Eat with Caution
Allergies can make you feel uncomfortable, with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Some foods can make these symptoms worse. To help, there's Claritin, an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and itching of the throat or nose.
5 Foods That Worsen Your Allergies
1. Dairy Products
Milk, cheese and other dairy products can cause more mucus to build up in your nose and throat. This can make it harder to breathe, especially if you already have allergies. Dairy can also make your throat feel itchy or irritated.
2. Processed Meats
Processed meats, like bacon, sausage and ham, contain preservatives called nitrates. These nitrates can increase inflammation in your body, making allergy symptoms worse. The high salt content in processed meats can also cause swelling, which adds to congestion.
3. Alcohol
Drinks like beer, wine and spirits can worsen allergies. Alcohol contains histamines, the same chemicals that your body releases when you have an allergic reaction. Drinking alcohol can lead to more sneezing, itching and congestion.
4. Certain Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables, like bananas, apples and melons, can cause an itchy mouth or throat in people with pollen allergies. This happens because some proteins in these foods are similar to the proteins in pollen. This condition is called oral allergy syndrome.
5. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, like hot peppers and chili powder, can make your nose run and cause more mucus production. If you already have allergies, eating spicy foods may make your symptoms worse by irritating your nasal passages.
Treatment Options for Allergies
If certain foods make your allergies worse, there are ways to help manage the symptoms:
- Antihistamines: These medicines help reduce sneezing, itching and other allergy symptoms.
- Nasal sprays: These sprays can reduce swelling and mucus in your nose, helping you breathe easier.
- Allergy shots: If your allergies are severe, a doctor may suggest getting regular shots to help your body get used to the allergens.
- Avoid triggers: Stay away from foods that make your symptoms worse. It’s also important to know what you’re allergic to so you can avoid exposure.
- Claritin: Claritin® is a brand name for a medication that contains the active ingredient loratadine. It is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and itching of the throat or nose. Claritin is non-drowsy, which means it typically does not cause sleepiness like some other antihistamines. It is commonly used for seasonal allergies (hay fever) and can also help with hives. Claritin is available over the counter in various forms, including tablets, liquid and dissolvable tablets.
By staying informed and using treatments, you can manage your allergies and feel better.
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