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Chances are you already know someone with a food allergy of some degree. True, there are those who choose to not eat ‘this’ or ‘that’ simply because it is in fashion or they have no solid evidence why their body doesn’t respond well to certain foods.

However, for those who can suffer from Anaphylaxis and need to carry an Epipen at all times, it’s deadly serious and knowledge of the foods they eat is imperative. An Epipen is an injection containing epinephrine, a chemical which narrows the blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. These effects can reverse severe low blood pressure, wheezing, severe skin itching, hives, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, these life-saving devices last only 12 months, and at $150 each time, many sufferers hope the Government will one day help with funding.

Sometimes it is a straight case of no peanuts or gluten or diary. But with so many of our foods delivered pre-packaged it can be hard to pinpoint what element(s) are not agreeing with our bodies.

A good start is to be conscious of what is going into a child’s lunchbox and your own! Foods which are best for you do not have a shelf life of 6-12 months. Naturally formed foods are intended to be eaten within a week or two unless snapped frozen like berries, sweetcorn, beans and peas.

The best thing you can do for your body is to eat food in its most natural form. Fresh fruit and vegetables are required for optimum health and the less they are tampered with, the better.

As we head into another winter, fresh fruit, particularly citrus varieties, are packed with goodness to keep those germs away. Office fresh fruit delivery is a smart way to top up your citrus intake (at the boss’ expense), especially if you are sitting next to someone who spends half the day sneezing and coughing. Juiced fruit and vegetables are great if you are feeling a bit under the weather, but don’t overdo it as too much juicing can play havoc on your system!

If seasonal sniffles, sneezes, and itches are doing the rounds at work, school or home there are things you can eat that may ease your allergy symptoms. No food is a proven cure. But fruits and vegetables are good for your whole body and can protect you from seasonal allergies.

Try these two fruits:
Kiwifruit is rich in vitamin C. It can also cut down on histamines.

Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain which is known to reduce irritation in allergic diseases such as asthma. Apples, onions, peppers, berries, and parsley all have quercetin which is a natural plant chemical that is known to reduce histamine reactions.

There has also been some proof showing a typical Mediterranean diet including nuts, grapes, oranges, apples, and fresh tomatoes provide allergy relief. Researchers focused on Greek children who followed this particular diet were less likely to show allergic nasal symptoms or asthma.

If your family has a history of food allergies, the chances are greater that you will have an allergy of some degree. Starting a food diary and talking to your doctor about any foods you have suspicions about is a good starting point for putting your mind at ease.