Let's Defeat Allergy Season Together 

Spring has sprung!

And while we couldn't be more ecstatic that warm, sunny days and blooming flowers are on the way, we also know that spring season can erupt pollen through the air across much of the Midwest and South East.

Rather than resorting to Benadryl or nasal sprays to ease your symptoms, we think it's a better idea to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your daily diet designed to reduce respiratory irritation and minimize swelling from hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Did you know certain foods could actually help relieve symptoms like nose-dripping and eye-watering, shorten the duration of allergic reactions, help ease the discomfort of nasal swelling and boost the immune system in the process?

Ginger

Many unpleasant allergy symptoms come from inflammatory issues, like irritation and swelling in the nasal passages, eyes, and throat. Ginger can help reduce these symptoms naturally due to its anti-inflammatory effects. "A 2016 animal study showed ginger suppressed production of certain cytokines that cause mast cell activation, thereby leading to prevention and alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms" says Stacey Galowitz, an allergist/immunologist at ENT & Allergy Associates in Somerset, New Jersey.

Turmeric

Turmeric is well-known as an anti-inflammatory powerhouse for a good reason. Its active ingredient, curcumin, has been linked to reduced symptoms of many inflammation-driven diseases and could help minimize the swelling and irritation caused by allergic rhinitis.

A 2016 study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology showed an improvement in nasal airflow and a positive effect on immune response in patients who took curcumin for allergic rhinitis.

Citrus

It might be an old wives’ tale that vitamin C prevents the common cold, but evidence shows it may help shorten the duration of a cold as well as offer benefits for allergy sufferers. Consuming foods high in Vitamin C has been shown to decrease allergic rhinitis, the irritation of the upper respiratory tract caused by pollen from blooming plants.

Tomatoes

Though citrus tends to receive all the glory when it comes to vitamin C, tomatoes (and leafy greens) are another excellent source of this essential nutrient. Additionally, tomatoes contain lycopene, another antioxidant compound that helps ease inflammation.