Allergy season is here, at least according to my histamine receptors. They have been going wild these last few days, and while anti-histamines are an absolute necessity for people like me, there are other, more natural, ways to fight allergy symptoms. We often overlook the importance of our diet and lifestyle habits when it comes to things such as seasonal allergies. In case you are looking for a more holistic solution, symptoms such as eye-watering and nose-dripping can be reduced with the help of the following foods.

Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric, also known as curcumin, has been proven to be one of the strongest anti-inflammatory substances in the world. Tumeric also has an inhibitory effect on mast cells, which means that they won’t be able to successfully release histamine. So it’s no surprise that turmeric also reduces the symptoms of allergies. It can be taken in teas and eaten in food, and you can also take turmeric in the form of pills. Another great tip is to combine turmeric with black pepper because it increases the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000 percent.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for different health problems. It has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits, and it also can help with conditions such as nausea and joint pain. Due to its anti-inflammatory benefits, ginger can be a great way to combat allergy symptoms. Irritation and swelling of your throat, nose, and eyes can be a thing of the past if you decide to include a fair amount of ginger in your diet. You can opt for things such as ginger tea, ginger shots, or even ginger supplements.

Onions

Raw red onions are incredibly rich in a compound known as quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that acts as a natural antihistamine. Therefore it reduces the release of histamine from mast cells, and successfully fights all kinds of allergy symptoms. If you don’t like the idea of eating raw onions, you can also buy quercetin as a separate dietary supplement. However, onions also contain a number of other antioxidants that could give your body an extra boost. You can add them to salads, sandwiches, dips, or burritos. But make sure to freshen up your breath after enjoying some juicy onions.

Citrus fruits

Allergy season is one of the best times to load up on your vitamin C-rich foods. As most of us already know, citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines are a great source of vitamin C. Besides the antioxidant benefits, vitamin C can also help reduce the amount of histamine your body produces when in contact with an allergen.

Tomatoes

Did you know that tomatoes are another great source of vitamin C? Just one medium-sized tomato contains 1/4 of your daily vitamin C needs. But vitamin C isn’t the only anti-oxidant that can be found in tomatoes. They also contain a compound called lycopene that can help your cells fight off any potential damage. This anti-oxidant is better absorbed by our bodies when cooked, so opt for cooked or even canned tomatoes.

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