 First-Person Stories
June 29, 2009
I often turn to Dr. Andrew Weil for guidance related to health issues. I like his balanced views that blend science and faith, body and mind. His approach seems to respect my reason as well as intuition.
As environmental toxins escalate, more people are susceptible to asthma and allergy related problems. Food we consume can help or worsen these conditions. Consider the following diet suggestions by Dr. Weil:
- Decrease protein to 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Replace animal protein as much as possible with plant protein.
- Eliminate milk and milk products, substituting other calcium sources.
- Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
- Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids (such as deep-fried foods).
- Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.
- Always drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory tract secretions more fluid.
- Experiment with eliminating (one at a time) wheat, corn, soy and sugar for six to eight weeks to see if the frequency of attacks (or symptoms) improves.
June 22, 2009
I like to walk around my beautiful neighborhood for fresh air and physical movement. Others prefer jogging. But for those of us who have allergy problems, consequences of being outdoors are the same. So whether you walk or jog, here are some helpful tips to minimize exposure and symptoms:
- Run between 5 and 9 a.m. Allergens are at their lowest level during this time frame.
- Choose the route with the least amount of trees.
- Slow your pace and try to breathe in through your nose.
- Upon arriving home after the run, shower and wash your hair right away.
- If these tips don't help, you can always opt to jog on the treadmill, especially on high-pollen days.
June 15, 2009
As you have learned by now, asthma is somewhat mysterious in nature and difficult to treat, afflicting both adults and kids. The well-known and respected medical doctor, Andrew Weil, recommends the following natural remedy to reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms:
For acute asthma attacks, I recommend lobelia, or Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflate). Mix three parts tincture of lobelia with one part tincture of capsicum (red pepper or cayenne pepper). Take 20 drops of the mixture in water at the start of an asthmatic attack. Repeat every 30 minutes for a total of three or four doses.
For long-term treatment of asthma, increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory effects.
June 8, 2009
You probably knew your kitchen sponge is loaded with millions of germs. Alright, but do you know the best way to clean and kill all those nasty germs?
I learned that the best way to decontaminate a sponge is quite simple. Follow these steps:
- Rinse the sponge.
- Wring the sponge.
- Microwave the sponge for 30 to 60 seconds.
That's it! Oh, another excellent way to disinfect your sponge is to simply throw it into your dishwasher whenever it's in use.
June 1, 2009
It's ironic how flowers and plants can trigger allergic reactions and yet some of them are very effective in treating those very allergic symptoms. Here is one I was not aware of before: Eyebright
So what is it and how is it helpful?
This delicate flower has astringent and anti-inflammatory compounds that ease irritation caused by allergies, hay fever, and colds. But while it's been used for centuries to help "allergy eyes" (how it got its name!), it actually soothes inflamed mucous membranes throughout the body, including bronchial and nasal passages. And it works its healing magic fast, adds New York homeopathic physician Lauri Grossman, D.C., who says symptoms often disappear in minutes.
Look for eyebright capsules at grocery and drugstores, and follow package directions; or pour several drops of the tincture, sold at health-food stores, into a glass of water and drink for even quicker relief.
Source: Woman's World
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