Spring is Here…Achoo! How can food help my allergies?

It seems that we all can’t wait for warm weather, but for some of us, we are suffering as we admire the gorgeous blooming cherry blossoms and the new green grass. My philosophy is to always ask “Why?” What is causing this reaction and what can you do, other than take a pill, to support yourself and ease your symptoms?

An allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system. The body responds as though it is under attack, releasing antibodies and triggering inflammation. So if the pollen is an irritant for you, your body is inflamed and one of the best things you can do is support your body with the right kinds of food! Using food to soother allergies? Diet has a direct affect on the inflammation in your body.

If your system is already on alert from the outside allergens, then you need to remove the foods from your diet that will also create inflammation. Eating inflammatory foods when you are experiencing an allergic reaction is like throwing gasoline on a burning fire.

Sugar, refined grains, wheat and dairy are the big ones to look out for. Too much sugar places major demands on our digestive system, suppressing the immune system, not to mention wreaking havoc with our metabolism.

It is estimated the over 90 million Americans have certain genetic variants that make them sensitive to gluten, the protein found within the seeds or grains of wheat, rye, barley, spelt and kamut. The system responds to gluten as an intruder in the body, not a food. If you are sensitive to gluten and continue to include it in your diet, you will be setting the stage for systemic inflammation, triggering other sensitivities.

There has been much controversy around dairy. But, 60% of the world’s population can’t digest dairy. Dairy triggers mucus production that can lead to sinus congestion and sinus headaches.

So if you are already inflamed and suffering, remove the foods from your diet that will add to your discomfort and inflammation. Food can be your medicine, so use it wisely and pay attention to the foods that are making your feel worse, rather than better.