Are you on your laptop? Are you reading this article from your Smartphone? If so, get up and go open your fridge. What’s in there? If you’re like many young Americans, the chances are that your fridge is stocked with beer, soda and processed foods. While this type of fare is perfect if you’re stocking a bar, it’s not so hot if you’re trying to keep yourself healthy.

You do know what “healthy” means, right? It means waking up feeling like you’ve gotten a full night of sleep, instead of waking up feeling like you want to go right back to bed. It means being able to walk up a flight of stairs, or around the block, without feeling like you’re going to have a stroke.

Allergy-Fighting Foods:

If you don’t eat right, and most of us don’t, you can fully expect to suffer through this allergy season like you’ve suffered through every season in the past: with itchy eyes, a runny nose and fits of sneezing, so heavy that you’re positive your eyes are going to pop right out of your skull.

Spring is almost here; if you want to make it through the season without a box of Kleenex jammed in your pockets, it’s time to start eating right. If you’re tired of sneezing, here is a list of foods, in no particular order, which can help you fight off your allergies and their symptoms:

Grapes

Grapes aren’t just for wine making, contrary to what you may believe. Grape skins contain resveratrol a chemical that can reduce inflammation in your body.

Apples

Along with oranges and tomatoes, apples contain vitamin C, essential in protecting the body against asthma and allergies.

Nuts

Almonds, pecans, walnuts and other nuts contain high levels of magnesium and vitamin E. Magnesium can protect you from wheezing and lung infections, while vitamin E can boost your immune system. A handful of nuts a day can protect you against the worst of your allergy symptoms; just don’t pair that handful with a pint of beer!

Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammation in the body. “Fish”, however, doesn’t mean fish sticks or a sandwich from McDonalds. To get the full benefits of omega-3s, you’ll need to eat wild salmon, herrings, tuna or trout.

Tea

Yes, we know, tea isn’t a food. However, tea passes by your lips so we’ll include it in this list. Black, green and white teas are full of inflammation reducing flavonoids. In addition, a cup of hot tea with honey and lemon in the morning will get those little nose hairs moving, sweeping dust and pollen out of your nasal cavity.

Oysters

As if the guys needed another reason to eat oysters, these little gems have an immunity boosting effect on the body. Along with shrimp and crab, shellfish are high in zinc which can help your body fight infection.

Spices

There are a variety of spices that can help those who suffer with allergies. Cajun spice, horseradish and garlic all help the mucus flow. Flowing mucus isn’t particularly attractive if you’re on a date, but in the comfort of your own home, there’s nothing wrong with getting your nose running.

If you’re sick of fighting with your allergies every spring, add some of these foods to your diet. It may involve needing to make a trip to the grocery store and, believe it or not, actually cook, but you’ll be much happier for it. If these simple foods can help stave off your allergy symptoms, we say, “Go for it!” What have you got to lose?

Megan Hoffsted is a freelance writer and blogger. She often writes for allergycontrol.com where you can find an assortment of products to help fight allergies like dust mite bedding. She also frequently writes for allergyguarddirect.com where you can get a dust mite mattress cover.