Everything You Want to Learn About a Honey Allergy Is Described Below

An allergy occurs when the immune system of a person classifies a given substance as a foreign matter or threat to the body. A honey allergy is a common allergic reaction that affects both adults and children. Since honey is an end-product of pollen, nectar and bees, a few people are allergic to either the bee stings or honey ingredients. There are people who also react badly to royal jelly, propolis and beeswax. People who are at risk of catching this type of allergy get different symptoms. There are those who catch a serious anaphylactic shock which can be lethal if not dealt with quickly and properly. Others catch mild symptoms that go away on their own.

How a Honey Allergy Occurs

When a person consumes honey, their immune system recognizes it as potentially life threatening to the body. As a way to stop the believed threat from occurring, the immune system generates histamine and antibodies. This is what causes symptoms to occur all over the body. These signs can be severe or mild depending on how the body responds to the actions of the immune system. There are some people who suffer a honey allergy on their skin after applying this bee substance topically. Their skins develop hives and rashes. If your body reacts badly to honey, you should avoid it completely.

Signs to Expect

Numerous people suffer mildly after consuming honey or applying it topically. Some of the common mild signs they catch include a runny nose, a swollen tongue or lip, an itchy throat, skin rashes and hives, watery eyes and continuous sneezing. As aforementioned, some people suffer horrible side effects. Their symptoms include severe skin inflammation, excessive chest congestion and headaches. If a person who has suffered severely is not seen by a doctor, they may endure painful complications. Common complications include an anaphylactic shock, brain fog and a very weak immune system. Although the above are the common symptoms of honey allergy, some people do not develop all of them.

Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention

The first thing you should do after discovering that a child or an adult has a honey allergy is to rush them to the hospital. Mild signs can however be eliminated with over-the-counter antihistamines. A good example of this is diphenhydramine. Some of you know it as Benadryl. This is the most effective medication as it takes about fifteen minutes to alleviate the allergy symptoms. OTC drugs should be used in cases where the victim is known to have bee allergies. In addition, if a victim's illness seems mild, it can be arrested with OTC drugs. If signs persist, for more than one hour, a patient must see a doctor right away. If you suspect that a person has a chronic anaphylactic shock, let them see a doctor very quickly. Signs of this shock include fainting, convulsions, dizziness and shortness of breath. You should not use antihistamines on such a person. Take them to the hospital with whatever means, including calling an ambulance service. To prevent a honey allergy, you must avoid all types of foods and drinks that consist of honey by-products or honey. If you must take honey, ask your doctor if it is okay to consume antihistamines beforehand.

A Better Way to Stop Allergic Rhinitis than Taking Shots

You wouldn't think that Japan and central Texas would have much in common. They clearly have very different landscapes. They are almost polar opposites in cuisine and culture. And even the best English-speakers from Japan have to listen very carefully to understand Texas speech.

A common health condition in both locations, however, is allergy to cedar fever. Known as "kafunso" in Japan and as "cedar fever" in Texas, approximately 10 million people in both locations suffer from tree pollen allergies in the winter and early spring.

Cedar and juniper trees are abundant in both locations. Japan planted cedars to reforest hills burned during wartime. Texans planted "cedars" to replace trees eaten by hordes of goats. Both locations have vast areas covered by a single kind of fast-growing tree, about 12 per cent of the total land surface of Japan, and about 12 per cent of the total land surface of Texas.

The symptoms of tree pollen allergies are likened to having a non-infectious case of flu for six to eight weeks each and every year. And it's very hard to function if you have to take antihistamines and nose sprays for that long.

Treating tree pollen allergies with allergy shots

Since the 1960's, Texans have been getting treatment for tree pollen allergies with allergic desensitization shots. Japanese allergy sufferers will be able to get the treatment in 2014, but this is not necessarily a good thing.

"Allergy shots" have been around since 1910. The idea behind the method is that if the body is exposed to an extremely tiny amount of the offending substance by injection, it won't react. More and more concentrated injections are given over a period of months until, it is to be hoped, the allergy sufferer no longer has any allergies at all.

There is one major downside to this technique. If the "shot" contains too much of the allergen, potentially fatal anaphylaxis can result. Texans used to be given vials of anti-allergy serum and taught to given themselves injections at home, until too many users of the shots were dying of anaphylactic reactions.

Do allergy shots really work?

Another question about this technique is whether it really works. Identifying exactly the right pollen for making the serum requires a lot of work, so patients usually get a "one mixture treats all" serum that the allergist hopes contains the right pollen. Maybe it does, and maybe it doesn't.

The other issue is that allergies can go away on their own, without any discernible reason, and they can come back on their own, also without any discernible reason. You can take a long, expensive course of treatment for an allergy that you were going to get over with or without taking shots, and you can also develop a new allergy "out of the blue."

Shots have their limitations, and medications have their limitations. So what is an pollen sufferer to do?

Treating allergic rhinitis with massage.

One of the oldest therapies for allergies is acupressure. Applying gentle pressure to predetermined points on the body, acupressure is sometimes explained as interrupting, amplifying, diminishing, or redirected the flow of the vital force "chi" throughout the body. But you don't have to understand or accept Traditional Chinese Medicine for acupressure to work for you.

Dog Allergies: Top 7 Ways To Stop The Itching Fast

What's causing your dog to do all that scratching, itching and excessive paw licking?

Chances are the cause is allergies, but exactly to what? Is it to food, to grass, house dust mites. . . there literally are hundreds of allergens. Allergies show up in many ways, some pets can have runny eyes and sneezing, while others have serious recurring skin problems.

My one dog Jessie has some type of allergy which causes him to constantly lick at his groin, especially at night; this can be very frustrating to your dog and you as his owner. I personally feel bad for my dog Jessie, but I'll also get frustrated as I hear him non- stop licking.

So what can you do?

First realize that if you have an allergic dog, you're likely going to be dealing with some type of allergy symptoms your whole life, but you can make a big difference as to the frequency of signs, and how serious it is.

Here's is what I suggest, and what has worked for my own dog.

1. Less Allergenic Food. Feed your dog a simple food that he is less likely to react to. I have found that a commercial diet of fish and sweet potato work very well, and with this there is less itching, and licking. Every dog is different, so you have to try different foods; there is not just ONE right food. But the principle is to think simple, minimal ingredients, avoid artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Try the new diet for 4 weeks.

2. Adequate flea control- ensure that you are not dealing with fleas as a problem. You can use a Natural flea spray that has cedarwood oil, and a safe holistic powder for putting in the cracks and crevices of your house called Borax.

3. Regular bathing- of your dog's feet as he comes in from outside, and of your entire dog. I am giving my own allergic dog an oatmeal shampoo weekly. In the summer when his allergic signs are more common, I am bathing him twice a week. I have also found that by wiping his feet with a damp towel after he comes in from outside, there is far less itching and scratching.

4. Antihistamines- both natural and conventional. I have used Benadryl for big flare ups of his skin, dosing him at .5mg per lb ( I give 50lb Jessie 25mg of Benadryl at night), and I'll do it twice a day if needed. Lately I have been trying Vitamin C which has some antihistamine qualities, and his itching is decreasing. The Vitamin C dose is 100mg per 10lbs twice daily.

5. Essential Fatty Acid supplements. IF your dog has allergies, he needs to be on these. I am using my supplement, Ultimate Canine Health Formula, which contains EFA's in the form of flax oil. The omega 3 dose I suggest is 1000 mg per 10lbs daily- this works out to giving 1 tablespoon of flax per 50lbs daily to your dog.

6. Probiotics are increasingly being used for dogs with allergies. These beneficial bacteria play a role in normalizing the overactive immune system. You won't see an instant response, but you may see some marked decrease in allergic signs after using probiotics for 4 weeks. I am using my supplements with lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, but you can dose lactobacillus at 1/4 capsule per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily.

7. The last increasingly used ingredient for allergies is colostrum. Research has found an ingredient known as praline-rich polypeptide (PRP) in bovine colostrum; it appears to be what is helping decrease the allergy symptoms. The colostrum dose for dogs with allergies varies based on the company; I advise giving 翹 of the human dose per 20lbs daily. My supplement, Ultimate Canine Health Formula contains bovine colostrum in adequate levels for your dog.

If you have an allergic dog, don't despair, there are things that you can be doing to decreasing the itching, scratching, hair loss and constant licking. I encourage you to be systematic about this, going over my top 7 suggestions, and applying these to your dog. The allergies will not go away overnight, but you really will be able to dramatically improve the quality of your dog's life.

Alcohol Allergy and Asian Flush - Is There a Difference?

It is quite common for people to experience adverse reactions after drinking alcohol. Some of these symptoms include a swollen and red flushed face, headaches, hives, itchiness, nausea, and in more severe cases, even seizures and unconsciousness. This article will examine two of the most commonly reported alcohol related disorders: Asian flush and alcohol allergy.

Asian Flush is Leaving me Red Faced!

Research shows that as many as 50% of Asians experience a red face after drinking alcohol. This is referred to commonly as "Asian flush" or "Asian glow", and more technically referred to by some scientists as "Alcohol Flush Reaction".

The primary cause of this reaction stems from the body's inability to properly break-down alcohol. The reason why the body has trouble breaking down the alcohol is because people who suffer from Asian flush have an inactive enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). This enzyme is normally responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of the metabolism of alcohol. As result of the body not being able to properly break it down the acetaldehyde, the toxin accumulates and causes all kinds of reactions such as the red flushing commonly reported by sufferers. Whilst the red face/neck is the most common and reported symptom among sufferers, other symptoms you might experience include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and an increased pulse - which are interestingly very similar to some alcohol allergy related symptoms.

