The joys of spring: the rejuvenating warmth of the sun, balmy breezes with fresh blooms spreading their aroma. To some people these joys are welcomed but to many they signal one thing: seasonal allergies are here! Itchy eyes, stuffy nose, heat rash and incessant sneezing are more what spring may signal for allergy sufferers. So why is it that our bodies exhibit these uncomfortable symptoms during what should be springtime bliss? Let’s find out!
The world’s environmental conditions have declined and with it the quality of its ability to support the vitality of life. The pace at which we are expected to live our lives is harsh on our own bodily system. The increasing commonality of lifestyle conditions (such as seasonal allergies) in the world’s population is indicative of this.
The human body is a complex system that works to ensure all parts of the system are balanced and working in synergy. The immune system is vital to this overall system. Its work is to build up healthy defense in white blood cells, restore balance and feed organs the correct cellular information to ensure the body is optimally functional and efficient.
Our immune systems are exposed to excessive stimulants in the form of constant visual stimulation, air and noise pollution. Stressful schedules consume the time needed for important healing bodily practices such as sleep and daily movement. What happens when the immune system is compromised?
Immunity and Inflammation
The immune system identifies excessive stress or strain on the body (be it physical, mental or emotional) as an unwanted invader. It’s response to invaders? Histamine. Histamine is a chemical released by white blood cells to remove or eliminate any irritant on the skin or inside the body that is causing harm.
Histamine dilates the path of blood flow for white blood cells to travel quickly to the allergen and eliminate it. The tickle you get just before a sneeze, burning sensations in the eyes, skin rashes and difficulty breathing are all the work of histamines to remove an ‘invader’ from the body’s organs.
Histamines work in our digestive tract to trigger an allergic reaction to a certain food so that you do not consume that food again. If you have a sensitive digestive system, foods that naturally contain high-histamine levels often cause a similar reaction when they are consumed even if you are not technically allergic to them.
Excessive histamine can cause inflammation. When it does it is directly indicative of the fact that there is an excess of something harmful within the body already. Many genetic allergies are a sign that the DNA of the internal environmental is so inflamed already that something with even the slightest inflammatory chemical make-up (such as a peanut) cannot be accommodated and must be removed to maintain homeostasis.
Even the slightest trigger of inflammatory response may display in an exaggerated and potentially life-threatening way due to an existing inflammatory condition i.e. like adding fuel to a fire.
Food and Inflammation
Food is the information we feed our brain. The brain is the primary signaling source to all internal functions especially the immune system. In the same way that food can be harmful to the body it can be healing. Let’s explore a few plant-based foods that are plant-based and naturally anti-inflammatory*.
Chia seeds contain antioxidants that help to boost the immune system. Antioxidants also help to protect the body’s cells and tissue that may be susceptible to free radical damage.
MAY ASSIST WITH:
Regularity
Reducing high blood pressure
Reducing high blood sugar levels
Reducing inflammation
CONTAIN:
Fibre
Magnesium
A variety of B Vitamins
Antioxidants
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
2. Flax Seeds
Flax Seeds are a great source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids (which assist brain functionality) and fibre (which assists with regularity).
MAY ASSIST WITH:
Regularity
Heart health
Balancing blood sugar levels
Brain functionality
Immune boosting
CONTAIN:
Fibre
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Plant protein
3. Moringa Powder
During flu season (and especially during a virus pandemic), our white blood cells work extra hard to make sure that our immune systems are working well. Vitamin C, contained in Moringa powder, helps to boost the production of white blood cells in your body to help protect your body from viruses and other pathogens.
MAY ASSIST WITH:
Weight management
Treatment of infections
Reducing inflammation
Immune boosting
CONTAINS:
Minerals and vitamins
Antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory properties
Polyphenols
4. Turmeric Powder
Curcumin, the active component found in turmeric, assists in activating cells in the body that assist to fight off pathogens, viruses and bacteria that enter the body. Turmeric also assists with pain caused by inflammation in the body.
MAY ASSIST WITH:
Immune boosting
Improving heart health
Arthritic pain relief
Reducing inflammation
Fighting off infections
CONTAINS:
Minerals and vitamins
Antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory properties
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper provides a kick of flavour to a variety of savoury dishes. Cayenne pepper also provides lifestyle benefits for the body’s circulation, joints and metabolism.
MAY ASSIST WITH:
Boosting the metabolism
Reducing high blood pressure
Relieving joint and muscle pain
Lowering cholesterol
Immune boosting
CONTAINS:
Capsaicin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Antioxidants
6. Ginger Powder
Ginger powder is indeed a super food when it comes to assisting with your body’s overall wellness. Plant chemicals and antioxidant properties contained in the ginger root assist with immune support and in remedying various ailments.
MAY ASSIST WITH:
Menstrual pain relief
Reducing inflammation (arthritis, osteoporosis)
Immune boosting
Respiratory infections
Digestion and gut health
Relieving nausea
CONTAINS:
Antioxidants
Gingerol (chemical compound)
7. Stametta Tea
Stametta Tea is a blend of natural, herbal supplements which assist with providing the body with the support it needs for optimal functionality and to assist in fighting off infections.
MAY ASSIST WITH:
Immune boosting
Prostate health
Stress relief
Hay fever
Reducing inflammation
Reducing high blood pressure
Relieving digestive discomfort
CONTAINS:
Spearmint
Sutherlandia
Stinging nettle
An unbalanced lifestyle and poor eating habits do not yield a happy body. We must practice healthy habits daily that build up instead of breakdown to create a balanced system. Practice daily movement, fuel with fibre-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and learn to slow down and smell the roses – without the fear of a sneezing fit!
Enjoy an inflammation-free Spring this year the plant-based, BodiCafé way!
*Disclaimer: BodiCafé does not claim to be qualified to recommend any of our products for any diet, lifestyle disease, or ailment. However, we would advise that you first consult with a medical professional and dietician before implementing any supplements or lifestyle changes. As each body is unique so will your reaction to these foods be. Best wishes and Best of health!
