Beware of These Bites
Allergies can be a real hassle, causing sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Did you know that some foods might make your allergy symptoms even worse? To help, there's Claritin, an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and itching of the throat or nose.
5 Foods That Can Make Your Allergies Worse
1. Alcohol
Drinks like beer, wine and spirits can intensify allergy symptoms. Alcohol contains histamines, which are the same chemicals your body releases during an allergic reaction. Consuming alcohol can lead to increased sneezing, itching and nasal congestion.
2. Spicy Foods
Foods that are spicy, such as hot peppers and chili, can irritate your nasal passages and increase mucus production. If you have allergies, spicy foods may exacerbate your symptoms, leaving you feeling more uncomfortable.
3. Processed Meats
Items like bacon, sausage and ham often contain preservatives known as nitrates. These preservatives can heighten inflammation in the body, worsening allergy symptoms. Additionally, the high salt content in processed meats can lead to swelling, contributing to congestion.
4. Dairy Products
Dairy foods, including milk and cheese, can cause an increase in mucus production in your throat and nose. This added mucus can make breathing more difficult, especially for those already suffering from allergies. Dairy may also lead to an itchy or irritated throat.
5. Certain Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables, like bananas, apples and melons, can trigger oral allergy syndrome in people sensitive to pollen. This condition causes an itchy mouth or throat due to proteins in these foods that are similar to those found in pollen.
Treatment Options for Allergies
If you notice that certain foods worsen your allergy symptoms, there are several ways to manage them:
- Antihistamines: These medications can help alleviate sneezing, itching and other allergy-related symptoms.
- Nasal sprays: Using nasal sprays can help reduce swelling and mucus, making it easier to breathe.
- Allergy shots: For more severe allergies, your doctor may recommend allergy shots, which help your body build tolerance to allergens.
- Avoiding triggers: It's essential to identify and steer clear of foods that provoke your symptoms. Understanding your allergies can help you minimize exposure.
- Claritin: Claritin is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and itching of the throat or nose. Claritin is non-drowsy, which means it typically does not cause sleepiness like some other antihistamines. It is commonly used for seasonal allergies (hay fever) and can also help with hives. Claritin is available over the counter in various forms, including tablets, liquid and dissolvable tablets.
Finding the Right Diet
By being aware of the foods that can worsen your allergies and utilizing appropriate treatments, you can feel better and manage your symptoms more effectively.
Learn about the worst foods for breast cancer.