Hayfever and pollen allergies can ruin a perfect spring day. Fortunately, a few lifestyle tweaks can help you survive -- and maybe even enjoy -- the season.

How did I become a fan of nasal washing, or the strange practice of pouring salt water up your nose?

Well, it all started with a Neti pot.

Sneezing, sniffling, swollen, itchy-eyes got you down this month? If so, you're far from alone. Mid-august marks the beginning of ragweed season, which lasts through October and causes a whopping 36 million Americans to suffer the symptoms of "hay fever" or allergic rhinitis.

Technically this column is devoted to food allergy sufferers, but with seasonal allergies (not to mention mold!) in full swing, we've got a total of 50 million people suffering some kind of torment, four of them in my very own household. So instead of writing about foods to avoid this month, I've focused on foods to include in your diet that can help reduce allergies. Food allergy sufferers, take note: I have not forsaken you! As seasonal allergies are said to exacerbate existing food allergies, this information should be helpful to you as well.

A natural antihistamine grand slam! Almost every single ingredient in this recipe is a powerhouse natural antihistamine. It's gorgeous, and intensely healthful. The red bell peppers, black-eyed peas, sweet potato, parsley, kale, lemon, and cayenne pepper are loaded with Vitamin C, the onion, garlic, and parsley are great sources of quercetin, and the flax seed oil and canola oil are high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. It is also vegan, and free of all top 8 food allergens.


Ingredients

Roasted Red Pepper Coulis: