Medicine is not your only ammunition against allergies during the summer months. What you eat can play an important role, so make sure you stock up on these foods. Here’s why they’re so good for you.
Vitamin C Foods
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to make sure you stay healthy, but also focus on ones that contain carotenoids. These are antioxidants that lower inflammation in your airways while also improving your immune system. Some of the top foods that contain carotenoids include carrots, sweet potato, spinach and pumpkin.
Garlic
If you get a bad case of the sniffles and sneezes, add more garlic to your diet. This pungent vegetable is a decongestant, while its quercetin content makes it a natural antihistamine.
Hot Peppers
Add more red peppers and chilli peppers to your meals because they contain a component called capsaicin, which opens up nasal passages while decreasing congestion and sniffling.
Magnesium
Bran, dark chocolate and nuts such as cashews are great sources of magnesium. Why is this mineral so important in your battle against allergies? It helps to ease symptoms associated with asthma.
Omega-3s
Fatty fish such as salmon can help you fight allergies because it contains omega-3 fatty acids that keep your immune system in great shape as well as offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, if your immune system is strong, then you won’t battle with allergies as much, so it’s really a win-win.
Hot Drinks
Drink herbal tea with meals or as an afternoon treat, especially if you suffer from congestion. Congestion can really make you feel drained. It can occur as a result of flu, colds or allergies, but drinking warm liquids in itself can be beneficial because it keeps you hydrated, which is thought to thin mucous. Some of the best teas that can help with congestion include peppermint, blackberry and chamomile.
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