Scientists don't know why the enzyme is more likely to be inactive in people of Asian descent, but studies have shown that the enzyme deficiency that causes Asian Flush is genetic and has the potential to be passed down by both parents. According to the weight of medical opinion, there isn't much one can do to fix their enzyme deficiency. However, there are several remedies available on the internet that have been proven to be successful.

Alcohol Allergy is Rare!

In contrast to Asian flush and related toxic reactions to alcohol discussed above, allergic reactions to alcohol are relatively uncommon. In people with extremely severe alcohol allergy, as little as 1ml of pure alcohol (about a mouthful of beer) is enough to provoke severe rashes, breathing difficulties, stomach cramps and even unconsciousness.

When the liver breaks down alcohol and converts it into acetaldehyde (as discussed above), the acetaldehyde is then transformed into acetic acid (vinegar). The problem occurs if the alcohol cannot be broken down. This is because, as well as ethanol, alcoholic beverages contain other things such as yeast, hop, grape, barley, wheat natural food chemicals, wood derived substances and preservatives. Severe alcohol allergies have been described in people who experience allergic reactions to proteins within grapes, yeast, hops, barley and wheat and some of the other abovementioned substances. These people are not sensitive to alcohol itself, and accurately speaking, do not suffer from an 'alcohol' allergy. In addition to this, fining agents (such as egg or seafood proteins) are often used to remove fine particles from the alcoholic liquid. These may also be the catalyst for the allergic reactions, rather than the alcohol itself.

Is Asian flush an alcohol allergy?

There are many sources that claim that mere facial flushing is not an alcohol allergy. There are also many sources that state that most doctors are incorrect in saying that Asian flush is not an alcohol allergy and that if you speak to a geneticist they will tell you that Asian flush is in actual fact an allergic reaction, albeit, a result of an enzyme deficiency.

Whatever the classification, it does seem that sufferers of Asian flush and alcohol allergy both experience similar side effects. Furthermore, it also seems that those side effects are a result of the alcohol break-down process whereby alcohol converts into acetaldehyde which is then transformed into vinegar.

A Cure?

Given the similarities, a cure for both Asian flush and alcohol allergy will be one that aids the process whereby the body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde and then into vinegar.

From a survey of various anecdotal accounts of using Pepcid AC as an alcohol allergy / flushing cure, it seems that the overwhelming verdict is that Pepcid AC on its own is not an Asian flush cure and something more than a mere antacid by itself is needed to truly cure the symptoms of Asian flush.

Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers

Allergies are very common and can cause serious reactions. The digestive and immune systems of a baby need to be sufficiently developed before solid foods are introduced. Introducing solid foods too early or introducing foods which are likely to cause problems too soon will stress the baby's immature systems. When introducing solid foods you need to be aware of the possibility of allergic reactions. This article presents the symptoms of allergic reactions and how to minimise these in babies.

In recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the number of diseases and complaints that can be caused, or contributed to, by the presence of allergies. Allergies are very common. Conservative estimates are that twenty percent of the population is allergic to something. However when we consider minor allergies such as hay fever, minor eczema and food intolerances, the true incidences of allergies and or intolerances may well be a lot higher. It is thought that the changes in the Western diet over the last 100-200 years - in particular the refining of food, the use of food additives and the increased consumption of animal produce and the presence of environmental pollution, have contributed substantially to the prevalence of all forms of allergic disease.

What is an allergy?

The word means an 'altered reaction' and an allergic individual usually suffers from physical symptoms (such as, headaches and migraines, vomiting, rashes, asthma) when he or she comes in contact with substances to which they are sensitive. The substance which provokes the reaction is called an allergen and can be house dust, dog or cat fur, a food/s, a chemical/s or a bacterium - to name just a few. In this article we are looking at food allergies.

When solid foods are introduced, a baby may have an 'allergic reaction' to wheat for example, and develop diarrhoea, abdominal colic, crankiness, a runny nose, or even a mild ear infection, asthma or eczema. The cause of these symptoms is often not recognised and may even be treated as a transient infection if the problem is a runny nose or ear pain. The offending food will be continued to be offered and the infant usually recovers from the acute symptoms, though there might be persistent, relatively minor symptoms. At some later stage (days, months, years later) either following periods of infection or stress or just due to a gradual failure to remain healthy, symptoms develop.

If the food is withdrawn, the symptoms usually clear within three to five days, though sometimes, especially in children this can take as long as three weeks. There may also be marked withdrawal symptoms which eventually clear.

When introducing new food to babies and toddlers you need to be aware of the symptoms of allergies. This is particularly the case when parents or other members of the family have food allergies.

What does a food allergy look like in a baby or toddler?

The symptoms associated with food allergies are legion and can mimic a whole range of different clinical conditions. It depends on the baby or toddler. Some of the symptoms babies and toddlers develop include:

• an itchy mouth and throat,


• rashes, eczema and hives,


• cramping and colic,


• nausea and vomiting,


• diarrhea or constipation,


• wheezing, sneezing, runny nose,


• unusual crying,


• shortness of breath,


• hyperactivity, and


• sleep disturbances.

In extreme cases, a child may develop a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock. Severe symptoms or reactions to any allergen require immediate medical attention.

What are the common causes of food allergies?

Foods that are the most likely to cause an allergy include:

• wheat, rye, oats, barley, maize (corn),


• cow's milk and other dairy products,


• hen eggs, and chicken meat,


• cane and beet sugar,


• fish and shellfish,


• peanuts,


• colourings and preservatives,


• yeast,


• pork,


• chocolate, and


• citrus fruit.

What can you do?

Here are two things you can do as a parent to reduce your baby's susceptibility to food allergies and reduce the severity of food allergies:

• Wait until your baby is at least 6 months old to introduce solids.


• Apply the 4-day wait rule when introducing new foods to your baby.

Waiting until your baby is 6 months old

Babies are not born with adult digestive systems and they cannot handle foods and will not digest them properly until their digestive systems have matured, at 4 to 6 months of age. Prior to that, your baby should only have breast milk or formula. Waiting until your baby is 6 months old to feed them solids will give them the best chance of actually being able to digest the food and a smooth digestion reduces risk of allergies.

The 4-day wait rule

When you begin to feed your baby solids, you need to be sure that the food isn't causing a reaction. Sometimes, it can take three or four days for a reaction to show up.

Introduce one food at a time and then wait for four days before introducing another food.

It is worthwhile keeping a food diary, noting which foods are introduced and when. This information may be very valuable later if your baby develops some kind of reaction which could be attributed to an infection or upset, or wind or whatever, though it may in fact be a food reaction. If you also note when particular problems start, you can quite often identify the offending food, exclude it from the baby's diet, and have a healthy, happy baby.

If there is a family history of food intolerance then it is recommended that you avoid the introduction of cow's milk or wheat until the baby is twelve months or even older. (If you introduce these foods at all - but that is another issue.)

Allergies are very common and can cause serious reactions. The digestive and immune systems of a baby need to be sufficiently developed before solid foods are introduced. Introducing solid foods too early or introducing foods which are likely to cause problems too soon will stress the baby's immature systems. When introducing solid foods you need to aware of the possibility of allergic reactions and should you be concerned about a reaction stop giving this food and allow the baby more time to mature. While the above details are intended to be generally helpful and educational they should not be construed as a replacement for individual advice from a health professional. You should seek professional assistance if your child's allergy is sudden, extreme, long-lasting or fails to improve.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart, 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Elliot, N. 2004, Green Peace. Practical Parenting.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.

Best Way To Remove Your Allergies Effectively

Allergies can be caused by many factors, such as foods, animal dander, pollen, and many other factors. If you are unfortunate to suffer from those allergens, you are probably looking for some effective ways to reduce your symptoms. In this article, you will read some effective methods to make your allergy symptoms easier to deal with.

1. Keep your space clean

For the best results, make sure that your house and your rooms are kept clean at all times. You may have several allergies in the same time, so you need to clean your house routinely. You need to remove the allergens around you to recover from allergies. Keep your living areas neat and tidy at all times.

2. Wash your hair more often

It is essential for those of you who are allergic to dust or pollen to wash your hair more often. Some of these allergens may be trapped in your hair. They can enter into your nasal system and exacerbate your allergies. When the number of allergens are really high during the year, you should wash your hair routinely to remove those allergens from your hair

3. Avoid synthetic dyes or colorants

Your allergies can be triggered by synthetic dyes or colorants, so you need to avoid products that contain them. Try to use products with no colorants in your house to help you to recover from allergies. Nowadays, there are many products that might contain synthetic colorants. Now it's time for you to throw them away and change them with more natural products.

4. Do not use attic fan

An attic fan can bring outside air into your house along with many allergens found out there. By avoiding the use of the attic fan, you will be able to keep your allergies controlled. Don't forget to close your window when the number of pollen is very high, especially during spring or summer season.

5. Consult with your doctor

Visit your doctor to get better solution for your allergies. Many people who suffer from allergies don't want to visit their doctor because it's very easy to run to the store and buy the allergy medicine over the counter. However, your doctor may have better information on what can cause an allergy in your body. He could also give you the best options that you could choose from. A doctor can give you a professional opinion that you may not have considered before.

