10 Foods to Avoid During Allergy Season for Better Breathing

Allergy season can be a challenging time for many people. Whether you're dealing with hay fever, pollen allergies, or other sensitivities, what you eat can significantly impact how your body responds to allergens. While certain foods can help bolster your immune system and reduce inflammation, others can exacerbate your symptoms, making allergy season even more uncomfortable. In this article, we'll explore the worst foods to eat during allergy season and explain why avoiding them can help you breathe easier.

1. Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are common culprits when it comes to worsening allergy symptoms. Dairy can thicken mucus, making it harder for your body to clear your airways. This can lead to increased congestion, which is the last thing you want when you're already dealing with a runny nose or sinus pressure.

Additionally, some people with seasonal allergies may have a sensitivity to dairy that they don't realize. This can lead to an immune response that further aggravates allergic symptoms. If you notice that your symptoms worsen after consuming dairy, it might be worth eliminating these foods from your diet during allergy season.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/food-allergies-a-hidden-epidemic

2. Processed Foods

Processed foods, including fast food, pre-packaged meals, and snacks, often contain high levels of preservatives, artificial colors, and additives that can trigger or worsen allergic reactions. These foods are also typically high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to inflammation in the body.

Inflammation is a key component of allergic reactions, and consuming foods that promote inflammation can make your symptoms more severe. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support your immune system during allergy season.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6139866/

3. Alcohol

Alcohol, particularly wine and beer, can worsen allergy symptoms for several reasons. Firstly, alcohol is a histamine liberator, meaning it encourages your body to release histamines, the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms like itching, swelling, and hives. Additionally, many alcoholic beverages contain sulfites, which are preservatives that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Alcohol can also dehydrate you, and dehydration can make your mucous membranes drier and more irritated. This can lead to increased congestion and make it harder for your body to fight off allergens. If you're prone to allergies, it might be best to limit or avoid alcohol during allergy season.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.aaaai.org/Tools-for-the-Public/Conditions-Library/Allergies/Histamine-Intolerance

4. Sugary Foods

Foods high in sugar, such as candy, pastries, and sugary drinks, can suppress the immune system and increase inflammation, both of which can make allergy symptoms worse. When you consume sugar, your body's inflammatory response is triggered, which can lead to an increase in allergy-related symptoms such as nasal congestion, itching, and watery eyes.

Moreover, sugar can promote the growth of bad bacteria in your gut, which can negatively impact your immune system's ability to function properly. Maintaining a healthy gut is crucial for keeping your immune system strong, especially during allergy season.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793264/

5. Certain Fruits and Vegetables

While fruits and vegetables are generally healthy, certain ones can worsen allergy symptoms due to a phenomenon known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS). OAS occurs when your immune system confuses proteins in certain raw fruits and vegetables with pollen proteins, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and irritation in the mouth and throat.

Common culprits include apples, melons, bananas, and celery, especially if you're allergic to pollen. For example, if you have a birch pollen allergy, you might experience OAS symptoms when eating raw apples or carrots. Cooking these foods can break down the proteins and reduce the likelihood of a reaction.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/oral-allergy-syndrome

6. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods, while enjoyable for some, can aggravate symptoms during allergy season. Spices like chili peppers contain capsaicin, which can cause your nasal passages to swell and produce more mucus. This can exacerbate symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose, making it harder to breathe.

Moreover, spicy foods can irritate your throat and exacerbate symptoms like coughing and sneezing. If you find that spicy foods worsen your allergy symptoms, it might be best to opt for milder dishes until allergy season passes.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/how-foods-can-worsen-allergies

7. Caffeine

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and certain sodas, can contribute to dehydration, which is problematic during allergy season. Dehydration can make your mucous membranes dry and irritated, leading to increased congestion and discomfort.

Additionally, caffeine can stimulate your nervous system and lead to increased histamine production, which can worsen allergic reactions. If you're sensitive to caffeine or notice that your symptoms worsen after consuming it, try to reduce your intake during allergy season.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6042637/

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another food that can trigger symptoms during allergy season, particularly for those with pollen allergies. Tomatoes contain histamines, which can cause your body to release more histamine when consumed, leading to increased symptoms such as itching, hives, and swelling.

Tomatoes are also acidic, which can irritate your stomach and lead to reflux symptoms that can worsen postnasal drip and throat irritation. If you're prone to allergies, you may want to avoid tomatoes or consume them in moderation during allergy season.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462044/

9. Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and certain yogurts are often praised for their probiotic content, but they can be problematic during allergy season. These foods can contain high levels of histamine, which can trigger or worsen allergy symptoms in some people.

If you're sensitive to histamines, consuming fermented foods can lead to increased symptoms like headaches, congestion, and skin reactions. Consider reducing your intake of these foods during allergy season to see if your symptoms improve.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5011117/

10. Certain Nuts

Nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, and almonds can be problematic for those with allergies, especially if you have a known nut allergy or a sensitivity to tree pollen. These nuts can cause your body to release histamines, leading to increased allergy symptoms like itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

In some cases, people with tree pollen allergies may experience cross-reactivity with certain nuts, leading to oral allergy syndrome. If you notice that nuts worsen your allergy symptoms, it might be best to avoid them during allergy season.

Trusted Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4240769/

Conclusion

Managing your diet during allergy season can play a significant role in reducing the severity of your symptoms. By avoiding the worst foods, such as dairy products, processed foods, alcohol, and certain fruits and vegetables, you can help minimize inflammation and histamine production in your body. Instead, focus on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, stay hydrated, and listen to your body to see what foods may be triggering your symptoms.

Making these dietary changes, combined with other allergy management strategies, can help you navigate allergy season with fewer symptoms and more comfort.