A few weeks ago I blogged about hay fever and how food allergies could make it worse. I also mentioned that an anti-inflammatory diet could help hay fever.
Infact it can also be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and any health problems which involve inflammation in the body including cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel conditions. So which foods are anti-inflammatory?
- Omega 3 fats, found in oily fish and flax seeds
- fruit and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants which are anti-inflammatory
-Turmeric and ginger, both potent anti-inflammatory spices
The following foods all contribute to inflammation so should be avoided:
- Red meat, full fat dairy products and any foods high in saturated fats
- Refined sugar
- Caffeine
- alcohol if not drunk in moderation
Infact the commonly referenced 'mediterranean diet' rich in vegetables, pulses, fish, olive oil and moderate amounts of red wine is a naturally anti-inflammatory diet contributing to the longevity of those who eat this way although I'm not sure if anyone's researched the effect on continental hayfever sufferers!
Ps many thanks to one of my readers for sending this link in response to yesterdays blog ... apparently women eat more (and more unhealthily) in the company of other women - my take on this is that the food peer pressure I talked of yesterday is more likely to occur within same sex groups:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/feb/02/brain-food-why-women-eat-salad
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