Does diet influence seasonal allergies?

The best medicine for seasonal allergies may not be medicine. Instead, healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle go a long way in lessening symptoms.   A study of 56 different countries found that populations with higher rates of tobacco use, trans fat intake, and acetaminophen use had higher rates of allergies and asthma; however, populations with higher intake of plant-based foods had lower rates of allergies and asthma.¹

When you follow a high-nutrient diet, you are creating an environment in your body that promotes proper immune function and regulation of the inflammatory response, which may help to blunt allergy symptoms naturally.

The daily activities and quality of life of about 7.5 percent of adults and 9 percent of children in the U.S, are impaired by the sneezing, coughing and red, itchy eyes that are symptomatic of allergies.²

Pollens from grass, trees, and weeds are the primary culprits; the immune system inappropriately recognizes these airborne substances as harmful invaders and produces antibodies. Each time one comes into contact with the pollen, an immune attack ensues, leading to inflammation and cold-like symptoms.

Risk Factors For Allergy Development in Children:

• A family history of allergies is the strongest risk factor.³
• Exposure to cigarette smoke during early childhood.⁴
• Childhood acetaminophen use.⁵
• The relatively low intake of omega-3 fatty acids in developed countries.^{6, 7}

Unfortunately, allergic conditions are increasing, and there are several theories for why this is occurring.  One theory is the hygiene hypothesis, the idea that having less exposure to pathogens and bacteria early in life increases our susceptibility to allergic conditions. According to this theory, early viral and bacterial exposure activates an immune response that aids the developing immune system, making later-life allergies less likely. Supporting this hypothesis, having pets, a greater number of siblings and a greater number of early viral infections are associated with decreased risk of allergies.^{3, 8, 9}

Avoiding Allergies and Reducing Symptoms

The factors that affect development of allergies in children may also be relevant to allergy symptoms in adults.

• Higher intake of antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, is associated with reduced seasonal allergies in children.^10,11 Similarly, high blood levels of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, are associated with a lower likelihood of seasonal allergies in adults.¹² These nutrients should come from a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, not from beta carotene supplements.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are one widely studied dietary factor associated with the development of allergies. Higher omega-3 intake (primarily ALA and EPA) and blood omega-3 levels have been associated with reduced risk of seasonal allergies in adults.^13,14 Several studies have suggested that omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy likely reduces the risk of allergic conditions in the child.^6,7  ALA is found in walnuts and flax, chia, and hemp seeds. The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are commonly found in fish, but due to mercury and pollutants commonly found in fish, an algae-derived omega-3 supplement is a cleaner option.
• Adults deficient in Vitamin D  are more likely to have allergies than those with sufficient vitamin D levels.¹⁵ Getting adequate vitamin D during pregnancy may be protective against the development of allergies in children.¹⁶ The safest way of getting adequate vitamin D is via supplementation with  D3.
• Breast feeding and a healthful early childhood diet are protective factors.¹⁷ Intake of fruit, vegetables, and nuts in children has been associated with reduced asthma and allergy symptoms.¹⁸

Currently, there has not been much data published on the effects of diet on symptoms of seasonal allergies.  However, in my medical practice I have observed that the change to a high-nutrient diet is accompanied by a wide variety of benefits, including an improvement in allergy symptoms. I have seen many allergic patients slowly reduce the severity of their allergies, and over time many achieved complete relief from allergies. Adding certain supplemental phytochemicals, such as rosmarinic acid and luteolin from the Perilla frutescens seed, to a healthful diet may provide additional help for the nose and eye irritation characteristic of seasonal allergies.^19-21

I wish you an allergy-free season!