Sleeping Well Despite Allergies - 5 Things That Will Minimize Allergy Symptoms At Night

Sleeping well promotes good health. So it's really important to stop allergy symptoms from interrupting the length and quality of your sleep. Here are 5 ways to reduce nighttime allergy symptoms and maximize sleep.

1. Encase Bedding -- Dust mites are one of the most potent allergens known. These invisible critters make their home in dark, warm, and moist places making your bed an ideal spot. They feed on dead skin flakes and because humans are constantly shedding dead skin, their food source is unlimited.

Enclosing bedding with zippered allergen covers prevents these critters from going deep into your mattress and pillows and increasing their numbers exponentially. This is a proactive yet non-invasive way to really make a difference in their numbers and your symptoms.

2. Wash Linens -- Mites are killed by water temperature that exceeds 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Washing linens weekly will keep their numbers low. They are also killed when exposed to direct sunlight, so leaving the bed covers pulled back so that the sun can shine in is also an effective well to kill them.

3. Limit Upholstered Fabrics -- It's such a temptation to load up the bedroom with soft cushy fabrics, rugs, and carpets. And if you're a dust mite or allergen you would think it's a great idea too. However, natural woven materials make great hiding places for particulates to accumulate. Once there, they have the opportunity to go airborne with normal movement. This creates the opportunity for them to be inhaled and cause symptoms, and sometimes full blown flare ups.

Keeping window treatments sparse with washable surfaces will keep the air cleaner. Hard floors with rugs that can be washed often will also help decrease the total allergen count in the room.

4. Fish Only -- For those of us who love a warm and fuzzy pet, this is going to be a tough one. Warm-blooded pets such as dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, and ferrets shed dead skin flakes too. This provides more food for dust mites. The dander from pets also contains a potent allergen that can send allergies into over drive pretty quickly.

By limiting pets to the cold-blooded variety, this irritant is taken out of the mix. Fish are soothing to watch and can be a visual feature that can add to relaxation in the bedroom.

5. Filter The Air -- Removing particulates will be a continuing process. Filtering the air with a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air cleaner is one of the best ways to keep airborne triggers low giving you a better chance at getting a good night's sleep each night.

Designed to remove 99.97% of airborne particulates that are.3 microns or larger, HEPAs can take out dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pet dander, seasonal pollens as well as bacteria and viruses that often attach to bigger particles.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms and Treatment For Allergies

Unfortunately, allergies, both food and inhalant, are extremely common. Allergies alone affect billions of people and account for millions of office visits to healthcare practitioners world wide each and every year.

Some of the associations with developing allergies or food sensitivities are exposure in utero, if the mother consumes a lot of the same food during pregnancy, infant exposure to highly allergenic foods (wheat, corn, dairy), poor digestion resulting in increased absorption of macromolecules, decreased secretory IgA, decreased adrenal function, and increased exposure to various toxins and allergens increasing sensitivity.

As far as seasonal allergy symptoms or food allergy symptoms, common signs tend to be, but are not limited to:

• Dark circles under the eyes


• Sinus drainage, with accompanying permanent indent in the nose line from rubbing your nose (referred to as the salute sign)


• Itchy, watering eyes


• Bed wetting


• Bruxism (grinding of your teeth)


• Stomach aches


• Chronic ear infections


• Chronic tonsillitis


• Eczema


• Chronic dermatitis (itching)


• Hives


• Alternating diarrhea and constipation


• Halitosis (bad breath)


• Food cravings


• Inability to concentrate


• Hyperactivity


• Irritability


• Asthma


• Fatigue


• Migraines


• Insomnia


• Joint pain


• Gallbladder pain


• Ulcerative colitis


• Crohn's disease


• Digestive problems


• Hypertension


• Hypoglycemia


• Autoimmune diseases


• Weight gain and edema

The pulse test is based on a simple, easily proven premise that your pulse rate is often accelerated by foods and other substances ingested, inhaled and exposed to because your system is allergically reacting to them. This test can help you identify and eliminate food and environmental allergens.

1. count your pulse for one minute:
   
   
   
   • just before each meal
   
   
   • three times after each meal at half-hour intervals
   
   
   • just before going to bed
   
   
   • just after waking, before rising in the morning
   
   
   • all but the count upon waking are to be done seated.
   
   
   
   


2. record all the items you eat at each meal or inhalant exposure to weeds, dust, pollen or dander


3. continue the pulse records for three days


4. make single-food tests or single inhalant allergy exposure for two or more whole days following this procedure:
   
   
   
   • take your before-rising pulse count each hour for 12-14 hours
   
   
   • eat a small portion of a different single food or expose yourself to a small portion of a single different inhalant.
   
   
   • Do not test any food or inhalant that you know to disagree with you.
   
   
   
   

A drastic increase in pulse rate is a good indicator that you have an allergy to a particular food or inhalant.

As far as treatment for allergies, whether they be food allergy symptoms or seasonal allergy symptoms, great success has been shown with the following guidelines:

• Eliminate allergenic foods through a rotation diet. And eliminate inhalant allergies by avoiding exposure. Any introduction of these substances in a 2 week period negates the entire test period.


• Improve and normalize bowel flora as there is an increased incidence of food allergies and inhalant allergies with parasites and candida.


• Decrease bowel transit time with the use of probiotics. ( I do not recommend long-term use of laxatives, even natural, as these can lead to dependency.


• Improve digestion with enzymes, HCL, no fluid with meals.


• Invest in air filters in every environment you spend a lot of time.


• Increase your intake of Vitamin E (not more than 800 IU/day), Selenium (not more than 200 mcg/day), Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Quercetin, Hesperidin bioflavanoids, EFA's, B6 (too high of doses over 200 mcg/day can lead to neuropathy), B12, Molybdenum and glutamine.


• Support the adrenals, there are a few good combination supplements for this. (do not take black licorice for extended periods of time).

There is absolutely no need for you to live your life around your allergies and suffer needlessly. There are plenty of natural alternatives to combating both your seasonal allergy symptoms as well as your food allergy symptoms. Just be diligent, stick with the program and don't underestimate the power of natural remedies.

Symptoms of Wheat Allergies

An allergy to wheat can be extremely frustrating. Since there are so many foods that contain wheat, it seems like your life could never be the same. Don't worry; this is far from the case. The first step is understanding the wheat allergy symptoms.

Allergy to wheat symptoms include chest pains, dizziness and nausea, vomiting, bloating and skin rashes. It's also common to experience changes in mood, swelling of the tongue, eye irritation, coughing and a stuffy nose. One lesser known symptom of a wheat allergy is frequent urination. It's usually triggered when you eat foods that are high in gluten.

If any of these symptoms occur you need to determine exactly what foods are triggering the allergic reaction. A daily food journal will help you keep tract of exactly what you're eating. After you figure out what's causing the unpleasant symptoms, you only need to stop consuming that type of food. It's also a good idea to consult a doctor. He'll be able to perform allergy testing that will pin point the foods you're allergic to.

Treatment is usually fairly simple; you just stop eating the foods you're allergic to. There is medication available to help with the symptoms; however it's usually just better to avoid the foods. The good news is that now there are many alternative food options available that do not contain wheat. You can choose from wheat free bread, pasta, or cake if you like. Many times they're so good you won't even be able to tell the difference.

Gluten Allergy, Wheat Allergy and Celiac Disease

When it comes to a gluten allergy, you'll discover several misunderstandings online. Gluten is more pervasive in the American diet than most people understand and celiac disease has more serious long-term consequences than most people appreciate. In addition, few people are aware of the differences between wheat allergies, a gluten allergy and celiac sprue disease.

What Exactly Is A Gluten Allergy?

The umbrella term gluten allergy is often used to talk about three different medical conditions. These conditions include celiac disease, wheat allergies or non-celiac gluten sensitive (often abbreviated as NCGS).

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by gluten consumption. This condition will be diagnosed by genetic testing, a blood serum panel or an intestinal wall biopsy. A biopsy is the most accurate and widely accepted test to diagnose celiac disease as the intestinal wall where the biopsy is taken is the target of the damaging immune response.

Wheat allergies manifest themselves more like classic allergies, such as hay fever. They do not represent an autoimmune disease, therefore they manifest differently from the symptoms of celiac sprue disease.

Non-celiac gluten sensitive is the expression used for people who test negative for celiac sprue disease but who still experience a potent and consequential reaction to eating foods with gluten in them.

Statistics show that around 1% of all people are afflicted with celiac sprue disease. About 2-5% suffer from wheat allergies. Another 10% are diagnosed as non-celiac gluten sensitive. So collectively nearly 15%, or nearly one in every six people, suffers from some type of gluten allergy.

Wheat Allergy Vs. Celiac Disease

A wheat allergic reaction includes symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, hives, a rash and swelling. The reaction is immediate and is considered a Type 1 Hypersensitivity.

Symptoms of celiac disease tend to be a bit different and sometimes take days or even weeks to present themselves. Celiac symptoms include stomach pain, intestinal cramping, diarrhea, constipation and weight gain or more commonly, weight loss. Some people have silent celiac symptoms or don't experience symptoms at all (they are asymptomatic).

A recent study revealed that it takes more than five years for the average celiac patient to be diagnosed after they initially take their concern to their doctor. Because so many individuals endure health problems for far too long before receiving an accurate diagnosis, you ought to better understand these separate conditions and better appreciate when you should take your concern to a medical professional.

