Tag: wellness

  • Game-day eats

    Game-day eats

    Game-day eats

    These recipes score big

    Feeding a houseful of hungry fans during this season of sporting greatness? These nutritious and satisfying meals are sure to carry you all the way to game-day hosting victory. Game on!

    Margherita Chicken Pizzas

    Top a small pita with mozzarella, chicken, and other pizza favorites, then broil, and you have a fun and breezy meal. Small naan bread or even split English muffins can also be used as a pizza base.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 8
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 mini pitas
    • 1 cup tomato sauce
    • 2 cups baby spinach
    • ¾ pounds cooked chicken breast thinly sliced
    • 1 cup roasted red pepper sliced
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
    • 3 oz fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
    • ⅓ cup torn fresh basil
    • Freshly cracked black pepper to garnish

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven broiler to high. Place pitas on baking sheet and broil until browned and crispy, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn pitas.
    2. Spread pitas with tomato sauce and then top with spinach, chicken slices, roasted red pepper, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Broil on high until cheese has melted, about 2 minutes. Top with basil and some freshly cracked black pepper.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 362 calories; 27 g protein; 8 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 46 g total carbohydrates (7 g sugars, 7 g fiber); 481 mg sodium

    Vegan Meatballs with Buffalo Sauce

    This is a satisfying plant-based alternative to a game-day classic that everyone is sure to declare a winner. Both the sauce and meatballs can be made up to two days in advance. If you’re serving people who like things spicy, go ahead and blend in even more of the hot sauce.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Meatballs
    • 14 oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
    • 14 oz can pinto beans drained and rinsed
    • ¼ cup no-salt-added tomato paste
    • ¼ cup ground flaxseed
    • ⅓ cup chickpea flour or brown rice flour
    • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 garlic cloves peeled and grated or finely minced
    • 1 shallot peeled and minced
    • ½ cup parsely
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    Buffalo sauce
    • ¾ cup raw cashews
    • 5 tablespoons hot sauce of choice
    • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
    • 2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt preferably smoked

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
    2. Into food processor container, place all meatball ingredients and blend into a slightly chunky mixture, scraping down sides of container as needed. Roll mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place on baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, flip balls, and bake for another 15 minutes.
    3. To make buffalo sauce, in bowl, place cashews, cover with water, and let soak for at least 2 hours. Drain cashews and place in blender with 1 cup water and remaining sauce ingredients. Blend until smooth.
    4. In medium pot on stovetop, place buffalo sauce and bring to a slight simmer. If sauce is too thick, thin with some additional water. Add balls and heat for 2 minutes, turning balls to coat. Serve on platter with carrot sticks and celery sticks and any extra buffalo sauce.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 222 calories; 12 g protein; 4 g total fat (1 g sat. fat); 36 g total carbohydrates (7 g sugars, 11 g fiber); 641 mg sodium

    Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos

    In a huge win for vegetarian sports fans, we swapped ground beef for meaty tempeh stewed with tomatoes and a winning mix of seasonings. To go a little more traditional, regular tortilla chips can be used instead of the sweet potato variety.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 1
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 9 oz package tempeh
    • 2 teaspoons avocado oil or grapeseed oil
    • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms stems removed, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 14 oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
    • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
    • 1 chipotle chili pepper in adobe sauce finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 ½ cups cooked or canned black beans rinsed and drained
    • 5 cups sweet potato chips divided
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
    • ½ cup thinly sliced radish divided
    • ½ cup chopped red onion divided
    • ¼ cup pickled jalapeño pepper (optional) divided
    • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
    • 1 avocado cubed
    • ½ lime

