We are finally nearing the home stretch, where the words “polar vortex” will recede into the shadows for a few months as we finally enjoy the coming spring season.
The bad news, is that our prolonged winter is causing a whole new set of problems, referred to as the “pollen vortex.”
Instead of the gradual blooming we usually see at this time of year, the prolonged winter has caused everything to seemingly bloom at once, exacerbating the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Even those of us who are not diagnosed with allergies, are feeling the effects of high pollen counts in the air.
While perscription antihistamines are the usual treatment for seasonal allergies, Dr. Mitchell Gaynor suggests that certain foods will help ease the symptoms. In an article on the website Well + Good, Dr. Gaynor outlines the following suggestions:
Magnesium rich foods, such as kale, sunflower seeds and spinach open the airways and help you breathe a little easier.
Vitamin C helps combat the sniffling, itchy eyes and runny nose of allergies, by lowering the histamine level in your body. Eat citrus, bell peppers and tomatoes to up the C quotient in your diet.
The plant based antioxidents called bioflavonoids are also histamine reducers. Eat brussels sprouts, mango and garlic, and drink some green tea to reap the benefits.
Quercetin is a nutrient that suppreses the part of the immune system that causes allergies and is another histamine reducer. While onions, parsley and sage are good choices, its an apple a day, ( preferably Granny Smith ) that will help keep the allergy doctor away.
Visit Dr. Gaynor’s website for more information about diet and his upcoming book, The Gene Therapy Plan: Taking Control of Your Genetic Destiny with Diet and Lifestyle.
photo: Glasshouse Images
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Tags: aalergies, bioflavonoids, Dr. Mtichell Gaynor. quercitin, food to treat allergy symptoms, magnesuim, pollen vortex. seasonal allergies, Spring, the pollen vortex, vitamin c, Well + Good
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