Can Food Heal Spring Allergies?

Posted by Jill McLaughlin on May 16, 2010

As we inhale allergens, they accumulate in our bodies, are seen as the foreign substances that they are, are thus attacked by immune cells, and eventually an immune reaction is triggered. Antibodies are produced, which generate histamines and other chemicals to fight the battle. Histamines cause the blood vessels and tissues in your nasal passages and sinuses to swell, become inflamed, and produce excess mucus. While many experience this assault from the chest up, others have a whole-body reaction, including joint pain and stiffness and general malaise. As the body huffs and puffs to exterminate these unwelcome visitors, severe fatigue can set in.

Good Real Food

Posted by Jill McLaughlin on Sep 09, 2008

It’s difficult for me to not get on my soapbox about how far we’ve gotten away from real food and what real food tastes like; but that sort of pontificating can turn people off. It’s also difficult for me to understand why this food isn’t available to everyone. Too many people in this country live in rural areas where, if you don’t grow your own food, or have friends or family who do, you’re forced to support the commodity food system, a system of often over-produced, over-processed, prematurely harvested, less than tasteful and nutritious food. And we wonder why we have a healthcare crisis in this country.

Local Tomatoes are Best!

Posted by Jill McLaughlin on Aug 08, 2008

No one can argue that the luscious tomatoes available in the summer months, from your local farmer (or your backyard), are worlds apart from what you find in the produce aisle. The colors are surprisingly gorgeous, ranging from chartreuse, pink, purple, brown, and even striped. Heirloom or no, there’s no comparing these summertime beauties to commercial crops, which are harvested green to withstand the journey and then hard-ripened with ethylene gas.

Arugula: The Green Rocket

Posted by Jill McLaughlin on Jun 06, 2008

I’m often asked what the best way is to shake up the green regime without adding heaviness to a salad. While it’s true that various nuts, seeds, and fruit will add fresh flavor and essential nutrients, my first recommendation is always arugula! Variety is the spice of life, after all, and what better way to add spark and punch to your salads than to incorporate this naturally spicy, sharp, tangy green?