The Top 10 Allergy Treatments - How to Get Relief From Seasonal Allergies

If you are suffering from allergies, you may find comfort knowing that there are various methods of treatment that could be employed in order to address the problem. This article will tackle the 10 Best Allergy Treatments, so put on your seatbelt as we take this ride towards understanding the treatment that is best for you.

Although there is no cure for allergies, still there are a wide range of medications available-both prescription and over-the-counter drug that would assist you in getting rid of the annoying symptoms of this medical condition such as runny nose and congestion. Among the most famous medications are decongestants, antihistamines, combination medicines, corticosteroids, etc. There are also allergy shots that will increase the ability of the body to deal with allergens.

Treatment # 1: Natural Allergy Relief

Herbal supplements prove to provide a relief for allergies like the freeze-dried nettles as well as with the tonic created from goldenseal herb. Furthermore, there is also the saline (salt water) nasal spray that works by washing away pollen and getting rid of thin mucous. Aside from the herbs, doctors would also advise taking some nutrients that can help to quiet seasonal symptoms such as with the grape seed extract and some flavonoid compound known as quercetin.

Treatment # 2: Antihistamine

Antihistamines are often available in tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid forms. The amount of antihistamine medication that one should take each day would vary depending upon the person's characteristics and the kind of preparation that will be given. Since antihistamine can cause drowsiness, it is advised not to drive or do any activity that requires mental concentration after popping up the drug.

Treatment # 3: Decongestants

This particular drug lessens nasal congestion, leading to blood vessel constriction as well as reduced blood flow into the nasal passage. This medication must not be given to people who are experiencing allergic reaction towards decongestants.

Treatment # 4: Anticholinergic Nasal Allergy Spray

When this medication is sprayed into each nostril, it tends to lessen secretions from the glands which are lining the nasal passage hence reducing the symptom of runny nose. Those people who have allergies to any components of a nasal spray should never try to use this product. Mostly, the drug is sprayed 1-2 times for 2-3 times a day. Given the fact that this drug would pose on a very little side effect, it does not interfere with other drugs.

Treatment # 5: Steroid Nasal Sprays

This drug is known to lessen inflammation within the nasal passages hence the symptoms of nasal allergies are lessened. There are instances however when steroid nasal sprays may lead to nose bleed or sore throat so be alarmed.

Treatment # 6: Anti-allergy Eye Drops

Antihistamine eye drops are used in order to relieve symptoms like itchy or watery eyes. There are some drops that are created with anti-inflammatory agents that can further reduce puffiness and irritation. There are as well nonprescription eye drops that provided great relief to allergies and hay fever. This product should be employed with care though since they may cause temporary stinging after administered. In case irritation persists then it is time to call on your doctor. Furthermore, soft-contact lens wearers must wait for 10 minutes after putting on the eye drops before wearing contact lens

Treatment # 6: Leukotriene Inhibitors

Basically, leukotrienes are those chemical substances that encourage the inflammatory response observed during a contact to allergens. By hindering these chemicals from producing swelling, reduce in inflammation is observed.

Treatment # 7: Mass Cells Inhibitor

The main function of this drug is to prevent the discharge of histamine and also those with chemicals that can trigger allergic symptoms from mast cells when an individual comes in contact with allergens such as pollen. During its use, frequent dosing is very much needed since the effect may only last for about 8 hours. Mast cell inhibitors are sold in the form of nasal sprays in order to prevent runny nose or eye drops in order to address the need of itchy eyes.

Treatment # 8: Allergy Shots

Allergy shots which are also known as "immunotherapy," are given to patients with allergies in order to increase their tolerance to allergens. The shots are generally given to people who are suffering from severe allergies or those who are experiencing allergy symptoms for more than 3 months in a year. Be reminded however that allergy shots do not cure allergies since they only lessen sensitivity to certain substances. These must be given regularly and as time goes by, increasing doses must be administered. If however after taking the shot, you are experiencing shortness of breathe or tightness of the throat, this warrant the help of a doctor.

Treatment # 9: Allergy Fighting Foods

There was a study conducted that reveal the facts that eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids will help lessen allergy symptoms compared to those people who would not regularly eat foods rich in omega 3. Basically, omega 3 is also known to fight inflammation and it is mostly available among cold-water fish, in flaxseed oil, in walnuts and among those grass-fed meat and eggs. With this, it is advised that people who are suffering from allergies should try to at least consume these foods for the betterment of their conditions.

Treatment # 10: Personally Getting Rid of Allergens

Among the most practical method to deal with allergies is by trying to determine those things that can trigger attacks as to prevent allergies from taking place. For example, asthma sufferers are known to be allergic with dust hence the best thing that they can do is to actually free their house or their surrounding from the elements. If you are allergic with pungent perfumes then better get rid of these things. This is the most effective and inexpensive method that all people with allergies should at least try.

Bee Pollen and Allergies - Can Bee Pollen Help Allergies?

Do you know that you can actually use bee pollen to treat your allergy symptoms, such as fever, asthma, headache, and many more? In this article, I will show you how this natural product can be used to relieve your allergy symptoms, especially your asthma.

Asthma

Before I share with you the benefits of pollen for treating your asthma, it is better for you to understand what asthma really is. Asthma is one of the allergy symptoms that can happen anytime. It can be triggered by some allergens, such as dust, insect, plant, many more. Those allergens induce your asthma by coming through your nasal system. They usually block your nasal system so you won't be able to breathe easily.

Many doctors believe that bee pollen can be used to counter the effects of allergies to your body. Here I will show you how you can use pollen for your allergies.

Bee Pollen for Allergies

You might think that it is impossible to use pollen for treating your allergies because pollen is usually considered as allergen that can trigger your allergies. However, many research have proved that you can reduce your allergy symptoms by simply taking bee pollen on a regular basis.

Using pollen for treating your allergy has been used for many years. It has been proven to be very effective. It is very useful to treat allergy symptoms, such as hay fever, rashes, hives, or asthma.

1. Allergy shot

An effective way to introduce bee pollen to your body is called desensitization. This process requires you to be exposed to the bee pollen at least six weeks before the allergies season. This pollen is introduced to your body through an injection of a mixture of pollen and water. By doing so, you will have better immune system to prevent your allergies symptoms. You should consult with your doctor first before taking this allergy shot.

2. Bee pollen supplements

You can also find pollen supplements in your local retailer store. By taking those supplements everyday, you increase your red blood cells and antibodies. Bee pollen can be used to improve your immune system. If you take the supplements in regular basis, you will be able to treat your allergies effectively.

After reading this article, you will understand the importance of pollen to treat your allergies. Some people also suggest that you start your treatment slowly because there is always a chance that you will have allergic reaction to the pollen. Make sure that you consult with your doctor before you treat your allergies by using this treatment.

Vitamins And Supplements To Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a running nose, coughing, and watery eyes can make your life very miserable. It is therefore paramount that you find ways to reduce your symptoms so that you can lead a better quality of life. One of the most effective way of boosting your immune system to fight allergies is with consuming vitamins and supplements. Here are some:

- Vitamin C. Vitamin C can act as a mild antihistamine, which can help you to have fewer allergy symptoms when you come into contact with a particular allergen. Two to ten thousand milligrams of this vitamin can be taken in divided doses throughout your day to help keep that antihistamine property throughout the day, since Vitamin C is excreted from the body after four to six hours.

- Beta-carotene. This vitamin works to boost the immune system, which can help you to naturally fight off the histamine or allergy response to specific allergens. Some foods naturally contain beta-carotene, including deep orange vegetables and fruits like papaya or cantaloupe. You can up the intake of these foods or you can choose to take a beta-carotene supplement.

- Magnesium. Magnesium has been found to help make breathing easier. It helps in decreasing the constriction response in the lungs. If this has been one of your allergy symptoms, then magnesium could be an excellent choice for your allergy regimen.

- Vitamin E. Vitamin E is known as an antioxidant that can help boost and increase the effect of your immune system. It has been found very effective in studies in decreasing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which an inflammatory response in the nose, eyes, and throat that is caused by allergen exposure.

- Vitamin B Complex. Studies have found that taking Vitamin B Complex can help to reduce your allergy symptoms by half. This is a significant finding, because it can move most allergy symptoms down into a more manageable range that is easier to deal with. Some patients saw their symptoms decrease to almost nothing, which gave them the opportunity to live a normal life for the first time.

Allergy vitamins can strengthen the immune system of your body so that it can work better than before. They can help decrease your histamine response when your body comes into contact with an offending allergen. Taking high quality vitamins and supplements is a much healthier preventative option as compared to treating yourself with over-the-counter medications and/or prescription medications. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider about taking any of the above mentioned vitamins and supplements and their recommended dosages before consumption.

Is Weight Loss and Allergies Connected?

Have you ever snacked on something and then been even hungrier than before the snack? Do you get cravings for a specific food that will not go away until you satisfy that craving? If you answer yes to either of these two questions then it is a good chance you some type of food allergy. This is good news for you if you are also over weight, because there is a simple solution to your excess weight problem.

Allergies affect people in different ways. The most common ways that an allergy will manifest itself may involve a rash on the skin, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing and coughing.

What is interesting to note is that some allergic responses will cause the human body to produce adrenaline (epinephrine), dopamine, serotonin, and opioid enkephalin. Because of the stimulating and other effects of these chemicals the allergic symptoms are masked. Epinephrine is the drug of choice to treat a sever allergy attack.

