Allergy Remedies from Natural Ingredients That Can Be Found at Home
List of foods and natural ingredients for allergy medications
Allergies are
immune system reactions to foreign substances (allergens) that are actually
harmless. When the body is exposed to allergens, the immune system releases
antibodies and chemicals that cause itching, rashes, sneezing, and other
allergy symptoms.
Natural
ingredients that are considered allergy medications actually do not eliminate
the allergy itself. Allergies are conditions that cannot be cured to the
fullest extent. However, drugs and natural ingredients can help relieve
symptoms.
Substances in
natural ingredients may also help the immune system no longer be too sensitive
to allergens. However, you still should not use it excessively because there
are also natural ingredients that cause allergies.
In general, here
are the ingredients and foods that are considered to be natural allergy
remedies.
1. Yogurt
Yoghurt can be a
potent natural antihistamine, thanks to its high probiotic content. A 2015
research report mentioned about 23 studies that agreed that probiotics help
reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Antihistamines
serve to stop the immune system's excessive response to allergens. In these
cases, probiotics rich in good bacteria may help relieve the immune system's
response to previously excessive allergens.
2. Kuaci
Foods rich in
vitamin E can relieve inflammation caused by allergens. One of the foods that
contain high levels of vitamin E is kuaci (sunflower seeds).
Antioxidants in
this natural allergy medicine can also prevent cell damage due to the excessive
release of histamine. However, be careful if you are allergic to peanuts or
whole grains. The protein in the kuaci may be similar to your allergy trigger.
3. Pineapple and papaya
When you're
allergic to dust, mites, or other allergens
that cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, consumption of pineapples and
papaya may be able to help relieve symptoms. This is because both are rich in
an enzyme called bromelain.
Bromelain has
strong anti-inflammatory properties. A study even showed that this enzyme can
reduce the severity of asthma symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory reactions
that occur in the body.
4. Chili, adas, and wasabi
Spicy foods and
spices such as chilli, wasabi, and adas are some examples of natural
decongestants. In medical treatment, decongestants are drugs that can relieve
nasal congestion or water that includes allergy symptoms.
The spicy
sensation of these natural spices can stimulate cells in the respiratory system
to remove excess mucus. As a result, the nose feels more relieved because most
of the mucus that clogs it has come out.
5. Guava
Guava is a
natural remedy to overcome allergy symptoms such as itching and sneezing,
thanks to its vitamin C content. According to a Journal of International
Research study, additional vitamin C intake helps relieve these
symptoms.
Although the
effect can not be said to be drastic, vitamin C has the potential to reduce the
release of histamine. Histamine is a natural compound produced by the immune
system and is the cause of symptoms that appear during an allergic reaction.
6. Onions and tomatoes
Natural allergy
remedies are also in the kitchen of your home, for example, onions and
tomatoes. Both are rich in natural substances called bioflavonoids. This
substance is an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from damage.
Bioflavonoids
also have the potential to stabilize body cells that overreact when exposed to
allergens. So, try adding these two natural remedies to your cooking menu to
overcome allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy skin, and others.
7. Green leafy vegetables
8. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
During an
allergic reaction, your body also experiences inflammation characterized by
swelling and redness in various parts of the body.
Reporting a study
in the journal Allergology International, the anti-inflammatory
properties of omega-3 fatty acids are very beneficial in relieving asthma
symptoms and other forms of allergies.
You can find
omega-3 fatty acids from the sources below.
- Fatty fish as well as various seafood, especially salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
- Nuts and seeds, such as chia seeds, soybeans, kidney beans, and almonds.
- Vegetable oils, such as canola oil, soybean oil, and avocado oil.
- Foods fortified with omega-3 fatty acids or supplements.
9. Spirulina
Spirulina is a
turquoise alga that grows in the waters. Besides being a
nutrient-dense superfood, spirulina can also be a natural allergy remedy
because it can inhibit the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
Various natural
ingredients above will not eliminate allergies completely. However, the valuable
content in it may be able to help reduce the severity of symptoms.
