Good Monday morning! And wow is it windy here in Las Vegas. My poor tree in my front yard has beenthrough so many wind and hail storms, but last night it finally gave in and a large branch broke off. My poor kids are sniffling and sneezing because of all the haze and pollen being swirled around. Allergies = no fun.
But did you know that there are some foods that help with seasonal allergies? It's true! Here's a few for thought:
1. Nuts - Nuts are a healthy snack and are high in magnesium and vitamin E. Magnesium protects against the wheezing that accompanies asthma, and vitamin E boosts immunity while simultaneously protecting the body from free radicals, which cause tissue damage and inflammation.
2. Apples - Apples are rich in quercetin — a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Much of the benefits come from the peels, which are also packed with antioxidants called polyphenols, which prevent cellular damage.
3. Fish - People who frequently complain about dry skin and eczema during the allergy season, and fish can alleviate those irritations. “All the ‘itises’ — dermatitis, bronchitis, arthritis, colitis — all of them are made better by the more seafood you eat,” says Dr. Sears. “Because omega-3s have total anti-inflammatory effects, sometimes people will notice that when I treat them with fish, their skin is softer and their asthma is better.”
4. Red Grapes - The skin of red grapes is high in antioxidants and resveratrol — an anti-inflammatory compound. Eating foods high in antioxidants can reduce inflammation in your entire body. According to Tringale, antioxidants protect cells from the oxidative damage that causes diseases, and they have immune-boosting compounds.
5. Tomatoes - Studies show tomatoes can build your tolerance against asthma and respiratory issues. Vitamin C is an immune system booster and natural antihistamine, which suppresses swelling. The antioxidant compound lycopene in tomatoes is also good for the body. A study from the University of Tel Aviv found that men who added 30 milligrams of lycopene to their daily diets improved their bodies’ ability to fight off asthma attacks by 45%. You can get lycopene not only from whole tomatoes, but also from tomato sauce and extract.
So stock up on these foods during Spring and Fall and help your body fight seasonal allergies on its own.
Source: Time Magazine Online, http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/29/5-foods-to-help-fight-spring-allergies/#ixzz2PsrxpPJM
