Greetings! Being this allergy season (here in Tucson, anyways) has been especially "present" this summer...one of my most frequent "Google searches" has been allergies. I have spent more money on varieties of eye drops this month than I have in my entire LIFE.
So I figured I do a little post on managing allergies! I did some reserach, and I found some "dietary" changes we can make to help this. And I threw in a few other tips. Some of this may be "no-brainers" to you guys....but here it is anyways ;)
(PS.....I got my practicum. I will be on the Telemetry unit at my hospital for the next 8 weeks. I have orientation tomorrow. Unfortunately, they weren't taking students in the ICU, so I wasn't able to do it. But....Telemetry was in my top 3 -- and I "heart the heart" so I'm pleased!!)
So I figured I do a little post on managing allergies! I did some reserach, and I found some "dietary" changes we can make to help this. And I threw in a few other tips. Some of this may be "no-brainers" to you guys....but here it is anyways ;)
- Been outside much today? Rinse off in the shower and wash that hair! Your hair is just a nest for all those nasty pollens and allergens!
- Drink, drink, drink fluids to flush as much crap through your system possible!
- Apparently, historically, the "Crete" Mediterranean islanders had less allergies. They found a link to their Mediterranean diet high in grapes, healthy fats, nuts, olives, tomatoes, and apples protected them against allergies!
- Did I see grapes??!! Grapes = Wine = no allergies? Vino it is! :)
- Eat nuts!
- They are high in Magnesium and Vitamin E -- which are good for promoting respiratory help. They also have an "Anti-inflammatory" effect on your system. (allergies are an inflammatory response from your Eosinophil white blood cells!)
- Also, the Vitamin E has anti-oxidant products. So it "eats up" free radicals within you!
- Sprinkle some almonds on a salad!
- Apples, Oranges, and Tomatoes - they were found to be high in antioxidants and Vitamin C, which fights off those allergies!
- Grapes!
- The skin of the grape is high in Resveratrol. This is an antioxidant which reduces allergy and is found to reduce wheezing and breathing issues!
- Go fishing!
- Eat fish. The Omega 3 Fatty Acids, DHA, and EPA has been found to decrease inflammation
- What fish to go for? It was recommended cold water fish are best: salmon, trouth, herring, and albacore tuna! All these are excellent for you heart also!
- Find relief with your pearls!
- Oyesters are found to have an antibacterial and antiviral effect on the body! They are very high in zinc.
- Spicy!
- Cajun and other cayenne spices are natural decongestants.
- Garlic has been shown to losen up secretions of mucus (I know, ewww)
- Horseradish is also a natural decongestant
- The only thing to remember about spicy - is that it could increase coughing. So if you've been hacky, coughy, wheezy - spicy foods are not advised!
(PS.....I got my practicum. I will be on the Telemetry unit at my hospital for the next 8 weeks. I have orientation tomorrow. Unfortunately, they weren't taking students in the ICU, so I wasn't able to do it. But....Telemetry was in my top 3 -- and I "heart the heart" so I'm pleased!!)
Comments
Very interesting post. I love the title. :) I like all of the foods on your list! Surprisingly, my allergies haven't been that bad this year. Maybe my stomach told my respiratory system/sinuses to give me a break since my stomach issues have been bad enough. ;)
As for allergies, I don't suffer from airborne allergies, but I do struggle with food allergies. I have learned if I stay away from processed foods, I am usually fine. That includes bottled dressings. Also, any sausage or bacon I do buy usually comes from the local butcher shop where they make their own. If I consume meat products from the grocery store, I will be congested before the meal is over. It's like a storm passing through my respiratory system. Not pleasant...
Hey, my word verification to post this is "pesto"! Yum! One of my favorites!!!!