Natural ways to help cope with allergies
Allergy season is here!
The runny eyes and nose, the sore throat, the sneezing, the itchiness and the overall yucky feeling that comes with allergies hits like a ton of bricks.
Stimulation from flora, fauna and pets trigger a reaction that starts in your immune system. Limiting exposure to allergens can help reduce symptoms.1,2 Why not add a one-two punch by supporting your immune system with items found in nature?
Support your immune system by adding:3
- Beta-carotene and lycopene: Antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits. Try sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, mangos, grapes, peaches and more.
- Vitamin C: Strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Eat citrus fruits, berries, melons, tomatoes, bell peppers and broccoli.
- Vitamin D: Helps your body absorb calcium. Also helps fight inflammation and support immune system function. Eat fatty fish, eggs and fortified cow’s milk.
- Zinc: Helps maintain your immune system. Deficiency can elevate the inflammatory response. Try beef, seafood, wheat germ, beans, nuts and tofu.
- Probiotics: Restrict excessive inflammation and maintain immune balance. Include cultured dairy products like yogurt and kefir, fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and tempeh.
- Protein: Supports anti-inflammatory processes. Find it in milk, yogurt, eggs, beef, chicken, seafood, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils.
Try these healthy drinks that combine natural ingredients. They could help you feel better during allergy season and are delicious.
Fresh fruit and herb tonic
No matter what time of year, this will add a spot of feel-better-brightness4 to your day.
Makes 4 servings | Prep: 10 min
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh strawberries, hulled, or other berries
- 1 cup cubed ripe melon (cantaloupe, crenshaw, honeydew, watermelon)
- 2 cups ice-cold water
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsps finely chopped fresh basil or mint leaves
- 2 Tbsps sugar, or to taste (optional)*
- Ice cubes
- 8 oz club soda
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Basil or mint sprigs, for garnish
Directions
- Combine the fruit, water and basil or mint in a blender. Whirl to liquefy. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes to allow basil or mint to infuse fruit puree with flavor.
- Pour into a 1-quart pitcher. Add lemon juice and sugar, as desired. (If sugar is added, stir to dissolve.)
- To serve, put ice into four glasses. Pour fruit mixture over ice. Add 2 ounces club soda to each. Garnish each glass with lemon slices and basil or mint.
- Serve immediately. Pureed fruit may settle.
Nutrition
Serving size: 10 oz
Calories: 35 | total fat: 0 g | saturated fat: 0 g | sodium 20 mg | cholesterol: 0 mg | total carbs: 9 g | fiber: 2 g | sugars: 6 g | protein: 1 g | potassium 102 mg
Citrus and herb tonic
This drink5 may not cure all your allergy woes, but you may feel better after just one sip of this vitamin-C packed tonic.
Makes 6 servings | Prep: 30 min
Ingredients
- 2 whole limes, scrubbed
- 1 whole lemon, scrubbed
- 1 whole orange, scrubbed
- 8 cups water
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 lemongrass stalk, approximately 8 inches long, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2-inch piece ginger, scrubbed and thinly sliced
- 5 fresh oregano sprigs
- Hot water, for serving
- Honey, for serving
Preparation
- Slice the limes, lemon and orange into ¼-inch-thick rounds, leaving the skin on. Place the citrus slices in a medium pot and fill with 8 cups of water.
- Crush lemongrass pieces between 2 pieces of parchment paper with a rolling pin. Stir in the turmeric and add the lemongrass pieces. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add the sliced ginger and fresh oregano. Cover and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a mesh sieve.
- Pour 1-to-2 ounces of hot mixture into mug. Dilute to taste by adding hot water and sweeten with a drizzle of honey.
- Tonic can be cooled and stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, portion the cold tonic into mugs and top with boiling water.
Nutrition
Serving size: 2 oz tonic, plus water to taste
Calories: 44 | total fat: 0 g | saturated fat: 0 g | sodium: 4 mg | cholesterol: 0 mg | total carbs: 12 g | fiber: 2 g | sugars: 5 g | protein: 1 g | potassium: 175 mg
When you’ve got an itch, all you want to do is scratch. Instead, learn the 411 on skin allergies and rashes and find relief.
1https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/rhinitis-(hay-fever)
2https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/outdoor-allergens-ttr
3https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/how-to-keep-your-immune-system-healthy
4https://www.eatright.org/recipes/beverages/fresh-fruit-and-herb-sparkling-water-recipe
5https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022860-citrus-and-herb-tonic
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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.