Dr William Philopott has speculated that frequent ingestion of allergenic foods will trigger a rise in the amount of opioid enkephalin found in the brain. Opioid Enkephalin is a narcotic that is naturally produced by the human body.

To someone addicted to these chemicals can cause you to suffer from withdrawal symptoms when access to a particular food is denied. The obese person has no idea that the phenomenon of allergies and addictions to both foods and chemicals can control the daily eating habits with a powerful physiological need to stop the withdrawal symptoms caused by food allergies.

An allergic reaction can cause a drastic reduction in the blood sugar level. Irritability, weakness, and hunger symptoms will not go away when food is consumed in normal amounts. This allergic and addictive response to an allergic attack can cause an uncontrollable eating disorder.

Patients that have started a low-allergen diet usually experience a marked increased sense of well being with a single month. Food allergies or food intolerances can cause the body to retain both water and fat. Water retention is a common symptom of an allergic response. With the new low-allergen diet a rapid water loss of five to ten pounds within a week is often noticed. After the excess water has been removed from the human body the patient will tend to loose fat more easily.

Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium will neutralize the acidity caused by the allergic reaction and should reduce the hunger pangs and relieve stress. Two teaspoons of a combination of the nutrients can eliminate withdrawal symptoms of food allergies and can reduce the hunger cravings.

A combination of avoidance of the allergenic foods and the use if this nutritional supplement can offer patients a dramatic alleviation of symptoms from food allergies, especially hunger. If this vitamin and nutrient combination gives you relief from withdrawal symptoms and eliminates you hunger then the indications are that your symptoms were indeed caused by an allergic-addiction to foods.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Allergies Vs Sinus Infection - Do I Have Allergies or a Sinus Infection?

Nasal symptoms affect millions of Americans all the time. But is it allergies or sinus infection? What's the difference? How does it matter?

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic response to pollen or other microscopic particles or organisms. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Itchy, watery eyes


• Congestion


• Sneezing


• Runny nose

Colds or flu may cause some of these same symptoms, but are usually accompanied by fever, sore throat, and body aches. Colds typically last about seven days, then go away. But with allergies, symptoms last longer. And allergy symptoms occur in a predictable pattern: The symptoms of allergies tend to be present when pollen counts are high, and go away when they are lower.

Sinus Infection

Sinus infection (sinusitis) is inflammation of one or more of the sinus cavities in the skull. Sinuses have small openings into the nasal cavity and are normally just filled with air, but when they become blocked and filled with fluid, they become a breeding ground for germs that cause an infection. These can include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Based on the length of time symptoms are present, sinusitis is classified as acute, chronic, or recurrent

Acute Sinusitis

In acute sinusitis, the primary symptoms last about 7-28 days and include:

• Facial pain/pressure


• Nasal stuffiness


• Nasal discharge


• Loss of smell


• Cough/congestion

Additional symptoms may include:

• Fever


• Bad breath


• Fatigue


• Teeth pain

A health care professional will make a diagnosis of acute sinusitis when a person has two or more symptoms and/or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge. Treatment for allergies is usually symptomatic. These include medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids. Antibiotics are not needed. Non-medicinal remedies such as nasal irrigation has been proven helpful as well.

Chronic Sinusitis

People with chronic sinusitis may have the following symptoms for 8 weeks or more:

• Facial congestion/fullness


• A nasal obstruction/blockage


• Pus in the nasal cavity


• Fever


• Nasal discharge/discolored postnasal drainage

Additional symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include:

• Headaches


• Bad breath


• Fatigue


• Teeth pain

A physician may treat sinusitis with symptomatic medication or antibiotics in severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics has lead physicians to be more reserved in prescribing antibiotics. Nasal irrigation has been proven effective, as well, in helping to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis and maintain nasal health.

One Condition May Lead to Another

It is not uncommon for allergies to lead to sinusitis. Nasal allergies cause swelling of the lining of the nasal passages, which can lead to a blocked sinus. Sinus infection can then develop because of the blockage.

Nasal allergies and sinusitis affect the body in different ways and are treated differently, so it is important to know the difference.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Linked to Food Allergy & Intolerances

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease (Autoimmune disease) that is characterised by daily pain, stiffness and fatigue which, in turn, limits activities of daily living. Rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling disease that affects approximately 2-3% of the world's population, and usually starts between the ages of 20-40 years and is more common in women, affecting them 3 times more often than men. Some forms of the disease can occur in children. Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1 percent of our population and at least two million Americans have definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis. It is a much more devastating illness than previously appreciated.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in all races and ethnic groups. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory illness that affects the joints and because it is "systemic" (affecting the entire body), it can affect other parts of the body as well. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes painkillers and medicines to reduce inflammation and prevent the disease's progression.

Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers, and corticosteroids. Non-drug treatments include physical therapy; modified exercise programs; devices such as canes, special shoes, and splints (rigid supports that keep a part of the body from moving while it heals); and lifestyle changes--such as balancing activity with rest, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress.

Medicines that manage your immune system (called Immuno-suppressants) can also be used to fight RA. When you have RA, your immune system is out of control.

Patients with these diseases have antibodies in their blood which target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation.

Commonly affected joints include those in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and neck. Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, but most cases are chronic, meaning they never go away. Some people have mild or moderate disease, with flares (periods of worsening symptoms) and remissions.

Rheumatoid arthritis is also considered a risk factor for a condition called osteoporosis in which a portion of bone loses its blood supply and begins to die. In RA, multiple joints are usually, but not always, affected in a symmetrical pattern (affecting both sides of the body at the same time, for example both hands might be affected).

Patients should always consult with their doctor about the choice of medication. Medicines must be used carefully and patients should tell their doctors about any changes that occur. Patients may not notice that their rheumatoid arthritis is affecting their spinal cord because this disease also causes arthritis in the fingers, hands, and hips at the same time.

Painful arthritis in some joints can in some cases mask the symptoms of further damage, such as spinal cord compression.

Many foods are known to help one's RA, while many others will actually contribute to the disease or trigger the symptoms, there are far to many to list here, however one of the most important foods to cut out of your diet, would be white flower, and anything made with white flour.

Rheumatoid Arthritis linked to food allergy & intolerance's

Bad foods for arthritis tend to contain chemicals called inflammatory prostaglandins, which can be directly responsible for triggering some arthritis conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis in particular is closely linked to food allergy & intolerance's. Most sufferers have been shown to greatly improve when they cut out certain foods or restrict their diet, which eliminates the foods to which they are allergic.

Foods all Arthritics should avoid;

1.Shellfish
2.Fat & all fatty foods
3.Fried food
4.Additives and preservatives
5.Mayonnaise

Foods which should be treated with caution;

The foods which cause the most confusion amongst nutritionists and arthritis professionals are those referred to as from the 'nightshade family'

1.Potatoes (especially when green and sprouting)
2.Tomatoes (especially when green)
3.Hot peppers
4.Sweet peppers
5.Paprika

Good and beneficial foods;

1.Brown rice
2.Sweet potatoes
3.Onions
4.Garlic
5.Celery
6.Oily fish

This is just a small list of good and bad foods, which are known to influence arthritis. Diet and natural treatments for arthritis are not necessarily the fastest remedies. This is because they sometimes have to cure a basic imbalance in the body which may take up to a few weeks, however natural practices do actually tackle the underlying contributing factor of one's RA and not just the symptoms.

Some natural arthritis treatment recommend a short period of fasting for a day or two, even for healthy people. There have been claims that fasting is effective to treat many conditions, arthritis being one of them.

Natural practices could be the answer to one's RA,and shouldn't be discounted.

3 Things You Can Change At Home To Keep Your Allergy Symptoms In Check

Allergy symptoms occur when our immune system goes into overdrive, producing too much histamine, attempting to protect us from something harmful. Allergy and asthma suffers try to avoid the seasonal triggers connected with pollution, high pollen counts or even weather conditions. However, the quality of our home environment is usually not considered when we begin to suffer from allergy symptoms. The most common triggers of our allergy symptoms found in the home are from dust mites, mold and mildew, as well as pet dander.

One of the most misunderstood triggers of allergy symptoms is dust mites because people see the dust alone as an irritant. The dust contains the dust mites which are microscopic in size, living creatures that feed on shedded skin. When we do our housecleaning, dust particles become airborne, which in turn carries the dust mite into the air we breathe, which irritate our lungs, and the allergy symptoms begin. Using zippered covers for pillows and mattresses, washing them along with pillows and linens in hot water at least 130 degrees will destroy the mites and larva. Having washable window treatments also aids in reducing our allergy symptoms.

Mold and mildew are growing fungi containing toxins we inhale. Because these growths thrive in moisture and humidity, the common areas in the home to find this growth are basements, bathrooms and where any water leaks may occur. Repairing leaks is one solution. Using a 5% bleach and water solution with a little detergent is one way of killing mold and mildew. Using a dehumidifier, keeping the indoor humidity below 40 percent, eliminates a way for molds and dust mites to thrive. Another way in controlling mites is to change AC/heating filters at least every three months, as well as using filters with a MERV rating of 8-12. Home temperatures of 75 degrees are a perfect environment for the dust mite.

