Healthy Living

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

What to eat to beat your spring allergies!

centralpark.jpg

Ah, spring! I took this photo in Central Park last weekend... Right before crumbling into a sneezing fit of course!

This morning, on the Subway, I was that girl. You know the one. The sneezing, sniffling, red-eyed, oh-my-gosh-does-she-have-swine-flu-no-wait-It's-just- allergies girl? That's me! I tried my hardest to keep all the wheezing under wraps, but if my commute were a reality show I would have been voted off the Subway car somewhere between 59th Street and Grand Central - no one loves a rush hour sniffler!

Give your home a healthy makeover by clearing out sneaky allergy sources.

I totally understand all the dirty looks, I really do, but it's so frustrating - I'm on a consistent regimen of allergy pills and eye drops, I keep my window closed and I've resisted the temptation to enjoy spring weather by running in the pollen-infested trails of Central Park all week and I'm still a miserable mess! What more can I do?

Luckily, when I stumbled into work bleary-eyed and itchy, my know-it-all health conscious co-workers pointed me to an article we ran in the April 2008 issue - the ultimate guide to nixing spring allergies - that outlined an allergy antidote I can get behind - eating!  Read on for SELF's guide to the best breathe-easy bites, after the jump...

Yogurt: Its bacteria help desensitize the immune system to pollen. In one study patients who ate yogurt daily had 90 percent fewer allergy symptoms. (I polished off my last Wallaby sample as a mid-morning snack!)

Fish: The good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, cod and mackerel are natural anti-inflammatories. (Salmon salad for lunch? Check!)

Turmeric: Found in curry, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory that helps calm the immune system as it works to ease systemic inflammation. (Making reservations at the nearest Indian resto right now...)

Do you have seasonal allergies? How do you stifle your symptoms? Let me know, my fellow commuters will thank you!

Related: 20 superfoods for weight loss!


MORE FROM SELF:

Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 15
  • mommaofsun's Avatar
    Posted by mommaofsun Fri May 1, 2009 10:31am PDT

    I do have seasonal allergies. The only thing I have found, to aid in my misery is allergy medication. Sure, it helps with my eyes, sneezing, and runny nose, but after taking meds, I feel like someone has deflated my face. But, I can breath. WOO HOO!!

    Report Abuse
  • Aj's Avatar
    Posted by Aj Fri May 1, 2009 10:48am PDT

    I am going through all the crazed symptoms now!! I need relief!! haha

    Report Abuse
  • Erin's Avatar
    Posted by Erin Fri May 1, 2009 10:53am PDT

    Drink a red rooibus tea every day. It's not something you'll find in a Lipton box and it's a wee bit pricier than your average black or green tea, but I find it to be well worth it.

    Report Abuse
  • superkate's Avatar
    Posted by superkate Fri May 1, 2009 12:02pm PDT

    I always take a Benadryl before I go to bed since it makes me woosy anyways. This has helped considerably over the years. Also I take an over the counter Tylenol Allergy & Sinus in the morning after breakfast. Another trick I heard is to eat a Tbsp of local honey daily and that will help subside the allergy symptoms.

    Report Abuse
  • Katie B's Avatar
    Posted by Katie B Fri May 1, 2009 12:39pm PDT

    The only thing that helps me fight allergies is Nesonex... It kinda stinks because it's so expensive and because I didn't develop allergies until 5 years ago..

    Report Abuse
  • penguin's Avatar
    Posted by penguin Sat May 2, 2009 8:52am PDT

    when i went to a relatives house in March, i devoleped allergies... medicine works on a few symptoms but i always have something still there and it bothers me...

    Report Abuse
  • Liz's Avatar
    Posted by Liz Sat May 2, 2009 5:37pm PDT

    hahahaha! Thanks for the laugh, needed it. I hear what you're saying about the looks and being the 'sneezy girl' I've been a little sneezy today and my old panic-self is like 'oh, what's that?'. But my rational-self is like "it's allergies and you feel tired bc your period is due, rent a chick flick and have some tea.' :)

    Um, I like the nettie pot for clearing things out and I fully plan on ppopping in a yoga dvd when I get home from work, ahhh, nothing like breathing to help you breathe better. Feel better. :)

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 15

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Health Byte

Get healthy foods for your family that won’t take a bite out of your budget.  Healthy living costs less at Walmart.