Allergy Season – What to Eat During It

allergyMost people who have allergies believe that pollen, animal dander and dust mites are the enemies. And this is true for some. However, a number of other substances can cause allergic symptoms, some of which you may be ingesting everyday. This happens when your body sees similarities between proteins in pollen and those that exist in some foods. The good news is, some foods have the opposite effect, and actually help heal allergies. Knowing what to eat during allergy season may mean the difference between misery and contentment.

Oral Allergy Syndrome and Problematic Foods

Foods that are proven to cause symptoms in some allergy sufferers include:

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Nuts
  • Kiwis
  • Apricots
  • Cherries
  • Tomatoes
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Peppers

It’s important to note that these allergic symptoms are a result of oral allergy syndrome, also called pollen-food syndrome, which differs from an actual food allergy. People who have oral allergy syndrome may eat cooked fruits and vegetables without a problem because the allergic proteins are sensitive to heat. Symptoms of oral allergy syndrome are limited to the mouth, and may include itching and swelling. Symptoms occur immediately following consumption of problem foods and diminish within an hour. Severe problems are rare, as breathing is generally unaffected. Nevertheless,  a person who experiences oral allergy syndrome may want to visit an allergist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Foods that Fight Allergies

Foods that fight allergies are those that contain beneficial compounds, which help strengthen the body during allergy season. The following are some examples:

  • Citrus Fruits
  • Kale
  • Collard Greens
  • Broccoli

Consuming beneficial foods in conjunction with healing herbs can keep you from suffering in allergy season. The following are examples of herbs that help reduce allergic symptoms:

  • Stinging nettle: works as a natural antihistamine. Unlike pharmaceutical products, the herb does not cause drowsiness.
  • Quercetin: a natural antioxidant, which helps strengthen the body by protecting against free radicals.
  • Bromelain: a natural anti-inflammatory marketed for arthritis, sinusitis and other inflammatory problems.

Find these herbs over-the-counter in quality products such as Histablock.

References:  https://www.foodallergy.org/page/oral-allergy-syndrome1
http://www.allergyuk.org/fs_oralallergy.aspx