The leaves are starting to fall. The hot, humid days of summer are giving way to crisp, cool, throw an extra blanket on the bed nights. And your ragweed allergy has you running for the protection of your well-sealed home and slamming your windows shut. If you feel like your allergies are worse - or lingering longer than normal this year - it's because they are. Climate change - and the resulting high temperatures and increasing carbon dioxide - allow pollen-producing plants to live longer and to produce more potent pollen. And this year, the American Academy of Allergy, Ashtma & Immunology announced that the season will extend through October, rather than ending in September as it normally does.  

Of course, that doesn't mean you have to suffer for four extra weeks. The foods you eat (and don't eat) can help stifle your sniffling, particularly seasonal foodss that are available now from your farmers' market.  

1. Broccoli: This precious piece of produce serves two purposes in annihilating your allergy symsptoms: it's high in allergy-relieving vitamin C, and it's a member of the crucifer family - plants that have been shown to clear out blocked-up sinuses.  

2. Kale: Don't just admire kale as a garnish. Eat it! This superfood packs a one-two punch against allergies. Like broccoli, it's a member fo the crucifer family, but it's also rich in the carotenoid department, packing a form of vitamin A thought to improve allergy symptoms. A number of studies have shown that people with low vitamin A are more likely to have asthma and allergy problems.   

3. Onions & Garlic: Onions and garlic are packed with quercetin, another secret weapon that helps fight allergies by acting like an antihistamine. Quercetin also acts like vitamin C and quells inflammation in your system, which helps stem the side effects associated with allergic inflammation, such as stuffy noses.   

4. Pumpkins: Like broccoli and leafy greens, pumpkins are rich in allergy-fighting carotenoids - the form of vitamin A that you need to stockpile in order to better ward off alergies. Try breads, pies, or stews with pumpkin!  

5. Carrots: They contain lots of healthy beta-carotene to help ward off your ragweed misery. You'll get more of the valuable vitamin if you lightly steam your carrots, rather than eating them raw or sauteing them with a healthy fat.   

6. Celery: Celery is full of vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a great tool in fighting not just allergies but also high blood pressure and chronic pain. It's one vegetable that you can eat raw or cooked without losing access to its nutrients.   

Source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/allergy-fighting-foods