    Method
     

    1. Bring medium pot of shallow water to a simmer. Add block of tempeh and simmer for 5 minutes per side. Drain tempeh and pat it dry. Allow block to cool, and when cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces.
    2. In skillet, heat oil over medium. Cook tempeh and mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tempeh is darkened. Stir in tomato paste and heat for 1 minute. Stir in canned tomatoes, corn, chipotle chili, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder; simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in black beans.
    3. Preheat oven broiler. Spread half the sweet potato chips out on rimmed baking sheet. Top with half of tempeh mixture, cheese, radish, red onion, and pickled jalapeno, if using. Repeat layering with other half of these ingredients. Scatter on cilantro. Broil for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Be careful not to burn chips.
    4. Scatter on avocado before serving and squirt lime juice overtop.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 610 calories; 31 g protein; 32 g total fat (9 g sat. fat); 57 g total carbohydrates (13 g sugars, 14 g fiber); 365 mg sodium

    By Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Men’s health roadmap

    Men’s health roadmap

    Men’s health roadmap

    Navigate lifelong wellness

    Being happier and healthier for longer requires a proactive approach to men’s health and well-being. Although there is no “fountain of youth,” there are steps that can be taken for men to navigate the life course in the most positive trajectory possible.

    An ounce of prevention

    Preventive medicine is becoming an increasingly important feature of the health care system. In contrast to traditional approaches in which severe symptoms present and the disorder is treated, if one can take steps to mitigate the risk of a disorder presenting in the first place (or to catch it early), everybody wins.

    At an individual level, the person avoids becoming ill and avoids personal and professional costs associated with that illness. At a population level, the health care system avoids unnecessary burden and the general well-being of the population may be increased.

    Even if one takes every preventive measure possible, there will likely be instances in which one may become ill. Being in tune with your body and recognizing when things have changed is an important way to be able to catch and treat things early.

    If something doesn’t feel right or something has changed, particularly if it’s having a negative impact on your ability to do your job or is affecting personal relationships, reach out to a physical or mental health professional.

    A pound of implementation

    Recommendations for living a long and healthy life are straightforward, but the implementation of those principles is less so. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, taking exercise, avoiding smoking, and drinking in moderation are things that most of us will have heard are good for one’s health.

    Fewer of us have an easy time integrating this advice into our lives. Many people get bogged down in having the “perfect diet” or the “perfect exercise regimen.” It’s unclear what exactly these “perfect” protocols are.

    What is clear is that doing something is better than doing nothing and that often the best diet and exercise program is the one to which you’ll actually adhere. As well, incrementally improving over time is an excellent way to continue to reap the benefits of diet and exercise.

    By taking a proactive approach to health at any age, men can stack the odds in their favor that they’ll enjoy a long and fulfilling life.

    Check up frequently and often

    As men grow older, their risk of developing a number of age-related disorders increases, so it’s critically important to ensure that any changes in your health are being monitored and that issues are being addressed as they arise. If you feel unwell, see a medical professional. If you haven’t had a regular checkup for a while, make it a priority to schedule one.

    By Theodore D. Cosco, PhD (Cantab) CPsychol

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • How to work out in the heat

    How to work out in the heat

    How to work out in the heat

    Hot tips for when temperatures soar

    Summer heat can take a toll on your health and wellness. Stay safe and fit, no matter what the thermometer says, with these hot tips.

    Heatstroke dangers

    “Never ignore heat exposure symptoms,” says Joseph Sudimack, MS, CSCS. “There’s an increased risk of having something mild, such as muscular cramps, or [something more severe like a] life-threatening event [like] heatstroke.

    “Heat-related muscular cramps are characterized by the muscle contracting involuntarily, with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance being the likely culprit,” Sudimack explains. “If your core temperature exceeds 40 C (104 F), you’re at risk of heatstroke.

    Heatstroke symptoms

    • confusion
    • irritability
    • profuse sweating
    • increased heart rate
    • fatigue
    • nausea
    • vomiting

    6 tips to heat-proof your summer workout

    “It’s easy to over-tax your body when temperatures are high,” warns personal trainer Jack Craig. Thankfully, you can build your summer body without succumbing to summer heat.

    1. Start slow

    “Heat acclimation doesn’t happen all at once,” says Sudimack. He recommends slowly increasing the amount of time spent outdoors to help your body adapt to the heat. It can take 10 to 14 days to acclimate.

