Allergies... an inflammation story - Part 1

Many people suffer for weeks or months during allergy seasons. I've been there, too. Are you aware of the non-medicine options available to you? Things you can do to actually help prevent the stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, sinus headache season?
There are numerous avenues you can choose from, as with all things health, I recommend you do a variety of methods. We are all so unique, that nothing is really a once size fits all remedy. 
Since inflammation is an inside job, we will focus on nutrition in part one. There are many ways to help reduce inflammation, and as a regular habit can prevent inflammation. 
1. Eliminate inflammatory foods
         Certain foods will cause the body to react by stimulating the immune system to release chemicals that lead to inflammation as a way to protect the body. Here is a brief list of foods to eliminate when allergies hit, and to decrease on a daily basis to prevent inflammation in the first place.

• Sugar - any kind of sugar
• Grains - this includes rice and corn, not just gluten
• Processed foods - bag, box or can
• Dairy - all things diary

2. Hydrate
         Water is an amazing solvent. We are mostly made of water and the best way to heal our bodies is by simply drinking water. So, drink water. Plain water. If you really need to add something to aid in flavor, fresh squeezed lemon is your best option. Lemon will help decrease inflammation and aid the liver in being able to detox the chemicals in the body.
3. Add anti-inflammatory foods
         There are so many anti-inflammatory foods that I will not list them all here, but fresh fruits and vegetables are always a win!

• Omega 3's: Flaxmeal, chia seed, walnuts, avocados, healthy oils - fish oil, hemp oil, flaxseed oil and good olive oil are great places to begin. For more on choosing a good oil, follow this link: Oils
• Apples, Pineapples and Papaya - all have specific nutrients that have been found to decrease inflammation in the body.
• Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic - find fun and delicious ways to add more spices to your diet. Thyme, rosemary and clove are other fantastic spices to add to your diet. Check out the following recipe for my version of Golden Milk. We add ginger, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon to oatmeal. Thyme, rosemary and garlic are excellent in home-made potato soup!
• Fermented foods aka Probiotics - those good bacteria do so much more than we give them credit! Eat a variety of fermented foods with your probiotics (if you take them). We benefit most by adding a small serving of fermented foods to each meal. Our favorites are spicy fermented carrots, onions, garlic and peppers. Read more on fermented foods. 

​4. Food Sensitivity Testing- Research shows that 30 -90% of the general population have food intolerance or food sensitivities. These are often hidden because they have a slow onset and the symptoms are individualized. Common symptoms include stuffy nose, sinus infections, earaches, headaches, migraines, arthritis and more. Often, people will use the beginning of the year to diet or try to eat healthier foods like fruits and veggies. This is a wonderful goal, however, if some of the foods you are adding in to your diet are also ones to which you are sensitive, you will be doing more harm than good. Possibly, even sabotaging your weight loss goals. It is a good idea to get tested for your personal food sensitivities in order to create an eating plan that will really work for you. Otherwise, you are just setting yourself up for failure. Learn more here.

My version of Golden Milk (recipe)

1/8 - 1/4 tsp turmeric
dash of fresh ground black pepper
drop of honey
Hot water
Coconut milk

Put the first three ingredients in a hot drink mug. Heat enough water to fill cup 1/2 to 3/4 full. Pour in water and let infuse for 2-3 minutes. Add coconut milk to fill the rest of the mug.
Enjoy!

Why black pepper? It has many beneficial properties to aid in decreasing inflammation as well, however, in this recipe it is helping your body absorb more of the turmeric. Win-win!