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9 Foods That Help Fight Allergy

Allergy is an inappropriate reaction of the immune system when exposed to certain substances known as allergens. Common allergens include pollen, insect stings, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites and certain foods and medicines. Adding foods with anti-allergic properties to your diet helps in lowering the risk of allergies and reducing severity of allergic reactions. Foods with nutrients that act as anti-inflammatory agents and natural antihistamines help in alleviating the symptoms of allergies.

To Fight Allergy, Include The Following Foods In Your Diet

1. Fatty Fish

If you are prone to seasonal allergy, add fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, herring and trout to your diet. The omega-3 fatty acid rich fish oil helps in fighting inflammation and inhibiting excess mucus production in the sinuses and nose. The omega-3 fats are therefore considered effective in providing relief from the allergic reactions.[1]

Fatty Fish

2. Onion And Garlic

Despite the unpleasant onion and garlic breath, raw onion and garlic are excellent anti-allergy foods. They are a rich source of an antioxidant compound called quercetin that acts as natural anti-histamine. It is known to help in alleviating inflammation triggered by allergic reactions.[2]

Onion And Garlic

3. Pineapple

For fast relief from the allergy symptoms, eat fresh pineapple or drink pineapple juice. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory activity. If you are suffering from allergy, bromelain helps in suppressing production of inflammatory chemicals that accompany allergic reactions, thereby helping in providing relief from the allergic symptoms.[3]

Pineapple

4. Yogurt

Consuming plain yogurt helps in combating allergy and reducing the symptoms of allergic reactions. The friendly lactobaccilus bacteria present in plain yougurt help in inhibiting production of IgE, the antibody that stimulates production of histamine that triggers the allergy symptoms. According to studies, people who take plain yogurt daily are less susceptible to allergic reactions.[4]

Yogurt

5. Honey

Local honey, when taken daily, helps in fighting allergy and reducing the risk of frequent seasonal allergies. Local honey contains a small amount of local pollens that contribute to seasonal allergies. While exposure to a small amount of pollen will not trigger allergic reactions, regular exposure to this tiny amount of pollen present in local honey will help your body to tolerate it. This helps in making you less vulnerable to allergies when the pollen level is high in the air.[5]

Honey

6. Broccoli

Broccoli contains flavonoids called quercetin and kaempferol that are known to help in fighting allergic reactions. These flavonoids help in blocking production of histamine and pro-inflammatory chemicals that trigger the allergy symptoms. Therefore, for fast relief from allergy symptoms, eat broccoli.[6]

Broccoli

7. Green Tea

Green tea works as a natural antihistamine. It is therefore considered a beneficial drink for people suffering from allergies. Green tea is also a source of anti-inflammatory compounds that help in inhibiting production of inflammatory chemicals during allergic reactions, thereby providing fast relief from the allergy symptoms.[7]

Green Tea

8. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that helps in providing fast relief from the allergy symptoms. In addition, to citrus fruits, add other vitamins C rich foods such as tomatoes, strawberries and red peppers to fight allergy.[8]

Citrus Fruit

9. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are rich in nutrients that help in fighting allergy. They contain carotenoids that are known to help in suppressing production of pro-inflammatory substances associated with allergic reactions. They are also a source of folate or vitamin B9. According to preliminary studies, low folate levels increases risk of allergies. Eating folate rich leafy greens such as spinach helps in reducing severity of allergy symptoms.[9]

Leafy Greens