Guide to Combating Allergic Rhinitis
Nutritional Approach to Reducing and Healing Allergic Rhinitis with Functional Foods
Your one-stop source for information on the optimal diet, the top 12 foods, and the best recipes for preventing and fighting allergic rhinitis symptoms.
How can this guide help you?
This Online Guide to Allergic Rhinitis and Nutrition is designed to help people prevent and fight symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis through a nutritional approach. This nutrition guide is structured along four sections: 1) home page with the latest research and tips (you're currently on the home page — for news and tips, please scroll down this page); 2) diet guidelines for reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms; 3) best foods for preventing and healing allergic rhinitis; 4) healing recipes for people with allergic rhinitis. Use the menu on the right to navigate this guide.
What is allergic rhinitis?
The immune system is designed to protect the body by fighting harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances that you have inhaled (these substances are called allergens). It is a fairly common condition, affecting about 20% of Americans. Allergic rhinitis may be either seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is caused by outdoors allergens such as pollen. Perennial allergic rhinitis typically occurs year-round and is caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold.
An allergic reaction begins when the so-called IgE antibodies, which sit on the surface of mast cells, encounter an allergen. These antibodies cause the mast cells to release histamine in large quantities. Excess histamine causes an extreme inflammatory response, or an allergic reaction. In case of allergic rhinitis, the symptoms often resemble those of a cold and may include nasal congestion, nose itchiness, a sore throat, coughing, sneezing and a runny nose.
The best way to treat allergic rhinitis is to avoid specific allergens that cause the symptoms. There are also many medications available that can bring relief. In addition, certain nutritional factors — discussed in detail in this nutrition guide — can help prevent and control allergic rhinitis.
Important Notice: The information on this website has not been verified for correctness or completeness. Information included on this website is not a substitute for professional nutrition advice or for professional medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional.