You are what you eat…and what you eat influences how your body functions! Whether you wish to prevent symptoms this allergy season or you are actively suffering from allergies, these 5 Ways to Prevent Seasonal Allergies with Food can help prevent and reduce your symptoms.
5 Ways to Prevent Seasonal Allergies with Food
1. Increase water intake: Aim for the recommended 8-10 glasses of water per day to prevent dehydration. Histamine production is increased when the body is dehydrated. Histamine is a substance released in the body when the immune system responds to an allergen. It causes inflammation and is one of the primary substances responsible for allergy symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching and mucous production.
2. Identify and eliminate food sensitivities: Food sensitivities are often present in people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Common foods sensitivities include: sugar, dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, corn, peppers, tomato, and citrus fruits. These foods increase inflammation in the body which aggravates existing allergy symptoms.
3. Avoid processed and pre-packaged foods: These foods often contain increased salt, sugar, artificial colours/flavours and chemical preservatives which can further increase inflammation and the immune system’s allergic response.
4. Increase foods high in vitamin C: Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that prevents the release of histamine as well as increase the rate of histamine breakdown and elimination. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, apples, berries and green leafy vegetables.
5. Increase foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, ground flaxseed and flax oil, walnuts, eggs, soybeans and tofu. Omega-3 fatty acids influence the chemical pathways of the inflammatory response and decrease inflammation in the body.