    2. Dress for the occasion

    “Most guys will take off their shirts to stay cool,” says Craig. “This puts you at risk for dangerous sun exposure.” To combat this, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and consider covering up.

    “It seems counterintuitive, but a thin, long-sleeved sun shirt can keep you cooler by providing evaporative cooling, and by keeping the sun off your skin,” Craig suggests.

    3. Shift your schedule

    The sun is at its strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. “Focus on exercising early in the morning or after the sun has set,” advised Sudimack. If those aren’t options, he suggests heading indoors to a gym.

    4. Increase your fluid intake

    “The most obvious tip is hydration,” says certified personal trainer Mark Bohannon. “Weigh yourself before and after exercise to know how much water weight you’ve lost, and then aim to drink a little more than you’ve lost.”

    5. Take extra breaks

    “Stop if you feel faint, have cramps, or if something doesn’t feel right,” warns Bohannon. “It’s not worth pushing through those barriers when it’s so hot. Save the high-intensity exercises for cooler days, and be sensible!”

    6. Cool down

    “Extend the cool-down period,” suggests physical therapist Lalitha McSorley. “A cool-down period allows your heart rate to return to its normal state. Stretching and light cardio can help you cool down.”

    Stay hydrated in the heat

    “Be proactive,” suggests Sudimack. “If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Drink water before, during, and after exercise.”

    “If your urine is darker than light yellow, you’re dehydrated,” warns Sudimack.

    Consider adding electrolytes if you sweat a lot or find yourself cramping.

    By Joshua Duvauchelle

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Reach out – don’t “man up”

    Reach out – don’t “man up”

    Reach out – don’t “man up”

    Why stress is different for men

    Men are no less immune than women from the effects of stress. But it’s the manifestations of that stress and how men deal with them that often differs dramatically. Here are some effective ways for men to manage that stress.

    What are the consequences of chronic stress?

    A certain amount of short-term stress can be a good thing: it boosts alertness and primes the brain for enhanced performance. Chronic stress, on the other hand, can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and anxiety, among other conditions. In men, high stress can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

    What are the expectations for men versus women?

    Society places different, if outdated, expectations on men and women as to how they should deal with stressful situations. Men commonly feel that not revealing emotion is a show of strength. “A lot of times guys will revert to this or think it’s taboo,” says professor and research chair John Oliffe. Traditional expectations of “manning up” can affect men’s abilities to deal with stress in meaningful ways.

    Often, the way things unfold can be summed up by what Oliffe refers to as the “three I’s.”

    1. Injury (a major life transition such as a breakup or job loss), with men feeling as though they should be able to push through it until it goes away
    2. Interiority, with men looking internally to deal with a major stressor rather than reaching out to others, possibly turning to substance use to blunt their emotions
    3. Isolation—social isolation, Oliffe notes, is the biggest predictor of male suicide: “If you’ve got an injury and look internally—you’re not dealing with it and you’re isolating to conceal the injury—there’s a great amount of shame in not being able to solve problems or even in just having problems.”

    What can men do to effectively deal with stress?

    Exercise

    Physical activity boosts the body’s production of endorphins, or feel-good neurotransmitters; it improves mood, focus, productivity, and sleep.

    Reach out

    Reaching out to a partner, friends, or other trusted people in your life is another way to manage stress. “Think about it as mutual help: a lot of times if you have a conversation with another guy, they’ll have things that affirm you in your experience. There’s a reciprocity there. We do better with people around us, especially good people.”

    Consider professional help

    Accessing professional help can go a long way in handling stress, and more men are accessing such services, Oliffe says. Speaking with someone who’s outside of their personal situation can help men debrief with a view to seeing things from another point of view, ultimately giving them back some control.

    Supplements for stress

    Remember, always check with your health care practitioner before trying a new supplement to make sure it’s right for you.

    • B-complex vitamins
    • L-theanine
    • Lemon balm
    • Magnesium
    • Ashwagandha

    By Joanne Peters

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Why we love Aura Bora Herbal Sparkling Water

    Why we love Aura Bora Herbal Sparkling Water

    When Aura Bora founders Paul and Madeleine Voge started experimenting with real herbs, flowers and fruits with their soda maker at home, they knew they were onto a great idea. After their friends and family were raving about their flavors, they decided to try to launch their business on Season 12 of Shark Tank! There were already a lot of sparkling waters out there, but Aura Bora had something special right from the beginning. 

