1. Citrus

Who knew there were such yummy foods that fight allergies?! I love citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits and they all contain high amounts of vitamin C, which help relieve allergy symptoms and help clear out blocked up sinuses! 500 milligrams is the ideal amount of vitamin C so load up citrus fruits to help reach your daily goal!

2. Berries and Cherries

We’ve got some more fruits on the allergy fighting food menu! Berries, cherries and dark colored grapes all contain anthocyanins which are a powerful antioxidant and have anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve allergies. If those fruits aren’t really your thing, beets, eggplant and purple cabbages are great, too!

3. Turmeric

Using turmeric in your dishes can also help fight off allergy symptoms! Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities which have been found to be as helpful as taking anti-inflammatory medication. Taking in about 1200 milligrams a day will help you prevent inflammatory reactions from allergens.

4. Kale

This green superfood contains tons of goodies like vitamins, antioxidants, calcium and is low in calories. It is also rich in carotenoids, which have been known to help defend your body against allergens. Kale is also rich in vitamin C which is known to prevent histamine release and increases the detox of histamines in your body.

5. Apples

Apples are another tasty allergy fighting food to eat! The next time you’re in the mood for a snack, grab an apple to take in the anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine phytonutrient quercetin to help relieve common allergy symptoms and improve lung function. Other incredible sources of quercetin are onions, nuts and white, green or black tea.

6. Garlic

I love garlic so it doesn’t take much convincing for me to add more garlic to my dishes! Garlic not only tastes great but it’s an important health booster that strengthens the immune system, helps detoxify and increases the level of antioxidants in our bodies. Garlic has been known to help your body fight off allergens and decrease allergy symptoms!

7. Green Vegetables

Green vegetables like green and yellow peppers and broccoli are sources of hesperidin or hesperitin. These important phytonutrients contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties as well as histamine blocking qualities that can help relieve symptoms of allergies and hay fever. Lemons and oranges are high in these phytonutrients also!

8. Probiotics

Probiotics aren’t allergy fighting foods, but they contain beneficial bacteria that can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions! Probiotics have been found to be helpful in those with digestive disorders like IBS or Crohn’s disease, but they also help keep your digestive tract healthy and strong so you’re better prepared to fight off allergens.

9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are another part of a healthy lifestyle. Omega-3s help brain function, have anti-aging and moisturizing benefits, help decrease inflammation in the sinuses and boost our body's immune function to fight off allergens and histamines. Try foods like salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts to increase your daily omega-3 intake.

10. Nuts

Eating nuts is another way to help fight allergies. Almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts all contain vitamin E, which is known to help reduce inflammation and antioxidants which help prevent and fight allergies. Vitamin E can help suppress symptoms of allergies and neutralize free radicals to prevent the release of histamines and other inflammatory elements.

Eating foods that fight allergies can help strengthen and support your body to combat allergies. While eating these anti-allergy foods alone might not be sufficient in staving off the sniffles and itchy eyes, it’ll definitely help provide your body with the needed support and nutrients to function optimally and combat allergens! How do you treat allergy symptoms?