Hay fever is an all-encompassing term used to describe the allergies you suffer from due to pollen and seedlings in the air at certain times of the year. The medical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis, and refers to the runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy, tearing eyes and scratchy throat that characterizes the condition. The plant life in your environment is much to blame for your symptoms, but your diet can intensify your suffering. Including certain foods into your meals could help improve your hay fever.
Vitamin C
Foods that are rich in vitamin C may help you feel better when hay fever strikes. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system. The vitamin also has natural antihistamine properties, according to United Kingdom-based nutrition expert Linda Lazarides. Your body produces a chemical called histamines in response to an allergen, in this case pollen. When you experience hay fever symptoms, you might use medical antihistamines to block the formation of histamines to alleviate your symptoms. Eating foods that are high in vitamin C can prompt your body to respond the same way, perhaps minimizing your need for antihistamine medications. Oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, baked potatoes, red bell peppers and strawberries are good dietary sources of vitamin C.
Quercetin
Quercetin is another nutrient that can help fight hay fever. Quercetin is a flavonoid, a compound found in plant-based foods, that contains antioxidant properties. Roger Newman Turner from the United Kingdom's Research Council for Complementary Medicine explains that quercetin may keep your cells from releasing histamines, which in turn can control the bothersome runny nose, itchy eyes and other symptoms associated with hay fever. Quercetin is found in a variety of produce items, ranging from onions, berries and apples to broccoli and kale.
Yogurt
You might improve your hay fever symptoms with a daily serving of yogurt. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic often described as "healthy bacteria." MayoClinic.com reports that L. acidophilus may be beneficial as a natural treatment for pollen allergies, but the scientific proof is still unclear. Evidence that dairy products containing L. acidophilus is more anecdotal than scientific at this point. If you find that yogurt relieves your symptoms, there is no danger in adding the food to your diet. Some people, however, find that dairy increases their mucus production, and may want to skip the dairy when symptoms are greatest.
Raw Foods
Following a raw food that includes a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables may control your hay fever symptoms. Fresh produce contains a myriad minerals and vitamins that can manage and reduce inflammation, which could cause an increase in your symptoms. Processed foods contain multiple chemicals in addition to beneficial nutrients, which could exacerbate your allergies, especially if you already have food sensitivities. Always consult your doctor before making a significant change in your diet, and if your hay fever symptoms do not improve with dietary adjustments.
References
- Mail Online: How a Better Diet Could Beat the Suffering of Hay Fever
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin C; Jane Higdon; January 2006
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute; Flavonoids; Jane Higdon; April 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Allergic Rhinitis; Steven D. Ehrlich; September 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Evidence; April 2011
