According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an allergy is the reaction of your immune system that triggers a variety of symptoms such as itching, sneezing, rashes or even asthma in some cases. You can use puffers or over-the-counter medications to combat allergies. But if you want to take a more natural approach, you can consume a selection of specific foods that are rich in vitamins that help deal with allergies. As with starting any new treatments, consult your doctor first.
Carrots
Carrots contain vitamin A, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin A is mainly used to promote healthy vision by producing pigments in the retina of the eye, according to MedlinePlus. Vitamin A may be able to help provide relief for some of the causes of allergies, such as itching and rashes, by promoting the production of sebum, a natural oil that keeps your skin cells and tissues hydrated.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a good dietary source of vitamin E. Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is an antioxidant vitamin -- used to prevent the formation of molecules called free radicals. According to MayoClinic.com, vitamin E may be able to aid in preventing or decreasing nasal allergy symptoms; however, more studies are needed to support this claim.
Oranges
Oranges and citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C is needed to help keep your tissues healthy and repair them if they are damaged. Vitamin C helps to keep allergies under control by efficiently strengthening your immune system. In addition, vitamin C assists in increasing production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off bacteria. According to MayoClinic.com, a deficiency in vitamin C may cause asthma, which is often a symptom of allergies; however, more research is needed in this area.
Causes
Allergy triggers often include dust mites, pollen, pet dander and insect stings, according to MedlinePlus. Scientists seem to think that genes and the atmosphere you live in may also contribute to allergies. Your immune system is your body's main defense system, but during allergic reactions, it may respond to an allergen as if it were an invading bacteria or virus. Allergies won't really hurt you, but a severe reaction called anaphylaxis can be deadly.
