It is a brand new year and many people see these next 12 months as a clean slate. 12 months to make better habits, 12 months to accomplish resolutions and goals, 12 months to be healthier.
We begin the year with the best of intentions, but more often than not, we fall off the bandwagon and succumb to our old habits and practices. When it comes to setting goals, here’s our advice: think simple. Even the smallest of actions, when done consistently, can lead up to one big change!
At Advanced Allergy Solutions, we want to help you make 2015 your healthiest year yet. We have come up with a few simple suggestions for you to try this year. Not only will these tips benefit your overall health, but they may help reduce your allergies as well.
1. Lower your sugar intake
Refined and processed sugar has an overall negative effect on the body. It causes blood sugar to spike (which then leads to the dreaded “crash” afterwards), creates inflammation in the body and weakens the immune system.
Sugar comes in many different forms and tends to be well-hidden in packaged or processed food items. Here is an infographic to help you identify sugar in its many disguises.
If you have a sweet tooth, there are a few natural ways to ease your desire for the sweet substance.
• Eat 1-2 servings of fresh fruit each day (apples, bananas, pears, berries)
• Add more sweet, root vegetables to your diet. Sweet potatoes, yams, carrots and beets are all great ones to try.
• Have a small piece of high-quality dark chocolate if you absolutely need something on the sweeter side.
2. Drink more water
Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, increased cravings and sluggish bowel movements. When we feel hungry, a lot of the time we’re actually just thirsty.
By drinking more water throughout the day, we naturally cleanse and detoxify our body, reduce cravings and feel more refreshed and awake. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces each day.
3. A Treatment at Advanced Allergy Solutions
If you suffer from allergies, come in for an Initial Allergy Appointment at AAS. The stress during the holidays and the over-indulgence in sugar and alcohol leads to a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system makes you more susceptible to allergic reactions. Some common symptoms we treat are congestion, runny noses, rashes, fatigue and digestive discomfort.
What are some goals you have set for the New Year? What are the new habits you would like to commit to?
From everyone at Advanced Allergy Solutions, we wish you a happy, healthy and wonderful 2015!