For the kick off of our Kitchen Diva’s program, Black Women for Wellness will be showcasing how superfoods can help alleviate common problems.  Once a week through May, June and July, we will brings hints, tips, recipes and tricks to make your food work for you. As with all health advice, check with your medical provider before embarking on a new course of treatment. And as always…use common sense!

This week’s tip: Allergies

If you are one of the millions of people who grimace at what spring does to you nose, they are a couple of foods that can help defend your body from that itchy, watery runny feeling that keeps some away from the outdoors.

Allergies, for the most part, is your body’s way of overreacting to allergens. This can be anything from pollen, grass or dust to certain foods. When some people’s bodies comes into contact with allergens it instantly goes into defense mode and releases histamines. Histamines kick starts your body’s immune reaction by causing inflammation, leading to swollen sinuses, itchy eyes and runny noses.

So what is an allergy suffer to do? Well they are certain foods that can help relieve inflammation (if you are not allergic to the food).

Salmon

Salmon has a good amount of  omega-3 fatty acid. These acids help minimize inflammation, which in turn can minimize congestion. In a couple of studies, children that had high fish diets were less likely  to have allergies to ryegrass.

Yogurt with live cultures

Good bacteria help keeps your immune system happy and healthy. The bacteria stimulates the body to produce special white blood cells as well as antibodies that help keep your immune system from overreacting to allergens.

Garlic

The antioxidants stored in garlic are a great defense to allergens. Research has shown a link between higher intake of antioxidants and a lower occurrence of hay fever.

Onions

Onions pack doses of quercetin, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation. In addition, quercetin helps the body absorb vitamin C. Quercetin has also been linked to stabilizing cell  membranes that can help defend against allergens.

Vitamin E

Studies have shown people who eat large amounts of vitamin E have a lower incidence of hay fever than those who don’t. The good thing about vitamin E is that it comes in a whole bunch of yummy flavors. Leafy greens, sweet potatoes, avocados, whole grain and nuts all contain big servings of vitamin E.