Fight Allergy Symptoms with Common Foods

Fight Allergy Symptoms with Common Foods

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There are a number of elements in food that naturally assist us in maintaining a healthy balance and our overall wellbeing.  Some of these elements were designed with the intent and focus on helping our systems regain, maintain and perfect a continued wellness while living in a contemporary world that offers us toxic food, water and that even pollutes the air we breathe. While the elements discussed in this article have their own unique benefits, they also work synergistically to assist in an allergy induced temporary healing process. Each has qualities that not only help, but also optimizes the overall health of the consumer. The goal of this collection of information is to provide a basic understanding of what these particular elements do and the need to eat a healthy diet heavy in  nutrients that will help us fight the nuisance that can be seasonal, as well as, ongoing allergies. To maintain and optimize this healthy daily balance we must have healthy cellular function to which the following elements contribute.

 

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Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that is derived from plant extracts and is naturally found in a variety of fruits, grains and vegetables as well and has been added to a number of vitamin supplements, beverage and food products. Eating food rich in Quercetin may have a vast number of health benefits. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any health claims for Quercetin, the suggested benefits are incredibly interesting and are causing a great deal of buzz in science minded circles. Allergy related inflammation has been proven to be improved by the implementation of Quercetin supplementation. Alternative Medicine has long suggested Quercetin assists in easing the symptoms of pollen allergies. Not only does Quercetin promote reductions in inflammation, but studies in Japan have proven it may also reduce eye irritation and itching. Other studies done with animals showed drastic improvements in asthmatic episodes. Based on this small percentage of researched information and the fact that adding foods rich in Quercetin is an easy task, as allergy sufferers, why wouldn’t we all try to improve our overall health by adding a few of the following to our grocery lists this week. Cranberries, red onions, black plums, watercress, kale, dill and buckwheat are all common foods that are high in Quercetin and may benefit you in your fight against those dreaded allergies. I’d be curious to see if those who enjoy capers on occasion struggle with as many allergy symptoms as the rest of us, as they have the highest concentration of Quercetin; 180 milligrams per can.

 

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Dietary Vitamin E, IgE Serum Concentrate, and Atopy

The first thing we must understand when studying the IgE serum concentration levels as evidence of Atopy in an individual and the effects Vitamin E may have on this condition, we must understand what the heck all of that even means. Vitamin E is obviously a natural dietary supplement found in many supplements and consumable products. That one was easy. So what is an IgE concentration, you may probably now asking? It is formally referred to as Immunoglobulin E, a class of antibody found in the blood’s serum. It is typically the least abundant of isotopes but also can cause type I hypersensitivity, when elevated. Type I hypersensitivity can lead to a variety of allergic diseases, such as asthma, varied food allergy, and some types anaphylactic reactions to medications, bee stings, etc.. A predisposition, possibly genetic, to these elevated levels of Immunoglobulin E is what is known to the Medical community as Atopy or Atopic. If you are indeed Atopic you will be interested to know that foods rich in Vitamin E may help you reduce and possibly eliminate a number of your annoying allergy symptoms. Vitamin E a highly affective antioxidant has been researched in detail and has the ability to reduce the damage that free radicals may cause the body. Many studies have specifically shown that Vitamin E concentrations positively affect the part of the immune system that is relevant to the allergic reactions of individuals. A vast number of studies have suggested that increasing the dietary intake of Vitamin E is inversely related to allergy symptom sensitization in both children and adults. There is however no conclusive research that proves that foods high in Vitamin E actually have a leveling or reducing effect on the IgE blood serum concentration levels of allergy sufferers. Sunflower seeds, paprika, basil, red chili powder, almonds, peanuts and cooked spinach are just of the few of the popular foods that may not only help you curb your seasonal allergy symptoms.

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Lactobacillus Acidophilus Strain L-92

Lactobacilli are bacteria that are produced in the small intestines. Lactobacillus acidophilus in general is considered to be beneficial to our overall wellbeing, by producing vitamin K, lactase, and anti-microbials. The L-92 strain is referred to as lactic acid bacteria and has been proven through numerous research studies to positively manipulate allergic diseases like atopic dermatitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. The suggestion is that orally administering L-92 or eating foods high in lactic acid might be useful for alleviating a variety of allergy symptoms. These studies although promoting the fact that lactic acid bacterium alleviates allergic diseases, do not suggest an increase in lactic acid statistically or significantly changes blood parameters, much like the relationship of Vitamin E and IgE blood serum levels. There are a number of easily assessable foods high in lactic acid that you may consider adding to your refrigerator in an attempt to elevate some of your seasonal allergy symptoms. Yogurt, pickled vegetables, sourdough bread and even wine can be beneficial in your fight against those itchy eyes and those pesky sneezes.

 

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The Fight Rages On

Understanding the need to maintain a healthy diet high in not only lactic acid, Vitamin E and Quercetin but also other vitamins containing antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids is one of your most important lines of defense when fighting the allergy war. Consulting your doctor to manage allergies is first and foremost in an attempt to obtain information about the best treatments and an individual plan specific to your needs, but your diet is a proven and crucial element in the process. Unfortunately there is there is no cure for most allergies. Typically they are a genetic disease of the immune system, but now we know that an enjoyable way to help satisfy our symptoms may satisfy our taste buds as well.