We are quickly approaching the end of the sugar/flu season which means allergy season is knocking on our door. Now is a great time to start thinking about what you can do so that allergy season doesn’t turn into sinus infection season.
First, we all need to look around and maybe admit that we might have partaken in a few more sugary treats and a few more comfort foods than we would like to think. Remember, what we put in our bodies directly affects our body’s immune system and seasonal allergies are an immune response to the environment. Do you find yourself craving sugar? After a meal do you feel a constant need to have something sweet? It’s okay if you do, but this is a sure sign that we need to do better so that our immune system can handle some seasonal irritants without irritating us.
Second, it is time to refocus on our diet. We recommend a paleo type lifestyle that includes eating mostly meats and non-starchy veggies and eliminating sugar, dairy and grains. Eliminating sugar and dairy helps reduce mucous production and when you eliminate grains too it allows our gut and liver to heal. We have talked before about the role of inflammatory foods on our bodies (mainly the immune system) but we haven’t talked too much about the role of the liver.
The liver is the largest organ in the body. It plays a role in our vascular system, lymph system and metabolic system. It is kind of a big deal. In fact, early on in physiology we are taught if we don’t know what organ does something assume it is the liver and you will be right 80% of the time. Glucose (sugar), fat and proteins in the body are all influenced by the liver (Hall, 2011). So, when we constantly consume excess sugar we inflame our bodies by inflaming the liver.
Okay, I’m done kicking the dead glucose horse. Here are some helpful tips:
- Eat 4-5 servings of non-starchy veggies per day.
- Reduce sugar and dairy or eliminate all together.
- If you are sensitive to wheat products try eliminating all grains.
- Supplement your healthy diet with D-Hist, Stinging Nettles, Vitamin C, Omega 3s, probiotics and N-Acetyl Cysteine. (N-Acetyl Cysteine is proven to break up mucous (Gaby, 2017).
If you need some help getting started we are happy to help. If you would like information about supplements, recipes or even a detox program schedule an appointment and let’s work together to make this allergy season less of a booger.
Dr. Jeric Toney, D.C.