    The constantly refreshing varieties include Lemongrass Coconut, Peppermint Watermelon, Cactus Rose, Lavender Cucumber, and Strawberry Basil, Ginger Meyer Lemon, and Grapefruit Elderflower. Each can of Aura Bora is crafted with carefully selected herbs, fruits, and sparkling water purified using reverse osmosis, resulting in a clean and crisp beverage that’s guilt-free and hydrating

    You also need to try “Dry Guys” Olive Oil Martini! Graza’s Extra Virgin Picual Olive Oil with Aura Bora’s yuzu and juniper-laced herbal sparkling water, the non-alcoholic Olive Oil Martini is unlike any flavor that the company has released in the past.

    One sip and you will realize why their slogan is “earthly tastes and heavenly feelings”! They can all be enjoyed on their own straight from the can, or as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails.. 

    We love Aura Bora as a company because they remain committed to using natural ingredients without any artificial additives or sweeteners. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar and artificial ingredients, Aura Bora offers a satisfying alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. All their flavors are made from real herbs, fruits and flowers. There’s no added sugar, sweeteners, citric acid or artificial ingredients. 0 Sodium, 0 Calories, and delicious natural flavors you’ll love.

    If that wasn’t enough, Aura Bora are part of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of their revenue each year towards environmental causes like wildlife relief, conservation, and ocean cleanup.

    Basil Bandwagon’s exclusive May offer, you can get all varieties of Aura Bora for just $1.49 per can! Stock up for the warm weather.

    Don’t forget to enter to win a super cool retro cooler at each of our locations! No purchase necessary. The raffle will be drawn on May 31st. From picnics in the park to cozy nights at home, Aura Bora sparkling water is the perfect companion for life’s everyday moments.

    Print Pin

    Mint Refresher

    Ingredients

    • 4 ounces watermelon juice
    • 1 1/2 ounces alcohol or non alcohol of your choice
    • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
    • 3 ounces Aura Bora Peppermint Watermelon
    • juice of one lime
    • ice
    • fruit of choice for garnish

    Instructions

    • In a cocktail tin add alcohol or non-alcohol option, watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup and ice. Shake and strain into your favorite glass. Add ice, top off with Peppermint Watermelon and add a fruit of your choice on top! 

    REFERENCES~

    https://aurabora.com/

    https://aurabora.com/blogs/recipes/mint-refresher

  • Your menopause journey

    Your menopause journey

    Your menopause journey

    Tips to help you navigate

    Somewhere in our fourth decade of life, our bodies start acting up—hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and irregular periods. Ditto for depression and mood swings, joint pain, bloating, memory issues, low libido, hair changes, and weight gain, particularly in the midsection.

    It’s a rollercoaster, and it starts with perimenopause around the age of 40 (or earlier) and it can last between six to eight years.

    Menopause is the one-day milestone women reach once they have gone without a period for a year (tracking makes sense!). After that, it’s all post-menopause. Many symptoms subside, but the risk of some chronic diseases can go up.

    Behind the scenes

    Estrogen and progesterone work together to orchestrate the menstrual cycle, and they start fluctuating during perimenopause. So does testosterone, which can cause depression and lower libido, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and insulin resistance during post-menopause.

    Estrogen keeps almost everything running smoothly in a woman’s body: menstrual cycles, glucose balance, brain and heart health, temperature control, immunity, bone and muscle health, pelvic floor health, and skin and hair, too. Low estrogen means hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and incontinence, among others. Too much of it leads to breast tenderness, bloating, and heavy periods.

    How our bodies change

    After 30, we lose approximately 3 to 5 percent of our muscle mass each decade, which is due to aging (so is fat tissue accumulation), but menopause can add to it due to dwindling estrogen levels.

