How to treat seasonal allergies?
In spring, with flowering and the arrival of pollen, the air becomes charged with allergenic substances responsible for all the typical symptoms: sneezing, skin inflammation, itching, eczema, eye irritation, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, headaches and a runny nose (nasal discharge). And while we cannot always avoid allergies, we can strengthen our immune system to prevent or minimize their effects. Allergies are an inflammatory response of the immune system triggered, among other things, by histamine (a signaling molecule of the immune system, skin, stomach and brain of vertebrates), which is responsible for the main symptoms. It occurs when an allergen breaches the body's first lines of defense: the skin and mucous membranes.
To avoid them, the best thing to do is to take care of our digestive system, as 70% of the immune system resides there. It is therefore essential to care for the intestinal lining, digestive mucous membranes and microbiota, so that the intestines can properly perform their functions: absorbing nutrients, acting as a barrier against pathogens and generating beneficial substances. It is also important to support the liver in the months preceding the onset of allergies.
Which foods should you favor?
Among all the remedies certainly prescribed by your doctor (immunotherapy, eye drops, specialized medications, homeopathy, essential oils, etc.), one simple and effective treatment is to adapt your diet starting in autumn to prepare your body for the arrival of the pollen seasons, hay fever, respiratory allergies and other types of allergens. To do this, it is advisable to reduce your consumption of irritating and pro-inflammatory foods such as ultra-processed products, sugar and refined cereals, and for some people gluten and industrial dairy products, as they damage the integrity of the intestinal lining, overload the liver and facilitate the accumulation of toxins.
Apples
Apples are rich in quercetin, a flavonoid that tones the immune system and helps minimize the allergic response. Eat at least one a day, raw or cooked.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its immunostimulant properties. When eaten raw, it provides substances that inhibit the action of certain inflammatory enzymes that can cause allergic reactions. Try to eat 2 cloves of garlic a day. It is best to eat the garlic raw and crushed.
Green tea
Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, which neutralizes the allergic response. In addition, green tea is rich in antioxidants with an anti-inflammatory effect. Drink 1 cup a day.
Turmeric and ginger
The curcumin in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, improves digestion and strengthens the immune system. Include 2 slices of each in your infusions, sauces or other recipes.
Fermented foods
Pickles, kimchi and sauerkraut nourish the intestinal microbiota. Their acidic taste promotes liver activity. Eat a small portion daily.
All cruciferous vegetables are rich in glutamine, an amino acid that contributes to the healing of the intestinal lining in cases of intestinal hyperpermeability and thus promotes the functions of the digestive system. Raw cabbage is also rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the liver and for toning the digestive system. You can eat it 4 times a week, as juice, steamed, boiled, etc.
To learn more and adapt your treatment to your specific situation, contact your doctor or a healthcare professional for a check-up and to undergo certain tests. They will provide you with all the additional information you need. Take care of yourself!
