Some people have bodies that react to certain things like dust, drugs, and foods. In Canada, there are around 2.6 million who have food allergies. For some, eating eggs, soy, and milk entails no worry. However, it may cause stress to others due to the symptoms. For instance, itching, swelling, and redness are some. Also, there are digestive and breathing problems. All of these put us in discomfort. It is good to know that there is a natural antihistamine that one can utilize.
Important Note
In some cases, children outgrow their body’s reaction while others do not. There is no cure for allergies. Still, we can prevent and control their symptoms. One of the most common treatments for symptoms is an antihistamine. It lessens or blocks histamines, which causes the reaction. These drugs often come in the form of:
- capsule
- liquid
- nasal spray
- eyedrops
But these drugs can also have side effects such as:
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Trouble peeing
- Blurred vision
The good news is that other healthy options do not entail buying expensive drugs. Examples of natural antihistamine are:
1. Vitamin C
This substance is essential to our bodies. Hence, it protects our cells from damage. It also helps our body to fight infections. Also, it is a potent anti-oxidant, and it boosts our immune system. So, having enough vitamin C will strengthen our body. It will also help us fight diseases.
Suggested vitamin C intake for
- Kids (1-8 years old): 15-25 mg
- Adolescents: 45 mg
- Teens: 65-75 mg
- Adults: 65-90 mg. The upper limit is 2,000 mg per day.
Vitamin C antihistamine foods include:
- Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Winter squash
Furthermore, try adding these foods to your diet. However, avoid very high intake amounts. Taking too much vitamin C might cause headaches, diarrhea, heartburn, and belly cramps.
2. Stinging nettle
Try to include stinging nettle in your antihistamine diet. Hence, this plant’s leaves and roots may reduce swelling. Also, it can fight infections.
While reducing the symptoms, it also gives your body many nutrients. It is rich in vitamins such as A, B, C, and K. Also, it has minerals, fats, and amino acids.
If you have never tasted this, do not worry. The intake of this plant is safe. But it is better to take caution as it can also bring side effects.
3. Bromelain
Bromelain is a natural antihistamine. It is an enzyme from pineapples that you can find in the juice, fruit, and skin. Hence, it reduces the swelling of the sinuses. Also, studies suggest that it can reduce airway problems. In addition, Pineapples are both good to taste and for our body.
Moreover, be cautious upon taking this enzyme in your diet. For some, it can cause reactions like increased heart rate and stomach upset.
4. Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment. Hence, it may reduce swelling and other allergy symptoms. Also, it will kill cancer cells and control sugar in the blood. It is often taken by mouth to aid in heart and blood vessels condition.
Antihistamine foods with this healthy pigment are:
- Apples
- Berries
- Onions
- Peppers
- Green tea and Buckwheat tea
- Red wines
Make sure to take safe doses of these foods. High doses of this pigment can also cause headaches and tingling. However, for long-term use, it may cause kidney damage.
5. Butterbur Extract
Include butterbur in your antihistamine diet. This shrub grows in Europe and some Asian countries. In ancient uses, it is a treatment for plague and fever. Afterward, people use it to treat skin sores, asthma, and cough. Later, they use it to control more allergy symptoms like stomach upset and headaches. It can also treat hay fever.
Before trying this option, talk to a health care provider as it may also cause side effects and organ damage.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics are helpful and good bacteria. So, it fights bad bacteria. It is a must for a healthy gut. It helps in boosting our immune system. As a result, it will help in fighting off allergies.
Probiotics exist in fermented foods like yogurt, pickles, Kefir, and Korean’s Kimchi.
Signs
Itchy eyes, swollen lips, tongue, and other symptoms stress you out. There are 50 million people who also experience it every year. These natural substances will not only lessen your body’s reaction to allergens. It will also give you a healthy body.
To ensure safety, talk to a doctor, and ask about the safe doses in taking. By doing so, you will avoid further problems like side effects. Allergies are life-long. The symptoms cause stress, especially if they become severe. If you know certain foods that cause your body to react badly avoid them.
Prevention
Choose healthy foods that will strengthen your body. Such foods also can fight off other diseases. Most natural antihistamines come from fruits, vegetables, and other plants.
It is better to inform your family and friends if you have reactions. Having a buddy will help you when symptoms show up. They can give you the proper care and foods you can eat.
