| The Oregonian (OR) – by Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen Friday, March 30, 2012 If it’s hard to “Have a Nice Day,” because you’re sneezing like Bon Jovi at the Meadowlands in May, listen up! With a little smarts you can turn down the volume on your nose-orchestra. We YOU Docs want to pass along the latest how-to-feel-better news: 1. Make a stay-strong grocery list. Dark leafy vegetables, 100 percent whole grains, unsaturated fats and lean protein boost immune strength. And avoid pollen allergy co-conspirators: 70 percent of those with allergies to birch or alder trees also get an itchy, swollen mouth from celery, cherries and apples. And 20 percent with a grass allergy react to tomatoes, potatoes or peaches. Cooking them may quell irritants, or leave them off your menu. 2. Get a great air filter. Whole-house systems with HEPA air filters are most effective. Stand-alone room filters have to pump out a lot of pollen-free air to make a difference, but do help. |