    We also lose bone tissue (20 percent of bone loss happens during menopause), more so after 50.

    Both menopause and the aging process have impacts on metabolism. Postmenopausal women often have higher blood glucose and insulin levels, which can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease.

    Not exactly hot news, but it’s not all gloom and doom either. Science has answers!

    Eat better for a better journey

    • Consider following the Mediterranean diet
    • Get enough protein
    • Eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi
    • Consume calcium-rich foods
    • Don’t forget vitamin D

    Lifestyle matters, too

    The menopausal journey overlaps high stress times for many women: parenting, work demands, caring for aging parents, and/or dramatic life changes.

    Slash stress levels with yoga and meditation and prioritize sleep with good habits: early dinners, choosing books over screens, reducing alcohol, swapping out beverages for soothing herbal teas, and staying social.

    Two to three sessions of resistance exercise weekly may help prevent muscle loss and bone loss, improve body composition, and boost cognition.

    Supplements to consider

    Remember, always check with your health care practitioner to ensure a supplement is right for you.

    flaxseedssource of fiber, omega-3s, and lignans (help eliminate excess estrogen)
    probiotics and prebioticsmay help with gut imbalances, including bloating and gas
    omega-3 fatty acidsanti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, increase insulin sensitivity
    vitamin B12red blood cell and DNA production, cardio- and neuroprotective

    By Daniela Ginta, MSc, NNCP

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Support your immune system

    Support your immune system

    Support your immune system

    Sift through the hype and learn the truth

    Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, collective awareness of our immune system has increased. Once an invisible ally, our immunity is now the topic of Tiktok videos, news articles, and endless product recommendations. Sifting through the hype represents a monumental task.

    To boost or not to boost?

    Pandemic-driven Google searches focused on strengthening the immune response, but that may not be the best course for everyone. Indiscriminate immune boosting could be harmful in people with autoimmune disease, creating more damage than support to the body, overall.

    Research literacy 101

    If you’re going to use online resources, avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation can be overwhelming. Dr. Ellen Conte, ND, has a passion for teaching her patients to make informed decisions. “Be wary of statements that sound too good to be true,” she cautions. She guides people toward evidence-based resources like PubMed.gov as well as university and hospital websites.

    Supplements

    Understanding the specific immune influences of individual supplements can help you put reliable research into action. Always ask your health care practitioner if a supplement is right for you—especially if you are immune suppressed or have an autoimmune condition.

    Probiotics

    Beneficial strains of bacteria coat our bodies inside and out, creating a living shield to protect us from infection. Probiotic bacteria, both supplemental and naturally occurring, interact directly with our immune system, influencing its function.

    Elderberry

    Elderberry is an important traditional medicine, long used by the indigenous peoples of North America. Elderberry may boost the immune response by interacting with our dendritic cells—helper cells that spur other cells into action against invaders.

    Garlic

    In addition to banishing certain pointy-toothed figures of folklore, garlic is equally offensive to fungal and bacterial pathogens. Taking aged garlic extract may reduce the intensity and duration of colds while gently enhancing immune function.

    Turmeric

    Similar to probiotics, turmeric can dampen the inflammation that accompanies an immune response.

    Foods

    Include the following nutrients in your diet for ongoing immune benefits.

    Fats

    Avoid low-fat diets unless you have been otherwise instructed. Fat-containing foods help us to absorb key immune nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin D.

    Omega-3 fatty acids

    Polyunsaturated fats found in fish, chia seeds, flax, and omega-3 eggs can reduce inflammation and allow for balanced immune function.

    Mushrooms and seaweed

    These foods contain beta-glucans, soluble fibers that feed our gut flora and gently promote immune activity.

    Protein

    Amino acids such as arginine, glutamine, and tryptophan form the building blocks of cytokines and other immune factors.

    Vitamin C

    This well-known immune support cannot be made in the human body. Eat your fruits and veggies to stock up on this nutrient.

    Other nutrients

    Zinc, from pumpkin seeds; selenium from Brazil nuts; and B vitamins from grains, root veggies, and chickpeas support a wide range of immune functions.

