Insurance Companies

Insurance Companies

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Fight allergies with food

Say no to allergy foods
One of the most simple and effective ways to improve your allergy condition is by changing your daily diet. By eating the right kinds of food, your immune system can bedramatically regulated and improved. For this reason, you won't be that sensitive to allergens. A nutritious diet can help control underlying inflammation; dilate air passages, and thin mucus in the lungs. On the other hand, if you eat unhealthy foods, you can only expect your allergies to get worse.

Types of allergy fighting foods
Here is a list of what kinds of food you should consume so that you could dramatically improve your allergies

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 essential fatty acids contain Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed oil, salmon, haddock, cod, and other cold-water fish. Mothers who eat fish during pregnancy have children with lower incidents of eczema. Another essential acid, Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA), also acts as an anti-inflammatory, and it can be found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. If possible, include more of both of these fatty acids in your diet. On the flip side, too much Omega-6 fatty acid may intensify inflammation. Most people in our society need more Omega-3 fatty acids and less Omega-6 fatty acids. Foods high in Omega-6 fatty acids include cottonseed, corn, and sunflower oils, as well as processed foods like mayonnaise, salad dressing, and fast food. Saturated fats and trans-fats also trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals. Avoid anything that contains partially hydrogenated oil. Try to use mono-saturated olive oil as your primary source of fat.

Fruit Juices
Fruit juices are rich sources of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. Eat more freshfruits and vegetables to get more antioxidants in your diet. Berries have especially high levels of antioxidants. Another good example is apple. The red skin of apples contains Quercetin, one of the many kinds of Flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely used in treating and preventing allergies. Mothers who eat apples during pregnancy have a significantly reduced risk of their children developing asthma. Grapes in particular seem to protect against allergies and asthma. Red grape skin has high levels of Resveratol, which reduces inflammation, as well as antioxidants.

High-Fiber Foods
A high-fiber diet makes for a healthy colon. A low-fiber diet produces a lazy colon that's more susceptible to disease. High-fiber foods like whole grains, nuts, and seeds stimulate movement in the colon and encourage the growth of "good" bacteria. In an unhealthy colon, "bad" bacteria and fungal organisms like Candida may take over, which could lead to leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome often leads to food allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Yogurt and Kefir
Another way to increase the number of good bacteria in your gut is to eat them directly. Yogurt and kefir contain live bacterial cultures. Allergic symptoms decline if you consume yogurt. If you're trying to avoid dairy products, opt for a probiotic supplement.

Spices
Turmeric and ginger are known anti-inflammatory agents.

Magnesium
People who have asthma are deficient in magnesium. Foods rich in magnesium includespinach, navy and pinto beans, sunflower seeds, tofu, halibut, artichokes, and black-eyed peas.

Zinc
People with asthma are deficient in zinc as well. Foods rich in zinc include yogurt, tofu, lean beef and ham, oysters, crab, and the dark meat of turkey and chicken.

A healthy and balanced diet goes a long way in keeping you healthy and it acts as you weapon and shield against various ailments.

No comments: