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As more and more individuals are being affected by allergies this time of year, it’s time to start thinking about the many ways to reduce the uncomfortable itchy, sneezy, sniffly symptoms of allergies and figure out how to get some relief.
Although many people feel that they actually need to reach for a pill, there are a variety of ways to get allergy relief naturally.
Foods
My favorite motto is that food is medicine. I believe this is true in many ways, including for the relief of allergies. Many foods not only have antihistamine properties to help reduce the symptoms of allergies, but also have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the irritation and discomfort brought on by inflammation of the sinuses.
By utilizing foods with these properties, we can get great relief by simply putting together the right meal.
Foods with antihistamine properties
Reach for red. Red onions and red apples contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine. Red peppers are vitamin C rich and also acts as a natural antihistamine. Top salads with capers, the smallest but most potent kick of quercectin, according to Livestrong.com.
Foods with anti-inflammatory properties
Salmon and other fish have a high dosage of omega-3s, which have been shown to greatly reduce inflammation.
Fruits and vegetables are great anti-inflammatory foods. Try blueberries and other berries, papaya, broccoli, and other leafy greens for an extra healthy dose.
Spices such as turmeric, garlic, and ginger, are potent anti-inflammatory foods that make great seasonings. Start your morning or end your dinner with a cup of green tea for another anti-inflammatory kick!
Avoid foods that promote an inflammatory response. Try to avoid spicy foods, as well as processed sugars and fats. This means staying away from sodas and processed meats. As with most cases, the more natural you eat, the better.
Environment
As allergy sufferers know, environment plays a huge role in discomfort. Since we can’t all move to a different city, or change the outside environment, it’s important to do what you can about the environments that you can control.
Cleanse your house. Cleaning up around the house can clear out allergens. Vacuuming, dusting, and reducing clutter are all good ideas.
Cleanse yourself.
J.J. Virgin, health and fitness expert, recommends taking good care of yourself by managing stress, exercising more, getting enough sleep, washing hands thoroughly, using a sinus rinse, and really utilizing healthful, allergy-reducing foods.
She reports that exercising more can help reduce stress, as well as boost your immune system. Managing stress through exercise or other methods (like meditation or yoga) will reduce the body’s inflammation response.
J.J. wisely states some great advice.
“Live healthfully every single day. Compliance is critical. If you are taking essential medications, you take it as frequently as your doctor recommends. Healthful food and exercise must also be done on a regular basis if you want to reap the benefits.”
Whether it’s allergies or disease you’re fighting, or just trying to live well, everyday healthy living is essential.
Live well!
Sources:
Email interview with J.J. Virgin. Feb 26 2012.
Anti Inflammatory Foods – List of 63 Foods to Choose from for Natural Healing. (n.d.). naturalantiinflammatory. Retrieved March 3, 2012, from
http://www.naturalantiinflammatory.org/anti-inflammatory-foods.html
Foods With The Highest Content Of Quercetin | LIVESTRONG.COM. (n.d.). LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition & Fitness Tools | LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved March 3, 2012, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/301326-foods-with-the-highest-content-...
Jegtvig, S. (n.d.). Anti-Inflammatory Foods. About.com Nutrition . Retrieved March 3, 2012, from http://nutrition.about.com/od/dietsformedicaldisorders/a/antiinflamfood.htm
Reviewed March 5, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
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