
Springtime weather is unpredictable, and for many allergy sufferers, their noses act like a "weather station," sneezing incessantly as soon as the weather turns cold, sometimes accompanied by runny nose and nasal congestion. Actually, I also suffer from weather-related nasal allergies, but thanks to my expertise in nutrition, I wisely chose to eat three major anti-inflammatory foods: fish oil, cruciferous vegetables, and spices, along with good lifestyle management, and gradually got rid of allergic rhinitis.
Preventing Allergic Rhinitis: Professional Treatment + Lifestyle Management
Recurrent allergic rhinitis not only causes inconvenience in daily life, but also increases the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, so it should not be ignored! To prevent nasal allergy attacks or relieve rhinitis symptoms, it is recommended to consult a specialist first, and take antihistamines or leukotriene-antagonist drugs if necessary.
Regularly wash your sheets, pillowcases, and clothes to prevent dust allergies; cultivate a habit of exercise to enhance immunity and prevent allergies; and remember to wear a mask in cold weather to keep your mouth and nose warm and prevent nasal allergy attacks or worsening of symptoms.
Avoid peanuts if you have a leukotriene allergy and eat more anti-inflammatory foods.
Besides proper treatment and developing good lifestyle habits, diet is also very important. Nutritionist Liu Wenzhang explains that leukotrienes are inflammatory substances that the body automatically produces, easily triggering allergic symptoms, such as allergic rhinitis. Peanuts, protein or protein-like foods, and pollen can all stimulate leukotriene secretion, so people with allergies should reduce their exposure to these foods or environments.
However, it's good to eat more foods with anti-inflammatory effects. Nutritionist Liu Wenzhang said that fish oil, cruciferous vegetables, and spices all have anti-inflammatory properties and can regulate leukotrienes. She usually eats more of these three types of food to help relieve the discomfort during nasal allergy flare-ups.
1. Fish oil: Fish oil is rich in Omega-3, EPA, and DHA, which can reduce inflammation and decrease leukotriene production. It is recommended to obtain it regularly from fresh saury, salmon, or mackerel. When cooking, it is advisable to grill the fish until it is just cooked through, avoiding overcooking to prevent the unsaturated fatty acids in the fish from being destroyed by high temperatures. If obtained from supplements, the daily intake should not exceed 0.15 mg.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables and Fruits: Cruciferous foods contain many types of phytochemicals, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also inhibit leukotriene formation and reduce the duration of leukotriene effects. Common cruciferous vegetables include broccoli and white cauliflower. While their nutritional components are similar, white cauliflower is mostly locally grown and cheaper, making it a nutritionist's first choice. It is recommended to stir-fry with oil and water; simply boiling it easily leads to nutrient loss.
3. Spices: The anti-inflammatory effects of spices such as onions and leeks are not yet clear, but nutritionist Liu Wenzhang stated that clinical observations have shown that many patients with nasal allergies have experienced improved rhinitis symptoms after long-term consumption of onions and leeks. This is speculated to be related to the fact that spices can promote blood circulation and accelerate the metabolism and elimination of inflammatory substances. However, this dietary therapy may not be suitable for everyone and may depend on individual constitution.
