Best Foods to Eat for Hives Relief
What are the best foods you can eat if you have hives? This page presents 8 superfoods that can help bring relief from hives. Some of these anti-hives foods – such as garlic and apples – are commonly eaten in western countries while others – such as turmeric, flaxseeds, dandelion, and mustard greens – are not yet dietary staples in the United States and Europe.
#1: Flaxseeds
Provided that you're not allergic to the Linaceae or Linum plant families, flaxseeds can offer you great health benefits. Linum usitatissimum, which means 'most useful', is the botanical name for flaxseed and an apt description of this little nutrient powerhouse. Both ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are among the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them one of the best foods to eat if you suffer from chronic hives. Flaxseeds have also been used to treat and prevent many common ailments and diseases including cancer, constipation, heart disease, and joint pain.
#2: Dandelion Greens
If you don't mind their bitter taste, dandelion greens can reward you with a truckload of nutrients that are thought to fight allergic hives. Dandelion leaves are one of the best sources of beta-carotene, but they are also a very good source of vitamin C and a fairly good source of vitamin E. Fresh dandelion greens can be used in salads or they can be made into a herbal dandelion tea. If you cannot get used to their strong flavor, dandelion supplements are also available in many health stores.
#3: Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries due to its beneficial effects on a wide range of diseases and conditions. It has been shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties, which is why this powerful member of the ginger family is included in this list of the Best Foods to Eat for Hives Relief. Turmeric is a key ingredient in Indian style curries, but it can also be used to add flavor to fish, meat, rice, vegetable, and pasta dishes.
#4: Garlic
Since ancient times, garlic has been used as a remedy for a wide range of diseases and ailments, and recent research has shown it to be effective at reducing the risk of cancer and maintaining heart health. Garlic may also help bring relief from hives symptoms due to its ability to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes that produce inflammatory substances. In addition, garlic — especially fresh raw garlic — is a good dietary source of vitamin C and selenium.
#5: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato, a root vegetable native to Central America, is one of the oldest vegetables known to man. Sweet potatoes make an excellent addition to your diet if you suffer from hives as they are one of the foods that are least likely to cause allergic reactions (that is also why they are considered a great first food for babies). Sweet potatoes also provide a good amount of vitamin C as well as some unique root proteins which, according to preliminary research, may have significant antioxidant properties.
#6: Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did you know that apples can also keep hives and other allergic reactions at bay? Apples are loaded with the bioflavonoid quercetin which can protect against allergic reactions, including symptoms associated with hives. Quercetin works its protective magic by stabilizing the histamine-containing mast cells. Add sliced apples to oatmeal or fruit salad, or enjoy them plain as a snack.
#7: Anchovies
Provided that you are not allergic to fish, don't hesitate to eat more anchovies. Anchovies are very high in selenium, with a mere ounce of anchovies containing about 28% of the recommended daily intake for selenium. What's more, anchovies are an excellent source of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to reduce allergic reactions such as hives. Furthermore, compared to many other types of fish, anchovies contain very little mercury (a harmful heavy metal that is thought to contribute to a number of health complaints).
#8: Mustard Greens
Chock-full of antioxidants and nutrients, mustard greens are one of the best foods you can eat if you have hives. In addition to being one of the best sources of beta-carotene, mustard greens provide a good amount of vitamin C and vitamin E. The nutrients in mustard greens can scavenge free radicals, fight inflammation, and help break down histamine. Mustard greens are available throughout the year and can be found in the produce section of your local supermarket.
