Managing Allergies with the help of Food

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Written by Staff Reporter

Thursday, 18 March 2010

Last weekend I presented at the Mind Body Spirit show in Cork about dealing with allergies through diet. This weekend I spoke at the Mind Body and Spirit show in Dublin about the important role of food in overall health. The message at both was similar – what you eat on a daily basis can have a huge affect on many aspects of your health.

In terms of managing allergies, diet can play a key part in this. Allergies come about as a result of the body's misguided response to an allergen, eg dust, pollen or peanuts. For those with full blown allergies who suffer anaphylactic shock or severe attacks, medication is essential. However for the more common allergies such as hay fever and eczema, or for those who suffer from intolerances such as itchy skin, runny nose or digestive disturbances, food can alleviate symptoms.

There is a common thread that runs through most common allergies and that is the body's inflammatory response to the allergen, ie the body produces as inflamed state to protect itself against the perceived threat. Increasing the number of anti-inflammatory foods you consume may help to regulate this response. Spices and foods such as garlic, onions, ginger, and turmeric, fruits such as blueberries and avocado, and Omega 3 fats such as those found in linseed and oily fish are described as anti-inflammatory and can calm down the body's inflammatory response. Adding these foods in your daily diet will help.

Salmon with Mexican Salsa

2 medium salmon fillets
1 garlic clove
1 avocado
Juice of 1 lime
4 ripe tomatoes
1 small red onion, finely chopped
4 tbsp chopped coriander
1 can of red kidney beans
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Preheat grill to hot
Season salmon fillets with a little salt and pepper.
Mix the garlic, finely chopped avocado and tomatoes, lime juice, red onion, fresh coriander and red kidney beans in a bowl and mix. Add a little freshly ground pepper.
Place on salmon under hot grill for 5 minutes each side. They are done when you press the flesh and it comes away easily.

Place salsa on plate and top with grilled salmon. Serve on with some whole wheat pasta or brown rice.

To find out about my 4 week cookery course that will change your eating habits forever, check the 'What's Coming Up' Section of www.foodforliving.ie

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