Ask the EN Experts: Diet & Seasonal Allergies; Benefits of Lime
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the bees are buzzing…yes, it is summer time…everyone is busy, trying to fit in as much summer fun as possible. Vacations, ball games, concerts, picnics, long walks, renovation projects…you name it…someone out there is trying to squeeze ALL OF IT into their summer schedule. A pretty consistent benefit of this higher level of activity is that it often leads to increased physical movement. For me, hitting my goal number of steps or activity level tends to be closer in my grasp in the summer than any other time during the year. This has an obvious benefit in the journey to increase physical activity…and because it’s often taking place during activities that we enjoy, we might not even realize that we are doing more.What can we take from this?
I’d love to say that I enjoy my winter-time outdoor activities as much as those in the spring and summer but that would be a lie. Instead, I’d like to personally focus my energy and enthusiasm on a couple of tasks or games or hobbies that I can carry throughout the entire year that give me a physical outlet and the associated benefits without feeling so tedious. For me, it could be something as simple as listening to my favorite music while walking my dog. What about you? What summer activity can you tweak and enjoy year-long?
Q: Can diet affect allergies?
A: Diet has powerful effects on inflammation. Some dietary patterns are pro-inflammatory while others have more anti-inflammatory effects. Western-style diets, (higher in red meat, high-fat dairy products, refined grains, and simple carbohydrates) have been associated with higher levels of inflammation in numerous studies while Mediterranean-style diets (high in fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and associated with moderate alcohol and olive oil intake and lower intake of butter) have been associated with reduced inflammation. Specific nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and numerous phytochemicals, are also associated with lower inflammation levels.
Addressing the causes of inflammation and learning how to live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can lead you to a state of freedom from allergies that you never thought possible. These anti-inflammatory diet suggestions are key to an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, allergy control, and a state of vitality. In addition to poor diet, the other most common lifestyle-related causes of inflammation are lack of exercise, lack of adequate sleep, and stress. The more you can get regular physical activity, a good night’s sleep, and relaxation, the less inflammatory conditions like allergies will bother you. Don’t underestimate the power of these basic natural therapies when it comes to your allergies.
Q: Are there any specific benefits of limes?
A: Despite similarities between limes and lemons, there are a few unique benefits of limes that you should know:
Limes can help fight against harmful parasites and bacteria. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that clarified lime juice can prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Another study discovered that lime juice can enhance parasite clearance in uncomplicated malaria.
Limes may relieve pain associated
with sickle cell anemia. In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 58 children with sickle cell anemia were treated with lime during a six-month period and were compared to 55 children who were not given the treatment. Patients who received the lime treatment reported lower rates of recurring bone pain, bouts of fever, and hospital admission rates.
They can help keep your arteries healthy. jury is still out on limes’ effect on the arteries of humans, but a recent study found that lime juice and peel increased the plasma antioxidant capacity in rabbits, thus preventing or slowing down atherogenesis. The study also concluded that lime peel was more effective than lime juice.
—Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN (adapted from www.universityhealthnews.com)
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