). You can find rutin in passionflower, buckwheat, tea, and apples.
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone for inflammation caused by hay fever
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone (also known as HMC) is found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit can help with inflammation and provide antioxidants!
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Rosemary, a powerful antihistamine against allergies
Histamine is naturally occurring in the body, but when histamines are high they can produce symptoms like fatigue, itchy skin, or nasal drainage or congestion, no thank you! Rosemary has shown to have natural antihistamine properties, and did we mention the wonderful taste and smell? Rosemary goes well with a lot of different foods, we especially love a Dijon and rosemary pork loin or rosemary citrus marinades for chicken.
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Garlic contains antioxidants that are beneficial for allergies
The Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry states Garlic is probably one of the earliest known medicinal plants used in ancient time to cure different disease in humans. Garlic and its compounds are known for the following properties: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral! A great way to enjoy garlic is fresh, minced and put on meats and roasted vegetables!
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Turmeric, one of the best spices for allergies
Turmeric and it’s active ingredient curcumin have been proven to be one of the best herbs for allergies and respiratory health! It is sold as a supplement but you can use turmeric in many dishes. It’s taste profiles includes earthy, slightly bitter, and a peppery warm spice. Its versatile in recipes with eggs, soups, meats, rice, dips, dressings, and don’t forget curry!
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Ginger is an anti-inflammatory to fight seasonal allergies
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce allergy symptoms. We love the taste of fresh ginger in sauces for chicken or fish! Or you can add dried ground ginger to baked dishes. The study we found was an animal based study, so more research is needed in humans, but ginger has many other benefits like easing bloating , aiding digestion, and anti-nausea!
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How local honey may help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms
The thought process here is ingesting the pollens that bring the negative side effects of seasonal allergies will help the body build up immunity against them. Local honey is defined as coming from a beehive within a 25-50 miles radius of where a person lives. Also, the temperature for raw honey is under 115 degrees Fahrenheit, higher temperatures can damage the enzymes, nutrients, minerals, and anti-bacterial properties. Beekeeping experts recommend starting by taking a teaspoon of local raw honey daily or every other day in late February-mid-March, before seasonal allergy symptoms arise. If you’re grabbing a bottle of local honey from a farmers’ market make sure you can track where the honey was sourced or better yet find beekeepers in your area and buy it directly from them!
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Conclusions about how food can help fight seasonal allergies
When it comes to battling seasonal allergies, we recommend embracing a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods so you can arm yourself appropriately! We would love to hear your natural remedies for seasonal allergies! Here’s to a happier, healthier you, one delicious bite at a time!
This information is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. We recommend consulting with your healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
About The Author
leanne.timpone
Leanne Timpone is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a degree in Culinary Arts in St. Louis, MO. She has worked in healthcare for the last thirteen years. She provides nutrition counseling and culinary insight to help others achieve their health and wellness goals. She is a wife and mother of two boys, loves to cook, and enjoys taking family walks.