As nature starts blossoming in the spring season, people start struggling with seasonal allergies, symptoms of which include swollen mouth, sneezing, inflammation, coughing, itchy skin, runny nose, abdominal discomfort, and watery eyes. Pollen is the most common trigger of allergies that can often add to flu-like symptoms, including cold and cough. Dust mites are other reasons that add to allergies and lead to sneezing and coughing. No matter which part of India you might be in, this issue remains true and affects everyone.
Slurrp connected with Aman Puri, a Delhi-based nutritionist and founder of Steadfast Nutrition, to know more about spring season allergies and how to deal with them. “Spring season comes with the transition from longer cold nights to longer warm days, and these changes may weaken our body’s immune system, increasing the chances of allergies,” he added. Here are foods that can trigger these allergies or alleviate these symptoms,
Foods That Can Trigger Allergies In Spring
“Certain foods can exacerbate allergic reactions during the spring season. Avoid consuming these if you develop allergic symptoms,” the nutritionist added.
Foods Rich In Birch Pollen
The nutritionist suggested avoiding almonds, peaches, peanuts, parsley, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, and fennel seeds. They contain allergy-causing birth pollen and can instantly make you sick.
Processed Foods
According to the experts, processed foods must be avoided in the pollen season. They comprise salt, fat, and refined flour that can weaken the immune system. This can make it easy for viruses to attack and a compromised immunity can also aggravate your symptoms.
Raw Plant Foods
Spring season is when you must cook plant-based ingredients if you want to protect yourself from allergies. Aman Puri said that these ingredients might contain scattered pollen that can cause allergic reactions.
Shellfish
If you are a fan of seafood, spring brings bad news for you because you will have to let go of shellfish. It can contain protein tropomyosin, which is known to trigger allergic reactions among humans, who often experience symptoms in this season.
Eggs
Though eggs are considered good for your health in all seasons, the spring season might be an exception. However, it might not be the case with everyone, but the nutritionist said that protein in eggs can trigger allergies.
Spicy Foods
Whether or not you are a fan of spicy foods, you should avoid eating them in the spring season. It can lead to inflammation in the body and cause mayhem in the gut microflora. If you are someone who experiences allergies in the spring season, you must avoid spicy dishes.
Food That Can Alleviate Allergies In Spring
Aman Puri said, “Certain foods can optimise the functioning of the immune system, helping fight spring season allergies.”
Turmeric
According to the nutritionist, turmeric contains curcumin, which is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. It can prevent the release of histamine, an allergy-causing chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction.
Onions, Peppers, Berries, And Cabbage
The expert said that foods like berries, peppers, onions, and cabbage contain quercetin, which counters the release of histamine in the body. Therefore, adding these elements to your diet can alleviate symptoms of allergies.
Ginger
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. The nutritionist suggested adding it to your diet to counter the effects of chemicals released in the body during an allergic reaction. It can also suppress the release of allergy-causing chemicals.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is suggested by the nutritionist as among the foods that are safe to consume in the spring season. It contains probiotics, which are good bacteria with anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Local Honey
If you can consume locally sourced honey, it can be one of the best ingredients to combat symptoms of allergy. Though it contains pollen, the expert says that prolonged consumption of this ingredient can make your body resistant to pollen-induced allergies.
Fish
Fish is safe to consume in the spring season. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They can reduce symptoms of allergies and help you experience relief from the health issue.
Citrus Fruits
This weather is perfect for eating citrus fruits like orange, lemon, grapefruit, etc. They are loaded with vitamin C, which not only boosts immunity but also enables the body to fight against allergens.