If you’re suffering from seasonal allergies, chances are you’ve tried your fair share of over the counter and prescription medications in an attempt to find relief. But no one likes walking around feeling like their head is disconnected from their body, as is often the case with those solutions. There is something else you can try. Certain foods can boost your immunity and help alleviate your allergy symptoms.
- Grapefruit – Grapefruit is loaded with vitamin C, making it a no-brainer for boosting the immune system to relieve allergies. The red and pink varieties are best because the rosy color indicates that they are full of bioflavonoids, which are phytonutrients. These naturally occurring compounds cause beneficial reactions in the body, including increased immunity.
- Cauliflower – Cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all cruciferous vegetables, meaning they’re not only rich in antioxidant vitamins that boost immunity, but they also contain choline, a nutrient essential to a healthy diet. Choline keeps your cells function properly and also helps support a healthy gastrointestinal barrier, keeping bacteria safely confined in the gut. When you’re sick, cauliflower is especially beneficial because it’s also rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off infection.
- Carrots – Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which gives them their bright orange color. Beta-carotene supports the body’s mucus membrane, which lines the respiratory and intestinal tracts, making it harder for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause illness.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon is an antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial wonder, so doing much than just boosting the immune system. It actually fights the pathogens that cause illness. Cinnamon is extremely easy to incorporate into your daily diet. Sprinkle it on just about anything for a delicious boost to your immunity.
- Yogurt – One of your immune system’s most important roles is to troll the gastrointestinal tract and prevent germs, bacteria, and other pathogens from entering the bloodstream and making you sick. Yogurt can help do just that. It’s loaded with probiotics (healthy bacteria) to keep your gut happy and your allergies at bay.
- Mushrooms – Mushrooms are a major source of the immune system-boosting mineral, zinc. People who don’t have enough zinc in their diet tend to have fewer white blood cells to help battle illness, which can lead to a reduced immune response.
- Kale – Greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are all the rage right now. And with good reason. They are immune boosting super foods that contain high levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C packs a powerful antioxidant punch by fighting off damaging free radicals and regenerating other antioxidants in the body, including vitamin E. They also contain folate – another immunity boosting food.
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