Allergy - Honey Can Cure Your Pollen Allergies For Good!

Every year, new allergy medicines are on the market with more hour relief for allergy symptoms. Of course, they will give you stronger side effects.

Moreover, all over-the-counter and prescription medicines for allergies are for masking symptoms only without addressing the root cause, so you need them every season. I heard a friend said his best season is winter, because only in winter he can be pollen allergies free. During other seasons of every year, allergy medicines make his life miserable.

I heard a remedy to cure pollen allergies.

1. Get a bottle of local honey from farmer market or local stores (not from supermarket).

2. Chop a whole lemon to small pieces and mix the lemon pieces into the honey. And then keep the lemon honey in refrigerate for a week.

3. Eat 1 or 3 spoons of honey with lemon pieces every morning on an empty stomach for several months. Do it for several seasons.

Remember that only local honey works, since only local honey contains local pollens, which make you allergy. Supermarket honey is harvested from honey farms, where only one kind of flowers is planted to feed bees.

A friend of mine tried it and it worked for him. Also, I posted this remedy in another site. A lady commented that she used it about 20 years ago, and she has enjoyed pollen allergies free for many-many-many years. She had miserable pollen allergies twice a year before. She said it worked her.

Scientifically, I think it makes sense. Since doctors use allergy shots to treat severe pollen allergy, the shots only contain tiny quantities of pollens. With slowly exposure to pollens over time, your body will get used to them and stop reacting with allergy symptoms.

Local honey contains local pollens. And the lemon changes the honey to acid, for unknown reason, which enhances the curing power of local honey.

Now matter what the principle is, it has no side effects, it is easy to do it and it is a cure for pollen allergies.

Allergies Type 1

Allergies Type 1 is also called contact allergy. It is is when food, mold, animal dander, pollen, or dust can cause an immediate allergy attack. Whey your body responds to the invasion, your body releases histamine from the irritated area such as the skin, nasal and bronchial areas.

A person with Allergies Type 1 is burdened with an overprotective immune system and is forever on guard against everyday things that don't bother the rest of us. It might be a cute puppy, a patch of green grass, to something as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The hypersensitivity allergic reaction to type 1 allergies can vary fjrom mild irritation to sudden death from anaphylactic shock. Any sympton that causes swelling of the toungh or difficulty in breathing requires imeadate treatment by a physicial.

Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Antioxidants, Allergy Aid, and Quercitin.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.

Substances called antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body.

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.

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.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

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

I Don't Have Food Allergies - Do I?

Most people have food allergies and are not aware that they do. Why? Because the common conception of food allergy is that your throat closes up and you have to rush to the hospital after eating something you are allergic to. There are many different forms of food allergy, some doctors refer to the less severe reactions as food sensitivities or intolerances rather than allergies. What's the difference? Your immune system produces five different types of antibodies - IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE.

IgE Antibodies

IgE antibodies are responsible for the more severe, potentially life threatening allergic reactions like what we associate with peanut allergies. Most people who have these are aware that they have them because the reaction is so immediate and severe. The type of symptoms people can experience with an IgE mediated food allergy reaction are lips tingling, itching in the mouth, throat tightening or closing, difficulty breathing, hives and full blown anaphylactic reaction, usually fairly immediately after exposure to the food allergen. Medical doctors test for IgE related allergies by a skin prick test. IgE antibodies tend to hang out in the skin, so a skin prick is a viable means of testing of this type of antibody.

IgA Antibodies

Celiac disease is an IgA related food allergy to gluten or gliadin a protein similar to gluten. Both are proteins found in grains like wheat, rye, barley, spelt and kamut. Oats are often contaminated with gluten from being processed in the same facilities as gluten containing grains. Common symptoms of celiac disease include: anemia, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal cramps and bloating, and irritability. Celiac disease can have severe consequences if sufferers are not following a gluten free diet, so thorough testing for celiac disease is vital. Testing should include blood tests for tissue transglutaminase, anti-endomysial antibodies, IgG and IgA antibodies to gluten/gliadin.

