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Allergen Awareness: BEWARE OF HOLIDAY ALLERGIES
Think you have a cold? Before you reach high levels of mold that hitched a ride on The same rules go for other natural holiday
for your favorite cure, reexamine your your Christmas tree. decorations like wreaths.
symptoms. You may not have a cold, but If you can’t live without a live tree, reduce Traditional decorations for the holidays are
you are experiencing an allergic reaction the spore population by: unboxed once a year. When not in use, they
to the holiday decorations brightening up are often stored in dusty or humid attics
your life. Cleaning the tree. Before bringing the and basements, gathering dust and mold. If
tree inside, shake the tree or use an air
Researchers have found that a live tree compressor to remove loose debris. Rinse it’s possible, open them up outside. Bring
brings about six times as many mold spores the tree with water or a vegetable cleaner them in after you’ve cleaned them.
into a home than normally live there.
(Be sure it is thoroughly dry before you Take these steps to make sure your year
Some people are allergic to terpene, a bring it inside.). ends on a healthy note. Don’t let allergens
substance in tree sap. It’s released when Clearing the air. Set up an air purifi er near ruin your holidays.
branches or trunks are cut. Of course, the tree to catch all the allergens before Source:
people who have asthma and allergies they reach your nose. https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/
develop this “Christmas Tree Syndrome.” christmas-trees-and-decorations-may-trigger-
However, anyone can su er from asthma Picking a non-allergenic tree. Few people allergies/
attacks, coughing, sneezing, watery, itchy, are allergic to fi r, spruce, and cypress trees, https://www.uclahealth.org/news/do-you-
sore eyes, or wheezing that come from the so set presents under one of these. have-a-christmas-tree-allergy
MIC S & MAC S:
PAIRING NUTRIENTS FOR A HEALTHY BODY AND MIND
We're all trying to consume a nutrient-rich diet sunlight. So, spending time outdoors and rich foods like garlic, onion, and broccoli to
for a healthy mind and body. Getting the most eating calcium-rich foods like milk and eggs is support digestion, advance cell growth, and
vitamins and minerals from your food requires important for maintaining bone health. improve the immune system.
pairing up specific nutrients. The correct Combining vitamin K-rich foods like Improve your energy levels and prevent a
combination increases nutrient absorption, kale and healthy fats such as olive oil can post-meal slump by pairing carbohydrates
leading to various health benefi ts. improve blood flow. Leafy green vegetables with protein. Carbohydrates, found in foods
Let’s learn about some nutrient pairings: like spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli such as whole wheat bread, rice cakes, and
contain vitamin K. Pairing them with foods oatmeal, serve as a source of energy. Protein
Pairing vitamin C with plant-based iron
boosts low iron levels. For instance, an bursting with healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts, can be derived from nuts like peanut butter,
orange paired with spinach accomplishes this. or fish, enhances vitamin K absorption. Eating tofu, and animal-based products like chicken
Yummy fruits like berries, lemons, mangoes, these foods helps keep our blood flowing and beef. You can create nutritious and
and oranges contain vitamin C. It strengthens smoothly. energizing snacks and meals by incorporating
our nerves and immune system while also Support a healthy immune system by both nutrients.
promoting healthy skin. Iron provides energy pairing vitamin A with a healthy fat. Vitamin Remember, eating a variety of nutrient-rich
and supports our immune system. Vitamin C A is plentiful in carrots, sweet potatoes, and foods is important for our health. Pairing
helps our bodies absorb plant-based iron. Eat tomatoes. And, when consumed with foods certain nutrients together can maximize their
foods rich in vitamin C and plant-based iron to rich in healthy fats like salmon, avocado, or benefits and help our bodies stay strong and fit.
boost low iron. olive oil, vitamin A can strengthen the immune Source:
system, fighting o bacteria and keeping the
Keeping your bones healthy requires https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/
pairing calcium and vitamin D. Calcium- body healthy. food-pairing-nutrient-absorption
rich foods like milk, green leafy vegetables, Help the body to use zinc more e ciently https://www.foodsmart.com/blog/5-power-food-
eggs, and sesame seeds combined with vitamin by pairing it with sulfur-rich foods. Foods pairings-that-boost-nutrition
D strengthen bones. The most accessible abundant in zinc, like tofu, pumpkin seeds, and
and natural source of vitamin D comes from Greek yogurt, can be combined with sulfur-