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The warm weather has finally arrived in Kelowna, but unfortunately there are also seasons of allergies.
Allergies can already be difficult to manage, but did you know that stress can also affect your symptoms?
Studies show that stress hormones can exacerbate the relapse of allergies due to an already exaggerated immune system response. The pandemic has only amplified the stress, and many Canadians are more anxious than ever.
Fortunately, in addition to over-the-counter allergic drugs, nutrition can make a difference in allergic symptoms relief.
Maintaining an optimal anti-inflammatory diet is important for managing allergic symptoms. Foods do not cure allergies, but they can give our bodies the nutrients they need to help the immune system fight persistent symptoms.
For allergic patients in our community, I share some useful tips on nutrition and allergy-fighting foods for this next allergy season.
Incorporating some of these vitamins, minerals and other nutrients not only helps manage your symptoms, but also helps your overall health.
Quercetin – Quercetin acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. Foods such as berries, pepper, onions, apples, and green tea are high in this natural phytochemical and help relieve histamine-induced sneezing, lacerations, and itching.
Spice-Do you feel crowded? Spices such as ginger and turmeric can act as natural decongestants and help relieve some of the most common unpleasant inflammatory allergic symptoms. Turmeric contains curcumin, an ingredient known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is especially helpful in reducing allergic symptoms.
Vitamin C-rich foods – Vitamin C is an antioxidant known to have antihistamine effects that help counteract the body’s inflammatory response to allergic reactions. Incorporating a lot of vitamin C-rich foods can reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and stuffy nose caused by histamine. Good sources of vitamin C include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, peppers, and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.
Lifestyle and dietary changes can help you manage your allergies, but keep in mind that your local pharmacist will always be there to help you during the allergic season. Pharmacists can find the best treatment option for a particular allergic condition and provide over-the-counter medications for long-term relief as needed.
As a Registered Dietitian, I am here to support you and help improve your overall health through personalized nutrition services.
Book an appointment with me at yourindependentgrocer.ca/dietitians to discuss your unique needs.
Zahra Tromsness is a registered dietitian at Peter’s Your Independent Grocer in Kelowna.
