Eat the allergy-fighting foods

Spring and summer are fun-filled seasons, but for those with allergies to pollen, grasses and other airborne triggers, it’s hardly a time to celebrate. Pollen counts are packing a serious punch this year, and people across the country are reeling from the effects like itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; congestion and stuffiness. While over-the-counter drugs can provide some relief, these medications also come with side effects like drowsiness and brain fog.

Allergies are often triggered by overactive inflammatory-immune responses. Stress aggravates this response by stimulating the release of hormones such as cortisol, adrenalin, glucagon and other fight or flight hormones into the bloodstream. Those result in a spike in insulin and IGF-1.

The hormonal cascades contribute to inflammation and, over time, high levels of these hormones degrade immune function leading to dysregulation of immunity. This immune imbalance causes the overactive immune responses seen in allergies and autoimmune issues, where the immune system loses its regulatory mechanisms and begins to attack the body.

Mind-body relaxation practices like meditation and visualization, deep breathing, and exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi can be very helpful in reducing stress and the inflammation responses. A number of studies have shown these practices to be beneficial in reducing cortisol, increasing oxygenation, strengthening and regulating immunity, and improving mental and emotional well-being.

In addition to healthy stress-relief practices, a number of superfoods can help promote balanced immune responses in the face of seasonal allergies. Consuming these foods regularly may lessen the severity of allergies so you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors symptom-free. In addition to emphasizing the foods listed below, many people find that avoiding food ingredients like gluten, dairy and refined sugar helps reduce allergy symptoms. A growing body of clinical evidence suggests that seasonal allergies can be triggered or aggravated by sensitivities to certain pro-inflammatory foods and toxins that fuel the cycles of inflammation and contribute to leaky gut syndrome, making seasonal allergies more severe.

Helpful anti-allergy ingredients

Here are natural ways to help control your seasonal allergies:

Pineapple: Contains a powerful enzyme, bromelain, to help thin mucus and reduce occasional allergies. Bromelain enzyme supplements are also helpful.

Spirulina: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent allergies. Spirulina is a nutritious source of the omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which helps support balanced immunity and reduce allergic reactions.

Berries: Dark-colored berries such as blueberries contain an abundance of healthy phytonutrients such as anthocyanins that can help support immunity and help reduce allergy flare-ups.

Turmeric: There are many reasons to love turmeric. This rich-yellow spice contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant compound that supports immunity and can help alleviate occasional seasonal allergies.

Apples: An apple a day helps keep allergies away because they are good sources of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant compound that helps control occasional allergies and offers numerous additional benefits for immunity.

Citrus: Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and other citrus fruits contain the bioflavonoid hesperidin, which helps control allergy flare-ups. They’re also good sources of vitamin C, another important nutrient for balanced immunity.

Honey: Some studies suggest that eating local honey can protect against pollen allergies. The theory is similar to the theory about why vaccines work: You introduce a tiny amount of the allergen to help the body grow more accustomed to it. Local honey from bees that pollenate the plants that are causing people misery may work in this way to help balance the immune and inflammatory responses. More research needs to be done, but some people certainly swear by this method.

Toxins

Sometimes allergies can be triggered by an overload of environmental toxins, so you want to ensure that your indoor air quality is good by using a high-quality HEPA air purifier to reduce environmental irritants. Minimize further exposure to environmental toxins and heavy metals by choosing organic foods and body products. Supplements such as vitamin C, the bioflavonoids quercetin and hesperidin, medicinal mushrooms, modified citrus pectin, and a Tibetan herbal formula can all help to support healthy responses to inflammation, regulate immunity, remove toxins from the body and protect against the damaging effects of stress.

Don’t let allergies prevent you from enjoying the beauty of nature. You can support whole-body health with holistic strategies and enjoy increased vitality throughout the year.

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