IgG Antibodies

IgG antibodies to foods are extremely common. In testing several hundred patients, only three of them haven't had any IgG antibodies to foods. The rest have had multiple food intolerances, usually 8-12 and were not aware they had any food allergies. However, once all of the food allergies were known, and these foods were excluded simultaneously, people will usually notice dramatic improvement. The type of symptoms people experience with IgG food allergies are skin rashes like acne, eczema and psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, mucous in the stool, rectal itching, rectal leaking, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, sinus congestion or recurring sinusitis, vaginal irritation not related to yeast, environmental allergies, asthma, arthritis and autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or lupus. IgG antibodies tend to be located in the blood stream, so the best means of detecting IgG food allergies is a simple blood test.

IgM and IgD antibodies are not generally tested for food sensitivities.

Allergies and Asthma - How Are They Related and Are There Natural Answers in Their Treatment?

Allergic reactions have the power to trigger or bring on asthma. For those who suffer with allergic asthma, inhalation of substances such as pollen, mildew, dust mites, and animal dander sets off the inflammation and swelling of the air passages, leading to symptoms of asthma. The lining of the nose and airways are very similar and are affected in a similar manner by the allergic inflammatory process.

Studies suggest that treatment of allergic rhinitis (also called hayfever) can actually improve asthma. Allergen immunotherapy is a type of allergy treatment that can significantly improve asthma. For people who experience allergic asthma, reducing the exposure to the allergic substance can also reduce asthmatic troubles and in some cases, completely control it.

Medicines aimed at cutting down inflammation are also good for allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and non-allergic asthma. Corticosteroids serve to reduce inflammation while intranasal corticosteroids are sprayed into nostrils, reducing inflammation which results from hay fever. Topical corticosteroid creams applied to skin are shown to reduce the inflammation associated with eczema. Additional medications are more effective for one condition over another. Antihistamines are generally employed to treat allergic rhinitis, but have a very small benefit for asthma.

A family history of allergies is the most substantial risk factor for people who deal with allergic asthma. Anybody with allergies is much more likely to develop an asthmatic condition. Allergic asthma is the most common form of of this disease, however, there are additional types and triggers of asthma including exercise-induced asthma and non-allergic asthma which is triggered by infections or cold air or food such as ice cream. Realising the relationship between the body's immune system and how the airways respond has helped to improve treatment of asthma symptoms for many people who live with allergic asthma.

Although scientists do not completely understand why allergies develop, it is thought that a combination of factors produce the immune system confusion, from genetic predisposition to environmental elements. There are two primary classes of risks which can add to the development of allergies, those that can be altered and those which can't. Numerous things which may prevent allergies need to happen at a very young age.

Family history is believed an uncontrollable risk factor as is age and immune response. The responses of the immune system are beyond anyone's control. Once the body becomes sensitive to a substance, the immune system creates large amounts of antibodies to battle the allergy.

It is possible to reduce allergy symptoms by limiting exposure to known allergies. Healthy eating habits and exercise can further fortify the immune system and help head off unwanted allergic reactions.

But, now that we understand what allergies are and how they relate to asthma, is there anything natural we can do to help prevent or help allergic symptoms? Yes, there are.
One natural allergy remedy which is highly recommended is apple cider vinegar. Frequently, the only complaint most have with apple cider vinegar is the taste. Most people who use apple cider vinegar to address allergies recommend taking two tablespoons a day, mixed with juice or water.

Carefully selecting foods you eat is an added natural way to cut down or address allergy symptoms. A whole lime, squeezed into water, has been known to help allergy sufferers. Vegetable juices and bananas are highly recommended.

To flush nasal secretions, mix one teaspoon of non-iodized salt or sea salt with 2 cups of warm water and just a pinch of baking soda. Pour the mixture into a shot glass, tilt your head back, close one nostril with your thumb, and sniff the solution with the open nostril. Then blow your nose gently. Repeat on the other side.

To clear excess mucus from sinus cavities, combine the juice from one root of horseradish with the juice of three lemons. Take a 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture between meals for several months until the mucus in your sinuses clears.

There are many plants used all across the globe, that are used as treatments for histamine (allergy) attacks. Here are some of the most accessible and reliable:

Chamomile is rich in Anti-Histamine properties. The flowers of the plant can be crushed and used in a poultice for inflammation. Brew a tea and drink 2-3 times daily. Chamomile can cause histaminic allergic reactions in some really sensitive individuals. If this happens, simply discontinue.

Papaya is known to inhibit the secretion of histamine. Juice of the papaya can be ingested and applied topically to help curb a histamine attack.

