Seasonal allergies: kitchen remedies

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." ~ Hippocrates

The body is strong and knows how to heal but we must provide the raw materials it needs to reach wholeness. After prevention, the next step to managing allergies is to boost the immune system through proper food choices.

Start in the kitchen, eating well-balanced, whole foods rich in:

• Beta carotene - all red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables

• B vitamins - oats, yeast extract or lean meats

• Iron - sesame seeds, dried fruits, liver

• Magnesium - seafood, beans and nuts

• Protein - eggs, lean meats and poultry, dairy, peanuts, beans, lentils, grains

• Vitamin A - yellow and dark leafy green vegetables, seed and bean sprouts, fish

• Zinc - nuts, seed and eggs

A word about Vitamin C

In addition to acting as a natural antihistamine, vitamin C's natural antioxidant properties are helpful to allergy response. Damage from free radicals are triggered by pollen and often contribute to respiratory distress. Plus foods rich in vitamin C also contain bioflavonoids. These two components work together synergistically to boost the immune system. 

Common foods

Seasonings and spices (food-grade herbs) commonly found in kitchens have life-giving properties. Ginger, cinnamon and ginko, for instance, contain numerous phytochemical compounds and natural antihistamines to ease allergy discomforts and reduce inflammation. Peppermint is useful for opening breathing passages and reducing congestion. Simple herbs and spices are easy to add to your favorite dishes or simply brew up as a tea and breathe easier.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, garlic has heating and drying qualities, creates a rejuvenating effect on tissues, including those supporting the respiratory system, and helps reduce excess mucus. 

"When our digestive system, colon and tissues are blocked by accumulated mucus (ama) toxins, it is difficult for our body to absorb nutrients; hence one of the many systems affected is our immune system, thereby making it difficult for our bodies to fight off airborne pathogens during the change of seasons," says Rose Parsad, a Portland-based Licensed Massage Therapist, PSYCH-K Therapist, Reiki Energy Healer, certified Ayurvedic Panchakarma Technician, and Doula/Midwife. "Simple herbs like Garlic aid in maintaining good health during these changes. Some of it's healing qualities - stimulant, disinfectant, detoxifier, antiphrastic, antisposmadic, carminitive, aphrodisiac, and rejuvenator - help move along the blockages in the digestive tract and colon. It also works as a blood and lymph cleanser and lung/bronchial antiseptic."

Garlic can be used in various forms including tincture, medicated oil, infused, powder, juice, whole or crushed and is easily found at a variety of neighborhood markets. 

CAUTIONS: Garlic may cause colic in breastfed infants. If you develop a rash after consuming any specific seasonings or spices, discontinue use. 

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids

Some fats are needed by the body, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, are one of them. This explains the fascination with cod liver, castor and linseed oils in the 50s and 60s. Today we know that Omega 3s are also found in salmon, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and green algae. So either hold your nose or eat up! Your choice.

Food tips for further reducing seasonal allergy reactions

1. Avoid foods you know you are sensitive or allergic to or that wear down your body's immunity. A compromised immune system lessens the body's defenses. Keeping symptoms to a minimum helps reduce the risk of triggering asthma attacks as well. The only thing worse than dealing with symptoms of one allergy, is battling symptoms of multiple allergies or conditions.

2. Reduce or eliminate mucus-forming and stress-inducing foods. Common offenders with suggested substitutes are: Dairy including milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream (sub. coconut, nut, hemp or rice products or less mucus-forming goat products); Caffeine including coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks and chocolate (sub. low caffeine green tea, red tea, coffee substitutes and carob); Wheat found mostly in breads and cakes (sub. spelt, rye, corn and sprouted whole grain); Refined sugars and starches including white rice, breads, crackers, pasta and sugar (sub. brown/jasmine/basmati rice, whole grain pastas, breads and crackers, powdered stevia, honey, maple syrup and brown rice syrup).

3. Reduce the toxic load on your body by eliminating processed foods and striving to consume pesticide-free meats, poultry, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and spices. Your immune system will thank you by functioning more effectively. Local CSAs, farmers markets, food coops, and natural food markets (like New Seasons) are a good place to start.

4. Water. Drink lots of it. Hydration helps the body to cope with stress. 

5. Get your food act together. Make eating better a priority. If you struggle with food and want help, consider working with a holistic health coach or nutritionist. They are skilled at helping you reach your goals. Success IS within reach!

Activating your kitchen as a center for promoting health and healing through food will revitalize your life!

Did you know?

The 4 Gs - ginger, garlic, ginko and ginseng - can inhibit the body's platelet-activating factor, thin blood platelets and increase the risk of bleeding for those taking blood thinning medication? Check with a qualified health professional beforeincreasing your intake of the 4 Gs. Yes, food IS powerful! (Source: Platelet Disorder Support Association)