Spring has sprung (in fortunate pockets of the country) as grass, mold, and flower pollen have infiltrated the air. These substances create an inflammatory response in the nasal airways and sinuses that leads to the onset of spring allergy symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, and itching. Although there is no cure for allergies, allergy relief first begins with a healthy diet before medications.

In the U.S., one in five people either have allergy or asthma symptoms, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This includes the 40 million Americans who suffer from an indoor/outdoor environmental allergy. Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide, with symptoms ranging from making you feel miserable to putting you at risk with life-threatening reactions.

There are steps you can take to limit your exposure to pollen or molds, which trigger the onset of symptoms. Rather than relying on over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are sure to make you drowsy, there are some foods that help prevent and alleviate allergy symptoms. It all starts with a healthy and well-balanced diet.

Click "View Slideshow" to see the must-eat foods that can help you beat the spring allergy blues.

Tissue box next to bananas and oranges
Beat the spring allergy blues and add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet — from apples to turmeric — for natural relief. Photo courtesy of