Rhinitis means stuffy nose, and allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that causes nasal stuffiness. Allergic rhinitis resembles a cold but bacterial and viral infections are not the cause; instead, it is your immune system overreacting to otherwise benign substances. Things such as pet dander, pollen and dust mites can cause allergic rhinitis, and so, too, can many foods. A proper diet may help to lessen inflammation levels in your body and reduce rhinitis regardless of the cause.
Identify and Eliminate Food Sensitivities
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, people with rhinitis often have food allergies. Thus it is important to identify and eliminate foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Many people have hidden food allergies. Because the symptomatic reactions can take up to 24 hours to manifest, food allergies are difficult to identify. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, suggests following an elimination diet for three weeks, during which time you will eliminate the most commonly allergenic foods for rhinitis sufferers. These foods are dairy, wheat, corn, soy, gluten, sugar, eggs, chocolate, coffee, citrus fruit, potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries and all highly processed foods, says CSNN. Even if you don't have food allergies, these foods can promote inflammation and eliminating them may improve your symptoms by reducing overall inflammation levels in your body.
How To Follow An Elimination Diet
After eliminating these foods for three weeks, you can experiment with adding one food item back into your diet each day. During that day, consume a lot of that food item and watch for an exacerbation of symptoms. If no symptoms occur, that food can be eaten safely. However, if you notice that you are more stuffed up, eliminate that food for three more months, at which time you can try reintroducing it and consuming it in moderation.
Ensure Adequate Protein Intake
CSNN advises that it is also important to ensure adequate protein intake because protein is required for the production of the important immune supporting substances known as immunoglobulins. Since allergies are caused by a disorder of the immune supporter, boosting your immune system is essential for an alleviation of symptoms.
Foods That May Be Helpful
Increasing your consumption of antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory foods may help relieve rhinitis symptoms. Such foods include garlic, onions, ginger, cloves, oregano and most spices and seasonings, says CSNN. Bitter foods may also be helpful because they support your liver, the organ that is important for detoxification and subsequently the elimination of allergens. Foods such as dandelion greens, lemons, limes, alfalfa, rye and bitter melon may be helpful.
Consider Vitamin C
Vitamin C is thought to produce an antihistamine effect on your body. Histamine is the inflammatory substance that is most often responsible for allergic rhinitis, and vitamin C may help reduce allergic symptoms but UMMC warns that the evidence is still preliminary and conflicting. Nonetheless, CSNN suggests taking 1 to 4 g daily of vitamin C under the supervision of your health-care practitioner.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; Lilieana Stadler Mitrea; 2005
