Spring is a delightful time of the year, especially after enduring the cold, ice, and snow for months. Everyone, from kids to adults, eagerly waits for the trees to bloom and the birds to start singing again. Unfortunately, many people can’t fully enjoy the beauty and fresh air of spring due to seasonal allergies.
These allergies usually flare up because of the pollen released by plants in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike. It’s tough to escape from them, no matter where you live. Allergy symptoms like runny, itchy eyes, congestion, and a drippy nose can be really annoying. For those with allergies, spring’s arrival is often met with a sense of dread, knowing these symptoms are on the way. After a whole winter of dealing with colds and flu, nobody wants to face similar symptoms just when they’re ready to enjoy the sun.
While there are plenty of prescription and over-the-counter allergy medicines, you can also manage your symptoms through your diet. Certain foods can help alleviate or even prevent your allergy symptoms, while others can make them worse.
**Foods to Avoid if You Have Allergies**
Depending on your specific allergies, some foods should be off-limits. If you’re allergic to ragweed, steer clear of artichokes, zucchini, cucumbers, melons, bananas, cantaloupe, hibiscus, chamomile, and Echinacea. For grass pollen allergies, avoid figs, oranges, tomatoes, and melons.
Dairy products can increase mucus production and inflammation in the body. If you struggle with congestion, reducing or eliminating dairy from your diet might help. Excess mucus can make it harder for your body to flush out toxins, leading to more allergy flare-ups.
**Foods to Eat if You Have Allergies**
To fight off spring allergies, include foods that help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. Herbs can be a great alternative to medications, and foods rich in folic acid and vitamin C are particularly beneficial.
Incorporate foods and herbs like parsley, which detoxifies your system, kale, collard greens, broccoli, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, elderberry, stinging nettle, and butterbur. These are all packed with nutrients and antioxidants that support your overall health and help manage allergy symptoms. Including these foods in your diet throughout the year can help prevent allergies before they start.