If you suffer from allergic rhinitis, you may always have in mind a list of suspects responsible for causing the discomfort, such as dust mites, dust, pollen, pet hair, and others. But, have you ever stopped to think that your food can also be blamed?
According to CEMA Hospital otorhinolaryngologist Marcelo Mello, this is a possibility that you should definitely consider, even when dealing with an allergic crisis.
"Currently, with the development of research in the field of immunoallergology, it is already known that the nutritional aspect is participatory in the process of prevention and cure of some respiratory diseases," he explains. This is because while some foods have anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, fluidizing, and decongestant action that improve the immune system, others, such as highly seasoned foods, activate the allergic response, worsening itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, and lack of air.
The following is an expert list of tips on what to eat and what to avoid in order to get away from rhinitis.
Foods That Improve Rhinitis Discomforts
Starting with the half-full glass, that is, the foods indicated for those suffering from the problem. Marcelo Mello mentions that vitamins, minerals, oils and enzymes are the most beneficial substances, as they are natural expectorants that also help in the elimination of mucus. Here's where to find them:
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Water: In ten out of ten health-beneficial food lists, water acts in the case of allergic rhinitis as a moisturizer for the body, which will help to fluidize secretions and lubricate the mucous membranes.
Grains and Seeds: Because they contain flavonoids, substances with anti-inflammatory effect, foods such as nuts, flax seeds, among others, are allies in the treatment of rhinitis.
Teas: In addition to the feeling of warmth and relaxation they provide, the teas also have flavonoids, which means more anti-inflammatory action.
Fish The secret lies in Omega-3, a substance that protects the airways and helps fight inflammation. Therefore, give preference to fish rich in substance such as tuna, sardines and salmon.
Citrus Fruits: Thanks to the abundance of vitamin C and antioxidants, fruits like lemon and orange are allies in strengthening the immune system.
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Fruits and vegetables: These foods are always healthy, but in the case of allergic rhinitis, give preference to darker green vegetables because they contain chlorophyll, an antioxidant substance. Another good option is to consume carrot, mango, acerola and pumpkin, as they are also antioxidants thanks to carotenoids.
Garlic and onion: According to Marcelo Mello, the two ingredients should always be used as seasoning, since they have enzymes that can fight infections by bacteria, viruses and fungi, a good for those with allergic rhinitis.
Pineapple: Among all fruits, the highlight for pineapple is justified by the fact that it contains bromelain, a substance that reduces inflammation and nasal congestion.
Ginger: No wonder it is present in various cold and flu remedies. This is because ginger has astringent and expectorant action.
Honey: Another almost guaranteed presence in cold and flu remedies, honey has bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal and expectorant properties, that is, a full dish for allergic rhinitis sufferers.
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It is worth stressing that these foods serve both to combat and to prevent rhinitis attacks. Therefore, the ideal is to include them in daily meals, especially those of everyday use, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, garlic and onions. When rhinitis "attacks", also increases the consumption of punctual foods such as pineapple, honey and ginger.
Foods That Make Rhinitis Discomfort Worse
Well, to say that diet influences rhinitis means that it can also have a negative effect depending on the food consumed. Generally speaking, Marcelo says that "very hot foods or very spicy and acidic foods activate the allergic response through histamine, which has a powerful vasodilating action."As an example, he cites the capsaicin present in pepper which, as many people know from experience, "makes the nose run, itch, clog, and cause sneezing," he says.
Here are other foods to avoid for rhinitis sufferers:
Wheat and Cereals: Foods like barley, corn, oats, rye and wheat flour pose a double problem for those with rhinitis. On the one hand, vacuuming them can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. On the other, its consumption increases mucus production due to gluten.
Sweets: especially those that carry chocolate. More than sugar, the big problem is that these foods often contain other potentially allergenic ingredients, such as milk, soy, nuts and peanuts, which can inflame the nasal mucosa.
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Alcoholic beverages: they cause vasodilation and nasal obstruction, meaning better to keep the water, tea and lemon juice.
Milk and derivatives: blame for worsening rhinitis with these foods is casein, a protein that, by thickening mucus, makes it difficult to treat respiratory illnesses.
Processed foods: that they are bad for your health as a whole is not new. In the case of rhinitis, sulphites, nitrites, preservatives and dyes present in canned foods, sausages, fast foods, etc. cause worsening of allergy and difficulty breathing.
Of course, it's not because you have allergic rhinitis that you can never eat chocolate, have a beer, or have lunch in the mall's food court. The recommendation is to take a moderate consumption of these foods, and avoid them in some situations, such as traveling or before a presentation at work, for example.
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