Foods That May Alleviate or Aggravate Allergy

By Dean Reed Carlson

The advantages of eating a healthy diet are widely-recognized but some may not be aware that ones food intake affects his or her allergies or hay fever. Among the good effects of a healthy diet is an enhanced respiratory system. If you are feeling the discomforts of nasal congestion right now, try to recall what you have been eating, or what you have not eaten. Nasal congestion can actually be assuaged by eating the right kinds of food. By consuming a healthy balanced diet, the body' resistance to allergies may be heightened. Therefore, watching your food intake may be a simple way to help the body in its struggle against sinusitis and other respiratory infections.

Anti-inflammatory properties are found in grapes, nuts, apples, oranges and tomatoes which are common ingredients in Mediterranean diets.

*Nuts. Vitamin E and Magnesium can be derived from nuts. Magnesium may help prevent wheezing and is shown to be helpful in boosting lung function.

*Nuts. Nuts are rich in Vitamin E and Magnesium. Magnesium is a essential element to prevent wheezing and help improve lung function.

*Grapes. Red grapes have skins rich in resveratrol, another essential antioxidant, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Grapes have also been proven in studies to reinforce defense against wheezing and allergies. Hence, including a glass of red wine in your dinner may alleviate wheezing.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The fight against allergies is intensified when albacore tuna, mackerel, wild salmon and other cold water fish are incorporated in the diet since they comprise the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Fish oil supplements, which are also enriched with the omega-3 fatty acids, are available for people not fond of eating fish.

Zinc

Another element that helps in fighting infection is Zinc. The immune system can be enhanced by the antibacterial and antiviral properties of Zinc, which can be obtained by eating lean beef, whole grains, oysters and tofu.

Types of Food Which Can Benefit or Aggravate Your Allergies

Spicy foods can be a two-faced ally in the fight against allergy. It must be noted that they irritate the throat besides relieving allergy congestion by diluting the mucus. As a consequence, a surplus of mucosal discharge and cough may result.

*Garlic. A prominent item in the kitchen, garlic may help water down mucus.

*Horseradish. Horseradish contains a substance commonly used in decongestants.

*Garlic. Playing a leading role in the kitchen, garlic is shown to dilute mucus, as well. - 32378

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