If you need a break from sniffling and sneezing this spring, consider what's on your plate.
By Dr. Mehmet Oz
Warmer days signal the return of sky-high pollen counts, which send the immune systems of nearly one in 13 Americans into overdrive. The trouble starts when pollen and other allergens are mistaken for harmful foreign invaders and the body gears up to fight, just as it would in response to a virus or bacteria. The immune system releases compounds, including histamine, from cells to indicate that you're under attack, and as a result, you're left with a runny nose, a scratchy throat, and itchy eyes. Fortunately, relief doesn't have to come in the form of a pill. When dealing with chronic health annoyances, I often look to food as medicine; in fact, emerging research suggests that certain fruits and veggies may help ease seasonal symptoms. Mix and match options from my meal plan to eat your way to a sneeze-free spring.