The team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga understands how annoying the allergy season can be, especially in Tennessee. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from nasal allergies. But this doesn’t have to be a reason to avoid the joys of the outdoors this spring. There are ways to combat allergy season to enjoy better spring days ahead! Don’t Let Allergies Get You Down Before you go running inside your house to hide from the spring allergies, stop! You don’t have to be stuck indoors this spring. The following are ways you can help conquer allergy season with vengeance! First, what is your “gut” telling you? It may be speaking loud and clear when it comes to allergy season. Therefore, speak to one of our physicians to learn whether you could benefit from taking a probiotic. Some studies have found that probiotics can help your body fend off allergy symptoms, and they also help improve digestion and boost immunity. Second, if you’re feeling as those your nose runs faster than you ever could on land, start reaching for the vitamin C. When you add vitamin C into your diet, you’re adding a protector against the buildup of histamine, which is what causes the excess mucus and runny nose that are common when you’re battling seasonal allergies. Foods high in vitamin C include:

• Bell peppers
• Dark, leafy greens
• Kiwifruit
• Broccoli
• Berries
• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Peas
• Papayas

In some circumstances, though, you may experience what’s called “oral allergy syndrome” reactions to certain fruits and vegetables. For example, if you are allergic to birch pollen, you may also experience an itchy mouth or swelling of the facial area after eating kiwi, apples, pears and peaches. If you experience those symptoms, pick another food high in vitamin C! Although not filled with vitamin C, onions are another food you should add to your diet. Onions offer a couple benefits—they naturally open and drain your sinuses and they contain a compound with antihistamine properties. If your seasonal allergies are getting the best of you and you just can’t take it anymore, come visit AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga so we can help you breathe easy once again!