Allergy season is almost upon us here in Minnesota.
Maybe you’ve had allergies your whole life, or maybe they waited to drive you mad later in life. Maybe you take medication for your symptoms, or maybe you just suffer through with travel-sized tissues in your pocket at all times. No matter who you are or, how your seasonal allergies manifest, there are things that you can do to help lessen your suffering.
While acupuncture and herbs are hugely important steps to take when treating allergies, incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods is also super important.
Here are five surprising foods that help lessen allergy symptoms:
Apples – Maybe the old adage is true. Eat an apple a day not only to keep the doctor away, but perhaps a runny nose and itchy eyes too!
Onions – Specifically, red onions eaten raw. Try them thinly sliced and quickly pickled with some beets. You’ll be amazed at how they loose their spicy kick and gain a mellow sweet flavor.
Cranberries – Combine these with a chopped apple and some red grapes for a 1-2-3 punch against pollen.
Capers (canned) – Did you know that capers are actually a fruit? Sprinkle them on dishes where you want a little extra salt and flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Who doesn’t want an excuse to eat a little more chocolate? Just make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder. Add it to a peanut butter and banana smoothie for a decadent treat.
What do all these foods have in common that's so helpful for seasonal allergies? Quercetin.
Never heard of it? Quercetin has long lived below the radar, but is increasingly growing in popularity due to its powerhouse abilities. Quercetin is a type of flavanoid (plant pigment) that has antioxidant properties, but also acts like an anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine when consumed in the diet.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents (we know, we know, we’re total nerds…) concluded that:
Quercetin is a natural compound that blocks substances involved in allergies and is able to act as an inhibitor of mast cell secretion… Quercetin is a safe, natural therapy that may be used as primary therapy or in conjunction with conventional methods[i].
How will you get some quercetin in today?
*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
