RISING WOMEN EXPERTS...

I suffer from seasonal allergies! What can I do to get through this?
    By Iris da Silva of Renewed Vitality

Spring is here and so are seasonal allergies. If you suffer endlessly throughout spring/ summer with constant red itchy eyes, sinus congestion, and tickly coughs, evaluate your diet! The food you eat plays a big part in our immune system and heightens our allergenic symptoms especially during the months from May to August. Besides the obvious environmental allergens that individuals react to this time of year such as mold, pollens, fertilizers, grasses and herbicides, the main underlying culprits may be hidden food allergies/sensitivities. These include high allergen foods like dairy, wheat, egg, tree nuts, eggs, soy, corn and food additives.

Another very important aspect of our food is a chemical composition called “phenolics” which are amino acids, hormones, and neuro-chemicals. Phenolic compounds give flavour, color and/or order to foods, plants, environmental substances and man-made chemicals. A simple runny nose is crossed linked between a food or pollen molecule from the same group. For example, a ragweed allergy has several phenolics in its make-up which are quercitin, rutin and cinnamic acid. Cinnamic acid in particular is in approximately twenty-two different foods like fruits, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. When you have dermatological problems such as eczema or psoriasis, having an intolerance to this phenolic is an important factor to consider in the resolution to these problematic conditions.

Allergies can develop when the digestive system and intestinal tract is compromised from the use of antibiotics, medications, NSAID’s, physical and emotional trauma. These factors lead to a condition known as “leaky gut” which causes the intestinal lining to become permeable, letting undigested food particles into the bloodstream which your immune system will react to. During an attack, a chemical called histamine is released from the mast cells found mainly in the intestinal lining, creating wide range of conditions such as hay fever, asthma, hives, achy joints, headaches, and depression to name a few.

To prevent and alleviate symptoms, keep your intestinal tract in good condition. Perform both spring and fall cleanses, avoid high allergen foods, stay hydrated with pure water, increase alkaline foods - especially ones high in bioflavoniods and Vitamin C - eat foods high in fiber, and reduce stress levels.

For more advice or to book an appointment for a food or environmental test, contact Iris da Silva of Renewed Vitality Ltd. at 403.589.6295. www.renewedvitality.ca