5 allergy-fighting foods to eat right now
You know that what you can eat your way to a glowing complexion and use food to power your workouts, but did you also know that certain foods can help tame your seasonal allergies?
You might just need all the help you can get this spring. Mitchell Gaynor, MD, and clinical assistant professor of medicine at New York City’s Weill-Cornell Medical College, says that this year’s pollen vortex (yup, that’s a thing) will make allergy season even worse than usual.
“We had such a harsh, cold winter and there hasn’t been the slow release of pollen into a gradual spring like we usually have,” says Dr. Gaynor. “I think this will be one of the worst allergy seasons in memory.” (Hoard boxes of Kleenex now?)
But there’s actually no need to extend your hibernation straight through until summer, according to Dr. Gaynor’s new book, The Gene Therapy Plan: Taking Control of Your Genetic Destiny with Diet and Lifestyle, out later this month. In it, he explains that even though your maddeningly itchy eyes and runny nose might be genetic, you can get rid of them with vitamins and food.
“You can control allergies with diet,” affirms Dr. Gaynor. “Certain foods work to alter the expression of your genes.” Consider it like the way you alter the expression of your tush with squats.
Here are five nutrients you want to makes sure you’re getting when the sneezing, itchy eyes, and sore throats strike.
1. Magnesium. The mineral “helps open up your airwaves,” Dr. Gaynor says. “You can take 200 mg by supplement or eat magnesium-rich foods like spinach, kale, and sunflower seeds” And if you want to up the ante on your salad, you can even soak in a magnesium-filled bath.
2. Probiotics. Your gut has close ties to your immune system, which means a lot of the same foods benefit both your belly and your sinuses. “It’s a good idea to take a probiotics, but fermented foods, miso, tempeh, low-fat Greek yogurt, and Kefir have also been found help allergies,” Dr. Gaynor says.
3. Vitamin C. Reaching for citrus is a no-brainer when you feel a cold coming on, but vitamin C can also help temper your sniffling, runny nose, and itchy eyes from seasonal allergies. “When you have allergies, your histamine levels are high,” explains Dr. Gaynor. “The vitamin C in citrus like oranges, bell peppers, tomatoes, and peas helps lower the release of histamine and breaks it down quicker.”
4. Bioflavonoids. Stock up on Brussels sprouts, mangoes, garlic, and green tea—Doctor’s orders. The healthy plant-based antioxidants found in these foods “help reduce the amount of histamine your body produces,” Dr. Gaynor says.
5. Quercetin. “This [antioxidant] nutrient helps suppress the part of the immune system that causes allergies, and it reduces histamines,” Dr. Gaynor says, so you want to load up on this one. It’s found in apples (especially Granny Smith), which the doctor recommends daily, plus onions, parsley, and sage. —Molly Gallagher
Eze, France
Eze is a medieval village perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The ancient fortified village is still crowned with the ruins of its 12th-century fortified castle (torn down in 1706), sitting on a narrow rocky peak. The castle grounds host the well-known Jardin Exotique, and from the top (429 m) you'll have an good view of the coast (it will cost you, though).
The village forms a circular pattern around the base of the castle. The old buildings and narrow streets are very well restored, with high stone walls and narrow roadways of red-brick centered stone. The narrow roads wend their way upward to the well sign-posted Jardin Exotique Panorama. When you finally arrive at the top, you'll find the way to the Jardin, and the panoramic view, blocked by a 12 F admission cost, a detail that wasn't mentioned earlier and lower.
Any sense of this ancient village's medieval past is, however, offset by the multitude of souvenir shops and streets full of tourists. On a Friday in March, the narrow streets already had a fair number of tourists, admittedly including ourselves. Eze is a pretty village, but it's not at all off the beaten path. The two-level square clock tower on the church is lovely [photo-5]. There are pretty little shaded squares, and the view out over the valley as you're walking up is very nice. Along the way we found a stand selling herbs that was picturesque and smelled great. There are also some terrace cafés at the top and some high-class hotel restaurants in the old village. Eze village sits beside the very busy Moyenne Corniche (RN7), the main road (along with the Basse Corniche and Grande Corniche) between Nice and Monaco-Menton. The Moyenne Corniche is usually very crowded, and in the summer extremely crowded, so plan an early start. At the road junction you can park in the lot for 5 F and hour. The public toilets near the parking lot cost 2 F, but they are large and clean. The area near the road and parking lot is where you'll find cafés, restaurants, shops, verrerie (glass blowing). The ancient village is contrasted by the residential Eze-sur-Mer, a seaside "town" between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap d'Ail. Eze-sur-Mer has beaches, water sports, cafés, restaurants and hotels. And a train station.
