Natural Cures for Allergies

Most people do not typically associate allergies with diet. For the most part, allergies are simply the result of environmental substances which in some may lead to a variety of symptoms including congestion, sneezing, headache, coughing, sore throat, and itching eyes. While allergies in individuals are fairly mild and non-harmful, some individuals have fatal responses to allergy attacks within the body.1

The most familiar of allergies today include seasonal allergies deriving from grasses, weeds, or pollen.2 An appropriate diet and natural treatment of any allergies will not only prevent future attacks, but they will improve the recovery time from existing attacks as well.

Foods to Avoid with Allergies:

1. Gluten: Gluten ranks at the top of all allergy causing foods and is most commonly found in packaged foods.
2. Eggs: Eggs may produce mucus for some people which may only amplify the symptoms of allergies.3
3. Processed Foods: Processed Foods contain dyes, natural flavors, and other potentially harmful chemicals which may not be suitable for the allergy-prone individual.
4. Trans Fats: Trans fats increase inflammation which may cause negative immune reactions. 4
5. Dairy: The pasteurization of dairy in our country destroys the good bacteria and enzymes which should be present in milk and other dairy products. Milk tends to cause allergies because of the histidine amino acid which triggers food and seasonal allergies.

Foods to Help with Allergies:

1. Fresh fruits and vegetables: Organic fruits and vegetables provide important nutrients to the body which inhibit the symptoms and signs of food and seasonal allergies.
2. Protein: Clean, lean proteins help the immune system to function at it’s optimal level. Aim for 3-4oz of protein per meal.
3. Flax and Chia Seeds: These seeds can reduce inflammation and can easily be added to a salad or smoothie. 5
4. Cold-Pressed Oils: Cold-pressed oils include coconut oil, palm oil, and olive oil which reduce inflammation and are easy to digest.
5. Ginger: Ginger is a  great anti-inflammatory. It also can be used in a smoothie, green juices, or in tea.

Top 5 Natural Remedies for Allergies:

1. Raw Honey (2 tbsps daily) : Raw honey is fairly accessible as it is locally found. Local, raw honey is vital for helping the body learn to deal with common allergies.
2. Bromelain (250 mg daily): This enzyme is typically found in pineapples which reduces swelling, specifically in the sinuses.
3. Vitamin C (2,000 mg daily): This powerful antioxidant has anti-histamine properties along with supporting the immune system. 6
4. Quercetin (1000 mg daily): This anti-inflammatory flavonoid is found in green tea, citrus, red wine, and onion. It is proven to help with hay fever.
5. Stinging Nettles (300-500 mg 2x daily): Stinging nettles reduce hay fever while also diminishing histamine production. 7

Essential Oils for Allergies:

Essential oils have also been proven to help those suffering from food and/or seasonal allergies. Eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil are the two top essential oils which open up the lungs and sinuses. Tea tree oil can also help destroy airborne pathogens which cause the symptoms of allergies.

References:

Home Remedies for Allergies: What Works? (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20677556,00.html

Natural Allergy Cures - DrAxe.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://draxe.com/natural-allergy-cures/