Diet changes to improve your seasonal allergies

While diet changes help food allergies, there's also evidence that avoiding certain fare and adding other foods could improve your seasonal allergies. By adding the right types of antioxidants, fats and vitamins, research suggests that allergy sufferers could diminish their active symptoms.

• The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the chance of developing allergy symptoms.
• This diet emphasizes fish, fruits, olive oil, vegetables and nuts. Researchers believe that the foods' antioxidants prevent the body from overreacting to allergens.
• A study in Thorax noted that foods like tomatoes, grapes and apples were likely to protect against allergy symptoms.
• Eating foods found in the Mediterranean diet will improve your allergy symptoms, while also diminishing your risk of cancer, obesity and heart problems.
• Try incorporating these foods into your diet to diminish allergy symptoms and increase your overall health.

• A 2012 study published in Asia Pacific Allergy found that people with low amounts of Vitamin D were more likely to suffer from allergies.
• While this link could be explained by seasonal allergy sufferers who avoid the outdoors, other studies indicate that low Vitamin D is also linked to asthma and wheezing.
• Getting sun can be difficult, but Vitamin D fortified foods like milk and margarine can help. In Canada, milk is fortified with 44 per cent of the recommended daily value of Vitamin D.

1. Spicy foods cause histamines to flood your system, which will increase allergy symptoms. Even if that wasabi opens up your nasal passages, it probably won't be worth the temporary relief.

2. Skipping raw fruits can also prevent an oral seasonal allergy that mimics a food allergy. Cook fruits and vegetables to diminish this risk.

3. A diet that's high in salt can cause allergy symptoms. Reduce your salt intake and your lung function will improve.

1. Fish or Omega 3 supplements act as an anti-inflammatory that can prevent your seasonal allergies symptoms.

2. Yogurt can help regulate the immune system and reduce your reaction to allergens. If you're lactose intolerant, look for fermented foods that are rich in probiotics.

3. Tea contains small amounts of antihistamines that can help diminish seasonal allergies. Plus, it can soothe a sore throat.

4. Clear broth and soups can help you diminish mucus levels caused by seasonal allergies. Try egg-drop soup for an easy start to any meal.

5. Citrus fruits and vegetables like dandelion greens will boost your Vitamin C levels and reduce allergy symptoms. Try incorporating at least one food that's high in Vitamin C at every meal.

These diet switches may not eliminate your allergies, but they can improve your daily symptoms. Even if you don't respond to their allergy-quenching abilities, a diet high in Vitamin D, Vitamin C, fruits, probiotics, vegetables and Omega 3 fats will boost your overall health.