We all want to feel good in our bodies, but let’s face it, we want to look good too. The way we connect with our appearance is part of how we feel, right? Well, one of the questions I get from my private clients is, “How do I get rid of this puffiness around my eyes/on my face/insert a trouble spot of my own?” Sure, there are tons of products on the market that tell us what to put IN these trouble spots, but you know what I’m going to tell you, what you put IN your body is where it all begins.
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 bags around
your eyes: First, really double check the contents of your food. Sugar is sneaky. That
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 big green
Vegetables contain twice as much vitamin C as an orange and almost the same amount of calcium
like a glass of whole milk. Best to buy (and use!) with bright green buds and
firm stems. **Additional Tip** Steamed al dente is the best way to go. raw is
hard to digest. If it’s cooked any other way, you’ll lose all those great nutrients.
2. Grapes – when it comes to reducing inflammation, we’re really talking
on the juice portion of the grape, but DO NOT store bottled grape juice. grapes
contain vitamin A, B complex and C and soothe any swelling in the throat, mouth,
gums and eyes. (Grapes are finished ripening once they are picked, so choose a
bunch when buying!)
3. Hemp Oil – let me say right away that this is not marijuana being
spoken here. Hemp oil is loaded with our friends Omega 3 (more than flax)
but it also has what is called GLA’s (gamma-linoleic acid) that stimulates growth
for 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 do not get the benefits if you take it in capsule form.
4. Job’s Tears – Sounds like a magic potion, doesn’t it? it’s actually a
whole grain! Before you shell it out, it has a sturdy black box that earned it the big
Name. Once husked, it looks 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.