Hello Fall!! Goodbye Allergies!!
Had a great walk this morning!! Seems like the weather is changing and it will soon be Fall. After the horribly hot summer we had here in Alabama, we are definitely looking forward to cooler days and crisp nights. But, for some of us, with great Fall weather comes Fall pollen and another round of allergy season. Achoo!!!
Our family used to go through it with our son. Swollen, runny eyes, cough, and mucous…every year, in the Spring and Fall, and I’ve got the pictures to prove it!!! After my breast cancer diagnosis, I adopted a totally plant-based diet and my hubby and son did too!! Much to our surprise, from that time to this, nearly 30 years, seasonal allergies are a thing of the past.
The concept of “inflammation” has now been linked to the development of health conditions and chronic disease. Our bodies were created to respond to irritants/injury through a reaction that cause redness, swelling and tenderness…..like when you cut your finger. The same thing occurs when you are injured inside (by lifestyle choices) and the body is trying to protect itself, rid the body of what is wrong and heal it. Science is now confirming that systemic/chronic inflammation can change how your body responds to disease, allergens and a whole lot more.
As you head into the Fall Allergy Season, consider looking at your habits to see if there is room for you to make some changes. Help your body respond favorably to the beautiful weather change, so you can get out there and enjoy it. Here are some diet and lifestyle choices you can make to see if there is a difference:
-Use olive oil, coconut oil or other liquid oils in place of trans fats which damage the lining of the blood vessels causing issues with blood flow.
-Stay away from processed sugar. A study at Loma Linda University saw a direct decrease in the ability of white blood cells to fight bacteria as the consumption of sugar went up. That pretty much wipes the immune system’s ability to fight and keep you well.
-Use whole grains - oats, brown rice, brown pasta - instead of white products - rice, breads, pastas, which cause an inflammatory response.
-Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. They provide countless anti-inflammatory substances that help keep you well.
-Nuts fight inflammation. Choose your favorite and enjoy!!
-Meats, eggs and meat products - milk, cheese - contain arachidonic acid which is linked to inflammation. Eliminate these foods or eat way less of them.
-While there are mixed reviews on the value of local pollen in honey, it is agreed that honey has anti-inflammatory properties. Take a spoonful and see for yourself. Never, however give to children under the age of one.
Peppermint always helps improve breathing.
-Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest ways to help rid the body of what may be contributing to inflammation. In addition, water helps to keep body fluids at the right consistency which should definitely help with congestion. Adding a teaspoon of turmeric to a cup of water fights inflammation. And, herbs like peppermint, spearmint, ginger and sage also help as well as onions and garlic. Alcoholic, sugary and caffeine containing beverages do not help.
-Do hot and cold contrast showers. The contrast of three minutes hot and 30 seconds cold for three rounds, helps to boost immunity which fights inflammation and your body’s response to allergens. Add some fresh eucalyptus to the shower-I hang it around the shower head….or drizzle a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the shower to improve breathing.
-Get outdoor exercise early in the morning when the air is still clear. The impact of “nature bathing” on the immune system is very beneficial.
-Don’t cheat yourself on sleep. That’s when the body clears/cleans/repairs itself and gets you ready to face another day. Add a humidifier to ease your breathing and congestion.
Try making several of those choices and see what the outcome is. In addition, be sure to get some exercise, do a contrast hot/cold shower and get to bed early. We really are fearfully and wonderfully made. Honoring the rules of the systems that are in place can yield health!! Here’s hoping you can enjoy the beauty of Fall this year!!!
Hello Fall!! Let’s Make it Allergy Free!! It’s First Thursday Yawl!!
I’m Still Shoutin’ Ova Here!
Donna
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