The flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing -- it's the perfect backdrop for a spring romance. That is, for everybody but you. Because while everyone else is taking romantic strolls through the park, you're at home sneezing, wheezing, and downing hefty doses of antihistamines.

If this sounds all too familiar, it's time to amp up your immune system, says Monica Hershaft, MLH Wellness nutritionist at Santa Monica, Calif. Why? Turns out your immune system is at fault for your body reacting to seasonal allergens, like pollen and grass.

While these environmental allergens are mostly harmless, a weak immune system will identify them as dangerous and overreact, says Hershaft. So what does your body do? Your immune system kicks into overdrive, fighting the intruders by triggering mucous production (so you expel the invaders by blowing your nose non-stop), watery eyes (so you cry them out), itchy throat (so you cough them out) � you get the drift. While those antihistamines may provide temporary relief of your symptoms, Brown says a much more effective, and healthy, way to ward off the allergy response is by building up your immune system.

Skip ahead to see how to prevent another allergy attack by making these easy changes to your diet.

"If your immune system is working right, you won't have allergies -- seasonal or otherwise," says Hershaft. While drinking plenty of water, exercising daily, and getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night are all proven ways to maximize your immune function, studies also show that what goes in your gut plays an essential role in the health of your immune system.

So if you're ready for a spring fling sans the wheezing and oh-so-unattractive nose-blowing, check out these diet tips proven to boost your immune system and help you avoid seasonal allergies for good.