    By Dr. Gillian Flower, ND

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • A quick guide to botanicals

    A quick guide to botanicals

    A quick guide to botanicals

    What they are and what to be aware of

    Botanicals are any part of a plant that can be used medicinally and are attractive due to their tendency to be safe, have minimal side effects, function holistically, and even act preventively.

    Nearly 26,000 plants have been documented globally to have therapeutic uses—a vast store of potential medicine! Our growing desire to treat health more holistically, combined with our ability to assess the evidence critically, bodes well for a future where botanicals are integral to our well-being.

    What’s new?

    Science continues to investigate medicinal plant uses, sometimes confirming anecdotal evidence, sometimes setting the record straight.

    Adaptogens—botanicals that help the body adjust to stress and maintain balance—are of particular interest since our burden of stress has been mounting. Holistic nutritionist and health coach Sheena Huculak has seen the public increasingly seeking this class of remedy: “One that stands out the most for me is ashwagandha and other adaptogens like rhodiola, holy basil, and mushrooms.”

    Proof meets promotion

    But the popularity of plant remedies sometimes has the science scrambling to keep pace with marketing. For example, if consumers perceive acai as having health benefits, a chocolate-coated version of it becomes an easy sell even though the research is lacking and the product may be more sugar than anything else.

    In good measure

    Once you’ve gone beyond the marketing and landed on a botanical that has the weight of science behind it, its efficacy is still going to depend a great deal on the dose and consistency with which you take it.

    Sprinklings of widely tolerated botanicals may be a fine thing, but for medicinal effect you will need a medicinal dose. So go ahead and enjoy the health properties of a turmeric latte, but don’t expect it to cure your arthritis.

    Playing it safe

    How much of a botanical you take and for how long also become questions of safety; just as too little can be ineffectual, too much can be risky.

    Huculak cautions, “It is important to know there can be negative interactions between some natural health products and medications.” Botanicals can pose a risk in scenarios such as pregnancy or surgery, too, so it’s well worth running it past a health care professional and heeding the product label.

    Quality control

    Plant material is extremely complex and chemically diverse, making the task of identifying and standardizing particular botanical constituents very challenging. In the case of a blended supplement, interactions between the ingredients also need to be considered.

    Upping the standard

    Seeing this gap in the potential quality and safety of their offerings, many botanical supplement companies choose to have their products tested and certified by an independent lab and display that certification on their labels. But the natural health industry recognizes this is still an imperfect system, and there are initiatives underway to integrate better quality and safety controls into the market as a whole.

    By Jackie Skrypnek

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Kick seasonal allergies to the curb

    Kick seasonal allergies to the curb

    Kick seasonal allergies to the curb

    Magnifying the immune response

    Seasonal allergies plague sufferers with aggravating symptoms, which can reduce productivity, incur expenses, and have a negative impact on health-related quality of life. Having seasonal allergies also increases the risk of developing related conditions, such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, and nasal polyps. Those with seasonal allergies may wonder, why me?

    Staying immune

    The immune system is overworked and underpaid. It’s constantly responsible for scanning the body for precancerous cells, sensing and fighting infection, and regulating inflammation. The immune system must also maintain tolerance to the body’s own cells and tissues, as well as to antigens from food and the environment.

    Immune tolerance is the prevention of an immune response against a certain antigen. This is important for maintaining overall balance in the body and preventing autoimmune and allergic reactions. But when it comes to seasonal allergies, tolerance to a normally harmless environmental antigen, such as grass or birch pollen, is lost.

    What’s in a name?

    Also known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, frequent sneezing, and itchy nose and eyes. Allergic rhinitis may result from both seasonal and perennial allergies.

    Seasonal allergens are airborne particles from the environment that, in those who are hypersensitive, trigger allergic rhinitis upon inhalation. Symptoms wax and wane with the season. Common seasonal allergens include pollen from grass, trees (including birch), ragweed, and mold.

    Perennial allergens are unrelated to the season and may cause allergic rhinitis in hypersensitive individuals all year long. Common perennial allergen sources include pet dander, house dust mites, and cockroaches.

