Spring is in the air! But for some, there is also something else in the air– allergies! For many people, allergy season is synonymous with toting around plenty of tissues, taking countless anti-histamines, and avoiding the outdoors. But could that all be changing? Is there more that we can do to win the battle against our allergies? Recent studies have shown that diets rich in certain foods can be greatly beneficial for those suffering from allergies.
The foods you should be eating
In 2007, a study conducted in Spain found that children who ate fish and a large amount of vegetables experienced 40% fewer allergy and asthma symptoms than those who did not eat the same diet. According to researchers, the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature of fresh vegetables and fish have a healing effect on the bronchial passageways. The studies claim that, due to its high Omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, and can help prevent children from inheriting certain allergies.
To help win the battle against allergies, you should also be eating plenty of antioxidants, which help eliminate cell-damaging free-radicals in the body. Foods that are high in antioxidants include fresh vegetables and fruits (especially berries), nuts and potatoes. You can also consume antioxidants by drinking them– green and black tea, coffee and red wine are also high in antioxidants. And for the most enjoyable way to consume your antioxidants, treat yourself to a few squares of dark chocolate every now and then.
Vitamin C is best known for its cold-fighting benefits, but did you know that it can help with your allergy symptoms as well? Vitamin C in high doses can have a dramatic effect in improving allergy symptoms, particularly hay fever and asthma, due to its ability to counteract the inflammation responses that are part of such conditions. It is recommended that adult females consume approximately 75mg of vitamin C per day, while adult males should be consuming 90mg per day. Of course, these daily recommendations vary for women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
The foods you shouldn’t be eating
Here is a list of food products and additives that have been linked to allergy symptoms.
| Allergy Symptom | Associated Foods |
| Headaches | Wheat, chocolate |
| Migraine Headaches | Alcoholic beverages, cheese, chocolate, nuts, wheat, citrus fruits, tomatoes, MSG, nitrates, eggs and milk |
| Eczema | Citrus fruits, tomatoes and eggs |
| Hay Fever | Milk, wheat, nuts, chocolate, cola drinks and sulfites |
| Hives | Strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate, shellfish, mangoes, pork and nuts |
| Childhood Allergies | Milk, wheat, eggs, artificial coloring/flavors, salicylates, peanuts, rye and beef |
| Asthma | Wheat and eggs |
| Cerebral Symptoms | Corn, wheat and soybeans |
If your symptoms are still unbearable, even after altering your diet, it may be time to visit your doctor. He or she can help you determine what is causing your symptoms and determine the most effective way to treat them.
