Do Food Help?

Our bodies encounter many conditions brought about by the foods that we eat. Some of these are caused by the conditions in our environment. Plants, particularly during the change of seasons may also bring about allergies, such as hay fever, which may come with sneezing, runny nose, tearing eyes and slight headaches, particularly upon arising in the mornings.

Some plants may cause allergies such as skin rashes, or may even aggravate sinus problems. Dust too can cause allergies similar to those we have already mentioned above. What aggravates these dust allergies mainly in the house are the dust mite, which thrive very well in fine house dust. Mould found in houses may also aggravate allergies such as headaches, fatigue, eczema, puffy runny eyes and even chest problems.

Some foods may cause allergies in our bodies and yet we may not be aware of this. Some people ignorantly eat these foods and may not be aware that these foods are the cause of their ailments. Foods such as red meat, dairy products, fish and wheat may trigger allergies immediately or over a period of hours. These allergies may manifest in swelling, runny nose and eyes, dizziness, fine rash or eczema which may cause lots of itching and result in very dry, hard and bleeding skin.

Some of these foods may cause stomach pains, sometimes resulting in runny stomach.

Quite often the cause of these allergies may be caused by the intolerance of lactose found in dairy products or the intolerance of protein in meat. Although some people may be allergic to lactose, chances are they may not be allergic to plain natural yoghurt due to the live cultures it contains. These live cultures are beneficial bacteria, which are probiotics, known for helping in the digestion of food and in fighting illness.

Digesting protein or lactose may be very difficult for some people leading to breakouts, bloating of the stomach and therefore resulting in dry, dull skin.

Foods that may help certain conditions

“This is the great conversation in our life: to recognize and believe that the many unexpected events are not just disturbing interruptions of our projects, but the way in which God moulds our hearts and prepares us”. – Henri Nouwen

By Phumlile Shongwe

http://www.observer.org.sz/weekend/main.php?id=37195&section=gumbaweek