With the unseasonably warm winter and early arrival of spring, pollen counts are sky-high! Good news is that there are certain foods that can actually help lessen your allergy symptoms. Try incorporating some of these foods into your healthy diet.
Munch on nuts. They are packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant shown to reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections and the common cold. They also contain magnesium which helps increase lung function.
Cook up a fish dish. Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are touted for decreasing inflammation in the body. Wild salmon, mackerel, trout and albacore tuna are all good sources.
Fill up on fruit including apples, oranges and tomatoes. These contain vitamin C that can help fight seasonal allergies. Also try grapes. The skins of red grapes are filled with antioxidants and resveratrol, which reduces inflammation in the body.
Drink tea in the morning. Hot tea with lemon can help prevent early morning sneezing by opening nasal passageways. Also, green, white, and black teas are full of flavonoids, which are plant compounds that reduce inflammation.
Choose foods high in zinc, an essential mineral that can be found in oysters, shrimp, whole grains and tofu to name a few. Zinc plays a role in immune function and is commonly found in cold lozenges and over-the-counter cold remedies.
