Some of the most powerful natural antihistamine foods contain vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and flavonoids. These can be found in many kinds of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They are also found in different kinds of seeds and cooking oils.
In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is a key part of some of many potent natural antihistamine foods. Citrus fruits are some the most common ways of getting the vitamin. It can also be found in vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and spinach. Other fruits with vitamin C include mango, raspberries, kiwi, and bananas.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also a key element in several natural antihistamine foods. Cold-water fish like salmon are a common source of these compounds. It is also found in walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in food supplements such as ground hemp and flax seeds or canola oil as well.
By eating a wide array of natural antihistamine foods, a person with allergies can proactively handle sensitivities. In many cases these foods will either eradicate or lessen the occurrence of allergy symptoms. While it has been commonly advised that allergy sufferers eat extra natural antihistamine foods in the weeks before allergy season, other experts believe it is more effective to eat a steady stream of these foods throughout the year.
The effect of natural antihistamine foods is usually stronger when the items are fresher. This is particularly true with vitamin C. On the other hand, histamine becomes stronger in foods with the chemical once they lose their freshness. This includes dairy foods such yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk and soured breads such as pumpernickel.
There are also several foods and beverages with high levels of histamine which should be avoided by people with allergies. Alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer have histamine. Many fermented and dried foods contain the chemical, such as dates, raisins, and sauerkraut. Processed meats such as hot dogs, salami, and sausage also have histamine. Those who are sensitive to histamine in foods typically are so because their bodies do not break the chemical down quickly enough.
Some of the foods with vitamin C, flavonoids, and omega-3 fatty acids also contain histamines and thus are often better avoided by allergy sufferers. For example, wine has flavonoids, but can also contain high levels of histamines. Some fruits with vitamin C such as papaya, pineapple, and strawberries also release histamines.