5 Foods to beat Hayfever!

 

 The sun is shining, the sky is blue and you are stuck inside due to the dreaded hay fever. We all know how irritating hay fever is, but did you know pharmaceutical anti-histamine are not the only answer? Many foods have natural anti-histamine properties and can help your body fight these allergens. So stop letting hay fever control your life by trying these natural treatments!

Vitamin C

Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, strawberries and red capsicum to name a few is an excellent immune boosting vitamin. It contains natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties.

You could also take a Vitamin C supplement, but make sure it contains bioflavonoids which are a natural antioxidant that enhances the effect of Vitamin C and is a potent anti-inflammatory.

Dosage: 1-3 grams of Vitamin C daily depending on bowel tolerance.

Turmeric

This popular spice has many wonderful health benefits. One being it is a strong anti-inflammatory. It can work as a wonderful natural anti-allergy compound.

Dosage: Consume 2 teaspoons of grated or powdered turmeric daily.

Garlic

Garlic is well known for its immune stimulating effects. It works as a natural anti-biotic preventing infections and helps the immune system reduce its histamine reaction.

Dosage: Consume ½ a fresh clove of garlic daily.

Horseradish

If you have even eaten too much horseradish in one mouthful you will know its fantastic for clearing out the nasal passages. It helps to break up mucous reducing nasal congestion.

Probiotics

As 70% of our immune system is found in our gut a probiotic is important for improving immune function. These good bacteria, which are naturally found in our digestive system help fight off bugs and reduce inappropriate immune responses so that the body can better cope with allergens. Make sure to also consume pre-biotic foods such as fibre, sauerkraut, miso and other fermented foods.

Foods to avoid

There are several foods that promote inflammations in the body and may contribute to the symptoms of hay fever. Around this time of year avoiding dairy, wheat and refined sugar may help reduce your hay fever symptoms and improve immune function.

Other herbs to aid with hayfever

Albizia lebbeck and Baical skullcap are two herbs with strong anti-allergic properties. When prescribed correctly from a health care professional they can help reduce the immune response to allergens, improving hayfever symptoms.

Spring Cleaning

In Feng Shui every season brings a particular message. Spring is related to the liver which is where old toxins are excreted from the body. This is why spring is such an excellent time for an internal detox but also for clearing out the old to make space for new things. It is the time to de-clutter, re-harmonise and create the space for the person you want to be.

To follow on from last week’s simple spring detox post, here are some simple steps to de-clutter and spring clean your external environment. Detoxing needs to occur from both the inside and the outside.

1.     Organise 3 cardboard boxes. Label one rubbish, one charity and one for friends.

2.     One room at a time go through all your cupboards and draws and if there are things you haven’t used 

       in 2 years or longer then they should be placed in one of the 3 boxes. 

3.     If there are any items that you feel you don’t need any more then place in the appropriate box.

4.     Get a cloth and give benches, desks, interior of cupboards, tiles and walls a wipe down with hot water and biodegradable detergent or tea tree oil.

5.     Re-arrange items on desks/benches to give the room a fresh new feel.

You will be amazed at how liberated and free you will feel once you have finished spring cleaning your life!

Simple Spring Detox

Spring is here (Finally!!! I hear most of you saying). Well we all know that spring is the perfect time for clearing out the old to allow room for the new. That is the whole basis of spring cleaning. Spring cleaning does not only refer to clearing out your cupboards but also to all your internal baggage as well. This can be winter weight that we all tend to stack on to help us feel warm, toxins from the comfort food we have been eating or just stagnant energy from being inside and sedentary.

It’s up to you how you interpret spring cleaning but any form of clearing things out creates movement, energy flow and helps you release baggage. I know after a big clean out of my room I feel quite liberated and light.

Whether it’s your external or internal environment you clean, you will be creating an energetic shift to allow yourself to move into summer feeling free for new opportunities to flow in. So now’s the time to get cleaning!

For a spring detox follow these simple steps:

1.     Start each day with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in warm water.

2.     Eat plenty of fresh fruit and veggies daily.

3.     Consume good quality gluten free carbohydrates such as basmati rice, buckwheat, millet, quinoa or amaranth.

4.     Eat some protein with every meal such as lean meat, fish, nuts and seeds, legumes, tempeh or eggs. Consume more fish and less red meat.

5.     Avoid sugar, caffeine, alcohol and fast foods.

6.     Drink at least 2 litres of water daily.

7.     Support liver function with herbs such as St. Marys Thistle and Dandelion.

8.     Consume bitter foods to aid in liver detoxification such as rocket, mustard greens, endive and chicory.

For optimal results follow this diet for 2-6 weeks. If you have any medical conditions consult your health care professional before following dietary advice.

So enjoy the blue sky, sun and smile!

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Creamy chia seed pudding

Chia seeds have so many wonderful health benefits. They are high in omega 3, protein, fibre and contain many other nutrients.

Here is a recipe for a delicious chia pudding that can be had as either a breakfast or dessert!

1/2 cup chia seeds
1.5 cups coconut milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
stevia to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix through and store in the fridge overnight.
Add stewed apples, berries, flakes almonds or topping of your choice and enjoy!