by Frances Cheung, HHC, AADP
If you or someone you know is suffering from Spring allergies and wanting some effective solutions to reduce/maybe even eliminate those pesky symptoms - without side effects such as drowsiness or the frustration of anticipating these seasonal allergies for the rest of your life, then read on because you may find this article particularly useful.
Many people are now experiencing Spring/seasonal allergies when they never experienced any symptoms in the past. Others have noticed their symptoms getting worse and/or appearing earlier in the year.
As up to about 70-75% of your immune system is located in or around the gut, what you eat can most definitely have an impact on your allergies.
Here's how it works: certain foods, especially processed foods and sugar, weaken the immune system because they are nutrient deficient and actually pull minerals from your own bones to metabolize and process the refined foods. This means the more you eat these foods, the more your nutrient reserves get depleted, leaving your body more susceptible to illnesses and disease, and yes, allergies.
By greatly reducing or eliminating these foods from your diet, you can boost your body's immune response and reduce allergy symptoms, since your body will not be under constant attack from the foods that you eat.
However, while it's obvious that processed foods, sugar and white flour are not beneficial to your health, there is also another category foods that may catch you by surprise. These foods often cause sensitivites or intolerances in individuals, and mimic the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Left untreated, these food reactions can weaken the immune system over time, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections and possibly even disease. Once you remove these foods from your diet and focus on building up a healthy gut and immune system overall, you'll likely feel a whole lot better. Here are the top 3 food intolerances/sensitivities:
1. Wheat/gluten
You may have noticed a growing number of foods at the supermarket or grocery store being labeled "gluten-free," where this category was practically non-existent perhaps just 7 years ago. But it is more than just a passing trend or a fad (just beware of reading labels to make sure you're not buying gluten-free junk food). Growing numbers of people are becoming aware of sensitivity to wheat and/or gluten (the protein found in wheat, barley, rye). There are a number of speculations on this, but possibilities include the way wheat is grown including genetically modified varieties, while others state that it is simply that people are becoming more and more aware of wheat/gluten allergies, intolerances and sensitivities*. Whether you think it's hype or not, if you're suffering from sudden allergies or a worsening of allergies, I strongly urge you to go gluten-free for at least 14 days.
2. Dairy
Many people are lactose intolerant, meaning they don't have the enzyme lactase that is necessary to digest the lactose protein in dairy. Symptoms may include burping, belching, digestive discomfort, or the occasional breakout. However, as mentioned above, over time, dairy intolerance may lead to more complicated health problems. Dairy is also a mucus-forming food and many people experience relief from sinus infections and raspy throat after removing dairy - especially the commercial varieties - from their diet.
3. Soy
With so many dairy allergies and intolerances, along with many people going vegan and looking for a good and cheap protein source, soy has become an overly used food. The problem with this is that most soy is highly processed and highly GMO (genetically modified). They are found in so many foods - just look at your food labels - and while their effects may have been miniscule, because they are now everywhere, many people are now intolerant or allergic to soy, and many don't even know it.
Men, if you consume a lot of soy, you'll want to take note, because soy can also diminish your libido! It's been said that monks regularly consume soy for this particular reason.
There are plenty of other dairy-free alternatives, including nut milks (almond, hazelnut, cashews, etc.), hemp milk, and coconut milk. Of course, you should eliminate any foods to which you have known sensitivities, intolerances or allergies.
Removing the above common food sensitivities/intolerances is one core foundation of the 21-Day Recharge and Renew Program. You'll also learn self-care rituals and yummy ways to enjoy nutrient-dense foods to jumpstart your way to a healthier you and start feeling more lean, strong and energized. And, it's a lot easier than it sounds. Join us here: http://www.francescheung.com/recharge-and-renew-program.
*There is a distinct difference between food allergies and sensitivities/intolerances, which is too detailed to go into here, but symptoms are often very similar.
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Frances Cheung is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Wellness Coach, and works with men and women to double their energy, resolve digestive concerns and lose those last, stubborn 10-15 pounds for good, so they can be on top of their game, love the way they feel, and love what they see in the mirror — without going on crazy detoxes, militant exercise or losing their sanity. To start receiving vaulable nutrition and lifestyle tips and insights from Frances, please visit www.francescheung.com.
