In light of the terrible winter we have had, most of us are looking forward to the spring and summer months. But for the majority of allergy sufferers, it is a time of trepidation because it signals the beginning of the allergy season.

There are over 50 million individuals who suffer from allergies in one form or another. It seems that every year, more of us face the prospect of developing symptoms associated with allergens.

For most, allergy symptoms can turn a lovely day into a one that is filled with congestion, sneezing, breathing problems, rashes, itching and a host of reactions that can make us miserably ill.

Allergies are caused by a reaction of your immune system to foreign substances. Whether it is exposure to chemicals or toxins in the environment, grass, pollen, pet dander, metals such as nickel, mold, make-up, food, or stress; the result is a variety of responses that affect the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs.

The most common types of allergies are: hay fever, asthma, conjunctivitis, eczema, and hives. Sneezing, headaches, sinusitis, itching, and rashes are symptoms of these conditions.

Fortunately, nature has provided a vast array of mechanisms to help us fight allergy symptoms. First, it's important to know if you are "genetically" predisposed to allergy by producing more inflammation than the average individual. You can take a genetic test to help determine this or you can just take a look at your family tree. If you have close relatives with asthma, allergy, eczema or chronic sinus issues, you may have inherited a similar tendency. That sneezing and runny nose may not be a cold symptom but more likely an allergy symptom.

Sometimes it's hard to determine what you are allergic to, much less avoid the triggers. In that case, it's important to support your own body ability to soothe the inflammation that allergy triggers. This is where the anti-inflammatory low glycemic impact diet is vital. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, bioflavonoids and healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids will fuel your own body systems to create molecules that neutralize allergy inflammation. Keeping your blood sugar in a normal range will prevent excessive inflammation formation. Therefore, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and whole grains will provide these terrific molecules.

Finally, you may have so much inflammation that diet alone doesn't halt the discomfort and distress. This is where a few wise supplements can deliver a big counter-punch to the heavy blow of allergies. The antioxidant vitamins (C,D,E and A) all fight allergy symptoms. Vitamin C is a practically profound anti-inflammatory molecule. OPC's, found in grape seed, grape skins, pine bark extract (pycnogenol) and red wine extract (resveratrol), also are powerful molecules that neutralize inflammation and act as nature's anti-histamine. The molecules found in berries - such as blueberries, bilberries and cranberries - are especially powerful. The ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capability) of berries neutralizes the free oxygen radicals produced in the inflammatory process. Omega 3 essential fatty acids can be found in fish oil capsules as well as flaxseed. Omega 3 essential fatty acids promote your body production of anti-inflammatory molecules. Finally, aloe vera juice is loaded with soothing ingredients that neutralize inflammation. Herbal antioxidants and concentrates of green leafy vegetables can also impact allergy symptoms.

Don't let allergy spoil your spring and summer. Stock your fridge and pantry with healthy anti-inflammatory foods. Use supplements to enhance the abilities of your own body and you should sail through the season!