Do You Know About These Allergy-Fighting Foods?

The summertime brings with it so many benefits to everyday life. Chief among them is that warm days and temperate nights lend endless excuses to go outside—and stay there.

The only thing keeping us cooped up? Allergies. Our runny noses and scratchy eyes don’t necessarily find relief when spring has passed; in fact, many of us continue to suffer from different allergens well through the fall.

And while our tendency is to head straight to the pharmacy for a cure, we can also combat those pesky allergy symptoms through our favorite activity—eating.

Do you suffer from allergies? What are your home remedies for treating them? Sound off in the comments!

Put away the tissues—here are 7 foods to chow down on to fight back at allergies this summer:

1. Turmeric

This super spice is known for its bright, orange color and powerful health benefits. And when it comes to allergies, it doesn’t disappoint. It has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve the symptoms of allergens like a stuffed or runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

2. Kefir

Kefir is a yogurt-drink that is chockfull of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria that live in your gut not only help to prevent allergies, they might also treat them. This is also true for any fermented food with live active cultures, like sauerkraut, kimchi, or yogurt.

3. Onions

Onions contain quercetin, a natural chemical that’s part of the flavonoid group that have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce histamine reactions—meaning, less sniffling, sneezing, and overall discomfort.

Other foods that contain this chemical include peppers, berries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and parsley.

4. Kiwi

Kiwis are rich in vitamin C and can help combat histamines. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are also high in the vitamin. We’d recommend starting with our Colorful Açai Breakfast Bowl.

5. Pineapple

This super food contains the enzyme bromelain. Bromelain is said to reduce irritation in chronic allergic diseases like asthma. Sounds like a good excuse for this Virgin piña colada…

6. Pumpkin Seeds

Extremely high in magnesium, these little seeds help relieve airways, for improved respiration. Start the day with this recipe for orange granola, then breathe in the summer air!

7. Local Raw Honey

While the research is varied on local honey’s ability to ward off allergies, it is possible that the consumption of raw, local honey leading up to allergy season could help you develop a tolerance against pollen in your region. We say, why not give it a try? After all, honey is delicious no matter its health benefits. No harm, no foul.