Why are Food Allergies on the Rise?

Nobody wants to go through life unable to eat certain foods. But unfortunately, that’s just the case for millions of people. And the number is rising, too. Since the end of World War II, we’ve seen a rapid rise in the number of people that are living with food allergies. So why are food allergies on the rise? It all comes down to what we’re eating. We tend to accept the common foods, but it’s always good practice to question what we’re putting into our bodies — and that’s especially true if those foods will cause us to develop food allergies.

Modern Diet Issues

The modern diet is considered normal for our times, but for most of human history, it would be viewed as pretty unusual. Sure, the food can be tasty, but if it’s going to cause you to develop issues, then it’s probably worth avoiding! The modern diet is overly rich and nutritionally imbalanced. If a person has a diet that’s dependent on animal fats, especially items such as cheese and cold dairy products (such as milk), then they’ll be more likely to have high blood fat and cholesterol levels. Strong sweets and tropical fruits also pose a threat because the sugars found in both can rapidly increase blood sugar, especially among those who have a high fat diet.

Sedentary Lifestyles

It’s not only the food that is responsible for the rise in food allergies. Our lifestyles play a role, too. We’re all sitting down more — and moving less — than we need. Additionally, a decrease in contact with nature plus an increase in unnecessary medical treatments and therapies are also culprits. These all can cause many problems, including those related to food allergies. That’s because allergies affect the immune system, and that system can’t be at its best if a person isn’t moving. The heart pumps your blood around your body; your immune system works differently. It depends on movement to get going. Elevating your immune system through exercise doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours at the gym; it can be things as simple as gardening, walking, and carrying things.

What Issues Do Allergies Cause?

The allergies that a person has is just step one of the process. It’s the effect that the allergy has on the body that’s the issue. Allergies are caused by a chronic imbalance in our blood, which can lead to more serious problems overtime. And when that happens, the immune system has to work overtime to filter and rebalance the blood. Since the allergies have caused the immune system to become overloaded, the result is a whole host of unwanted side effects, including a running nose, sinus infections, migraines, and general weakness.

How You Can Treat Allergies

So we’ve established that an imbalance in diet and lifestyle causes allergies. So, if you want to treat allergies, then it’s a good idea to look at improving your diet, activity, and lifestyle practices. There are some foods that are better than others. If you can eat a variety whole grains, sweet tasting and leafy vegetables, then you’ll be on the right track. Sea vegetables can also help, and they can also be really tasty! It’s a good idea to avoid dairy, meats, fried foods, and strong sweets. 

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