    Treatment options

    If over-the-counter allergy medications just aren’t cutting it, consider asking for help. Allergists may offer skin prick testing and other forms of assessment. Treatment may include an intranasal, oral, or ocular antihistamine or corticosteroid, or a combination of both.

    Allergen immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) may be indicated for patients with persistent symptoms. This involves administering a small amount of allergen into the skin or under the tongue to stimulate an allergic response, with the goal of building tolerance over time.

    Acupuncturists and naturopaths can also provide individualized treatments for seasonal allergy sufferers.

    Lifestyle strategies

    • Wear a hat, glasses, and nasal filters when outdoors.
    • Shower upon return from work or a walk.
    • Irrigate nasal passageways via neti pot with distilled water and salt.
    • Keep windows closed.
    • Wash curtains, carpets, and bedding regularly.
    • Mop floors regularly.
    • Use HEPA air filters.
    • Eradicate mold.

    Supplements for seasonal allergies

    The following supplements may reduce symptom severity:

    • quercetin
    • green tea
    • propolis
    • bee pollen
    • probiotics
    • vitamin c

    Remember, always check with your health care practitioner before taking a new supplement.

    By Dr. Cassie Irwin, ND

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • How foods help us detoxify

    How foods help us detoxify

    How foods help us detoxify

    Nutrition for spring cleansing

    Have you ever tried to do a detox or cleanse that left you feeling weak and irritable? You might not have had your nutritional basics in place!

    Without sufficient key nutrients from foods, the body can’t fully recruit its own pathways of metabolic detoxification. When this happens, our detoxification organs—mainly the liver, kidneys, colon, and skin—can’t do their jobs to the best of their ability.

    Compared with doing a three-week crash diet, regularly eating foods rich in nutrients that naturally activate detoxification pathways is far more effective for keeping the body’s toxic burden low and overall well-being high.

    Biotransformation

    More commonly known as metabolic detoxification (or “detox”), biotransformation is the process of converting toxicants from the environment and from the body itself into compounds that can be safely mobilized and excreted from the body.

    A properly functioning detoxification system maintains a proper balance of hormones, metabolizes medications, and processes harmful substances from the environment to ensure overall health and well-being. An accumulation of toxins is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

    Nutrients for detoxification

    Since our regular food choices affect the activity of detoxification pathways to help with toxin biotransformation, they also affect the body’s sensitivity to toxic substances.

    • New research suggests that diets rich in phytonutrients (nutrients from plant-based foods) may offset toxicity from pollutants and reduce disease risks associated with environmental toxicity. Polyphenols are one type of phytonutrient and are particularly high in berries, cloves, cacao, nuts, and vegetables such as artichokes.
    • Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, have been shown to increase the activity of enzymes used in the detoxification process.
    • Glutathione is the master antioxidant of the liver. Vitamin B6, the minerals selenium and magnesium, and the amino acid cysteine are key building blocks for producing glutathione. For the richest sources of vitamin B6, opt for chickpeas, skipjack tuna, wild salmon, and chicken breast. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, legumes, and leafy greens provide ample magnesium. Cysteine is found in protein-rich animal meats such as pork chops, beef, and chicken breast.

    Sleep for detox support

    The glymphatic system provides the brain and central nervous system with a deep cleaning of metabolic waste. Impaired glymphatic function has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

    Since the glymphatic system is most effective during sleep, consider prioritizing sleep as a key pillar for supporting full-body detoxification. Resist binging on your favorite show and instead cultivate a calming bedtime routine to make sure you clock enough hours.

    Supplements for detox support

    Always ask your health care practitioner before trying a new supplement, to make sure it’s right for you. Likewise, always check with your health care practitioner before embarking on any cleanse or detox program.

    Here are a few supplements that may help support our bodies’ natural detoxification systems.

    • n-acetylcysteine
    • probiotics
    • fiber
    • spirulina
    • milk thistle
    • turmeric
    • ginger
    • whey protein

    By Dr. Cassie Irwin, ND

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine