Six Foods That Help Reduce Pesky Allergy Symptoms

by Mariana Ashley

There is nothing more aggravating or disrupting than the itchy eyes, scratchy throat, coughing, and sneezing associated with asthma and allergies. Many serious allergy sufferers are all too familiar with the doctor’s offices, antibiotics, allergy medications, emergency rooms, and more. Not only can all of these temporary remedies be challenging to manage, they also tend to be extraordinarily pricey. While there are no foods that can magically eliminate any allergies or asthma symptoms you have, there are several foods you can eat that may help reduce the affects of your allergies or asthma. Try these 6 foods to help reduce the effects of allergies and asthma on a budget.

Yogurt
A recent study performed at the University of California shows that eating yogurt can help significantly reduce allergy symptoms. Participants who were fed 18 to 24 ounces of yogurt daily saw a 90% improvement with their allergy symptoms. It is thought that the natural bacteria in yogurt helps your body better process the things that cause seasonal allergies. Try eating at least 18 ounces of yogurt a day to have some of your allergy symptoms relieved. For individuals who are sensitive to dairy, you could try eating the yogurt with a probiotic supplement.

Salmon
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are good for allergy sufferers because they naturally reduce inflammation. Fish, nuts, and olive oil are all high in omega-3 fatty acids. Try cooking salmon and other fish at least twice a week, so that you or your little allergy sufferer will get 200 grams of fish in one week. It has been shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help ease the affects of inherited childhood allergies and can reduce the risk of suffering atopy.

Berries
Fruits, especially berries, are high in important antioxidants. Antioxidants provide an essential boost for your immune system, enabling your body to more easily fight back against allergens. Berries are an easy and delicious way to strengthen your immune system and reduce the affects of allergens in the air and environment. Also, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries contain quercetin, which is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy qualities. Berries are a great choice for picky kids with pesky allergies. Put berries on top of your yogurt in the morning or on a scoop of ice cream at night.

Artichoke and Spinach
Foods that are rich in magnesium have been shown to improve allergy and asthma symptoms. Scientists believe that magnesium helps to relax the lung muscles and improve lung function. In this way, foods high in magnesium can help asthma sufferers in a very significant way. It is suggested that children and teenagers looking for asthma relief should consume 300 mg of magnesium a day. These individuals became less sensitive to asthmatic triggers and used less asthma medications than individuals who did not use a magnesium-rich diet. In addition to artichoke and spinach, Swiss chard, tofu, sunflower seeds, and black-eyed peas are also high in magnesium.

Ginger
Ginger, along with citrus fruits high in Vitamin C, is a natural histamine blocker. To help reduce the affects of seasonal and environmental allergies incorporate ginger into your everyday diet. Furthermore, ginger can also act as a natural decongestant. So, while antihistamines purchased over the counter at a drug store or grocery store aren’t necessarily that expensive, they do tend to have some incapacitating side effects. Rather than taking an antihistamine medication that makes you groggy and drowsy, try incorporating ginger into some of your meals.

Local Honey
There are many benefits to adding honey to your regular diet. Firstly, honey in general is a natural immune system booster. In this way, honey is a great option for any individual, but locally raised honey can be an even better option for allergy sufferers. Honey contains small traces of pollen and other allergens that are in the area that it is raised and bottled. By ingesting the local allergens and pollen in local honey, your body will begin to build up a defense against them. This works in much the same way that a flu vaccine does. You are taking in a small enough amount of the virus to build up your immunity to it and not make you sick.

(Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.)

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