Stinging Nettle - The same plant which will bring on hives if its hairs shoot their histamine into you can act to cure the problem. Freeze-dried Nettle leaf extract, taken in capsule form, will address hives and allergies. The plant doesn't contain adequate histamine to cause a problem when taken orally. Stinging Nettle tea can be brewed from the leaves or you can cook the plant as greens. The plant's stinging hairs lose their sting once the plant is cooked.

Echinacea is a widely utilized remedy for infections of the upper respiratory tract. Echinacea has also been shown to have antihistamine properties.

Fennel is abundant with the antioxidant flavonoid "Quercetin". Quercetin is a substantial natural antihistamine demonstrated to be very helpful for allergies as well as histamine-related inflammation. Make as a tea and drink 2-3 times per day.

Ginger works very well on allergic reactions such as hives and wheals. Boil one sliced-up ginger root in eight cups of water for 30 minutes. Allow the root to steep for an additional 30 minutes and drink 2 to 3 cups daily. You may also add this brew to a hot bath and soak for 20-30 minutes.

Thyme is another natural antihistamine, in addition to having antiseptic properties which help purge infections.

Vitamin C is thought to be a natural antihistamine when used at high doses of around 3,000 mg to 5,000 mg daily.

Wild Oregano, aka Wild Marjoram, contains a minimum of seven different antihistaminic chemicals. This herb helps fight allergies as well as fungus and infection.

There are also several essential oils which are beneficial for combating allergies and their symptoms.

Essential oils should always be blended in a base oil in order to avoid irritation and then massaged into the skin. Never use essential oils internally.

Caraway Seed Oil has both antihistamine and antimicrobial properties and is very good at treating mild allergic reactions.

Clove Oil also features antihistamine properties and is helpful in the treatment of dermatitis brought on due to allergic reactions.

Lemon balm (also known as Melissa) has antihistamine properties and is known to help with allergies as well as being useful to treat both eczema and headaches.

Some good herbal and essential oil recipes to help relieve your asthma and allergy symptoms:

Hayfever Oil Blend

Put 1 drop each of Chamomile and Lemon oils onto a tissue and inhale. Hay Fever usually affects people in different ways. Treatment is often a case of trial and error. Experiment with the oils.

Add the following combination to baths:

* 2 drops Chamomile
* 2 drops Lemon
* 1 drop Lavender

Massage the neck, chest and back with the following:

* 2 drops Chamomile
* 1 drop Geranium
* 1 drop Lemon
* diluted into 1 teaspoon Base Oil

Asthma Tea

For asthma, make a tea of equal parts decocted vervain (verbena), horehound, and elcampane roots. Simmer for about 20 minutes, strain, and cool. Drink about 1 pint 3 times a day.

Honey/Onion Remedy

The proper British treatment for prolonged bouts with asthma is thin onion slices soaked in honey. The resulting syrup is administered four times a day until the condition improves.

Elecampagne Respiratory Tea

Elecampane is used for chronic lung conditions, Asthma, Bronchitis, colds and pleurisy. Simmer 1/2 ounce of dried root in one pint of water for 20 minutes. Drink after meals.

Recipe to stimulate the immune system:

For children, pour 30 mls of Carrier Oil such as sweet Almond, Grapeseed, or Evening Primrose into a smaller container. Add to it 5 drops of Orange, 5 drops of Grapefruit, and 5 drops of Lavender. Massage into the skin, including the feet and legs. Also add 3 drops of the mixture to a diffuser. For adults, double the amount of each essential oil to 10 drops.

Allergy Relief Soak:

Fill a bowl, basin or bathtub halfway full with lukewarm water and let it set several minutes.

Combine 2 tablespoons of sea salt or bath salts with the following essential oils:

3 drops Lavender
1 drop Rose
1 drop Geranium

Soak your feet for 20 minutes (or longer). Pat feet dry and put on a pair of socks.

(Allergy Relief Soak recipe comes from Valerie Gennari Cooksley, aromatherapist and author of "Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide To Healing With Essential Oils".)

Wheat Gluten Allergies

Nobody wants to live with an allergy. It's especially troubling when you're allergic to a particular type of food. An allergy to wheat can be especially troubling since it's found in so many foods. Gluten is a rubbery protein that's contained in grains. It's common in breads that are made from wheat, barley, rye and oats. It's these proteins that people are allergic to. Albumin, globulin, gluetnin and gliadin are the four basic proteins that can be found in wheat.