The village forms a circular pattern around the base of the castle. The old buildings and narrow streets are very well restored, with high stone walls and narrow roadways of red-brick centered stone. The narrow roads wend their way upward to the well sign-posted Jardin Exotique Panorama. When you finally arrive at the top, you'll find the way to the Jardin, and the panoramic view, blocked by a 12 F admission cost, a detail that wasn't mentioned earlier and lower.
Any sense of this ancient village's medieval past is, however, offset by the multitude of souvenir shops and streets full of tourists. On a Friday in March, the narrow streets already had a fair number of tourists, admittedly including ourselves. Eze is a pretty village, but it's not at all off the beaten path. The two-level square clock tower on the church is lovely [photo-5]. There are pretty little shaded squares, and the view out over the valley as you're walking up is very nice. Along the way we found a stand selling herbs that was picturesque and smelled great. There are also some terrace cafés at the top and some high-class hotel restaurants in the old village. Eze village sits beside the very busy Moyenne Corniche (RN7), the main road (along with the Basse Corniche and Grande Corniche) between Nice and Monaco-Menton. The Moyenne Corniche is usually very crowded, and in the summer extremely crowded, so plan an early start. At the road junction you can park in the lot for 5 F and hour. The public toilets near the parking lot cost 2 F, but they are large and clean. The area near the road and parking lot is where you'll find cafés, restaurants, shops, verrerie (glass blowing). The ancient village is contrasted by the residential Eze-sur-Mer, a seaside "town" between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap d'Ail. Eze-sur-Mer has beaches, water sports, cafés, restaurants and hotels. And a train station.
Perfume
Two Grasse parfumeries are represented in Eze village, Galimard with a shop and Fragonard with shop as well as a factory you can visit. Both parfumeries offer a 10% discount if you have the Eze map, free from the Office de Tourisme located at the corner of the parking lotLiechtenstein, Europe
The tiny Principality of Liechtenstein, an independent state tucked between Switzerland and Austria, is one of the most picturesque alpine countries in Europe. Despite being only 160 square kilometers in size and having a population of just 35,000, Liechtenstein is an economic powerhouse thanks to its favorable tax laws, and it's the most industrialized nation in the world, though you'd never know it from its forest-covered hillsides and alpine meadows. Settled since the Early Stone Age, it was also important during Roman times, eventually becoming the Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein in 1719 and fully autonomous in 1806. Today, the country is a popular tourist destination thanks to its lovely mountain setting, many excellent hiking trails, ski and winter activities, and its impressive museums and castles.
Liechtenstein's Capital City: Vaduz
Parliaments in Vaduz
One of the most picturesque capitals in Europe - and certainly the smallest - Vaduz is home to the Liechtenstein Center, a tourist information center offering everything the traveler needs to get the most out of their visit. From here, it's easy to explore the city's main attractions, including its parliament building near the banks of the River Rhine in Peter-Kaiser-Platz. Also worth seeing is the Rathausplatz, home to the historic Town Hall (Rathaus), and the Neo-Gothic parish church (Pfarrkirche) built in 1873, also known as the Cathedral of St. Florin. Although it's not open to the public, you'll want to get some photos of the impressive 12th-century Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz), home to the country's monarch.
State of the Art: Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
State of the Art: Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
Housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Vaduz, Liechtenstein's State Art Gallery (Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein) showcases many fine examples of modern and contemporary artwork. In addition to frequent temporary exhibits, its permanent collection includes pieces from the 19th century, including sculptures and works from the collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein (most of the royal collection is housed in the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna).
Address: Städtle 37, FL-9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Official site: www.kunstmuseum.li/?page=1&lan=en
3 Gutenberg Castle
Gutenberg Castle
High above the village of Balzers in the south of Liechtenstein stands majestic Gutenberg Castle (Burg Gutenberg), a superbly preserved fortress dating from the Middle Ages. The 70-meter-high hill on which the castle stands has been inhabited since Neolithic times, with many of the most important archaeological finds - including the ancient Mars von Gutenberg statuette - now housed in the Liechtenstein Landesmuseum. Highlights include the chapel and rose garden, along with many fun cultural events in the warmer months, such as concerts and theatrical performances.
