It’s only natural to be frustrated with our bodies when we are sneezing and wheezing all day. Believe it or not, seasonal allergies happen because your body is working its hardest to protect you.

Seasonal Allergies and Your Immune System

If you’ve visited an allergy clinic in Houston, like Dr. Matorin’s Sinus & Allergy Center, you might already know that the source of your seasonal allergies is your immune system. Seasonal allergies occur when your body’s immune system responds to things in your environment that it thinks are dangerous. Typical allergens in Houston include:
  • Pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses
  • Dust mites
  • Mold
  • Animal dander
When these allergens enter your body, your immune system responds by releasing histamines. Histamines are the culprits responsible for typical seasonal allergy symptoms, like runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and more This leaves us with two options… We either avoid allergens our immune system finds dangerous. Or we work to boost our immune system so that allergens pose less of a threat. Which option should you choose to fight your seasonal allergies? For many people, option 2 is much easier than option 1. Here’s why…

What Impacts Your Seasonal Allergies From An Allergy Clinic In Houston

It can be very difficult to avoid specific allergens in our daily routines. Here is what may impact your seasonal allergies from our allergy clinic in Houston.

Houston Weather

Houston weather – notorious for its humid environment – greatly impacts your seasonal allergies. Cooler nights and warmer days help pollen thrive. That means, from mid-January through mid-April, Houstonians can suffer the worst seasonal allergies. Houston’s high heat and humidity (especially high in September) is also the perfect setting for mold to grow. Plus, windy days distribute more allergens in our air. In dry seasons, allergens increase. Rainy days offer some relief by washing away allergens!

The Time of Day

Next, the time of day also impacts seasonal allergy symptoms. The amount of pollen in the air tends to rise in the morning, peak around midday, and reach its lowest by the evening. If you exercise outside in the morning and suffer from seasonal allergies, consider moving your workouts to the evening. Your Location In general, pollen counts rise/fall later in urban locations and earlier in suburban locations. Of course, there are some places in the US that offer less allergy exposure. But before you decide to move across the country, it’s important to know that allergens are everywhere. Moving out of humid Houston won’t necessarily resolve all of your allergy symptoms.

Your Diet

When patients walk into our allergy clinic in Houston, most of them already have an idea about how the city impacts their seasonal allergies. But what they don’t realize is their diet also plays a big role! This is because certain foods boost your immune system so that allergens pose less of a threat. Trying to plan your life around environmental factors can be stressful, time-consuming, and downright frustrating. On the other hand, fighting seasonal allergies by boosting your immune system is a much easier option. It’s as simple as adding a few delicious and nutritious foods to your diet.

5 Foods for Fighting Seasonal Allergies

Grab a pencil and your grocery list! Here are five foods that will help you fight seasonal allergies by boosting your immune system. Best of all, they’re simple foods you can find in most Houston grocery stores.

1. Pineapple

Pineapple is a deliciously refreshing snack to have in warm weather. But you might want to consider snacking on it year-round! Pineapple is filled with vitamin C and the right enzymes to reduce a host of seasonal allergy symptoms.

2. Broccoli

If you’re tired of blocked-up sinuses, eating more vitamin-C rich broccoli can help. Toss some raw broccoli in a salad or dip it in hummus. Or if you prefer cooked broccoli, opt for steaming or microwaving it for a short time. These cooking methods make sure your broccoli is delicious without losing the allergy-relieving benefits of vitamin C.

3. Greek Yogurt

Ready to stop sneezing through the spring season? Greek yogurt’s probiotics contain good and helpful bacteria that can change your body’s immune response for the better. Throw a handful of berries into your greek yogurt for an extra boost of flavor and allergy-fighting vitamins.

4. Fatty Fish

What’s the only thing better than the smell of a fresh tuna melt? Actually being able to smell it! To reduce swelling in your throat and nose this allergy season, add fatty fish to your diet, like:
  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines
In a research study from 2005, adults with more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet had a lower risk for seasonal allergies. Add fatty fish to your diet and start feeling relief.

5. Almonds

Finally, almonds are a natural antihistamine! Almonds tell your immune system to stop making histamines, so you can avoid the seasonal allergy symptoms that come along with them. Plus, their vitamin c and magnesium reduce inflammation in your nose and throat to help you breathe better. Try having a handful of raw almonds for a snack, or cooking them into your favorite dinner or dessert recipes.

Get More Insider Info on Seasonal Allergy Relief

To stay on top of the latest insider information about fighting seasonal allergies and boosting your immune system, follow Dr. Matorin’s Sinus & Allergy Center blogs here. And if you’re looking for a thorough and reliable allergy clinic in Houston, contact us today. Our holistic approach to medical care identifies the root problem of your allergies to give you the relief you need.