Almost half the population of the Western world is sensitized to one or more environmental allergens. So many folks I meet have some form of allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity.  Many people find Spring a very challenging time with sneezing and sinusitis; they may also have sore throats and coughs caused by pollen, molds, and dust. 

I have noticed an increased number of people becoming more sensitive to a variety of foods, which may lead to digestive issues.

Allergies at a glance  

• Allergies are caused by the immune system attacking something from outside the body, e.g., a particular food.
• Autoimmune disease is the result of the immune system attacking the body itself.
• Inherited allergies are called atopy.
• Type 1 allergy (IgE) is a classic food allergy evoking an immediate response.
• Food intolerance/sensitivity, or Type II (IgG), does not typically involve an immune reaction but has a delayed response.                                                               

In my opinion, cleaning up one's diet, eating healthy foods, and taking good whole food supplements can really make a difference.  My husband's seasonal allergies flair up at times, and one of my girls is sensitive to gluten.  These are a few things that we do that may help you too:  

1. Support the Immune system. We goal to eat unprocessed wholefoods with fresh vegetables and fruit, grains like quinoa, wild rice and buckwheat. We love beans, unadulterated, cold-pressed oils, especially coconut oil.
2. We make sure that we eat the good fats; these include the essential fatty acids in nuts, seeds, olives and avocado. Remember the good fats convert into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, which can help to control inflammatory responses.  
3. We include plenty of anti-allergy nutrients in our diet. Vitamin C and quercetin have wonderful antihistamine effects. The best sources are: citrus, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, red onion and tea.
4. Fermented foods such as coconut milk Kefir is one of our favorite additions to our morning smoothies and over our fresh fruit salads.  
5. Identify the allergen and avoid it.
6. Exercise daily.  
7. We eat raw, local honey. 

Quick One Pot Quinoa Meal 

2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled 

1 bunch kale, remove stems, blanched for one minute or raw (if raw, massage with 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar) 

1 cup red kidney beans

1/2 cup black beans

3 Tbsp red onion

1/2 red pepper, diced 

1/2 yellow pepper, diced             

1 mango, diced

1 cup peas

1 avocado, diced

1/3 cucumber, diced 

Toss all ingredients together and dress with fresh lemon, 2-3 snipped basil leaves, garlic and herb salt or veggie salt. Serves 5.