As with any allergy it's best to recognize your wheat allergy symptoms. While it's possible for them to vary, depending on the person, the most common signs and symptoms of a gluten wheat allergy are swelling, hives, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, asthma and a skin rash. These symptoms can range from mild to extremely painful. In the worst case scenario these symptoms could be life threatening. However this is the case only if the person is highly sensitive to gluten.

It's a good idea to see a doctor if you think you may suffer from an allergy to wheat & glutton. He or she will be able to perform an allergy test that will show exactly what grains you're allergic to. Your doctor will also be able give you helpful information on how to treat your wheat and gluten allergies.

After you're diagnosed, you will have to pay special attention to your diet. It's important to read the labels on all the foods you eat. While there is no sure fire wheat allergy solution, with a little careful planning, you'll be able to live a happy healthy life free of symptoms of wheat glutton allergies for the rest of your life.

5 Steps to Seasonal Allergy Relief

This year allergy season seems more vigorous and early in many areas of the United States. The vigorous bloom of pollens has been bothersome for more than six weeks. In the Northwest we have seen many patients this season who have well known allergies struggling with symptoms more than they have in several years. Many clients who historically have not had allergies have also been affected this year. Most people are familiar with seasonal allergy symptoms and how bothersome they can be. It is not always clear which specific allergens are in the air at any given time. This time of year is a very fluid situation which plants are in bloom spewing pollen in the air. The amount of dust, mold and pollutants in the air can vary air quality greatly depending on the wind, humidity, and temperature of your locale.

The real challenge with seasonal allergies is that avoidance is not a choice. You have to breathe. Consulting an allergist may be necessary to identify potential allergens if your symptoms are severe. Having said that, there are several fundamental tools your health care provider can offer to find a solution tailored to your individual needs.

#1 Antihistamines: are still the foundation and first line treatment in managing allergies. Fortunately the two best ones in this category are sold over the counter without a prescription at the same strength as by prescription. Claritin also sold in a generic at very affordable prices as Loratidine is conveniently dosed once a day and is unlikely to cause any drowsiness compared to one of the older favorites Benadryl (generic : diphenhydramine). Another good option is Zyrtec (generic: cetirizine). This is also a once daily medication that causes very little drowsiness in most people. It is also available in pediatric liquid form for children two years of age and older.

#2 Steroid nasal spray: These are prescription only. However in conjunction with a daily oral antihistamine, steroid nasal spray provides satisfactory results for a large majority of people who suffer with the common allergy symptoms. The prototype is Flonase or fluticasone spray used only once daily in each nostril. The convenient dosing and efficacy makes this part of the fundamental therapy for seasonal and environmental allergies. Both of these options have to be used daily on a preventive basis. The proactive approach is very successful in controlling the common symptoms.

#3 Singulair tablets: are probably not familiar to most people who suffer with allergies. This medication has been used for many years to treat stubborn intractable asthma when there was a strong allergy component. It has been approved and used successfully to treat seasonal allergies without asthma as well. It is dosed once daily and typically does not involve any sedation. Even though it is by prescription only and can be a higher priced medication it has been a very helpful addition to the regimen in people whose symptoms are more difficult to control. It works in a way to block the effect of leukotrienes which like histamine act to drive the reactions in our body in response to allergen exposure.

#4 Systemic steroids: can have a profound effect on symptoms but is typically reserved for very severe symptoms that remain unresponsive to the first line treatments. A short course of oral steroid tablets like prednisolone or even a long acting injection of methylprednisolone can be very effective in diminishing symptoms. More aggressive therapy always has greater risks of side effects thus should remain an option for intractable cases.

#5 OTC meds: other than the previously mentioned antihistamines that have a very good record of benefit supported by credible research, there are not a lot of other options. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray is useful for some as a preventive application but is not very effective for most people. Liberal use of plain saline nasal spray is an inexpensive adjunct to the other therapies. It can provide some comfort from dryness while aiding in control of congestion. It is safe and very inexpensive.

Don't be discouraged by allergy symptoms. Consult your health care provider today to find a regimen tailored to meet your personal needs. Relief is very accessible.