Address: Fürstenstrasse 50, 9496 Balzers
Liechtenstein National Museum
Liechtenstein National Museum
A must-see while in Vaduz is the excellent Liechtenstein National Museum (Liechtenstein Landesmuseum), a state-owned attraction housed in a splendidly preserved 15th-century former inn once visited by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1788. Highlights include a superb 1:10,000 scale relief model of the principality, as well as exhibits focusing on the country's prehistory and early history, along with displays of weapons and religious art.
The Towns of Nendeln and Eschen
Triesenberg's Culinary Delights
The Towns of Nendeln and Eschen
The small towns of Nendeln and Eschen are the principal communities of the lowland area of Liechtenstein and are well worth a visit. Nendeln is notable for its old foundations from a Roman villa, as well as the Schädler Pottery, established in 1836 and the oldest craft workshop in the country. Famous for its stoneware crockery and traditional tiled stoves, this art-related attraction offers guided tours of the workshop, glazing area, and kiln room. Of interest in Eschen are the Pfrundhaus, a 14th-century building used to display local art, and the attractive Holy Cross Chapel. Eschen is also the starting place of an easy one-and-a-half-hour hike offering superb views of the surrounding area.
Schaan and the Liechtenstein Festival
Just three kilometers north of Vaduz at the foot of the Drei Schwestern massif is Schaan, a busy little industrial town notable for its old Roman fort foundations. In a beautiful location perched above the town is the 18th-century pilgrimage church of Maria zum Trost, notable for its fine views. One of the oldest towns in Liechtenstein, Schaan is home to the DoMuS center with its exhibits of local history and art, an interesting coppersmith's workshop, as well as the nearby Calculator and Typewriter Museum. Schaan is also a good place to begin a hike and includes a number of well-marked trails of varied difficulty. It's also home to the Liechtenstein Festival, a two-day celebration of music, entertainment, and food.
Triesenberg, the largest municipality in Liechtenstein, lies in a beautiful location in the middle of an alpine valley just six kilometers from the capital of Vaduz. The picturesque village itself is known not only for its splendid scenery and unique dialect - a variation of German originating from the Walser region - but also for its food festival, the Triesenberger Wochen, held each year from mid-October to the end of November. During the festival, local restaurants and hotels serve up traditional dishes of the Walser people, many of them centuries-old and unique to the village. There's no shortage of beautiful vistas from the village's cute chalets and small inns, making Triesenberg a great place from which to explore Liechtenstein.
Hiking the Historical Eschnerberg Trail
Hiking the Historical Eschnerberg Trail
Thanks to its alpine setting and quaint towns and villages, Liechtenstein is a hiker's paradise, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from across Europe to its mountain peaks, wooded slopes, and attractive valleys. Numerous well-established trails crisscross the country (just look for the bright signs showing walking times), one of the most popular being the 15-kilometer Historical Eschnerberg Trail connecting the towns of Bendern and Schellenberg. Highlights of this fun trail include the prehistoric settlements of Lutzengütle and Malanser, as well as many spectacular views over the Rhine and the surrounding mountains. Another popular trail is the Princes' Way Hike through the scenic Rätikon mountain range and with superb views of the famous Three Sisters (Drei Schwestern) mountains.
Winter Fun in Malbun
Famous as Liechtenstein's only winter resort, the small town of Malbun, once only inhabited in summer, is now a draw for winter sports enthusiasts. On an Alpine ridge near the Saminatal Valley, Malbun boasts perfect snow conditions that led to the establishment of the first ski lifts and slopes in the 1960s, and today, its many groomed trails and après ski activities enjoy one of the longest seasons in the Alps. All told, more than 23 kilometers of pistes are maintained offering suitable terrain for skiers of all abilities, served by three lifts capable of hauling skiers to heights of 2,000 meters. For kids, Malbi Park Kinderland offers beginners lessons and programs, and the area also boasts a large network of Nordic ski trails.
Country Castles: Schellenberg
Country Castles: Schellenberg
Liechtenstein is home to five castles, two of which remain intact: Schloss Vaduz, home of the country's monarchs, and Burg Gutenberg in the village of Balzers. Of the others, all that is left are ruins, but each has its unique charms. If you're able to visit just one location, make it Schellenberg where you'll actually be rewarded with a chance to explore two old ruins at once. The larger of the two, the Upper Castle (Obere Burg), was built in 1200 and once had all the elements of a typical medieval castle. The smaller, the Lower Castle (Untere Burg), was built in 1250, but by the 16th-century both had fallen into disrepair. The third set of ruins, Schalun Castle - also known as Wildschloss - is within walking distance of Vaduz and dates from the 12th century.
