For dog parents wondering if “an apple a day keeps the vet away” is true for their canine companions, the answer is: well, yeah actually kind of. However, while apples are safe and beneficial for dogs when fed properly, they are not a magic shield against medical visits. But incorporating apple slices into a dog’s diet as a treat can offer several health perks that contribute to overall wellness.
Nutritional Benefits
Apples are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants like quercetin — an antioxidant with natural antihistamine properties that may help reduce allergy symptoms such as itching and inflammation. The fiber, particularly in the peel, aids digestion and supports healthy weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. This fiber content also acts as a prebiotic, nurturing beneficial gut bacteria that further enhance digestive health.
Role in Oral Hygiene
Besides internal health benefits, apples can have positive effects on oral hygiene. Chewing apple slices helps mechanically clean teeth by scraping away food particles and plaque buildup. Apples contain malic acid, which is linked with fresher breath and cleaner teeth. Nonetheless, apples should never replace regular dental care like tooth brushing or professional cleanings.
Despite these benefits of apples for dogs’ health, they are best given in moderation since they contain natural sugars (about 19 grams per whole apple) that can lead to weight gain or digestive upset if overfed. Small slices or chunks as occasional treats are ideal, keeping in mind that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. Always remove the core and seeds. And always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog.
Conclusion
In summary, although an apple a day is not a guaranteed way to avoid vet visits, apples for dogs’ health can be a good low-calorie treat choice that complements a balanced diet and supports aspects of canine health, including digestion, dental hygiene, and allergy management. As with any new food addition, it’s important to introduce apples gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions. When incorporated thoughtfully, apples can be a tasty and nutritious part of a dog’s lifestyle, contributing to vitality and happiness.
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It’s officially allergy season. And rather than resorting to over-the-counter drugs that induce drowsiness, I have the very best tips for natural allergy solutions.
There are many things to consider when we truly want to strengthen our immune systems. Whether we believe we are sensitive to certain things or not, there are key things we want to keep to a minimum in our diet as well as know which supplements to take, and the lifestyle practices that will help with allergies.
Foods To Avoid During Allergy Season (And Maybe Always)
Wheat and Other Glutenous Grains
These will stress and strain the digestive system and are associated with leaky gut. If we are sensitive (which most of us are) and consume it, gluten may increase our sensitivity to other things like pollen causing hay fever.
Genetically, most of us don’t have the lactase enzyme required to properly digest the lactose in milk and other dairy products. Like gluten, dairy products can be very difficult on the digestive tract, potentially triggering the immune system to react. Dairy is also acid-forming in the body, and as such, creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Additionally, dairy can make us really mucousy, adding to the congestion common with seasonal allergies.
Natural allergy solutions For Allergy Season: herbs and supplements
Short of moving to the arctic for the seasonal thaw, there are loads of natural allergy solutions and remedies you can add in at this time of the year. These are recommended by clinical nutritionist (and my husband) Josh Gitalis.
Quercetin
This is one of the best natural antihistamines. It works by stabilizing the membrane of histamine-releasing cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. (Up to six 500mg capsules a day may be needed.)
Helps strengthen adrenal function, which is intimately involved in the immune response.
Lifestyle Practices For Symptomatic Relief
If you’re struggling with seasonal allergies, these lifestyle tips can help.
Neti Pot
Using warm salt water in a neti pot allows you to flush your nasal passages, clearing out the sinuses. It also works to prevent sinus infections.
The Salt Pipe
I love this one! You breathe in through the pipe, inhaling the minerals and naturally cleansing the air through a sea salt filter. This helps cleanse the lungs, open the airways, and can also be a great relief for wheezing, asthmatic responses and may even help you avoid steroidal puffers.
Yoga
Get yourself upside down! Inversion poses like shoulder stand, headstand, plow, or even bending over while standing will help drain the nasal passages and cleanse the lungs. Start for just 1–2 minutes to avoid too much pressure on your head if you’re heavily congested.
Steam Inhalation
Another great way to drain the sinuses and relax the lungs is through steam. Boil some water in a pot and then drop some food-grade essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, and/or myrtle. Put your head over the pot (cautiously so you don’t burn yourself), cover with a towel, and breathe in the goodness. I also have great recipes for how to make your own herbal steams in my course Everyday Herbal.
