Natural Relief

It’s that time of the year for many.  The time for tissues, scratchy-throats, watery eyes, sneezing and general discomfort from seasonal allergies.  Consider trying something new with edible medicine and you may get some natural relief.

According to the medical director at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine the following foods may be your new super foods:

Oranges – these juicy gems get their orange color from quercetin, which can keep your body from reacting as strongly to pollen.  An added anti-allergy benefit also comes from the vitamin C found in this citrus powerhouse.

Salmon – what can’t this fabulous fish do?  It’ omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that may ease your runny nose and itchy eyes.  Try incorporating salmon into your weekly meal plans. (Vegetarians can get similar benefits from walnuts and ground flaxseeds)

Greek Yogurt – the “it” yogurt can soothe seasonal allergy symptoms (thanks to the live cultures) according to a study from the University of California Davis.

Green or White Tea- either of these teas contain compounds called catechins, which block the creation of histamines (the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms).

Tumeric- this spice (best known for its role in curries) packs a potent anti-allergy kick.  It has some of the strongest natural anti-inflammatory properties that we know of.

So, how about a dinner tonight with all of the foods listed above?  You’ll sip some white or green tea as you eat your salmon topped with an Indian-inspired Greek Yogurt sauce and then have a sweet, juicy dessert of oranges(maybe with a square of dark chocolate).  Give it a try – it could be the natural relief you are looking for this time of year.