Photo: Nomadic Lass
What to add to your daily routine to help your allergies...
Vitamins...
Vitamin A- helps your immune function. Emulsified (fish oil) is easily absorbed. Can also be found in lemon grass, beta-carotene,
Zinc- Is needed for your immune and reproductive systems and is found in whole grains, seeds, and nuts. If you are taking it in supplement form use one with the transporter picolinate as it has been proven to be more effective. (especially for men over 40)
Vitamin C- Very high doses of vitamin c can raise your health. It repairs your immune system and and can play big role in treatment of allergic symptoms. Many people are deficient in this nutrient. Your body will only absorb as much vitamin c as it needs. Dr. Null suggests that you can determine how much your body needs by bowel tolerance- yes that's exactly what it sounds like- stay with me here... Your bowel will absorb the exact amount it needs and release the rest. Progressively increase the dosage of vitamin c until bowel movements are loose and then back off until the loose bowel movements cease. Phew, we made it through it. Know that it may be 3-5 grams 3x per day. (note that's g not mg) Try it and see if your symptoms are reduced.
BioFlavonoids- work hand in hand with vitamin c and often come with foods that contain vitamin c. flavinol and quercetin and pycnogenol.
GLA Gamma Linoleic Acid- restores immune function. Can be found in evening primrose oil, borage oil and black current seed oil.
Vitamin E- Builds immune function. Many women are often deficient in vitamin e. Female problems cause a deficiency of vitamin e and may affect your immune system. Naturally vitamin e can be found in soybean oil.There is also a water soluble version. Try 200-400IU per day (also helps ovarian function and skin rejuvenation)
Selenium- trace mineral- is a very important component of the immune system. This mineral comes from the soil and is in decreasing supply due to conventional farming which is stripping nutrients from our soil. Go organic and you will gain lots of nutrients from your food getting to live in that rich compost that comes from rotational planting.
Vitamin B- helps your immune system (are you starting to see the immune system allergy link?) Is best from food sources as your body absorbs it best.
Garlic- Stimulates the immune system and is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. So eat up! (together preferably so you can't smell it)
Other things to consider...
Inflammatory foods and lifestyles lead to a host of health problems. Asthma is an inflammatory disease as are many allergy symptoms. reduce the foods in your life that lead to inflammation and add those that help reduce swelling. (And yes, there's an article coming soon about just that! lucky you!)
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