Foods that Lower Immunity * Alcohol * Beverages with caffeine such as coffee and black or green tea Foods that Increase Inflammation * Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharine * Dairy such as milk, yogurt, and cheese (can also increase symptoms of congestion) * Fatty food such as fried foods and fatty cuts of meat * Gluten (for those who have sensitivities) * Refined carbs such as white bread and white pasta * Refined sugar found in desserts, packaged foods such as crackers and cookies, and soda Foods that Contain Histamine Releasers that Can Worsen Symptoms of Congestion * Avocado * Bananas * Dried fruits * Eggplant * Fermented foods such as kombucha and kimchi * Papayas * Nuts such as cashews and peanuts * Pineapple * Seafood such as calamari, scallops, tuna, oysters, anchovies, sardines, mussels, and clams * Soy sauce * Strawberries * Tomatoes * Vinegar