How can that be, you may say, when seasonal allergy sufferers are affected by the presence of molds, weeds, trees, grass, and other pollens in the environment? The answer lies in the amount of histamines produced by the body.
Allergies are an auto-immune disease where the body turns against itself, producing substances in overabundant quantities, causing suffering, and in some cases, much harm. When allergens trigger a reaction, the substance that is produced is histamine, which acts as a catalyst to produce adverse symptoms.
What is Histamine?
Histamine is contained in almost all body tissues, particularly the lungs, nose, sinuses, skin and in the mast cells in the blood. As noted on the Michigan Allergy, Sinus & Asthma website, histamines are vasoactive amines which cause dilatation of blood vessels, increased mucus production, and bronchoconstriction. Histamines are released from mast cells when allergens are present. When an overabundance are produced one or more of the following symptoms can occur:
- Itchy, burning, or watery eyes
- Itchy nose with sneezing and increased mucus production
- Itchy skin, prone to rashes and hives
- Congested sinuses
- Wheezing and coughing
Commercial Antihistamines Produce Side Effects
Every spring and autumn, radio and television airwaves are filled with advertisements touting the benefits of antihistamines such as Claritin, Benadryl, Zyrtec, and the like. At best, however, these medications only provide temporary relief and actually mask symptoms. Side effects are common and include drowsiness, dry mouth, and elevated heart rate.
Some long-time allergy sufferers tire of taking antihistamines as they impair efficiency and tend to make people shaky at times. Thus, they tend to avoid taking them unless absolutely necessary, making do with nasal sprays and hot compresses to relieve symptoms. What many people do not realize, however, that the foods they eat, particularly dairy products, will adversely affect allergy symptoms.
Many Foods Contain Histamine
In addition to occurring in the human body, histamine is also present in many foods. Some foods, when they are eaten, also cause the body to release histamine. Although the symptoms produced are similar to those produced by food allergies, what occurs technically is not because the immune system is involved. among the worst culinary offenders are fermented foods and beverages because they are rich in histamine or yeast or mold are involved in the fermentation process.
Michigan, Allergy, Sinus & Asthma notes that allergy suffers should avoid the following histamine-rich foods.
- Cheese, particularly Parmesan, blue, or Roquefort
- Alcohol, most notably beer and wine
- Dried fruit
- Picked and smoked meats
- Processed meats and fish
- Sour cream, buttermilk, and yogurt
- Vinegar, and foods containing vinegar, such as mayonnaise salad dressings
Histamine-releasing foods include:
- Bananas
- Chocolate
- Milk
- Eggs
- Shellfish
- Strawberries
Choose Food That Will Lessen Symptoms
Just as there are foods which will aggravate your symptoms, others will help you get rid, or at least lessen them. Vitamin C is a naturally-occurring antihistamine. Foods rich in this vitamin include red and green bell peppers, broccoli, all citrus fruits and juices, cranberries, most lettuces, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes.
Other foods to choose include those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Quercitin. In an August 2006 article on Lime.com, Cybele Pascal noted that Quercitin is a natural compound that helps stabilize mast cells and prevents the release of histamines and other inflammatory compounds that augment allergies. Onions, apples, garlic, parsley, legumes, and berries, are all good sources of Quercitin. Omega-3 foods also reduce inflammation. Good sources include cold-water fish such as salmon and walnuts.
By eating foods that reduce inflammation and avoiding the ones that increase histamine production, you may be able to control your seasonal allergy symptoms to the point where you can reduce or even eliminate commercial antihistamines.
Arlene Miles - Versatile. That's how I describe myself and my writing in one word. I have 30 years' experience in various forms of media with most ...
Join the Conversation