Can food reduce the problems caused by allergies? (Allergies) Let's talk about this!

Sometimes you just have a stuffy nose, sneeze constantly, itchy eyes, a runny nose... Are these symptoms familiar to you? Most of the time, the cause is allergies. This condition is especially common in seasonal allergies caused by things like pollen. In fact, it is not possible to completely cure these allergies with food. But... did you know that some of the foods we eat can reduce or increase the severity of these symptoms? Let's see what researchers have found about this, what foods can help us, and what things to be careful about.

Can good fats help with allergies?

We're talking about polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). While this may sound like a big word, there are two main types: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both are essential for the healthy functioning of our bodies. Researchers are now paying special attention to how these omega-3 fatty acids affect allergies in young children.

So, what foods contain omega-3?

Some foods rich in omega-3 are:

• Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines (these fish also get their omega-3s from things like algae they eat).
• Flaxseeds
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts

What are the benefits of this? Simply put, these fats can reduce inflammation in the body. So, the idea is that this can reduce the risk of asthma and allergies in childhood. A study conducted in Sweden found that children who had higher levels of these fatty acids in their blood at age 8 were less likely to develop nasal allergies at age 16. But it is not 100% clear whether these fatty acids are the only reason for this.

Grapes and the Mediterranean Diet

You may have heard of the "Mediterranean-style diet." It's based on a diet that's high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish. A large study of children on the Greek island of Crete found that children who ate a Mediterranean diet were less likely to develop allergies like hay fever. In particular, researchers have found that the antioxidants found in grapes grown in the region may help. "Diets high in highly processed foods can disrupt the balance of microbes in the gut, which can lead to an increase in allergy symptoms," says Jeffrey Deman, MD, of the Alaska Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center. "However, the Mediterranean diet increases the number of good bacteria in the gut. This may be one reason why allergies are less common in those countries."

Is honey really good for allergies?

Many people believe that drinking honey will help reduce allergies. But what is the real story? An organization affiliated with the National Institutes of Health in the United States clearly states that "there is no scientific evidence that honey provides relief from seasonal allergies." There has not been much research on this. Although two small studies have shown that it may provide some relief, it is not possible to draw a firm conclusion from those studies. However, some doctors say that some of their patients have found relief after using local honey in the area where they live. The idea behind this is that when you eat honey made by bees and collect the same pollen that causes you allergies, your body gradually gets used to that pollen. It is like immunotherapy. It is not yet known whether this is scientifically proven or not. If you use honey, only take a small amount . Because it is also a type of sugar, it is better to limit it. To easily remember what we've talked about, look at this table. While these foods may provide some relief from your allergies, remember that they are not a cure. If your allergies are severe, or if you have any concerns about your diet, it is best to talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to give you the best advice. Allergies, Food and Allergies, Omega-3, Mediterranean Diet, Honey, Seasonal Allergies, Nutrition