Air Purifier with a HEPA Filter
Using a HEPA filter is an amazing way to remove spores and pollen from the air. Ideally, you would have one for the whole house, but short of that, keep one in your bedroom with the doors closed while you sleep.
Skin Brushing
I do this all year round because I love it so much. Dry skin brushing helps to improve circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and helps to support overall immune system function.
Foods To Eat Lots Of During Allergy Season
Now we get to the fun and delicious part. I love great food all year long, but come this time of year, I pay extra attention to high, high, high doses of some potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich powerhouses. My favourite way to take all these natural allergy solutions is via the blender, either in a smoothie or an elixir, as they make a delicious, refreshing drink.
Ginger is another anti-inflammatory food that also promotes the production of digestive juices to better help us process what we eat, and increase circulation through our body. Also, ginger stimulates the part of the immune system that produces antibodies, thereby amping up the body’s natural defences against foreign invaders.
Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties and is a powerful antioxidant, helping to strengthen the immune system. Honey has been shown, through homeopathic applications, to help eliminate pollen allergies by taking small doses (about 1 tsp, 2 times/day) to reduce allergies, similar to how an allergy shot might work. The key is to consume honey from your area, where the pollen you are breathing might affect you.
These foods all have a potent mucilaginous property, a sliminess that helps clear excess mucous from the lungs, and at the same time, support the health of the lining of the intestinal tract – a key to reducing environmental and food sensitivities.
If you’d like to use most of these delicious foods that reduce allergy symptoms in one go, I’ve got a fantastic chilled elixir for you. Experiment with the amounts of herbs and spices to your taste, then sip up and enjoy.
New technology provides non-prescription, non-addictive, mess-free alternative to relieve congestion and runny nose
Press Release –
May 26, 2022
COLUMBIA, S.C., May 26, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– SinuSonic, a brand of Healthy Humming, LLC, is pleased to announce the presentation of the results from their study on “Double-blind, sham-controlled trial of a novel device for the treatment of viral upper respiratory tract infection.” This study was discussed during an oral podium presentation at the American Rhinological Society Spring meeting in Dallas, Texas, on April 28-29, 2022. This study showed, with the highest level of evidence, a randomized sham-controlled study that regular use of the active SinuSonic device improved nasal congestion.
The prospective study was conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2020-2021. Administration of acoustic vibration and oscillating expiratory positive pressure with SinuSonic has been shown in a prior study to improve nasal congestion and air flow. These interventions are hypothesized to release nasal nitric oxide, a molecule with known antiviral properties. The current study investigated the use of this device to prevent viral upper respiratory infections (URI) and reduce the severity and duration of rhinologic symptoms.
Asymptomatic community-dwelling adults were randomized to receive an active or a sham device (3:1). Subjects used the assigned device twice daily beginning at the start of the fall URI season. A validated metric of viral URI symptoms, Total Symptoms Score (TSS), was assessed each day for 8 weeks.
Topline outcomes:
Those using the active device had 70% more days with no nasal congestion (57.2% vs 33.5%, p= 0.033)
A statistically significant difference in nasal congestion score was seen between the active and sham groups (0.503 vs. 0.843, p = 0.036)
No subject in either the active or sham group developed symptoms meeting the study definition of a viral URI, likely due to viral precautions during the pandemic.
No major adverse events were detected, with 97.5% of subjects reporting zero pain or discomfort at the study conclusion.
ABOUT NASAL CONGESTION
Chronic nasal congestion impacts roughly 20% of the population and is associated with reduced quality of life, difficulty sleeping, reduced daytime performance, and increased healthcare utilization. It has been estimated that the financial impact of chronic nasal congestion is more than $5 – 10 billion annually. A survey conducted by Allergies in Americas found that despite the availability of pharmacologic options, many patients are not satisfied with available options.
Founded in Columbia, South Carolina, and born through the research and partnerships of Richard K. Bogan, M.D., and David J. Lewis, SinuSonic is the first-ever multi-patented (5) nasal congestion relief device to use acoustic vibrations to help provide nasal congestion relief. SinuSonic is designed in the U.S. with parts molded in the U.S. and assembled in an FDA-registered facility in Columbia, South Carolina. Since launching in July 2019, SinuSonic is being used in all 50 states. For more information and to view instructional videos, visit www.sinusonic.com.
