The Best and Worst Foods for Allergies
By Sara Butler
Fall is here and with it is a whole new batch of seasonal allergens! Thanks a lot, Mother Nature!
Don’t be so quick to call out Mother Nature on this one; although she may be responsible for this illness-inducing pollen, she’s also given you the natural remedies for it. That’s because the food you eat can have a big impact on your allergies. Here are a few foods you should add (and a few to avoid) to your fall shopping list to help fight back against allergies.
Broccoli
This cruciferous vegetable is good for you in several ways, including helping relieve allergies. Broccoli is high in Vitamin C, a vitamin that has been found to help reduce allergy symptoms. If broccoli isn’t your thing, then you can also depend on its cruciferous cousins cauliflower and cabbage to help provide you with a dose of allergy-fighting vitamins. One cup of broccoli has about 80 milligrams of Vitamin C, while cauliflower and cabbage have about 56 milligrams per cup.
Kale
Kale is more than just a fad; it’s actually good for you! It has its fair share of Vitamin C but also packs with it Vitamin A, which has also been found helpful in the fight against allergies. Studies published by the National Institutes of Health have found that people with low stores of Vitamin A tend to suffer more from allergies and asthma.
Garlic and Onions
Another secret weapon in the fight against allergies is the quercetin. Quercetin is found in abundance in garlic and onions and helps to reduce inflammation and act as an antihistamine to help bring you relief. You might be a little smelly, but at least you’ll feel better!
Pumpkins
Nothing says fall quite like pumpkins! They also happen to be a great weapon to have in your allergy arsenal. They are full of carotenoids, a form of Vitamin A that helps keep allergies at bay. If you usually only get pumpkin in pies or bread, consider branching out and adding it to stews or soups too!
Foods You Should Stay Away From
Of course, there are several foods that may only serve to make your allergy suffering worse. As a general rule, you should stay away from:
- Bananas
- Melons
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Apples
These foods may trigger symptoms of allergies. But that doesn’t mean you have to swear them off completely, just make sure to cook them before eating to help neutralize the proteins that can make your symptoms worse.
There are natural ways to deal with your allergies, so try these foods to help you in your battle against them!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sterling, Va.