11 Allergy-Fighting Foods that Suppress Allergic Reactions

As per the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), allergies have seen an epidemic increase since the second half of the 20th century, especially in Western countries.

Australia has one of the highest incidences of allergies, with 40% of all children showing evidence of allergic sensitisation which can later on lead to food allergies, eczema or asthma.

Allergies can become a major source of stress, affecting a person’s ability to live a normal and productive life.  Allergic reactions can even be life threatening.

Genetics, inadequate infant diet including absence of mother’s milk, external environment pollution, and exposure to dust mite, pet allergens, and cigarette smoke are some of the common causes of allergies according to Burbank et al (2017). Depending on the type of allergy – skin, eye or respiratory – allergy treatment options typically include over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as allergy shots.FD- amenic 181

A natural way to fight allergies is to boost the body’s immune system by eating health foods that include antioxidants and other nutrients.

Here is a list of 11 allergy fighting foods*  that can help suppress allergic reactions –

1. Yogurt- Eating probiotic yogurt helps balance the bacteria in the stomach, which in turn improves the body’s ability to fight allergens.

2. Citrus Fruits – Pile up on oranges, grapefruit and lemons to give your body the recommended dose of 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day.

3. Tomatoes – The vitamin C in tomatoes helps suppress the inflammation caused by allergic reactions.

4. Broccoli – This is another high vitamin C food that is known to clear-up blocked sinuses.

5. Capers – These flower buds contain copious amounts of quercetin, an anti-inflammatory compound.

6. Green Tea – Green tea is rich in quercetin and also contains an antioxidant called EGCG which reduces formation of mucus.

7. Stinging Nettle – Mix the herb in your tea to fight symptoms of hay fever. The herb stifles histamine production and reduces inflammation from allergic reactions.

8. Kale – This super-food is packed with carotenoid, a pigment that helps in fighting allergy symptoms.

9. Onion and garlic – Onions and garlic are rich in quercetin.

9. Apples – Apples contains quercetin. Gorge on apples if you are not allergic to them.

10. Salmon – Wild Alaskan Salmon is one of the best sources of potent omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, which help reduce inflammation and improve lung-function. Try to include fish thrice a week in your diet.

11. Spices – Ginger, turmeric, and cayenne ease the suffering from seasonal allergies.

Besides eating a healthy diet, also remember that pollutants inside your home can be the biggest triggers of an asthma attack or allergic reactions.  Take the necessary precautions to prevent your family from dust-mites, mould and other allergens that pollute the indoor environment

PRODUCT:

Allerprotect Dust Mite Bed Set

Create a barrier between you and the dust mite allergens by enclosing the entire mattress, the entire pillow and the entire doona. Provides asthma and allergy relief by stopping the continual night time exposure to dust mite allergens while you sleep.

If someone in your family suffers recurring symptoms of an allergy, sign up for the FREE Online Home Health Check up on Mitey Fresh to know how you can make your home a healthier place to live in

HOW TO

5 Effective Ways to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution in Your Home

We spend most of our time either at work or at home. While environmental pollution has always been a topic of much discussion, we tend to give little or no thought to the pollution that is present in our homes.

Towards healthier living Carol Parr ♥

As Building Biologists, we have acquired knowledge of adverse health effects and recommend effective strategies to reduce occupants’ exposure by eliminating and controlling as many sources of pollutants in order to create healthy indoor living environments that are as exposure-free and natural as practically possible.

References

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). (2019). Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis). [online] Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/skin-allergy/eczema [Accessed 5 Apr. 2019].

Burbank, A., Sood, A., Kesic, M., Peden, D. and Hernandez, M. (2017). Environmental determinants of allergy and asthma in early life. [online] JACI Online. Available at: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(17)30846-1/fulltext [Accessed 5 Apr. 2019].

*IMPORTANT – The information contained in this article is basis popular knowledge of anti-allergen foods, and is in no way to be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please contact your doctor for further information on fighting allergies.

Photo credit:amenic 181, freedigitalphotos

Author

  • Carol Parr

    We’re glad you’re here. We’re Carol and Tony, founders of one of the longest running Healthy Home Blogs in the world, Mitey Fresh Australia. We’ve been on this journey for the last 25 years and are passionate about helping families sift through health hazards and triggers like allergens, mould, water damage, chemicals and EMFs, to get clarity about what’s toxic and what’s not so they can create a healthy and happy home for their family they love. Each month, people visit this blog seeking focus on the health and wellbeing of their loved ones, sustainable and effective practice tips and guides, to help create and manage healthier indoor spaces, improve the built environment that is pleasing to the senses and support healthy living and nature, every day. Starting this blog was to help change people’s lives, one family at a time, and we can’t wait to share how its allowed us to stand next to you and show you how interpreting these synergies between buildings and the environment they are built in will impact upon the health and well-being of those who occupy them. Find out more about Healthy Homes and what this blog can do for you!

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