Eating to Combat Allergies

Allergies are the body’s response to a perceived threat: as the immune system mistakes an incoming substance as harmful, it releases histamines and creates antibodies to repel this substance. This is what leaves you feeling itchy, scratchy and sneezy.  To this end, we can control the frequency and severity of allergy “attacks” with diet; consuming ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties and nutrients that support the immune system should go to the top of any allergy sufferer’s list. 

• Vitamin C: perhaps the most thought-of ingredient when it comes to improving allergy symptoms. Vitamin C is a natural anti-histamine that also assists the body in antibody production. 
• Sulfur and Selenium: minerals that enhance the potency of vitamin C. 
• Calcium and Magnesium: complimentary alkali minerals. When magnesium levels are low, histamine production is high. Calcium and magnesium are used to regulate the body’s pH balance.
• Vitamin D: low vitamin D levels are linked to allergy and respiratory problems. Consuming fortified milk, fish, egg yolks, sunlight or taking a supplement can help Americans improve on their intake of vitamin D. 

Don’t let yourself languish under an allergy cloud this summer. Call our office in Milpitas and start taking steps to reduce the hold that allergies have on your life the natural way. 

Dr. Gregory Lind, D.C.