Top 10 Anti-Allergy Foods

Rebecca Lewis July 02, 2013

Allergy is a very annoying and debilitating condition that can get you stuck in bed for several days. Worse, it can get you hospitalised! Whilst medications are always available, you don’t always have to reach for one whenever your allergy strikes. A diet enriched with these foods can help you overcome the unbearable allergy symptoms you may experience.

Red Grapes

One of the most debilitating effects of allergy is inflammation. Eating foods that are high in antioxidant greatly helps because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants protect our cells from oxidative damage that can lead to other diseases. Grapes are also rich in resveratrol – a compound that is equally effective in reducing inflammation.

Apples

Another compound that helps fight inflammation brought by allergy is quercetin, a type of flavonoid which you can find in apples. Studies on Crete diet suggest that eating apple regularly may help reduce the risk of asthma and allergy attacks. This fruit, particularly its skin, is also rich in antioxidants. Other sources of quercetin are cabbage, nuts, tea, cauliflower and berries.

Fatty Fish

Omega-3 acids found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna do not only relieve inflammation but also strengthen your immune system, helping your body resist all other symptoms of allergy.

Onion and Garlic

Runny nose and itchy skin? Roast some garlic and onion or add plenty of them when you cook. They don’t just make your dish more aromatic and scrumptious but they also act as natural antihistamines that combat allergy! Just like apples, garlic and onion have quercetin too.

Turmeric

Considered as one of the healthiest foods in the world, turmeric can also protect you from allergy, as much as it could protect you from cancer, brain disorder and heart disease. Taking just 1200 mg of curcumin (compound present in turmeric) has the same effect with taking anti-inflammatory drug but with no side effects! But remember this – avoid adding dairy products like butter in your curry dish as they tend to stimulate mucous formation, overthrowing the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric.

Citrus Fruit

Phytonutrients hesperetin and hesperidin are known for their anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties. They are also effective in warding off allergy symptoms because of their antihistamine effects. You can find very high concentrations of these phytonutrients from citrus fruits, especially lemons and oranges.

Broccoli

A cup of raw broccoli contains whopping 80 mg of vitamin C which works by enhancing your immune system. Having a strong immunity is vital to lowering the risk of allergy and allergic reactions, and speeding up the recovery process.

Kale and Spring Greens

These vegetables contain carotenoids – another phytochemical that is well known for its ability to ease allergic reactions. Kale and spring greens are best consumed with fats to boost the effects of carotenoids.

Nuts

Can’t stop wheezing? Pop some nuts! They are high in magnesium that is effective in combating wheezing that comes with asthma and allergy. Nuts are also loaded with Vitamin E that helps improve your immunity and eliminate inflammation-causing toxins from your body.

Red-coloured fruits and vegetables

Anthocyanin is an anti-inflammatory phytochemical that gives fruits and vegetables their purple to red colour. Foods to include in your diet are beets, cherries, mangosteen, and red cabbage.

Can you add more to our list? Feel free to post a comment below.