Do you often suffer from hay fever in spring or summer? Then you might primarily think of pollen in the air. However, food can also influence how you feel. Some products can worsen symptoms. Other choices are better suited for a healthy and calming diet.
Why food can have an impact
With hay fever, your body reacts to pollen. Your immune system is extra alert. Some types of food resemble pollen to your body, which can lead to additional symptoms. Think of an itchy mouth, a tickle in your throat, or a stuffy nose.
This is called a cross-reaction. Not everyone experiences this. It varies from person to person. Do you notice that you experience more symptoms after certain foods? Then it's wise to keep track of this. Write down what you eat and how you feel afterward. This way, you'll discover more quickly what works for you.
Products you can pay attention to
Some people with hay fever react to raw fruit or raw vegetables. Examples include apple, pear, peach, cherry, celery, or carrot. Herbs and nuts can also sometimes cause symptoms. This doesn't mean you should always avoid them. But pay close attention to your body.
Often, heating products helps. A baked apple sometimes causes less reaction than a raw apple. Soup or warm vegetables can also be better than raw vegetables. Furthermore, choose simple meals with plenty of vegetables, whole-grain products, and enough protein. This way, you eat healthily and give your body good fuel.
Choose calm, pure, and plant-based
With hay fever, it's good not to put extra strain on your body. Drink enough water. Don't eat too many highly processed products. Also, try to pay attention to alcohol, as it can sometimes worsen symptoms. A plant-based diet with legumes, vegetables, and grains can fit well with a sustainable lifestyle.
The most important thing is to choose what suits you. Do you have severe symptoms or are you unsure about an allergy? Then ask your GP or a dietitian for advice. This way, you make safe choices and prevent unnecessarily cutting out many products.
You can also make smart choices when it comes to snacks. Legumi makes snacks from legumes. These are gluten-free, lactose-free, and nut-free. Legumes are therefore often a good alternative for people with food allergies. They are nutritious, plant-based, and fit a sustainable diet. For those sensitive to certain ingredients, legumes can be a smart and safe choice for allergies.