Monte Carlo ( Monaco)
Monte Carlo (French: Monte-Carlo or colloquially Monte-Carl, Monégasque: Monte-Carlu) officially refers to an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco, specifically the ward of Monte Carlo/Spélugues, where the Monte Carlo Casino is located. Informally the name also refers to a larger district, the Monte Carlo Quarter (corresponding to the former municipality of Monte Carlo), which besides Monte Carlo/Spélugues also includes the wards of La Rousse/Saint Roman, Larvotto/Bas Moulins, and Saint Michel. The permanent population of the ward of Monte Carlo is about 3,500, while that of the quarter is about 15,000. Monaco has four traditional quarters. From west to east they are: Fontvieille (the newest), Monaco-Ville (the oldest), La Condamine, and Monte Carlo.
Monte Carlo (literally "Mount Charles") is situated on a prominent escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera. Near the western end of the quarter is the world-famous Place du Casino, the gambling center which has made Monte Carlo "an international byword for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth".[1] It is also the location of the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris, and the Salle Garnier (the casino theatre which is the home of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo).
The eastern part of the quarter includes the community of Larvotto with Monaco's only public beach, as well as its new convention center (the Grimaldi Forum), and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. At the quarter's eastern border, one crosses into the French town of Beausoleil (sometimes referred to as Monte-Carlo-Supérieur), and just 5 miles (8 km) to its east is the western border of Italy.
Monte-Carlo Casino
Perhaps the attraction that best exemplifies Monaco's capital city is its casino. The building's Beaux-Arts design was overseen by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris opera. And likewise, this grand casino also contains the city's opera and ballet. If this complex looks familiar, it's because you might've seen it before in the James Bond films, "Never Say Never Again" and "Goldeneye." It was also the inspiration for the casino in Ian Fleming’s first Bond book, Casino "Royale."
Larvotto Beach
One of Monaco's most popular beaches, Larvotto is a free-to-the-public shore located just a few-minutes' walk from Monte-Carlo. But like many French Riviera beaches, this one has pebbles rather than sand, so bring some sturdy shoes and be prepared to shell out some euros for a chair rental.
Several TripAdvisor users recommend this beach for families, and one says, "There aren't strong tides so it's perfect for kids to play in." But families should keep in mind that some beachgoers sun topless. You should also note that this beach is very popular, so if you want a spot in the sand, you should get there early.
Prince's Palace
This lavish Monaco-Ville palace is home to the prince, of course (it’s in the name after all). The royal residence has sheltered the Grimaldi family (of the 13th century) and Prince Rainier III and his lovely wife, Princess Grace (of the 20th century). Today, Rainier’s son and heir, Prince Albert II, calls the Palais du Prince home. Many recommend at least stopping by the palace on your Monaco vacation, even if you're not up for a tour of the state rooms. One TripAdvisor user does say, however: "You would think that the Prince could afford air conditioning in his residence, it was stifling in the mid July heat with all the crowds."
Monaco Cathedral
This Monaco-Ville cathedral is probably most popular because it contains the grave of Grace Kelly, the actress-turned-princess of Monaco. In fact, one infatuated TripAdvisor user says, "For those who are a fan of this awesome woman, this is a must see place." Its history also dates a bit further back: The site once held a 13th-century church, but the current cathedral hails from the late 19th century.
If you’re visiting the Monaco Cathedral around dinnertime, you should drop in for a meal at one of the surrounding restaurants; according to Wikitravel, these are some of the area’s finest dining establishments.
Paris, France
Top Tourist Attractions in Paris
As the capital city of France, Paris has endured as an important city for more than 2,000 years. Often called by nicknames like the “city of love” and “city of lights,” Paris is today one of the world’s leading centers for business, fashion, entertainment, art and culture. Just the mere mention of Paris conjures up images of the city’s world famous landmarks, museums and cathedrals. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Paris:
Eiffel Tower
Place de la Concorde
Sainte-Chapelle
Centre Pompidou
Designed in the style of high-tech architecture, Centre Pompidou is a cultural institution in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement. It houses a vast public library, the Musée National d’Art Moderne which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe, a bookshop, a movie theater and a panoramic terrace. The library occupies the first three floors of the building, while the museum’s permanent collection is located on floors 4 and 5. The first and top floor are used for large expositions. The Centre is named after Georges Pompidou, the President of France from 1969 to 1974 who commissioned the building.
