Prevent hay fever your daily diet! Foods to consume and foods to avoid

The pollen allergy season has arrived. While using medication is helpful, you can also take measures against hay fever through your daily diet. In this article, we will introduce foods that are recommended for easing hay fever symptoms, as well as foods to avoid. By adopting a healthy diet, you can alleviate the discomfort caused by hay fever.

About the Dietary Therapy for Hay Fever |

Foods to Eat for Pollen Allergy Countermeasures |

Drinks to Consume for Pollen Allergy Prevention |

Foods to Avoid During Pollen Allergy Season | Drinks to Avoid for Hay Fever |

The Bottom Line |

About the Dietary Therapy for Hay Fever

Hay fever is a condition in which an immune reaction to pollen entering the body causes allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Normally harmless pollen can cause abnormal reactions in the body due to the significant role of the immune system. Therefore, maintaining a regular lifestyle to balance the immune system is considered an effective approach to managing hay fever.

The intestines are a crucial factor in this approach, as 60% of the immune system is said to exist in the gut. Adjusting the gut environment to improve the immune system is expected to alleviate hay fever symptoms.

Dietary therapy does not have immediate effects like medication. It requires incorporating daily dietary habits and gradually adjusting the gut environment. Some foods may help alleviate hay fever symptoms by adjusting the gut environment, while others may worsen them. It is important to understand which foods are beneficial and which ones should be avoided.

However, the effectiveness of dietary therapy varies among individuals, and it is not possible to improve hay fever symptoms solely through diet and beverages. It is important to wear a mask, avoid bringing pollen indoors, and take other measures to manage hay fever on a daily basis.

Foods to Eat for Pollen Allergy Countermeasures

Here are some foods that can be consumed as part of pollen allergy prevention:

• Yogurt

Yogurt, which contains many lactic acid bacteria, helps to improve the intestinal environment. When consumed with foods that contain oligosaccharides, such as kinako, honey, and bananas, which serve as food for lactic acid bacteria, the growth of these bacteria can be promoted, leading to even greater benefits. It is important to consume even a small amount of yogurt every day. Start incorporating it into your daily diet about 3 months before allergy season begins to improve your intestinal environment.

• Foods rich in dietary fiber

Foods such as mushrooms, burdock root, and seaweed, which are rich in dietary fiber, also help to improve the intestinal environment. Lotus root, which is rich in dietary fiber, also contains tannins, a type of polyphenol that is said to suppress allergies. It is a good idea to be conscious of consuming these types of foods.

• Bluefish

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which suppress histamine, a substance that causes various symptoms of allergies such as pollen allergy, are contained in the fat of blue fish such as mackerel, sardines, and saury. Even those who usually prefer meat can try incorporating blue fish into their diet.

• Chocolate

Chocolate, which may seem like an unexpected option for pollen allergy prevention, contains a large amount of cocoa polyphenols that work on the immune system and are expected to suppress allergy symptoms. Cocoa also contains cocoa polyphenols.

Drinks to Consume for Pollen Allergy Prevention

Here are some drinks that can be consumed as part of pollen allergy prevention:

• Green tea

Green tea contains catechin, a type of polyphenol that has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Drinking green tea regularly is believed to help prevent pollen allergies.

• Nettle tea

Nettle tea is made from the leaves of the stinging nettle plant and is known for its anti-allergic effects. It is believed to help reduce the symptoms of pollen allergies.

• Rooibos tea

Rooibos tea, made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, is rich in antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system. It is believed to help prevent and reduce the symptoms of allergies.

• Vegetable juice

Drinking vegetable juice made from carrots, celery, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables is a good way to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals. This can help to improve your overall health and strengthen your immune system, making it easier to fight off allergies.

• Water

Drinking plenty of water is always important for maintaining good health, but it is especially important during allergy season. Staying hydrated can help to reduce inflammation and keep your body functioning properly, which can help to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.

Foods to Avoid During Pollen Allergy Season

Here are some foods to avoid during pollen allergy season:

• Raw fruits and vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables can contain the same allergens found in pollen, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Cooking fruits and vegetables can help to break down these allergens and make them less likely to cause a reaction.

• Nuts

Some people with pollen allergies may also be allergic to nuts, as they can contain similar proteins. It is best to avoid nuts during pollen allergy season if you are unsure whether you are allergic to them.

• Spicy foods

Spicy foods can irritate the nasal passages and make allergy symptoms worse. It is best to avoid spicy foods during pollen allergy season.

Drinks to Avoid for Hay Fever

• Alcohol

Acetaldehyde, a substance produced when alcohol is broken down in the body, stimulates the release of histamine, which causes allergies. Alcohol also disrupts blood flow and aggravates symptoms such as congestion and congestion of the nose, which can make hay fever symptoms more severe. Drinking alcohol during hay fever season should be avoided as much as possible.

The Bottom Line

Incorporating the right foods into your daily diet can help prevent hay fever symptoms. By consuming foods rich in beneficial nutrients, you can give your body the tools it needs to fight off allergic reactions. On the other hand, it's equally important to avoid foods that can trigger or worsen symptoms. By being mindful of what you eat, you can take control of your health and enjoy the beauty of the spring season without suffering from hay fever.