Many of the 40 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies head straight to the drugstore, but relief may just be behind your refrigerator door.
Research suggests that a diet filled with vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin D, antioxidants and quercetins, help ease allergy symptoms. Prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner with these nutrients to relive symptoms, naturally.
Before you pop a pill, try these seven foods that fight allergies.
Try: Yogurt parfait with citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits.
1 of 8Citrus fruits are high in Vitamin-C, which helps minimize allergy symptoms, according to WebMD. And, the probiotic often added to yogurt or milk also helps with pollen allergies.
Try: Scrambled eggs with shredded cheese and an English muffin with elderberry jam.
2 of 8Eggs will provide a healthy serving of Vitamin D, which helps control asthma and wheezing. Elderberries contain flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation.
Try: A hot glass of coffee or tea.
3 of 8A hot glass of coffee or tea helps thin nasal passages. The steam rising off your morning Chai latte will help you breathe easier. Ginger tea and green tea are also anti-inflammatories which helps reduce allergy symptoms.
Try: A slice of veggie pizza topped with a side of grapes and apple slices.
4 of 8A slice of pizza topped with garlic, onions, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese with a side of grapes and apple slices offers the nutrient quercetin. This natural supplement is a potent anti-inflammatory flavonoid, and is used in natural medicine practices to help fight allergies.
Try: A warm bowl of soup.
5 of 8There's nothing like a hot bowl of broth when you're feeling sick. Herb expert and author, James Duke, PhD recommends an Anti-allergy soup, "Boil an onion (with skin) and a clove of garlic. Add half a cup chopped leaves and diced taproots of evening primrose. After boiling for about five minutes, add a cup of nettle leaves and a cup of diced celery stalks. Boil gently for another 3 to 10 minutes. Before eating, remove the onionskins and eat the soup while it's still warm. Season with wine vinegar, black pepper, hot pepper, turmeric, curry powder or celery seed."
Try: ?Salmon and a side of broccoli.
6 of 8Salmon is a great source of potent omega-3 acids, DHA and EPA. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and can help strengthen your immune system. Meanwhile, the broccoli serves two purposes: It's high in vitamin-C (a natural allergy-reliever) and it has been shown to clear up blocked sinuses. Kale has the same results.
Try: Shrimp stir fry with fresh veggies
7 of 8Make shrimp stir fry with broccoli, fresh ginger, red pepper flakes and a dash of canola oil served over steamed rice. The fresh spices and peppers help break up and relieve nasal congestion, according to Dr. Oz.
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