9 Foods That Help Fight Fall Allergies

Hello again, savvy savers! Looking out of my kitchen windows I can currently see that the leaves of my beautiful Maple and Pecan trees are starting to fall. The hot, humid days of summer are giving way to crisp, cool, throw-an-extra-blanket-on-the-bed nights days (unless you live in Mississippi where we have a true Indian Summer and humidity may again rear its ugly head). And this change could not come soon enough for me! I love Fall, the sights, the smells, the food, the holidays,

I love Fall, the sights, the smells, the food, the holidays, and my favorite, anything pumpkin spice flavored! Mind you, there is one exception to my list of fall favorites, my seasonal fall allergies. Now if you’re anything like me, this time of year your ragweed and allergy may have you running indoors, preventing you from seeing and experiencing all that is great this time of year.

If you feel like your allergies are starting sooner this year, don’t feel alone, because they are.

Ultimately, climate change, and the resulting higher temperatures fluctuation, paired with global increases in carbon dioxide levels, allow pollen-producing plants to live longer and to produce more and more mega-potent pollen. And this year, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology announced that the season will extend through November, rather than ending at the end of September as it normally does.

But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer for 4 more weeks. For lately I have started on a new natural allergy-fighting path and have found that there in fact foods you eat (and again should not eat) can help stifle your sniffling, watery eyes, and general malaise.

Moreover, there are foods that are not only helpful in fighting seasonal allergies, but these same organic options can also help to build up your immune system too! And what’s better than finding out that all those delicious, seasonal food options, currently available now from your farmers’ market and super-centers can help you live a better quality of life. Nothing is better than that my friends. Nothing!

Which makes this time of year the best time to hit the market for these nine fabulous, frugal, fresh finds! But before you head out to your local markets, consider the following 9 seasonal food options when it comes to fighting fall allergies in your own home.

9 Foods that help fight seasonal fall allergies

BROCCOLI:  This dinner staple serves two purposes in fighting your allergy symptoms. It’s high in allergy-relieving Vitamin C, and it’s a member of the crucifer family, plants that have been shown to clear out blocked-up sinuses. Researchers from Johns Hopkins have found about 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C a day can ease allergy symptoms and just 1 cup of raw broccoli packs about 80 milligrams of the immune-boosting good stuff!

KALE: This superfood contains another awesome form of vitamin A which is thought to improve allergy symptoms. A number of studies have shown that people with low vitamin A stores are more likely to have asthma and allergy problems. And as savvy savers, why often see savings app deals on Kale weekly, making this an affordable, natural option this season.

COLLARD GREENS: In full disclosure, I must admit that I love collard greens! As a southerner, it’s a staple in our home, especially in the fall, and of course, for New Year’s Day meals! However, if your nose is being hijacked by hay fever, serving collard greens weekly can help!. Their phytochemical content eases allergy issues. The darker the leaves, the higher the carotenoid content. A twice-weekly serving of these affordable greens can truly help!

ONIONS AND GARLIC: Onions and garlic are packed with quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine, and helps quell inflammation in your system, which helps stem the side effects associated with allergic inflammation, such as stuffy noses and watery eyes. Consider couponing to score free frozen onions and garlic, awesome for quick stir-fry meals, and sandwiches this fall!

PUMPKINS: This visually appealing fall staple, is rich in allergy-fighting carotenoids, the form of vitamin A, which helps the body to better ward off allergies. There are hundreds of ways to consume this festive beauty, including coffees, bread, soups, stews, pies, and much more!

CARROTS: This carotenoid powerhouse contains lots of healthy beta-carotene, to help ward off your ragweed drudgery. Consider throwing carrot sticks in for lunches, or trying glazed carrots with dinners.

CELERY: Celery is full of vitamin C, making it an affordable allergy tool. But did you also know that celery can also help high blood pressure and chronic pain? Consumed raw or cooked, you will benefit from this veggie, without losing access to its nutrients. And don’t ignore the leaves; chop those up for use in soups and stews to get their vitamin C content, as well!

STINGING NETTLE: This affordable herb helps stifle the inflammation, as contains histamine, the chemical your body produces during an allergic reaction, so by taking this herb, you can help your body acquire tolerance to seasonal allergies.

CRANBERRIES: This seasonal beauty is a powerful tool in terms of antioxidant fighting. This fruit can be your new go-to to fight free radicals. A bonus? Cranberries, to its role in the synthesis of collagen, can help keep you looking younger too! Savvy savers know, this coming season will many BOGO deals for fresh, dried, and frozen cranberries.

Friends, these are my 9 go-to foods to help fight my allergy and sinus issues at home each fall season. I hope these tips can help you naturally fight your fall seasonal allergies too! and if you have any tips for using food to fight allergies in your own home, I’d love to hear about them below as well!