Foods for Combating Fall Allergies

As the days continue to get cooler and shorter heading into the last few weeks of summer, many will experience allergy symptoms from the changing of the season. Here is a list of foods that will help eliminate some of the misery associated with fall allergies.

Raw Local Honey
By consuming raw honey, you are exposing your body to local allergens from the inside. This essentially teaches your body how to respond to those same allergens once you are exposed to them externally. You can find local honey in some specialty stores or at your local farmers market. You can also reach out to local bee farms directly and have them ship it right to your house.

Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables such as kale, collard greens and spinach are rich in phytochemicals such as carotenoids (in the form of Vitamin A). These compounds are powerful weapons to have for fighting off allergens without the allergy symptoms. These green foods are also rich in essential nutrients that support cell function so they help to support a healthy immune system.

Onions and Garlic
These foods contain a compound called quercetin which is a natural anti-histamine. This compound fights the inflammatory response that causes symptoms such as itchy eyes, sinus pressure and sneezing. Consuming these foods in your daily meals may not be enough for those who suffer from severe symptoms. Those who do have unbearable allergy symptoms might want to consider taking a quercetin supplement before your allergy symptoms usually hit.

Orange Vegetables
Like leafy greens, orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots and butternut squash are a significant source of allergy-fighting carotenoids. The beta-carotene is the pigment that gives these foods their orange color, and is an extremely powerful anti-oxidant.