Besides the shedding of human skin cells in our bedrooms, pet dander is another feeding for dust mites. Removing carpeting, and keeping our pets off of stuffed furniture will aid in decreasing pet dander on surfaces that makes us more susceptible in the inhalation of mites. Another remedy is to not allow our furry pets in our bedrooms which will eliminate pet dander affecting us while we sleep. Removing carpeting, which is loaded with pet dander and is also another breeding ground for mites, aids in the relief of allergy symptoms from not only pet dander, but dust mites as well.

How to Identify Gluten Allergy Symptoms

A gluten allergy can be hard to live with. Many of our society's everyday foods contain gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Symptoms of a gluten allergy are similar to any other food allergy, but should not be confused with the symptoms of coeliac disease, a gluten intolerance that is much more dangerous.

The normal symptoms of gluten allergy are triggered by a histamine reaction, which is caused by white blood cells in the body called basophils and mast cells overreacting to the influx of the Immoglobin E. This results in the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as watery eyes, sneezing, hives or a skin rash, and stomach discomfort or pain. If suffering from these symptoms, the use of an antihistamine may be beneficial. The severity of symptoms, and well and the number and type of symptoms can very person to person. This type of a reaction usually causes no permanent damage to the person affected. However, there are other symptoms that are sometimes mistaken as a gluten allergy, but are more likely to be caused by a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a autoimmune disease, and the ingestion of gluten by a person suffering from it can actually cause damage to the small intestine. The symptoms of celiac disease can be much more severe, such as constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, mouth ulcers, irritability, and attention problems (sometimes confused with ADHD in children).

It's fairly easy to diagnose a gluten allergy. Most physicians will suggest removing gluten containing products from their patients diet, to see if the symptoms resolve themselves. This is an effective way of detecting and treating a gluten allergy, but not celiac disease. If celiac disease is suspected, blood tests are usually performed. If celiac disease is detected by the blood tests, then a biopsy of the small intestine is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

So in general, the symptoms of an allergic reaction to gluten can range from minimal to extensive, depending on the severity of the allergy in the subject. The important thing is to be able to discern these symptoms from those of the more dangerous celiac disease, and seek treatment from you doctor if you notice the development or worsening of these symptoms.

Allergies Are SO Bad This Year!

This is a common complaint that I overhear at the gym, in the grocery store, and countless other social gatherings. This statement is usually followed by, "I'm taking every medicine I can find, and I've even seen my doctor . . . but I still feel congested, I itch, I sneeze, I cough, and I miss my sense of smell and taste. It's just awful!"

I really sympathize with allergy sufferers. It helps to understand that allergies are caused by airborne particles. Hiking, riding bikes, and simply moving through the air on a spring or summer day exposes us to countless allergens. During allergy season, the air is 'allergy soup' with pollen, dust and animal dander entering our bodies through our nose, mouth, and eyes. Mucus membranes become covered with tiny particles causing allergic reactions that make us miserable.

What I want to tell all the people complaining about allergy symptoms is: Before you even take medication, you need to be washing the allergens away from your eyes and nose.

Exposure to irritants causes swelling of the membranes and an increase in thick and sticky mucus production, impeding the normal flow of mucus drainage. A buffered hypertonic salt solution WILL wash particles out, shrink nasal membranes, increase the efficiency of the nose hairs, thin secretions, and allow the tiny sinus openings to drain effectively. Washing the body's filter makes as much sense as cleaning the clothes dryer filter. If the nose is kept clean, it can function.

It has been clearly demonstrated by controlled scientific studies that regular nasal washing will remove 80% of irritants and pollen, called 'inflammatory mediators'. This reduces allergy symptoms. Washing is safe, effective and economical because if done correctly will reduce both the symptoms of and the use of medications related to the allergy season. The simple technique is easy enough for those as young as 2 or seasoned folks up to 92.

Nose washing is a time tested technique for better health. The Neti pot is the original nasal wash system but many delivery systems are now available such as the syringe, squeeze bottle and my personal preference, Nasopure. The Neti offers a gravity controlled flow while Nasopure offers ideal control of pressure and flow. If the solution pressure and flow is well controlled, it sucks out the mucus from the sinus cavities, flushing them clean. The overall goal is to have a flow of warm buffered saline water inserted into one nostril and exit the opposite one. The water drains out, flushing the nasal passages and the linings thoroughly. This is simple and effective, an obvious solution to air pollution.

It is clear that antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays with steroids, leukotriene inhibitors and antibiotics all have a place in the treatment of nasal health. But these medications DO NOT address prevention or avoidance of the symptoms. Medications should not be taken lightly. Side effects, expense, drug-drug interactions AND most concerning, the development of bacterial resistance should be considered before popping pills. I tell my patients when discussing any recommended treatment option, "You should look at the pros and cons of each option offered to you prior to making your decision."

With as many as 40-60 million Americans fighting allergies and sinusitis and tiring of antibiotics, antihistamines and decongestants, nasal irrigation is the natural alternative. It is no surprise that with the assault of chemicals, fragrances, pollution, dust and pollen that our nostrils are under enormous stress.

The common wisdom behind treating allergies with nasal cleansing is simple: if the filter is not clean, it will not work. The nose is the body's filter, our great defender. Just as you clean the air filter in your car and the lint filter in your clothes dryer, function is improved when the filter is clean. Washing hands makes sense, brushing teeth makes sense and nasal washing makes sense too!

Be Well, Dr Hana

Autism or Allergies - Or Both?

Could there be a link between autism and allergies? Could severe allergies cause an autism misdiagnosis? Could allergies themselves contribute to autism? A lot of things are still unknown about autism but as a parent of a child who was diagnosed at the age of three and by the age of 11, no longer displaying symptoms of autism, the above questions are important ones for me and my family.

Autism is a disorder that affects the brain development in children and is usually diagnosed by age three or four. It affects the child's social interaction and communication skills and it can limit behavior patterns. Autism is believed to be genetic but there are also environmental factors that are believed to influence the disease.

In recent years, reports of several studies done (mostly in alternative medicine) have suggested the idea that diet and food allergies could play a role in either causing or worsening autism. In particular, gluten (a wheat protein) and casein (a milk protein) were both believed to worsen the symptoms of a child with autism. It is believed that these food proteins are broken down into smaller proteins called peptides, that will function like narcotics in autistic children, worsening the symptoms.

My son's food allergy diagnosis came after his initial autism diagnosis. It was later found that all 4 of my children had allergies to gluten and casein with the older ones outgrowing it around ages 6-10. However, only one of the four ever displayed the symptoms and signs of autism. He now no longer displays symptoms of autism, although he is not on the same behavior maturity level as his peers. He has outgrown most of his food allergies and intolerances but still receives treatment for seasonal and environmental allergies.

We're unsure if he was misdiagnosed in the first place or if the food allergies somehow played a role in the severity of his autism at a young age. Diet change alone was not the only thing we did for him. Years of counseling and therapy on all levels- speech, behavioral, family, etc., have helped him learn to overcome many of the challenges he had when he was younger and when he carried the diagnosis of autism. The doctors will say nothing more than "Before he displayed the signs and symptoms of autism and now he doesn't". While he still has some symptoms on the spectrum, they are not enough for him to be considered autistic.

Autism is a touchy subject and a condition that still asks a lot of questions. Each time I write about it, I get my fair share of hate mail telling me to "check my facts" but the fact of the matter is that even the experts disagree on many aspects of autism, what causes it and what might treat it. I write from my 10-year experience with a child who was diagnosed, as well as my experience coaching children with autism and Asperger's. I'm not claiming to be an expert; only looking to share information and experiences.

I can't say it's fact that there is a link between allergies and autism but in my experience there is, on some level. My children's allergist as well as other medical professionals seem to think there is some type of link as well, even if we are not all 100% certain of what the link is yet.

The bottom line is this: if it helps a child to live a more productive and functional life, does it really matter who is right and who is wrong? I want what's best for all of my children, regardless of labels or conditions. If changing their diet helps, I'm going to do it.

Note: Changing and/or restricting your child's diet should only be done under the supervision and advice of your doctor. This is especially true when limiting important nutritious foods such as milk and wheat. It's important to be sure you are replacing these omitted foods with something equal so that your child does not suffer from malnutrition due to restricted diet.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. The author is not a licensed medical professional.

Sources and references:

Personal Experience

Millward C, Ferriter M, Calver S, Connell-Jones G. Gluten- and casein-free diets for autistic spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003498.

Kidd PM. Autism, An Extreme Challenge to Integrative Medicine. Alternative Medicine Review. 2002; 7(6):472-99.

Sun S, Itokazu N, Le HT, et al. Innate Immune Responses and Cytokine Production Against Dietary Proteins in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Those with Dietary Protein Intolerances. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2002; 109:S222.

Finding Natural Relief From Allergy Symptoms

The most often allergy symptoms we can observe are sneezing, tearful eyes and running nose. Sometimes there is cough, too. Of course there are many drugs to give you relief from allergy symptoms, but sometimes you may need extra help to get rid of them. Why not give our organism an extra boost in its struggle with allergy?

First of all you should add garlic and onion to the list of medicine you take. Well, they don't smell nice, that's true, but they contain one very important substance, quercitin, which is also a compound used in treatment of allergy. Fortunately enough, pharmaceutical industry can offer us garlic pills, which include the best parts of garlic without its unpleasant smell. So you may just ask your pharmacist about them. Still, adding more garlic and onion to your food can significantly reduce your allergic reactions.

