Between 1999 and 2004, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey researched results of over 9,000 adults age 20 and over. One of the criteria reviewed was consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. In this case, consumption was measured not regarding supplementation but rather by asking what the participants had eaten within the previous 24 hours. This helped to determine a difference from naturally occurring omega-3 versus those found through supplements. After reviewing the dental records and exams for participants, they found that those in the top half of omega-3 consumption had significantly fewer cases of gum disease. In fact, those in the top third were 30% less likely to have gum disease than those with in the bottom third.

Dr. Kenneth Mukami, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School said "There are a lot of benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. We have good evidence they prevent sudden death caused by heart rhythm disturbances. We have some evidence omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke. This is a great example of another potential benefit."

The researchers were unable to determine a recommended amount of fish oil to be consumed daily, as this study was in relation only to a single day’s diet. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week for overall health, which we now know includes prevention of gum disease.

Purple Sweet Potatoes
Loaded with antioxidants just like orange and yellow sweet potatoes, the pigments in the purple variety give it some distinct advantages in promoting brain health. These pigments help preserve the integrity of blood vessels that transport oxygen to the brain that normally diminish as we age. Keeping these blood vessels in good working order will ensure a healthy supply of blood to the brain. The best results will come from eating one sweet potato twice a week with the nutrient rich skins intact.

Coffee
Though not the primary reason for consumption of coffee among most people, it actually has the ability to protect the fat component of cells against oxidative stress. This creates a positive effect of protecting brain cells, as the human brain is made up of 60% fat. Home brewed coffee tends to have less caffeine than varieties bought in a coffee shop, and will be a better choice considering that the best benefits come from drinking 2-4 cups a day. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, drink less or drink decaffeinated coffee instead.

Ginger
Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory, and can preempt the manufacture of inflammatory brain chemicals, and potentially slow down the progression of inflammation related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. A 500 milligram supplement capsule a day is the best dosage, but you can also add one teaspoon of fresh ginger or one half teaspoon of powdered ginger to a meal 2-3 times a week.

Sardines
Most people that think of fish for their brain boosting omega-3 fatty acids usually think of salmon or mackerel. However, sardines are loaded with them and are also far less likely to be contaminated with mercury than larger fish. They’re also budget friendly, and conveniently canned and often require no cooking. Include 3-4 servings of omega-3 rich fish in your meals weekly. Be sure to trim the skin when cooking other fish, as that will also reduce mercury content.

Fish oil
Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are known primarily for lowering harmful blood fats called triglycerides. They can also help to mildly lower blood pressure. A daily dose of 1 gram can help with blood pressure, but 2-4 grams is recommended for lowering triglycerides. If you are already taking a blood thinner, talk to your doctor before starting to take fish oil as it can increase bleeding risk in these situations.

CoQ10
Typically combined with niacin (vitamin B-3), CoQ10 can help to minimize side effects from cholesterol lowering statin drugs like muscle weakness. It can also help to enhance the energy production in cells, and inhibit blood clot formation. Typical dose is 50-100 milligrams daily.

Red yeast rice
Available in tablet, capsule, powder, and liquid forms, this is an extract of red yeast that is fermented onto rice. It has long been used by the Chinese, and it can mimic the same actions as statin drugs for lowering cholesterol. Average dose is 600 milligrams, twice a day, but can be enhanced with combined with naturally occurring plant sterols. These can be found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, but also in supplement form. Add 400 milligrams of these for best benefits.

Lycopene
Found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, red bell peppers, and papaya, this phytochemical can be helpful in lowering blood pressure. Research has proven it can lower systolic (top) blood pressure by 10 points, and diastolic (bottom) blood pressure by up to 4 points. It is a potent antioxidant, and has even been thought to have cancer preventing properties, but they have not been proven. 10 milligrams daily is the average dose.

A vision care diet
The most common eye diseases share a common link- oxidation, chemical process in which free radicals damage cells in the body, in this case, the eyes. A natural by-product of metabolism, these oxygen-based molecules are also produced in large amounts by smoking, air pollution, and excessive sunlight. A few of the best antioxidants to help protect your sight are vitamin A, zinc, lutein, and fish oil (which are high in omega 3 fatty acids).

Water and exercise
Drinking a lot of fluids improves the transport of antioxidant nutrients to the eyes, so drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to lubricate them. Regular exercise is also good for eye health, especially in helping to prevent glaucoma. It boosts circulation throughout the entire body and can reduce pressure in the eye as well.

Sunglasses
Most people wear sunglasses for comfort, but there’s a more important reason: the sun’s ultraviolet radiation greatly increases oxidation in eye tissues. Excessive sun exposure is a leading cause of cataracts and macular degeneration. Make sure that your sunglasses block 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation, and styles that wrap around the face are best as they block most of the sunlight that would otherwise hit your eyes.

Relax
Our eyes get virtually no rest other than when we’re sleeping. An easy way to soothe and relax your eyes is to rub your palms together until they’re warm, and place them gently over your closed eyes with the fingers of each hand overlapping and resting in the center of the forehead for a few minutes. Do this at least once a day.

Vitamin E
Nuts, especially almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts, are a good source of vitamin E, which helps to minimize inflammation. Eat a single one ounce serving of any of these nuts daily year round to help prevent symptoms. If you do have symptoms, increase the servings or add a few tablespoons of peanut butter as well.

Omega 3’s
Cold water fish like salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, and sardines as well as walnuts and flaxseed contain omega 3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation. Eat at least two servings of cold water fish each week year round, and three servings during the seasons when you experience airborne allergies. Flaxseed can be added easily too, as it can be found in supplement form.

Zinc
Oysters, shrimp, crab, legumes, whole grains, and tofu are all high in zinc, which has antibacterial and antiviral effects that provide relief for immune systems that are overworked by fighting allergies. Have 6 oysters, 6 shrimp, or a few crabs each week, and twice that when allergies flare. Also have one serving of whole grains, beans, or tofu daily.

Tea
Whether green, white, or black, tea is full of flavonoids, plant compounds that reduce inflammation. Tea also increases proteins in the body that fight infection, again relieving an overtaxed immune system. Have at least one cup a day, and double that when allergies are in season. Have it early in the morning to stimulate the tiny hairs in the nose that keep pollen and dust away.

There are over 40 million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies, and what’s worse is that most of the medications that help alleviate these symptoms have harmful side effects. Fortunately, there are some answers hiding in nature that are much safer than drugs, and have little to no side effects.

Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment that can inhibit cells that produce histamine.  It’s naturally occurring, and can be found in various foods like citrus fruits and onions. Don’t plan on getting enough of it through your diet though, the amounts found in foods can be minimal. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, take up to 600mg of a quercetin supplement either preventatively or once your symptoms start. It has minimal side effects like headache or upset stomach in some cases.

Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle is a flowering plant that reduces histamine production when ingested. The average dose is between 500mg to 1000mg depending on the severity of the symptoms. Consult your doctor or allergist first, as some people can be allergic to stinging nettle. Rare cases can cause upset stomachs.

Fish oil
The same omega 3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation that leads to heart disease also helps with allergies. When buying fish oil, be sure to read the label carefully. Make sure you’re getting mercury free fish oil that is either purified or pharmaceutical grade. This will ensure that what you’re buying is potent enough to have positive effects and has had any and all potential toxins removed. Typical dose is 2000mg a day.