Fighting Allergies with Omega-3 Fatty Acids And Other Vitamins

Many people suffer from allergies and other allergic reactions. Allergies be caused by certain types of food, dust, pollen, animal dander and other substances that the immune system consider as risks.

An allergy is defined as a hypersensitivity disorder of the human immune system. The allergic reactions happen when a person’s immune system reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment. Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens. The allergic reactions are acquired, are predictable and quick to manifest. Allergic reactions are distinct because of the excessive activation of the type of white blood cell called mast cells and basophils by a certain kind of antibody called immunoglobulin. The reaction results in an inflammatory response. Hay fever is a common type of allergy. For some individuals extreme allergies to environmental, food and medication allergens can result to serious or life-threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Venom from insect stings, bees and food allergies are linked to these serious allergic reactions.

Foods That Can Serve As Natural Antihistamines

Seasonal allergies and other types of allergies are usually treated through anti –allergy or antihistamine medication to control and treat them. You can also enhance your allergy protection by choosing foods rich in certain nutrients, minerals and essential fats. In 2006, the May issue of National Geographic published an article about  how Americans spend billions of dollars every year on antihistamines in treating allergies. They stated that the problem with over the counter allergy medicines is the obvious side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness and cloudy thinking, but  also accelerated heart rate and it doesn’t stop the symptoms from happening. It just minimizes the symptoms for several hours. Most parents and experts have turned to “alternative” treatments – they have turned to food in fighting allergies. Historically, food has been used as treatment for illnesses by different civilizations up until the advent of modern medicine and actual control of pharmaceutical companies on medicines. Yes medicines help but scientists and experts are going back to the basics of eating the right kind of food in treating illnesses.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that have anti-inflammatory properties which helps in alleviating symptoms of allergies, cardiovascular and chronic diseases. Although the flammatory properties of omega-6 are essential in wound healing, omega-3 balances the self treating abilities of omega-6. Omega-3 brings down inflammation caused by certain types of allergies and it boosts the body’s immune system. Goodsources of omega-3 are cold water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna and blue marlin. Other sources include nuts, green leafy vegetables, bright colored fruits and vegetables, berries, flax seeds, pasture-raised meat and eggs.  Although omega-3 alone will not treat allergies, it can be a part  of a holistic allergy treatment plan.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of nature’s antihistamine. This water-soluble vitamin has many roles in the body. It is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, helps in collagen synthesis, immune system booster and helps in cell renewal and protection. Foods that are rich in vitamin C should be eaten often and if possible, eat it fresh because it will lose some of its nutrients when oxidations occur, if it is boiled, processed or stored for a very long time. The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, bell peppers, guavas, black currants, kale, parsley, cantaloupe, cayenne pepper, berries, kiwi, bananas, pineapple, tomatoes and many more. Some of these fruits also contain phytochemicals and lycopene which are powerful antioxidants and immune boosters that helps protect the body from allergies.

Flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant pigments that are responsible for the different colors of fruits, flowers and vegetables. Quercetine is a type of flavonoid that also acts as an antihistamine that helps in stabilizing mast cells to prevent in the manufacturing and release of histamine and other inflammatory and allergic compounds. Quercetin can be found in tomatoes, lettuce, legumes, berries, wine, garlic, apples, tea and broccoli.

Water. Most people ignore the importance of water on teh human body. Water flushes out toxins and other allergens that can cause sensitive body responses. The body produces mucus to clear the body of allergens specifically in the respiratory tract. Adequate amounts of water helps in thinning the mucus, which in turn, make it easier to to dispose out of the body thus minimizing allergic symptoms.

Yogurt. Studies have found that people with certain allergies, eating yogurt daily have fewer symptoms as compared to non-yogurt eaters with known allergies. Yogurts contain healthy probiotic  bacteria that improves the immune system and enables the body to hold better against allergens. It also helps in balancing the good and bad bacteria in the gut. Yogurt also contains vitamin C that helps in minimizing instances of colds and other infections.

Eat as much food that contain these natural antihistamines daily if possible. It can help in preventing or alleviating the symptoms of allergies thus reducing the need for antihistamine drugs and medicines. 

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