Musee d'Orsay
Jardin du Luxembourg
Sacre-Coeur
The Louvre Museum
To learn the Louvre inside and out, you might need half a lifetime. Still, one has to start somewhere. The site of the world's largest and most diverse collection of pre-20th century painting, sculpture, and decorative objects, The Louvre is a global touristic draw card. Not forgetting the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, make sure to visit less crowded wings, to bask in the works of Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and countless others. The centuries-old palace itself is testament to a rich history spanning from the medieval period to the present.
Louvre
Topping the list of the world’s most visited museums, the Louvre Museum is located in the Louvre Palace with its signature glass pyramid marking its entrance. Housing a collection of more than 1 million objects, the Louvre boasts some of the world’s most famous art works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave” and the Greek statue, “Venus of Milo.” Other popular exhibits include the extravagant apartments of Napoleon III, the ancient Code of Hammurabi, Egyptian antiquities and paintings by masters like Rembrandt and Rubens.
Notre Dame is beautiful at dusk. Joe Daniel Price/Moment/Getty Images
Notre Dame Cathedral
Louvre
Notre Dame is beautiful at dusk. Joe Daniel Price/Moment/Getty Images
Notre Dame Cathedral
No first trip to Paris is complete without a visit to this marvel of gothic architecture, dating to the 12th century. One of the most singular and beautiful cathedrals of Europe, Notre Dame Cathedral's dramatic towers, spire, stained glass and statuary are guaranteed to take your breath away. Witness firsthand the spot that was once the heartbeat of medieval Paris, and that took over 100 years of hard labor to complete. Climbing the North tower to see Paris from the hunchback Quasimodo's vantage is essential, too. You'll soon understand why Notre Dame is one of Paris' top attractions.
Arc de Triomphe
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was constructed in 1806 to memorialize the triumphal battles of Napoleon Bonaparte. Standing 164 feet high and 148 feet (50 by 45 meters) wide, the arch features intricate reliefs depicting victorious battles and engraved names of many who died fighting for the emperor. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the first world war.
Versailles
Versailles [1] is a city on western edge of the French capital city Paris, now part of the sprawling metropolis within the Ile de France region. Versailles is best known for being the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV within what was previously a royal hunting lodge. It is also one of the wealthiest cities near Paris.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
Perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides between Normandy and Brittany stand the 'Wonder of the West', a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls. Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the abbey is a technical and artistic tour de force, having had to adapt to the problems posed by this unique natural site.
Arc de Triomphe
Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is the world famous cabaret venue which opened in 1889. This was the time known as the Belle Epoque - France was not at war for a change, a century was coming to an end, creativity was blooming, and people were filled with the joys of life. What better time to launch a dance-hall of beautiful showgirls? The fact that Toulouse-Lautrec was obsessed with drawing them didn't hurt either.
Opened by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, who were confident their place would outshine everywhere else, the Moulin Rouge had a huge dance floor, mirrors everywhere, and an atmosphere of total euphoria. Here aristocrats came to mingle with the riffraff and women of easy virtue. There were even donkeys for the ladies with an adventurous spirit. Today there are no donkeys, but the euphoria continues. Oller and Zidler were right
Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is the world famous cabaret venue which opened in 1889. This was the time known as the Belle Epoque - France was not at war for a change, a century was coming to an end, creativity was blooming, and people were filled with the joys of life. What better time to launch a dance-hall of beautiful showgirls? The fact that Toulouse-Lautrec was obsessed with drawing them didn't hurt either.
Opened by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, who were confident their place would outshine everywhere else, the Moulin Rouge had a huge dance floor, mirrors everywhere, and an atmosphere of total euphoria. Here aristocrats came to mingle with the riffraff and women of easy virtue. There were even donkeys for the ladies with an adventurous spirit. Today there are no donkeys, but the euphoria continues. Oller and Zidler were right
Versailles
Versailles [1] is a city on western edge of the French capital city Paris, now part of the sprawling metropolis within the Ile de France region. Versailles is best known for being the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV within what was previously a royal hunting lodge. It is also one of the wealthiest cities near Paris.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
Perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides between Normandy and Brittany stand the 'Wonder of the West', a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls. Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the abbey is a technical and artistic tour de force, having had to adapt to the problems posed by this unique natural site.
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