Dietary Advice (Traditional Chinese Nutrition)
The saying 'You are what you eat' Is as true in Chinese Medicine as it is elsewhere. Acupuncturists believe a healthy digestive system (Spleen and Stomach) is central to maintaining good health. It is important for you take care with your diet and eat those things which can help improve your condition and avoid those which can make it worse.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine diet is considered the first line of defense in health matters. In some cases the person will have to straighten out the diet before the herbs can work properly or before the medicinal herbs are even given.

Unfortunately, this time of year brings a lot of misery to people in the form of red, watery eyes, runny noses, and sneezing. Pollen levels raise and in turn increase allergic symptoms. In addition to pollen, other allergens such as animal dander and dust mites affect many people throughout the year.

One way to help decrease the severity of your allergies is to boost your immunity with immune-enhancing foods. These foods will have high levels of  vitamin C, magnesium, beta-carotene, and quercetin.

Vitamin C
Tests have shown that vitamin C reduces an immediate allergic reaction by decreasing the producing of histamine. It is a natural antihistamine and it helps relieve allergic symptoms and prevent inflammatory reactions. Green and red peppers, strawberries, kiwi, oranges, potatoes, cabbage

Beta-Carotene
When converted to Vitamin A, it helps boost immunity and keeps the respiratory system working optimally. It also is a powerful antioxidant. Sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, carrots, winter squash, collard greens

Magnesium
By relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes, this mineral may reduce constricted airways in asthma. It can buffer the acidic stage of an allergic reaction. Some think a deficiency in magnesium can release histamine. Almonds, spinach, avocados, oysters, seeds, peanuts, buckwheat

Quercetin
Rich in bioflavonoids. It can reduce allergic reactions by having an antihistamine effect. It also decreases inflammation. Apples, cranberries, grapefruit, grapes, pears, spinach, kale, cabbage
In addition, ginger is a natural antihistamine and decongestant. It may provide some relief from allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes.