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Wilmington Nutrition Examiner

Foods that reduce allergy and asthma symptoms

May 13, 4:33 PMWilmington Nutrition ExaminerMaria Price
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Ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) eat strawberries in the Nyiregyhaza Animal Park in Nyiregyhaza, 245 kms east of Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, April 23, 2009. Inhabitants of the park received 2.1 tons of strawberries used to conceal over 600 thousand packs of smuggled cigarettes and seized by Hungarian customs officers at a border station on the Romanian border. (AP Photo/MTI, Attila Balazs)
AP Photo by Attila Balazas

For most people, spring is a much awaited end to the dull monotony of winter. It’s a time for picnics, gardening, and all kinds of outdoor exercises. Unfortunately this is not the case for allergy sufferers. Spring brings about little to no reprieve from winter as pollen and other allergens keep them indoors. Even worse for asthmatics, allergies frequently trigger an asthma attack. In honor of National Allergy and Asthma awareness month, I’ve compiled a list of foods that naturally alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms.


Yogurt
According to a recent University of California study, allergy symptoms declined by 90% when participants were fed 18 to 24 ounces of yogurt daily. If you’re sensitive to dairy, try a probiotic supplement.

Berries
All fruit contains antioxidants, but berries are the powerhouse of the group. Antioxidants naturally build your immune system which enables the body to fight back against allergens. Toss berries in your cereal or throw them in a blender for a sweet treat.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3’s, found in fish, nuts, and olive oil, naturally reduce inflammation so symptoms such as puffy eyes and inflamed bronchial tubes will be less severe.

Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C found in citrus fruits is a natural histamine blocker. Drink orange juice with breakfast and all natural lemonade for lunch. Just be sure your juices are actually made from fruit and not high fructose corn syrup.

Ginger
Ginger is another antihistamine as well as a natural decongestant. Click here for simple tips on adding ginger to your diet.

Locally raised honey
Honey on its own is a natural immune system booster. However, when it’s locally raised, it delivers even more benefits to allergy sufferers. This is because small traces of pollen and other local allergens are raised and bottled along with the honey. As you consume the honey, you’re also consuming very small amounts of these allergens which in turn build your body’s defenses against them. Confusing? It’s the same concept as the flu shot actually being a tiny dose of the flu virus. It’s small enough that you won’t get sick but large enough to build your immunity.

Caffeine (in moderate levels)
Research has shown that moderate levels of caffeine have a therapeutic effect on asthma suffers. However, many believe that high doses can actually worsen an asthma attack. If you suffer from asthma, ask your doctor what amount is best for you.

Do you suffer from asthma or allergies? Share your natural tips and home remedies by leaving a comment below.
 

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