14 Foods Secretly Fueling Your Seasonal Symptoms

13. Artificial Additives & Sulfites (Dried Fruits, Packaged Foods)

Packaged foods often contain sulfites, artificial colors, flavor enhancers, or preservatives that some people find irritating to their airways or sinuses. Dried fruits, certain wines, and packaged snacks are common sources of sulfites. For individuals who are sensitive, these additives can increase nasal congestion or make breathing feel more difficult, especially when combined with seasonal allergens. Reading labels and choosing foods labeled “no sulfites” or “no artificial additives” is an easy, practical step. If you notice consistent symptom flares after specific packaged items, switch to fresh options and see whether symptoms settle. For confirmed sulfite sensitivity, strict avoidance is necessary and guidance from your clinician will ensure balanced nutrition.

14. Gluten-Containing Foods & Highly Processed Grains

For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten drives systemic inflammation that can worsen overall immune balance and potentially amplify seasonal allergy burden. Even beyond gluten itself, heavily processed grains and refined breads can contribute to background inflammation and may make allergy symptoms harder to manage. If you suspect gluten plays a role in your seasonal discomfort, pursue a structured evaluation with your clinician before long-term elimination. A supervised trial or testing can clarify whether gluten or certain processed grain products are meaningful triggers for you. Swapping to whole grains where tolerated and prioritizing minimally processed carbohydrate sources may support more stable immune responses during allergy season.