We all want to feel good in our bodies, but let’s face it, we also want to look good. How we connect with our appearance is part of how we feel, right? Well, one of the questions I get asked by my private clients is, “How can I get rid of this puffiness around my eyes/on my face/insert a trouble spot of my own?” Of course, there are tons of products on the market that tell us what to put IN these trouble spots, but you know I’m going to tell you that what you put IN your body is where it all starts.
Before we look at what can help reduce swelling, let’s take just two
seconds to service what can CAUSE it: excess sugar and caffeine. Yew
you use, you don’t really use either and you still find yourself with bags around
your eyes: First, really double check the contents of your food. Sugar is cunning. It’s
he likes to hide under other names and disguises. Second, check with your own
doctor or specialist to help you understand what is happening to you
specifically.
Now let’s look at four foods that will help fight inflammation for good!
1. Broccoli – It is excellent for reducing eye inflammation. this great green
Vegetables contain twice as much vitamin C as an orange and almost the same amount of calcium
like a glass of whole milk. It’s best bought (and used!) with bright green buds and
firm stems. **Additional Tip** Steamed al dente is the best way to do it. raw is
hard to digest If you cook it any other way, you’ll lose all of those great nutrients.
2. Grapes – when it comes to reducing inflammation, we’re really talking
over the juice portion of the grape, but DO NOT store packaged grape juice. grapes
they contain vitamin A, complex B and C and relieve any swelling in the throat, mouth,
gums and eyes. (The grapes finish ripening once they are picked, so choose a
bunch when buying!)
3. Hemp oil – let me say right off the bat this is not marijuana being
spoken here. Hemp oil is loaded with our Omega 3 friends (more than just flax)
but it also has what is called GLA’s (gamma-linolenic acid) that stimulate growth
of healthy hair, skin and reduce inflammation. Use in salads, baked root
vegetables and as a dressing. **Additional Tip**Do not use it for cooking and
you don’t get the benefits if you take it in capsule form.
4. Job’s tears – Sounds like a magic potion, right? it’s actually a
whole grain! Before shelling it, it has a black and resistant case that earned him the great
Name. Once hulled, it is more like barley. You may have even had it once.
and I thought you were just eating a simple barley soup. This grain is wonderful for
cool down any inflammation and can also be very helpful for those who suffer from
arthritis.