About Hay Fever
Hay Fever is an allergic condition caused due to a variety of environmental allergens. This condition is medically referred to as Allergic Rhinitis. Hay fever is caused when an allergen enters the body. This activates the immune system which then produces histamines causing the symptoms classic for Hay Fever.
Apart from the environmental allergens there are also certain food products which tend to cause or worsen an allergic reaction such as Hay Fever. In cases of Hay Fever, the best example of a food product that worsens the condition is melon which is a fruit that people love to have during summers and fall as it keeps the body cool but studies have shown that they worsen allergic reaction in vulnerable individuals.
On that same note, there are also certain food products that alleviate an allergic reaction. Salmon Fish is the best example of a food that calms down inflammation and decreases the symptoms caused due to Hay Fever. The foods to eat and avoid for Hay Fever is what has been discussed in detail below.
Hay Fever is quite common and everyone at some time or the other suffers from the symptoms of Hay Fever. There is no age barrier and it can occur in adults and children with the same intensity and frequency. The most common symptoms that are seen with Hay Fever include.
- Frequent bouts of sneezing
- Runny nose with persistent postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Persistent cough
- Throat irritation
- Irritation of the eyes with persistent flow of watery liquid from the eyes
- Bluish tinge to the skin under the eyes
- Bouts of headaches
- Persistent fatigue
While some people start experiencing the symptoms immediately on exposure to the allergens there are some people who have a strong immune system and tend to have no symptoms at all. Symptoms like headaches appear much later in the disease condition.
Foods to Eat for Hay Fever
The foods that help in alleviating the symptoms of Hay Fever include.
Onions. It is a vegetable full of quercetin which is a natural antihistamine. It is also a natural antiinflammatory which calms down the inflammation and decreases the production of histamines which produced by the immune system when it gets activated due to allergens infiltrating the body. They may give a bad breath but are extremely effective in treating Hay Fever. It is best to eat onions when it is fresh rather than storing them for a few days and then eating them.
Fish. Fishes like Salmon and Tuna have omega 3 in abundance and act as a natural antiinflammatory. Studies have proved that eating fish is extremely good for people suffering from symptoms of Hay Fever. Just having them for lunch or dinner a couple of times a week is good enough to deal with the symptoms of Hay Fever.
Flaxseed. This is yet another nutritious food product that is quite effective in alleviating the symptoms of Hay Fever. This food product is especially good for vegetarians who cannot eat food products like fish. Flaxseed has alpha linolenic acid which is a variant of omega 3. It functions the same way as Omega 3 and helps in calming down the inflammation and decreases the symptoms of Hay Fever. They are also extremely rich in proteins. The best way to take flaxseed is to add them in the normal food during lunch or dinner.
Apples. This fruit also has plenty of quercetin which decreases the production of histamines in the body after exposure to allergen. Apples eaten fresh are extremely beneficial for alleviating the symptoms of Hay Fever.
Broccoli. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C is extremely beneficial for treating symptoms of Hay Fever. Broccoli is one such food which vitamin C in abundance. It also helps in opening up the sinuses and decreases the inflammation around it.
Turmeric. This is an ancient Superfood which has been known to treat various ailments. It is a natural antiinflammatory and is useful in treating symptoms of Hay Fever. Turmeric can be added to the food just like normal spices. It can also be mixed with milk and taken.
Foods to Avoid for Hay Fever.
The foods that need to be avoided for Hay Fever are.
Melons. This fruit may be extremely tasty and can quench thirst in the summer months but they have a tendency to aggravate the symptoms of allergies of which Hay Fever is a part of.
Bananas. This is yet another fruit which is extremely rich in potassium and in fact is good for overall health. However, for people who are prone to conditions like Hay Fever then it is recommended that the individual stays away from bananas as this tends to worsen the symptoms of Hay Fever. Even if someone with Hay Fever cannot stop craving for bananas then it is best to eat it in the form of banana chips which is easily available in supermarkets.
Cucumber. This is perhaps the best food product that can be eaten during the summer to keep the body cool. However, it may worsen the symptoms of allergic conditions like Hay Fever.
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