Health Network News

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.

*Grapes. Skins of red grapes are loaded with resveratrol, an indispensable antioxidant which aids in decreasing inflammation in the body. The protective capacity of grapes against allergies and wheezing has been confirmed in studies. A glass of red wine during mealtime, thus, is in order to help ease wheezing.

*Grapes. Resveratrol, another vital antioxidant which exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, can be sourced from the skins of red grapes. Studies have been conducted to show that grapes also offer added defense against wheezing and allergy attacks. The inclusion of a glass of red wine in ones dinner, therefore, may address your wheezing.

*Nuts. Aside from adding texture to a meal, nuts can supply the body with Magnesium and Vitamin E. Magnesium has been demonstrated to enhance lung function and is a good defense against wheezing.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One more reserve worth noting in combating allergies is the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA that are obtainable from cold water fish like wild salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids abound in these marine products. But if fish do not appeal to you, you have the option of taking fish oil supplements which are rich resources as well.

Zinc

An important player in the body’s ordeal against infection is Zinc. The antiviral and antibacterial components of Zinc help to strengthen the body’s immunity. Zinc may be acquired from such sources as whole grains, tofu, lean beef and oysters.

Foods That May Improve or Exacerbate 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.