The common non-iodized salt is another natural remedy against running nose and teary eyes. You can either rinse your nasal passage with a salt solution or gargle your throat with it. There are many techniques of rinsing the nasal passage, and basically two types of solutions are used: isotonic and hyper-tonic. The hyper-tonic solution will have a drying effect on the nasal passage. The best salt to use is the pickling salt because it does not contain additives like anti-caking agents. For isotonic solution you will need a pint of water (tap water boiled for several minutes to make it really sterile), 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda (attention: baking powder is unacceptable as a substitute for baking soda). For a hyper-tonic solution you just use twice or three times more salt. The temperature of the solution should be close to the body temperature. The market offers a wide variety of devices for rinsing the nasal passage, from the traditional neti pots to electric devices available at the pharmacist's.

Keeping the right air humidity around you, will also reduce the symptoms of allergy. You can combine this with aromatherapy, using eucalyptus oil. You should be careful, however and use it in very small quantities first in vaporizer. Used this way, eucalyptus oil is beneficial in case of frequent sneezing, coughs, hay fever, sinusitis, and respiratory problems which may also be caused by allergy. Other helpful oils include thyme, lavender, and pine. You can use them separately, or also in a mixture. The most important thing to remember, however is to use them in moderate amounts and with moderate frequency.

The three methods of natural relief from allergy symptoms are of course just a tiny part of what you can do in general to make your life with allergy easier. Once you start using them, feel free to explore further on to find foods and substances that help minimizing the effects of allergy.

Raw Vegan Lifestyle: 5 Tips on Combating Seasonally Allergies With Raw Foods

The changing of the seasons is full of beauty and rebirth. But with blooming flowers comes pollen and all of the allergic reactions that come with it. Although allergy season is here (as it comes every year), it does not mean that you have to load up on medications!

I have compiled a concise, but powerful list of nutritious, holistic, raw and vegan remedies for common seasonal allergies. Not only are they effective, but they're cheap and easy to find in your local grocery store. In fact, you may even have them in your fridge or cupboard already!

Foods Rich in Antioxidants, Especially Vitamin C

Eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables will load your body up with antioxidants. Antioxidants promote your body's ability to defend itself from infections and disease. Vitamin C is particularly beneficial for allergies as it has antihistamine properties and may help minimize allergy symptoms. Foods rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants include parsley, broccoli, red bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, black currants, guava, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, kiwi, mango, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, tomatoes and cantaloupe.

Foods Rich in Quercetin

What the heck is quercetin, you say? Quercetin is a potent plant-derived flavanoid that gives many vegetables their color. It is a powerful antioxidant, antihistamine, and anti- inflammatory which reduces sinus and nasal congestion as well as the watery eyes that often accompany seasonal allergies. Good sources of quercetin include red onions, parsley, cauliflower, cabbage, blackberries, red apples, and grapes.

Foods Rich in Omega -3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body which play a role in the symptoms of hay fever. Walnuts and flaxseed are excellent vegan food sources of Omega -3s.

Raw Honey

A teaspoon of raw local honey every single day will keep allergies at bay. The key is to get pure raw unfiltered and unprocessed honey from a local source. Raw local honey still contains trace amounts of the pollens and molds that are causing your seasonal allergies. When ingested gradually in small amounts your body begins to build resistance to local allergens. This works best when you start before allergy season begins, yet is still effective even when it's in full swing.

Spices

Turmeric and ginger are known anti-inflammatory agents and are helpful with headaches brought on by sinus and nasal congestion as well as the congestion itself.

Symptoms of a Food Allergy

The symptoms of a food allergy usually appear soon after a person eats something that has an allergen in it. The symptoms of a food allergy could last just a short while or these could signal a very serious condition that could result in death. There are certain food items that seem to be the most common for producing symptoms of a food allergy and people with these allergies should make sure that they avoid these at all.

A small bit of a peanut could trigger terrible symptoms of a food allergy in some people. The symptoms of a food allergy appear even though the number of the allergens is very small. Certain food is more likely to have serious allergens than others but the food items can be very dangerous when eaten by the allergic persons. On the other hand people who are not allergic to them eat all these food items without any problem.

The food items those often trouble people with allergies includes eggs, milk, peanuts and pistachios and there are other food items as well can be added to this list.

Symptoms of a Food Allergy Require Emergency Response

Most people have an immune system which eliminates the symptoms of a food allergy and the problems that come with food allergies easily. But those who have these allergies should get emergency treatment when the symptoms of a food allergy appear. There is a difference between the food intolerance and a food allergy.

People with either of these problems should have a clear understanding of their situation. If they are just intolerant to a certain type of food, they should avoid this food as it will not have serious problems even if they eat these unlike allergies.

The people with serious food allergies should be extremely careful about what they are eating and all. The reactions of food allergies can be life threatening and can lead to death soon after the symptoms appear. The symptoms of a food allergy could be very similar to the symptoms of asthma as person has difficulty in breathing. Another symptom of a food allergy could be similar to a skin disease as they include huge, red welts or bumps all over their body.

Pet Allergy Facts - Symptoms of the Allergic Reaction

You know that being around cats and dogs makes you feel miserable. Your throat is scratchy; your head pounds and you can't stop sneezing. But what is it about these adorable little creatures that set your immune system into overdrive?

Here are a few facts you may not be aware of regarding pet allergies:

Fur is not the problem. In reality, proteins secreted by oil glands and shed with dander trigger pet allergies. These proteins are most often found in a pet's saliva, and is transferred to their skin and hair when they lick themselves (which is quite often, it isn't their fur that's the trouble - it's their spit!

When the allergens land on the lining of the eyes and nose, and/or are inhaled into the lungs, allergic symptoms result.

How severe your allergic reaction depends on your own immune system. Some people only experience minor aggravations like a runny nose or sneezing, while others can become quite miserable and even suffer dangerous respiratory ailments due to their pet allergies.

Symptoms don't always show up right away. Some people may experience an allergic reaction as long as 12 hours after being around an animal, which can often make it difficult to determine what indeed caused the reaction in the first place.

Contrary to popular belief, there are no "non-allergenic" breeds of dogs or cats. There are, however, breeds that shed less, which may account for the lessoning of some symptoms in many people. Typically, allergic folks are more sensitive to and display more severe reactions to cats than to dogs.

Individuals who are allergic to animals can suffer symptoms whether or not an animal is present. Allergens can linger for months after a pet is taken out of the environment. To alleviate these symptoms, a complete cleaning of all upholstery, rugs and bedding is essential after a pet is removed form the home.

If you are a pet lover who wants to keep you dog or cat in your home, it is essential to find an allergy specialist who is committed to finding ways in which to treat your symptoms, despite your pet's presence. It is possible to coexist with a pet despite your dander allergies, but it will require a lot of work to keep the areas in your home clean and dander-free. This may require continuous cleaning and even making some area's pet-free to ensure some places where you can go and breathe easy without the fear of an allergic reaction.

Is Your Hidden Food Allergy Or Allergies Making You Fat?

Was there an instance when you ate something like an ice cream, cake, cheese, or a piece of fruit - and you felt even hungrier? Have you experienced any food urges wherein you can't satisfy such cravings except eating the same food?

If your answer to the questions above is 'yes', then you have food allergies and you're probably fat by now. Food allergy can make you fat, and that is already a proven fact.

Allergic people crave for foods that they're allergic to and this is caused by food sensitivities. Take note of drug addicts that exhibit withdrawal symptoms. The same thing also happens to people with food allergies; when they are not able to eat certain foods, they experience discomfort.

A number of obese individuals can attest to the irresistible power of their food allergy. Compulsive eaters are craving and continuously eating allergenic foods that they're addicted to every day. They have no idea that their eating habits and food cravings have something to do with a physiological need. The withdrawal symptoms should be stopped.

Specialized doctors who diagnose and treat allergies are now accepting the simultaneous phenomenon of addiction and allergy to both chemicals and food. These doctors are called clinical ecologists, and they greatly believe that almost all persistent health problems like depression, migraine, arthritis, and fatigue are all caused by chemicals and food allergies. A great number of people are affected by food allergies even in the industrialized countries.

The same kind of food can actually cause dissimilar reactions among people. The genetic predisposition of each individual is said to be the determining factor if the person is vulnerable to such condition.

When a person has edema and/or vasculitis, the body organ that is targeted are blood vessels. If you constantly eat the food to which you're allergic at. Edema or water retention is a very common condition among individuals with food allergies, and this is one factor that contributes to obesity. If you quit intake of the food that you're allergic to, you can lose an approximate of 10 pounds in just a week and without using any diuretic.

Fat persons can lose weight without undergoing any diet plan. Food sensitivities cause your body to keep hold of fats and water, and if you remove these foods, your body will not hold excess water or fat. Therefore, you can lose weight already. You can seek professional help so that you can be provided with a diet that's low in allergen. Many doctors believe that losing weight has nothing to do with the calories in your diet.

The brain's limbic portion is affected by food sensitivity probably because this is known as the control center. All your emotions, memory functions, vegetative functions, body temperature, blood pressure, sexuality, sleep, thirst, and hunger are controlled by this portion. There have been conclusive studies showing that the vital functions are greatly affected by your food allergies.

According to a neurophysiologic analysis, allergenic foods can trigger opioid enkephalin in the brain. The body produces this narcotic, and if you frequently eat allergenic foods, the narcotic will increase or rise.

Major food allergens include coffee, wheat, dairy products, corn, and eggs. Before, medical doctors ignore food allergies because there is no specific drug that can be used to treat such condition. Most of today's doctors rely on certain supplements and avoidance of such allergenic foods.

