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Your Lifestyle and Allergies
The correct diet and proper exercise will improve your overall health, and specific foods and exercises can relieve and reduce allergic reactions. Change that is gradual is more likely to become a habit than
radical, abrupt changes in your way of life. If you often eat processed, refined foods, you might not be able to or even want to switch to a completely organic, whole grain diet all at once, so you might try introducing new foods, and better ways of preparing foods, a little at a time.
Baking is superior to frying, since friend foods are coated with oil, which prevents the body from absorbing the food�s nutrients. Raw food is better than cooked food, since heat destroys vitamins and enzymes. If you are used to eating cooked foods at each meal, try preparing one dish of uncooked food in place of a cooked dish. Drink a fruit smoothie for breakfast instead of eating bacon and eggs, for example. Increased awareness of the role that nutrition plays in our lives, with an emphasis on reducing inflammation, can greatly improve our quality of life.
Your diet should also include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and protein. Every food you eat should build health, with emphasis on its anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure to get adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals each day, and if you take herbal supplements, remember that natural remedies can be just as potent as traditional medicines and you should always consult a doctor before using any herbal preparations.
If exercise is not already part of your daily routine, choose an activity you enjoy, for example, walking or swimming, and find at least 30 minutes a day to devote to that activity. Get family members or friends to join you if possible, or join a fitness group in your neighborhood, since having an exercise partner increases the likelihood that you�ll stick to a regimen.
If you're walking, try using a pedometer. Studies show that walkers who use a pedometer tend to take more steps than those who do not. Also be sure to breathe deeply, through your nose, to warm and filter the air you breathe. Cold air can interfere with oxygen intake. Wearing a mask or bandanna over your mouth can help block common outdoor allergens too. Try to exercise early in the day, when there is less pollen in the air. After any prolonged outdoor activity, change your clothes and shower immediately.
If your allergy symptoms worsen after outdoor activity, indoor exercises might be the solution. The important thing to remember is to be consistent with any exercise routine. If you have asthma, you should be tested for allergies. Many asthma patients do not know that they have allergic asthma, so you should be tested for possible allergies to dust mites, pollen, mold spores and other allergens. Do not forget that stress can adversely affect our immune systems. If you cannot remove the source of stress, you can at least make time to relax and recharge yourself. Yoga can be of great help for allergy sufferers.
Note: Some statements in this article may not be
approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and
should not be taken as professional medical advice.
