How to manage your allergies
Here are some scary facts about allergies in our world today. Did you know that 13% of Americans over 18 years of age have sinusitis? Nearly 8% of Americans over 18 have hay fever, and every year that number grows. In 2010, 11.1 million Americans had to visit their doctor for a diagnosis of hay fever with symptoms of runny noses, red, itchy, watery eyes and swelling around the face! For all of those who experience seasonal allergies, you understand how miserable you can feel. Luckily there is something other than a pill and nasal spray that can put your allergies at rest, food.
Vegetarian and vegan diets considerably decreased and even eliminated asthma and allergies.
There is a very basic idea behind food healing our bodies, and that is the right vitamins and nutrients create a strong immune system which in turn keeps us feeling tip-top. There were multiple studies throughout the mid-80s to mid-90s which repetitively proved that vegetarian and vegan diets considerably decreased and even eliminated asthma and allergies. The first observation was the tendency of meat, dairy and eggs to be standard food triggers in people's bodies causing irritation and increased allergy symptoms. The second observation showed increased fruits, vegetables and seeds improved immune system response and successfully fought off allergies.
Further studies showed omega-3 and vitamin D levels to be directly associated with the development and continued symptoms of allergies. When a true vegan hears this, it can feel discouraging as the popular sources for these are fish and dairy, but take heart the world of food is changing and vegan foods are proving more effective than the formerly touted sources.
Let's talk omega-3s. These fatty acids affect every single cell in our body which is why they are so important in keeping us healthy. But it's not just omega-3s, it's the docosahexaenoic acid, DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, that we really need. Foods with omega-3 also contain omega-6. Unfortunately, omega-6 hinders the body from converting omega-3 into DHA and EPA. So to get optimal health benefits from omega-3 foods, we must choose foods with higher omega-3 than omega-6. For example, one ounce of flax seeds has 6388 mg of omega-3 and 1655 mg of omega-6, therefore you get a good amount of omega-3s left unspoiled by the omega-6. Chia seeds, hemp seeds, spirulina, sprouted beans, winter squash, leafy greens, cabbages and wild rice are all good sources of higher omega-3s than omega-6s to keep levels in check.
Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil have more omega-3 than salmon!
Now when it comes to Vitamin-D, fortified milk and margarine, fatty fish and eggs are the common sources, but when you've chosen a vegan lifestyle this is problematic. Once more you don't need to worry, simply bring on the sun. There is a delicate balance to this as too much sun can be dangerous because your body does not absorb Vitamin-D unless you go out without sunscreen. When you are trying to get your sun vitamins, go with as little clothing as possible. The more exposed skin to suck in all those warm rays, the less time you need to spend in the sun. As a rule of thumb, you need to stay out for half the time it takes for your skin to change colors, pink or tan. Do this 2-3 times a week during the warm months. Your body actually stores Vitamin-D for use during the winter!
If all of this sounds ridiculously complicated just to control your allergies, take a look at Veestro's meal choice. The right foods will be delivered to your door, no muss, no fuss.
Read more about 7 Ways to Beat Allergies Naturally.
