Allergies?

Many of us suffer from seasonal allergies and/or asthma. Shake up your diet and try a few food tricks. It may not completely clear your symptoms but rate yourself and see how much improvement you see.

Bulk up your diet with apples and onions as these contain quercetin, a flavonoid that actually gives fruits, flowers, and vegetables their color (see further below for supplement-form). Fruits and veggies are a huge benefit because the carotenoids fight against the oxidants in your system that pair up with histamines and attack the body. Check out this brief overview of quercetin related to asthma and allergies: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/quercetin-000322.htm

If you need these antioxidants in supplement-form, it's worth considering. I have great results with supplements but that's a personal decision so make sure you do your research and talk to your doctor!  The supplement Quercetin with Bromelain is available in health food stores. Fruits and vegetables contain quercetin so a supplement can be a safe and healthy alternative.

Other options, prescription strength Vitamin-D has been a life saver for my asthma and allergies. I asked my doctor to test my vitamin D levels which then helped him to determine the right about of units for me to take in pill form. Research also shows that Vitamin E can ease symptoms. Again, all of these are available in foods so beef up your diet with fruits and vegetables!