Nutrition with Irene

Take a Deep Breath, Keep Calm associated allergies and 16% reduced risk in asthma when compared to those with the lowest levels of folic acid. Black beans and lentils provide and Carry on Cooking! the highest dietary levels of folic acid, with dark green vegetables (chard, spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli) a very close of the many animals heading into a long hibernation, getting away from as far as Mother Nature is concerned. In Autumn, Earth energy begins the weather outside, our natural environment and our innate ability to prevention of disease, discord and disharmony! in the World with almost one in ten people suffering from this chronic condition. We are also rank high for lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Throw into the mix bronchitis, pneumonia, chest infections and seasonal allergies and it becomes very apparent that our lungs are besieged in the best of times and in desperate need of help! the linings of the intestines, nose, the airways and lungs, offering strength and support to their integrity and also an important nutrient to eye health. Supporting these organs now, will offer greater resistance to the bugs and viruses typically associated with this time of year – tummy bugs, flus, colds and chest ailments, and more than likely, the Coronavirus too. Flavours associated with Autumn are pungent - bay leaves, capers, caraway seeds, cardamom, chives, cinnamon, cloves, cumquats, dill, fennel, leek, oregano, nutmeg, rosemary, thyme, turmeric, watercress, wheat germ, cabbage, turnip, ginger, horseradish, pepper, onions, garlic and chillies. These foods have a drying effect, complementing the season and helping to reduce dampness in the body which is a precursor to most respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Of course, it is not a surprise that these flavours also pair well with the foods of the season and prepares us for the heartier cooking of the Winter months. Hearty beans, seeds and nuts added to slow-cooked meals provide omega 3, magnesium and B vitamins. Omega 3 (in oily fish, nuts and seeds) is wellknown for its anti-inflammatory properties and renowned for joint and heart health. It also helps to reduce allergy mechanisms which trigger asthma and improves linings of the eyes, respiratory tract and the digestive tract. second. Other great foods for the lungs, and indeed the eyes and large Irene Ní Fhlannúra intestine include all dark green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and dark-skinned fruits – all of which make a perfect meal for Autumn days! Foods such as milk, eggs and salt are generally off the menu for those with lung health issues. Milk and egg allergies are common triggers among asthma sufferers. Salt encourages fluid retention which can make breathing more difficult. Use a little sea salt in cooking if needed but avoid adding salt to meals at the table as well as restricting salty foods and processed foods. There has been no let up this week on the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and shown excellent benefits to lung and respiratory health and is probably the with rising numbers and new restrictions, we are surely in for a long Winter best route for salt for those with respiratory disorders. Breathing techniques of discontent. It is understandable to feel powerless as NPHET and the such as Buteyko improve the outcome of many respiratory diseases and Government decide our fate and equally, it is fair enough to be envious warrant inclusion in the overall management of lung disease. it all! On a brighter note, we have been blessed with dramatic sunsets, To escape for a moment, put these Autumn foods on your shopping list. clear night skies and plethora of activity in Nature that reminds us of who A good recipe book or online resources will provide plenty ideas to get really is in charge. them onto your plate. Aim for two or three varieties every day! Breathe Despite all ups and downs lately, the Seasons remain fairly consistent away from the news and a little closer to Mother Nature! its journey downwards, shifting from the high of Summer to the low of Irene Ní Fhlannúra, Nutritional Therapist at Ré Nua Natural Health, Dingle 086 Winter. In between, we really experience two seasons, Late Summer and 1662562 - Website: www.renuanaturalhealth.com Autumn, but our modern calendars say otherwise. With each of the five • In-person or online consultations, food intolerance testing seasons, different organ systems are nourished through the food in season, and Body Composition analysis, strictly by appointment. go with the flow. It is widely accepted in Traditional Chinese medicine • Autumn/Winter FITFOOD (8-week Weight Loss Programme) and Ayurvedic medicine that to truly attune with the seasons is the best Available NOW Earth energy moves along in a cyclical manner throughout the year and as it flows through us during Autumn it nourishes and tonifies our Lungs. FITFOOD 8-weekWeight Nutrition,Lifestyle Lo and ss Sea Pro sonal gramme Wellness Coronavirus has put the spotlight on the lungs and respiratory tract, so A U T U M N A N D W I N T E R listen up because you will not hear this on the nine o’clock news! Right now is the best time to give those airbags some TLC, they work hard, taking up to 25,000 breaths a day! Even before Covid 19, for many Irish people lung health has been a struggle. We have the 4th highest prevalence of Asthma Life isLife isLife is Good!Good!Good! The foods in season during Autumn nourish the Lungs and their related What's Included? 48-page FITFOOD book, Weekly weigh-ins with Weekly goals, Support, Seasonal Health Tips, Meal Plan & Body Composition Recipes Scan, organs - the eyes and large intestine. Betacarotene-rich foods such as carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin are at their best now. The orange pigment €199 All Included Irene Ní Fhlannúra, Nutritional Therapist, Ré Nua Na Book your slot! 066 9151360/086 tural 166 Health 2562 , Dingle of these vegetables is due to betacarotene, a flavonoid most beneficial to www.renuanaturalhealth.com Interestingly, salt therapy (breath work) and saline rinsing of the nose have in the aroma of the slow-cooking spices and herbs and let yourself drift Magnesium is particularly beneficial to lungs as it helps to dilate airways Nigel Collins, Dingle Harbour Master, presenting a cheque for €1000 to and relax the muscles around the bronchi thus reducing spasms associated Ursula O’Connell of Kerry Hospice Foundation- West Kerry. Nigel took with Asthma. Researchers found a significant association between people part in the 10km Galley Head swim last August -(he actually swim 11km!) with higher blood levels of folic acid and a 30% reduced risk in inflammatory - in aid of a number of charities including West Kerry Hospice, who are markers, a 40% reduced risk in wheezing, a 31% reduced risk of having very grateful for this very generous donation.

8 West Kerry Live