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What Are the Different Natural Antihistamine Foods?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

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.

Processed meats like salami have natural antihistamines.
Processed meats like salami have natural antihistamines.

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.

Kale provides vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.
Kale provides vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.

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.

Raspberries of any color are high in Vitamin C.
Raspberries of any color are high in Vitamin C.

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.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@donasmrs-- Licorice has natural antihistamine in it, so does chamomile. You can drink chamomile tea.

SarahGen

@donasmrs-- Sometimes the amounts we get in food is not enough. You might want to add supplements to your diet. Eating fish is good, but it might also be a good idea to take fish oil capsules for extra omega 3.

I personally have used omega 3 and saw a significant reduction in my allergy symptoms. It works! I was taking 2000mg of fish oil every day. I don't think less than that works.

donasmrs

I already eat most of these foods on a regular basis. I eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as fish and nuts. But my allergies are not getting better.

Are there any natural herbs that are more potent antihistamines?

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    • Processed meats like salami have natural antihistamines.
      By: Iryna Melnyk
      Processed meats like salami have natural antihistamines.
    • Kale provides vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.
      By: forevergreen
      Kale provides vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.
    • Raspberries of any color are high in Vitamin C.
      By: bergamont
      Raspberries of any color are high in Vitamin C.
    • Many cooking oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids.
      By: mrks_v
      Many cooking oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids.