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Allergy season has seemed to kick off early this year– with the lack of rain and higher temperatures, many have started to experience itchy throats, runny noses, nasal congestion, headaches, itching, sneezing, and more.

If you are one of these people, then this post is for you! Try the tips below before jumping to buy those traditional antihistamines or allergens.

A proper diet to fight off allergies 

Most of my suggestions today are focused on combating inflammation since that’s the main cause of most of those annoying allergy symptoms. 

Lots of Vitamin C: This is the time to enjoy all those lemons, red berries, kiwi, spinach, and oranges…these foods help boost our immune system and strengthen our defenses. In addition, vitamin C helps the body to eliminate toxins that trigger allergic processes thanks to its natural antihistamine/antiallergic properties. One of the best sources of vitamin C comes from pineapples because they also contain bromelain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation in our airways and sinuses- relieving those dreaded allergy symptoms. 

Apples: Contain Quercetin which is a potent antioxidant that acts as a natural antihistamine and strengthens the immune system.

Seeds: my favorites during this time of year are flax and chia seeds as they are a huge source of Omega 3, which besides being great for our defenses is a great anti-inflammatory. If you’re not sure of how to add these into your day-to-day diet, might I suggest reading one of our special posts on how to add a spoonful of seeds to your everyday dishes.

Garlic and Onions: Containing all the “anti properties”; in addition to their antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that strengthen the immune system they also have a mucolytic and bronchodilator effect. Plus, onions have been shown to be an excellent natural source of quercetin, a bioflavonoid that acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergies.  

Ginger, turmeric, and green tea Infusions- incredible allies: drink these hot drinks throughout the day. Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make them the perfect thing to keep you feeling warm, cozy, and well.

Hot water: the power of water is endless. Sipping on warm water throughout the day is a very effective way to eliminate toxins from the body and improve breathing. Learn more about this by clicking here. 

Probiotics:Taking care of our microbiota is a must. Research increasingly points to the fact that taking care of our bacteria keeps us safe from almost everything. 😉 Reach for probiotics such as yogurt, kefir or sauerkraut to keep spring allergies at bay.  

Honey: brings warmth, comfort and helps cleanse the body. I recommend including a teaspoon of honey in a cup of hot/warm water. But, be careful not to turn honey into a toxin: when honey boils it acts as a toxin that clogs our body’s expulsion pathways.

Did you know that honey could be toxic?

Cheese,Eggplant and other foods that you should cut out during allergy season

Nightshades release histamine, which adds to our body’s own natural histamine,creating a time bomb and worsening symptoms. Alcohol, processed foods and dairy products… all inflame and worsen allergy symptoms. 

It has been proven that yeasts and fungal spores (fermented foods) such as wine, beer, cheese, mushrooms, and smoked foods can cause cross-allergens with pollen making them best to avoid.  

Recommended foods to avoid: 

• Fermented: cheese, beer, wine… 
• Solanaceous: eggplant, tomato, peppers, potatoes… 
• Processed and heavy foods
• Dairy products
• Alcohol 
• Cold drinks
• Caffeine
• Sugar and sweeteners
• Wheat
• Seafood 
• Soy

Healthy Habits 

Freshly prepared dishes: the more times we reheat food, the more its histamine concentration increases- the substance that helps trigger allergy symptoms.

Did you know that preheating your food the day before aggravates your allergies?

Moisten your nose: Moistening the nasal mucous membrane with oil or ghee is a good idea to prevent allergens from entering the respiratory tract. It also relieves irritation and sneezing. Dip your pinky finger in the ghee and carefully insert it into the nostrils, gently massaging the inside of the nostril. Then suck in with your nose to bring it up through the nostrils.

Rest but don’t nap: sleeping during the day at this time of the year can contribute to depression. So take a break, but avoid sleeping. 

Vapours: you can use eucalyptus or ginger to open the airways and help expel mucus buildup. 

Work out between 11 and 6pm: In the earlier hours of the morning  (5 to 10 h) and the last hours of the evening (19 to 24 h) are usually when pollen accumulates. Best to do outdoor sports in the middle of the day during allergy season. 

Fasting: seasonal transitions are the ideal time to start fasting. Fasting strengthens the body, renews energy and prepares us for spring. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this post where I explain how.