7 Ways to Stay Healthy and Allergy-Free this Spring

April 2013

Greetings

I hope your spring is off to a fantastic start. I’ve been completely in awe over the yellow, white and purple wildflowers exploding all over this paradise we call Malibu. Spring is such a precious time of year.

Next Monday, April 22nd marks Earth Day. While we sometimes get caught up in our busy lives and forget all the gifts of Mother Earth, Earth Day is a designated time to celebrate and renew our commitment to being as eco-friendly and earth conscious as possible.

In celebration of Earth Day, I’m introducing my new fave, up and coming eco-friendly designer Carrie Parry.  With elegant fabrics, bold prints and beautifully fitting clothes you’ll never even notice this designer is both environmentally and socially responsible.

Also in this issue of Malibu Acupuncture & Herbs Online is 7 Ways to Stay Healthy and Allergy-free this Spring. These past few weeks I’ve seen a lot of colds and allergies going around. The change in weather, winds, and high pollen counts are all challenging for the immune system.  Look here for tips that will help keep you feeling great all spring long.   

Enjoy!

With Love,

Malibu Acupuncture & Herbs

News

Congradulations to all the Liver Cleansers!

Some of you have lost a few of those extra pounds, while others have noticed increased energy, improved digestion, radiant skin, better sleep, and more clarity. I’m so proud of you! If you still want to do the spring liver cleanse, it’s not too late!  Call or stop by the office.

Acupuncture News

Great News for Migraine Sufferers

A recent study shows that acupuncture offers better results for the treatment of migraines than drugs. Out of 100 participants, the group that received acupuncture reported less pain intensity  than the group that took 600mg of Valproic acid per day. In addition, the acupuncture group required less of Rizatriptan for acute migraine attacks. 

Special Points

Spring Colds and Allergies:
7 Ways to Stay Healthy and Allergy-Free this Spring 

The change in weather from winter to spring is a major stressor on the immune system.  Add that to winds and high pollen counts, and you have the perfect recipe for colds, allergies, or even both!

I say skip the whole thing. Be proactive and stay healthy! Follow these recommendations and you’ll have the best shot at enjoying spring symptom-free. 

1. Say NO to white-colored foods  Sugar, flour, dairy, you name it. These foods are mucous forming (read: allergy-friendly). Sugar directly suppresses the immune system, and there has been some research to show that white flour and dairy do the same. Try hemp or almond milk, whole grain flours or even gluten-free flours. Buy organic baked goods whenever possible that use cane sugar or other sweeteners. When using sweeteners at home, substitute sugar for local raw honey, stevia or xyltiol. 

2.  Cover your neck  It’s hot.. it’s cold.. it’s windy… it’s rainy. Spring weather is all over the place. Temperature changes and windy weather reak havoc on the immune system. Don’t get caught empty handed. Bring an extra layer or a scarf with you when you go out, and make sure your neck is protected.

3. Get Acupuncture… Now  Why waste time not feeling well? Acupuncture is an effective treatment for allergies and a recent study now proves it.  Allergies can be treated preventatively, or acutely. For long-term relief of allergies, seasonal treatments are required.

No allergies? If you’re feeling stressed, rundown or vulnerable to colds, it’s the perfect time to kick up your immune system  Acupuncture moves lymph in the body, and helps increase white blood cells and T fighter cells. Colds can be shortened in duration, lessened in intensity or warded off completely.

4. Neti-pot  Originally an Ayruvedic method for maintaing optimal health, the neti-pot is widely used as an effective method to keeping sinus passages open and clear.  Depending on the individual, recommendations for neti-potting can be once a week to every day or so.  Neti-pots are sold at most health food stores. Make sure to use filtered, not tap water.  It can be a little tricky to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a piece of cake.  For a how-to video, click here.

5. Bring a Hepa-Filter into your Life  Outside allergens aren’t the only ones to blame for allergy symtoms. Many allergy sufferers are allergic to dust, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores or pollen found inside the home. HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles and greatly reduce the majority of airborne paricles in your indoor environment. Make sure to keep yours on when at home, and especially at night while you sleep.

6. Take immune-boosting herbs and vitamins  Be proactive. There’s numerous herbs and vitamins that have been proven to protect and support the immune system.  A basic kit includes vitamins A, C and D, Zinc, and anti-virial, anti-bacterial herbs like Reishi, Astragalus and Cordyceps. Quality does matter so talk to your acupuncturist about which brands are most effective.

7. Stress Less  Really. Take it down a notch. Whatever is stressful in your life is not worth impacting your health. More and more studies show that stress causes inflammation in the body, and make the body more vulnerable to illness. Take some me- time, get a massage, take a walk by the ocean, just chill. 

Recommendations

Carrie Parry
Eco-friendly Designs

Carrie Parry rocks! Beautiful fabrics, bold prints and great fitting clothes.. who could ask more? Eco-friendly and socially responsible too? Sign me up!

Seen in top fashion magazines like Elle, Lucky, Marie Claire, and Ecouterre, Carrie Parry takes eco-friendly fashion to a whole new level.  

Carrie Parry is made in New York, uses environmentally friendly materials and practices, and supports artisinal communities worldwide. The designer does all this without any compromise for fashion, style or wearability. 

But don’t just take my word for it, check it out here.

Recipe of the Month

Quinoa Tabouleh

Tabouleh is one of my favorites in spring. It’s refreshing, light and so delicious! Typical tabouleh uses bulgur as the grain. Quinoa adds protein and flavor, perfect for those who are gluten-free or simply wanting a healthy alternative.  Try this as a side salad with your usual meditarranean favorites or even on it’s own as a lunch on-the-go.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked Quinoa
1/2 cup parsley, chopped fine
1/4 cup coriander, chopped
1/4 cup mint leaves
2 medium tomatoes, diced
Juice of 2 lemons
4 T olive oil
Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Mix ingredients together.  Check for seasoning and adjust as needed.

Enjoy!