Joyfull Living – May 2018

If you suffer from allergies, the thought of breathing is challenging as the sneezing and itchy eyes, and scratchy throat… make you feel miserable. Some of us with pulmonary issues can experience more severe manifestations, like asthma.

Here are a few helpful suggestions inspired by Ayerveda, which is the yogic approach to supporting well-being in mind, body and spirit:

  • Drink more fluids than usual. It is important to stay hydrated to help flush out toxins. Copper water two times a day is great! (See last month’s article).
  • Stress plays a big part in creating inflammation in your body and can intensify the symptoms of allergies. You can lower your stress levels and improve lung function by practicing yogic breathing techniques found in my program, “Yoga on the GO.” It can rejuvenate and cleanse lungs of impurities and allergens. Yoga in general is a great way to lower stress in your body and mind.
  • Neti Pot: or a nasal rinse cup, is a must-have accessory for anyone with seasonal allergies. It helps remove the congestion as well as the allergens that are irritating the nasal passages and sinuses. I do it almost every day! Put a dime-size amount of sea salt with a little baking soda in warm water.
  • Therapeutic Himalayan Salt Air Inhaler: This can be an alternative to the Neti pot or used together. I have been using this easy, drug-free inhaler and I love it! When you inhale through the mouthpiece, the passing moisture absorbs micron particles of this incredible pure, bio energetic and mineral-laden Himalayan Pink Salt that penetrates and cleanses the entire respiratory system, including sinuses, nasal cavities, throat and lungs. This salt air bath flushes impurities such as allergy and asthma triggers, smoke particulates and others. It’s great for symptoms of Allergies, Shortness of Breath, Hay fever, Cold, Flu, Bronchitis, Sinus Conditions and other Respiratory Symptoms caused by mold, fungus, smoke and pollution in the air. Both are available at Pico’s—20% off this month!

Foods that can help:

  • Increase antioxidant-rich foods and drinks, such as leafy greens, berries and green tea, which help counteract free radicals.
  • Pineapples. The active ingredient in pineapple is bromelin, which helps cleanse your lungs at a cellular level—it helps to increase elasticity of the tissues so you can breathe deeper and take in more oxygen.
  • Garlic! Try it crushed in olive oil or add it to your meals. The powerful active ingredient in garlic is allicin. This compound acts by dissolving toxic mucous, kills bacteria and helps you breathe normally.
  • Apples. One apple a day helps improve lung function while detoxifying your lungs at the cellular level. Apples contain a high amount of ascorbic acid and magnesium.
  • Spices and herbs that support and rejuvenate the respiratory system are ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper as well as Ayurvedic herbs like tulsi, pippali, licorice, and Triphala (a traditional Ayurvedic formula that combines three medicinal fruits). All of these have good all-around detoxifying effects on the body.
  • Local bee pollen: Just taking one-half to a full teaspoon once a day. This is a very effective way to prevent seasonal allergies by immunizing yourself against local airborne pollens. I have an allergy to bees so this is not a good option for me.
  • Local honey which is a delightful way to ease my allergy symptoms especially itchy eyes.
  • Start the day with a cup of hot water with lemon followed by a cup of copper water to flush toxins.
  • Drink a cup of green tea every day, preferably 1 hour after a meal. It contains powerful antioxidants, called catechins, which help fight toxins. Grapes, berries, red wine and dark chocolate also have potent antioxidants (and more calories).

Finally get plenty of rest. Sleep is when the body heals and restores. Look for my upcoming coaching series : Sweet Sleep for A Sweet Life at www.Foundation4yourLIFE.com.

Take time to breathe gently in gratitude. Live lovingly in joy. Namaste.