Mold Allergy Symptoms

Many of us live with allergies, reactions and sensitivities. I am personally very sensitive to mold. I can smell it a mile away and slightest taste makes me hurl. Mold found in materials, walls and structures can cause me to become physically ill if I am exposed to long. In the past I have just tried to deal with it and avoid mold when possible. However, a recent question was recently posed to the medical field that caused me to change.

"Can using synthetic materials help my mold allergy symptoms?" The answer comes from the Honor Society of Nursing (SSTI). Synthetic materials are much less likely than natural fibers to attract and hold mold spores within your home or workplace. Whenever possible, use synthetic fabrics for things like clothing, bedding, furniture covers, and curtains. Examples of synthetic materials include polyester, nylon and acrylic.

No longer do I try and deal with mold that might arise or my reaction to it, but I have taken a preventive stance and changed my clothes, bedding, furniture, curtains and any other kinds of home furnishing to synthetic materials. I found the most impact on the change I made in my bedding, specifically my pillows. I love my bed and use lots of pillows and can't live without my body pillow. I use to have 100% goose down pillows and body pillows. Now, I use pillows filled with synthetic materials.

There are several options when it comes to purchasing pillows with synthetic material. The cheapest synthetic filler is polyester which is non-allergenic. Not only is it great for keeping the mold away but it can easy allergies. Polyester is manufactured in pellet form used in bean bags and large floor pillows or in smaller micro-beads used in bed pillows and support pillows. Another popular option is synthetic down which is a polyester threading that is shaped into long singles threads to mimic lofty down clusters. Genius. This is my favorite because it is the perfect substitute for the goose down pillows and body pillows I use to have. It's cheaper then natural down, hypoallergenic and easy to care for. I also found some fillers made from synthetic microfiber which can change shape and size to conform to the body. Microfiber is used for many purposes and is a great synthetic material for furniture and other home furnishings.

With so many synthetic materials available it's easy to prevent mold and reduce sensitivities, allergies and reactions. If this is a problem you experience I would recommend making changes, starting with your bedding and see how much better you feel.

Mild Cat Dander Allergy Symptoms And Its Preventions

Looking closely, cats also shed out dander or hairs which can irritate a person. Hence, you can say that cat dander allergy symptoms are somehow similar with regular pollen allergic reactions. You may sneeze because of exposure as they can irritate your lungs and nasal cavity.

These symptoms are among the common ones experienced by people but as long as you know what they are, you can get treated with the help of physicians or modest approaches. Here are these symptoms that you must take note to get treated immediately.

Aside from just sneezing, you may also experience difficulty breathing especially if you have lots of cats at home. Just like in sneezing, this symptom is also caused by dander on their skin. As you know, cats are normally clean but they don't take a bath and cleaning themselves is not enough to take care of dander. This dander will then irritate several parts of the body and thus start these allergic reactions.

In addition to breathing difficulties, watery eyes are also among the cat dander allergy symptoms you'll experience. Just like the pulmonary symptoms, the dander can also irritate your eyes and cause your tear glands to produce tears. Aside from tears, you may also experience itchiness on your eyes and thus result to scratching them.

Third, itching skin is also another symptom that you have to watch out for these symptoms. Of course, you may play with your pet cat a lot and getting in contact with them too much so your skin is the first one affected. At this point, you may experience rashes and itching but make sure not to scratch them too much to avoid wounds.

Looking at these symptoms in general will indicate that they are just mild symptoms that a person can experience. However, it doesn't mean that you must endure them all the time. You can consult a physician in order to obtain the right medications and be free from these symptoms. Finally, you can also do other procedures that will help control these like neutering your male cat or keeping your house clean.

These cat dander allergy symptoms are very mild compared to what others experience. And with the right procedures and medications, you can take care of these symptoms and even prevent its occurrence for a longer period of time. Knowing these symptoms and early prevention will keep you from developing extreme symptoms that may affect your daily functioning like asthma-like attacks.

Five Symptoms of Allergy in ADHD Children

It's a little known fact that ADHD symptoms are often provoked by allergies to dust, pollen, food, and chemicals. Could an undiagnosed allergy be the culprit behind your child's hyperactive, inattentive, or violent behavior? Here are five telltale signs that your child is suffering from an allergy.

1) Bags or dark circles under the eye that makes your child look tired all the time. Some conditions that cause the eye to itch can cause these darker circles due to scratching or rubbing the skin surrounding it. Children who suffer from hay fever usually have noticeable smudges on the under-eye during the peak of the allergy season. Certain food allergies can also cause the under-eye area to appear darker.

2) Flaky, dry lips. According to Chinese medicine, the lips represent parts of the digestive system - the upper lip is connected to the stomach, while the lower lip is connected to the intestines. If your child suffers from dry, flaky lips, this could indicate an allergic reaction to food. It could also be a symptom of cheilitis, a reaction caused by an ingredient in lip products, toothpastes, or mouthwash.

3) Red or burning ears. This particular symptom is very immediate, occurring as soon as fifteen minutes after a child ingests an allergenic substance. The red or burning ears can stay for as long as half an hour. Common foods that cause the ears to redden include milk, dairy products, and wheat.

4) Sweaty feet. The liver is the organ responsible for filtering and eliminating toxins. When it is overworked, it tends to excrete waste material through the feet. During an allergy attack, the liver has to cope with an excess amount of offending substances -hence, the sweaty feet.

5) Picky eating. A child suffering from a number of food allergies is more likely to be a picky eater. What's interesting is that the child's favorite food is usually the one that triggers the allergy attack. Children are often more hyperactive or bad-tempered after they receive their favorite food.

There are specialized blood tests that can determine if your child is indeed suffering from undiagnosed allergies. If allergy tests are positive, the ADHD treatment will involve removing the source of the allergen or desensitizing the child to the allergen.

Detecting food allergies that influence ADHD is a little trickier. While a blood test can confirm an allergic reaction, it cannot identify which specific food caused it. The only way to find out is to place your child on a rotation diet, a special kind of diet that involves avoiding a food family for three to five days. For instance, on day 1, your child's meals contained wheat or wheat products. This means that all wheat products should be avoided for the next five days. The idea behind the rotation diet is to allow the immune system to expel allergenic substances, allowing you to identify the food that has caused the allergic reaction. You can easily tell through a change in your child's behavior or personality. As soon as the culprit has been identified, the offending food has to be removed for a month, then slowly reintroduced so your child can eventually become immune to it.

Help I Am Allergic To Nuts!

If you have Nuts Allergy then you suffer from allergies Type 1 what is also called Contact Allergies. Nut allergy is different than a peanut allergy because peanuts are not part of the nut family. Peanuts are considered part of the legumes family, which includes peas, lima beans, lentils and soybeans. The symptoms for a peanut allergy and a nut allergy are the same however; someone suffering from a peanut allergy will not necessarily be allergic to nuts.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has estimated that the majority of food allergy patients have an allergy to Nuts. Nuts and Nut oil is used in so many foods preparations that avoiding them can be very difficult. At the present time there is no known cure for allergies that involve food. Everyone that is allergic to Nuts should wear a Medical Alert Bracelet identifying the specific food intolerance.

A very severe nut allergy can cause an anaphylaxis reaction, which is the leading cause of death for allergy sufferers. An anaphylactic reaction can cause the airways to constrict, making breathing difficult and your blood pressure to drop to life-threatening levels. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, stomach cramps, swelling of the face, itching, wheezing, and hives. Seek immediate emergency treatment if any breathing difficulty arises during an allergy attack.

During an allergic attack antibodies and histamines are releases into the blood stream in an attempt to neutralize the nut protein, which causes of most food allergies. Why some people overreact to specific proteins is unclear and more studies are needed. Food allergies can become worst over time and the more times you are exposed to the offending allergen the worst the symptom can become.

Avoidance of nut-containing foods is the only effective treatment for people who are allergic to nuts. Avoidance can be very difficult because nuts are often hidden in other foods or are used in many of the common food processing techniques. Until a cure is found, read the labels of every food that you bring into your home. Because the manufacturing processes change continuously re-read the labels each time you purchase a product.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Nut Allergies such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Allergy Aid, Eucalyptus, Glucosamine, M.S.M, and Quercitin.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies' immune system. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.

Vitamin E accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Allergy Aid supplies 9 beneficial Herb's to help provide temporary relief of respiratory allergies. The natural action of these specific Herb's help to open bronchial tubes and ease breathing.

Use Eucalyptus or olbas oil in boiling water and inhale the steam that is being generated. This treatment is also very good for any type of stuffy nose due to a cold, flu or allergy problems. Both readily diffuse into the air and can provide benefits to nasal and bronchial areas.

Glucosamine Plus provides cartilage nutrition for healthy joints and is an anit-inflammatory. Promotes flexible and healthy joints by maintaining the lubrication levels in the joint area.

M.S.M maintains the development of the body's protein by forming flexible disulfide bonds between certain amino acids and in maintaining the strength of connective tissue. This allows water and nutrients to flow freely into cells and allows toxins to flow freely out of the cells. M.S.M increases athletic stamina and helps eliminate muscle soreness. M.S.M is a natural supplement that is getting a lot of attention due to its role in tissue healing at the cellular level. It is a natural organic sulfur that comes from rain fall and is found naturally in the human body.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and strengthen blood vessels, and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.

If you are Allergic To Nuts then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.