Wednesday 8 May 2013

Weathering Allergies Naturally


What are allergies anyway?


The word “allergy” means different things to different people. Allergies can be the reason you dread spring (what’s fresh air to others is your nightmare); why your digestive symptoms are a huge source of stress; or why skin reactions bring you down. Some people’s allergic reactions can be life threatening (anaphylactic). 

All are a symptom of an imbalance in immune function and too much inflammation.

An allergy, by definition, involves the immune system behaving in an abnormal way. When functioning optimally, our immune systems can correctly identify potentially harmful particles we eat, drink, touch, and inhale in the run of a day. Sometimes our systems lose that ability and start mounting unnecessary attacks against otherwise harmless molecules. The attack often involves the release of histamine and an inflammatory cascade follows. Various triggers combine to set the stage in motion - low nutrient intake, high intake of nutrient depleting and inflammatory foods, stress, genetics, environment, etc. can all be pieces of the allergy puzzle. So what can we do?


Identify Triggers and Avoid if Possible


If your allergy is anaphylactic it has to be avoided when all possible. Typically, anaphylactic allergies are easier to identify because the reaction is so immediate and severe. Other allergies, such as delayed food allergies, can be less obvious and may require elimination diets or further testing. Environmental allergies can also be challenging identify correctly. The Pear Tree docs use a variety of methods to identify allergies.


Quench Allergies thru Nutrition

Certain foods have been shown to ease allergy symptoms. Here are some foods with anti-allergenic properties: 
  • Omega 3 rich foods such as flax oil, walnuts, sardines, spirulina, salmon, cod, and mackerel have significant anti-inflammatory and immune balancing effects. 
  • Vitamin C and quercetin act to stabilize cells that release histamine. Foods such as apples, lemons, onions, parsley, turmeric, and thyme are rich in these nutrients. 
  • As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin E rich foods, such as dark leafy vegetables, egg yolks, and flaxoil can be helpful 
  • Raw foods rich in enzymes help breakdown inflammatory molecules. Including a wide variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet, especially papaya and pineapple, will ensure this benefit. 


A is for Allergies Smoothie

1 ripe Avocado
3 Apples - washed well, ideally organic, skin on
1 thumb sized piece ginger
1/2-1 lemon juiced
1 tablespoon flaxoil
4 cups greens
4 cups water

Blend in high powered blender until smooth. Makes 2 large servings.

A Comprehensive Approach

Depending on the severity of your allergy reactions, supplements may be necessary. Supplements that include therapeutic doses of the nutrients mentioned above (Vitamin C, quercetin, omega 3, and Vitamin E may be helpful).

It is always helpful to attempt to address the cause - and with allergies, inflammation and immune imbalance are probable. Improving liver function can help reduce toxic burden and inflammation in the body. A change of season cleanse may be ideal for you.

Immune support can help reduce allergy symptoms. Herbal remedies such as astragulus, burdock root, nettles, and various mushrooms all provide immune benefits.

Digestive function plays an important role in managing allergies. Balanced gut flora is essential and probiotics and/or fermented foods can help.

Naturopathic medicine offers a range of solutions to seasonal and year-round allergy sufferers. Homeopathy, herbal medicine, detoxification support, and acupuncture can all effective in preventing and relieving allergy symptoms. 

Addressing your allergies naturally offers benefits that extend far beyond allergy season and, over time, can rebalance the immune system and eliminate allergies all together!

Visit Dr. Blake today for a naturopathic approach to your allergies.

Seven Days of Green Smoothies - Day 7

The Pear Tree Clinic releases a newsletter once a month. We are currently working on our May edition, set to be published later this week, all about allergies. It is with that theme in mind that I made the final smoothie post.

Quercetin is a flavonoid (plant chemical) that has been shown to have antihistamine-like properties. This is a winner for anyone suffering from allergies. This smoothie is apple based to increase the quercetin content.

Vitamin C has also been shown to help stabilize histamine secreting cells. As well as having a positive effect on the immune system, vitamin c is an anti-allergy power house. Lemon juice provides vitamin C in this recipe.

Omega 3 are anti-inflammatory and provide amazing benefits in the prevention and treatment of allergies. Flaxoil (cold-pressed, unheated) is added for the omega 3 benefits.

Avocado is added for the wonderful texture it adds and also for the potent antioxidant benefits of vitamin E.

Then there's the greens. Really it's no surprise that they reduce allergies - they do everything! High in vitamin K, E, and loaded with enzymes, they really are a superfood you want to include daily, during allergy season and otherwise.

A is for Allergies Smoothie

1 ripe Avocado
3 Apples - washed well, ideally organic, skin on
1 thumb sized piece ginger
1/2-1 lemon juiced
1 tablespoon flaxoil
4 cups greens
4 cups water

Blend in high powered blender until smooth. Makes 2 large servings.

Seven Days of Green Smoothies - DAYS 5 & 6



My family and I were away for the weekend - and traveling tends to throw a wrench in my smoothie plans. I thought about packing the blender...but decided on a pre-made powder for the two days we would be away. I am a big fan of real food, but sometimes convenience becomes a necessity and, luckily, there are some very decent options for getting greens in your diet in an easy, blender-free way.

Recently I've become very attached to Vega products. They have a great line of vegan protein options and newer products that also have greens. Vega One is what I used while on the road, however Genuine Health has Greens+ products that are also good. Even simple spirulina powder would work.

The Vega powders mix easily - basically all you need is a shaker cup and a liquid. I recommend 8-12 oz. per scoop of powder. Audrey's favourite combination is almond milk and the french vanilla powder.  Natural works well in diluted fruit juice (1/2 water, 1/2 pineapple is a nice combo).

More information on the Vega products can be found at myvega.com

When doing your best to eat well, it's nice to know there are options on those busy days.

Thursday 2 May 2013

Seven Days of Green Smoothies - DAY 4

The Green Smoothie That's Actually Green Smoothie



They say we eat with our eyes first and, in all honesty, although green at heart, the last few smoothies turn out more brown than green. This one though, has a very grown-up taste and beautiful green colour.

2 kiwi (peeled)
4 small apples (cored, skin on if organic)
1 lemon juiced
4 cups kale
1 or more tablespoons chopped ginger
2 cups water

Place all ingredients in high power blender, adding more water if necessary, and blend until smooth. Serves 2-3.




Wednesday 1 May 2013

Greens Pack a Punch Smoothie - DAY 3





Greens Pack a Punch Smoothie

Arugula is a full flavoured green - and does well with other strong herbs, like mint! If you're not a big arugula fan or are new to green smoothies, swap the arugula for spinach. If that's the case, you may also want to swap the mint for a milder herb like parsley, but either way is tasty! The first time I made this with arugula, I had to add a splash of maple syrup for Audrey, but now she likes the arugula flavour just fine.




1 cup fresh herb (mint, parsley)
1 cucumber
1 avocado
4 cups greens (arugula, spinach)
1 cup frozen blueberries
1-2 cups of water

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, adding more water for desired consistency. Sweeten as needed with a splash of maple syrup. Enjoy cold.