How Old Fashioned Recipe Use For Preventing Allergies And Chemical Sensitivities

Allergies and chemical sensitivities are symptoms of a weakened immune system. An overgrowth of Candida in the body can be a harbinger of immune dysfunction causing all kinds of illnesses and allergies to food, pollen and sensitivity to various chemicals. Antibiotics, sugar, and refined carbohydrates help create and perpetuate this problem. Candida lives in balance with beneficial bacteria in the colon. The large intestine is vital for absorbing nutrients and eliminating toxins, and one of its key contributions is the ability to break down the food we eat. It is the immune system's first line of defense. Food is broken down in the large intestine with the help of enzymes, yeasts and beneficial bacteria that live there; they help keep the colon healthy. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but they also kill good bacteria in the colon. This results in less bacteria creating an imbalance, allowing Candida (yeast) to dominate. Candida continues to become imbalanced when there is too much sugar in the diet, whether it comes from refined sugar or high-glycemic carbohydrates like fruit, carrots, or bread. My theory is that the Candida overgrowth in the colon begins to interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients, resulting in less than optimal organ and immune system function. In addition, a poorly functioning colon is unable to eliminate toxins and also snowballs into compromise. Adding beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and fiber to the diet is very helpful. Cultured foods such as kefir, cultured vegetables and beverages are very effective in delivering beneficial bacteria to the colon intact. Getting good bacteria from cultured food not only replenishes the colon, but the fermentation/cultivation process improves the nutrition in the food and pre-digests it, providing super nutrition, which is very helpful especially in gut healing. Cutting out sugar and high glycemic carbohydrates is essential and will help starve the Candida. (A note on sugar: One way doctors can identify cancer cells is by the amount of glucose the cell consumes. Cancer cells also apparently require more sugar!) Chemical sensitivities also develop when the immune system does not function properly. Examples include severe reactions to fragrances, petrochemicals, pollution, treated fabrics and preservatives, along with many other chemicals in our environment. Air purifiers that have a filter made of carbon from coconut shells and zeolite can provide dramatic relief and create a less reactive place in the home. Eliminating household chemical cleaners, pesticides, lawn care chemicals, and body care products and replacing them with healthier alternatives is very helpful and easy to do. However, remember that with proper nutrition, the body can heal itself, resist disease and repel toxins much more easily. Medicines and air purifiers can provide relief, but they won't solve the problem. Restoring the body's immune system can produce lasting results. Health Creation Recipe: Focus on creating health. Start with a colon. Add fiber to your diet, avoid processed foods, sugar and carbohydrates with a high glycemic index. Don't use artificial sugar... use stevia instead. Stevia is a herbal supplement that is very sweet, works well as a sugar substitute and actually promotes health. Drink lots of water, plain clean water. Water is so effective in removing toxins from the body, cleaning the sinuses and flushing away cellular waste. It is also a great energy booster. Other liquids will not replace water. One cup of coffee results in the need for more water, as caffeine is a diuretic and reduces water reserves in the body. Hunger pangs may actually be the body's need for water. Water helps remove body fat and supports muscle tissue. For an extra boost during allergy season, 8 to 10 glasses of water each day will help reduce sinus inflammation, prevent headaches, and thin mucus. Eat lots of cultured vegetables, kefir and drink probiotic liquids every day to promote colon health, rebalance yeast overgrowth and support the immune system. (Candida can live in the sinuses along with other parts of the body and interfere with growth.) Eliminate soy (can suppress thyroid function) and cook with coconut oil. Coconut oil and full fat coconut milk is anti-parasitic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It supports the thyroid gland, fights Candida and strengthens the immune system. Daily intake of cod liver oil, which does not contain soy or synthetic additives, helps support certain hormones in the body that are a factor in controlling allergic reactions. Try to eat only organic food. Fats, like butter, contain vitamin A, which is very useful for the respiratory system. Nutrition to heal the body...it just makes sense.