An increased knowledge of health conditions that cause intestinal inflammation such as Coeliac, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis has made many of us more aware of our body’s tolerance to food and drink. Allergies are also spoken of more frequently than in the past. While severe allergies can be life threatening and require specialist interventions such as prescription medication, intolerances can cause pain and discomfort in a variety of ways. Hives, bloating, sickness and nausea are just some of the symptoms of a food intolerance and can be unpleasant and inconvenient for those suffering.
If you have an intolerance or signs of inflammation, there are things you can do to help yourself. These four tips will help you regain control of your body.
Increase Your Intake of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
We are all aware of the importance of a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruit and vegetables are central to this, as they naturally fight inflammation. Locally grown and organic options are better to avoid the likelihood of your food being treated with chemicals that can cause inflammation in the body. Always thoroughly wash produce before eating. Soaking fresh fruit and vegetables in alkaline water before ingestion can be beneficial if you find these foods regularly aggravate your digestive system.
Keep a Food Diary
If you are regularly showing symptoms of inflammation or food intolerance, keeping a food diary is a great way of looking out for triggers and patterns. Writing down everything you eat or drink and any symptoms you have enables you to see if certain foods are causing your bodily discomfort. A food diary is also a useful tool to take to any medical appointments you have as you can share your findings with a healthcare professional. They can then use the information you provide to make a diagnosis or prescribe any necessary treatment. A food diary doesn’t need to be fancy – a simple notebook will do.
Histamine Blockers
Histamines are natural bodily chemicals which aim to rid your body of infections; however, in people with allergies, they can react aggressively towards something harmless such as pollen, dust or certain food types. In these cases, histamine blockers can be taken to stop histamine binding with receptors. These are highly effective, lowering histamine levels and increasing tolerance to foods that may otherwise cause pain or discomfort. Dietary supplements made specifically for histamine intolerance can help you feel better and allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods. Pills such as this histamine blocker support a healthy histamine response within the body and can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of those who take it.
Drink Fresh Water
Toxins within the body can cause inflammation and one of the simplest ways of flushing these out of your system is through staying hydrated. Make a point of drinking plenty of fresh water (aiming for at least two litres each day) to reduce inflammation, bloating and pressure on your joints. Not only will you feel relief from pain, but you will also find yourself energized as your body no longer has to work as hard to rid itself of toxins and waste. This simple way to reduce inflammation will also leave skin clearer, plumper and healthier.
Taking care of your body is vital if you want to reduce the likelihood of illness or disease. A holistic approach is best, so as well as eating healthily, be sure to exercise regularly – muscle movement also reduces inflammation.
This is a collaborative post supporting our Peace In Peace Out initiative.