Food Allergies Cough

Food allergies are more common than many of us realize. Typically this is because a wide range of individuals don't seek medical attention when they notice it. Instead they just avoid eating that food. The individuals who have severe reactions are usually the percentage that we hear about in studies. It is important to understand what causes food allergies, and of course the symptoms that can occur. One of the symptoms that is relatively mild compared to some is the food allergies cough. It will occur for a variety of reasons.

First of all you need to understand that the immune system is battling the food you ate. In other words it is creating an internal war that causes external symptoms. You will find that with the immune system there are certain proteins and antibodies that it doesn't recognize. In fact if you think of food allergies like a cold you will notice that the immune system works in much the same way for both. In each case the immune system is fighting a foreign agent that it wants to remove. This means that you will have external symptoms like hives, itching skin, breathing issues, coughing, and swelling depending on the severity of the food allergy. Coughing occurs because the system is fighting the food, and causing your throat to close off. You may have a short ineffective cough or a long cough that seems to last for days after you have eaten a specific type of food.

You may also have it based on your throat closing up before a more serious problem occurs. With anaphylactic shock you will notice that a patient tends to stop breathing due to the airway being constricted. Usually the first sign of anaphylactic shock is going to be a gagging or a food allergies cough. The patient will begin to cough, and every few minutes will feel the need to cough again. As the food allergy progress the patient is going to start feeling more and more breathless until they finally collapse. As the first sign of a food allergies cough it is important to get the person to a medical facility. There are a few ways to treat the cough, epinephrine is just one of the medications that can relax the throat and reduce the potential for anaphylactic shock.

Penicillin Allergy

Penicillin is a common antibiotic used to treat many illnesses. When it was discovered it was considered a breakthrough in the treatment of illness and infection. It is derived from the penicillin mold, the blue-green mold found on moldy oranges. Before penicillin, common infections and diseases that are only a nuisance to us today were quite often fatal. For years penicillin was the only effective antibiotic treatment available for doctors to use. It is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture, making it the most often used antibiotic world wide.

Allergic reactions to penicillin can often be a serious and life threatening matter. They can range from annoying rashes to life threatening breathing difficulties. You might recall answering the question " are you allergic to penicillin" on a medical question form at your doctors office or upon admittance to a hospital for treatment. This is because doctors must know if you are do to the potential for catastrophic results should you be given penicillin and you are allergic to it. Knowing if they are allergic to penicillin is something every person should know. Penicillin is the most common drug allergy.

It is unclear why some people have an allergic reaction to penicillin while others don't. It is also unknown what predisposes one person with an allergy to penicillin to minor symptoms while another person allergic to it will experience life threatening symptoms. For those who are allergic to penicillin, the only treatment is not to use it. Fortunately there are other powerful antibiotics available to replace penicillin. Prior to their discovery, penicillin allergy could sometimes have grave consequences. It could leave doctors with their hands tied in treating the infection or disease.

Common symptoms of penicillin allergy are as follows. A rash or hives that can range from a minor rash to a dark red rash that covers large portions of the body. Swollen lips tongue and face, ranging from minor swelling to extreme swelling. Itchy, irritated eyes that can be bloodshot and watery. The most serious reaction happens in people that are highly allergic to penicillin. An anaphylactic reaction is a reaction that manifests itself as a swelling of the bronchial airway, making it difficult to breath. This can also be accompanied by a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in lightheadedness. This reaction can be deadly, so it's important to be aware of this fact.

If you are given penicillin and experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. It's much better to be safe than sorry. The most serious reaction, the anaphylactic reaction, appears almost immediately. The other less minor reactions can take hours to appear. Treatments for the symptoms are readily available but as of yet there is no cure for the allergy itself. If your child has never been given penicillin it is imperative that you let your doctor know this. He or she can make a determination as to whether or not your child is allergic to it prior to administering a large dose of penicillin.

Allergic Rhinitis Results From Multiple Causes

Every spring, Brian takes few hours to admire the tulips in his garden. However, every time he goes out to tiptoe among the tulips, he comes down with an awful case of hay fever. And every year, he is not really sure of the cause.

Allergies seldom travel alone
Could Brian's allergic rhinitis be caused by tulip pollen? Brian had been testing at the doctor's office and found that he was only slightly allergic to tulips, but maybe standing in an entire garden of tulips was just too much.

Could Brian's allergies be caused by trees blooming at the same as the tulips? Or molds growing on leaves that spent much of the winter underneath the snow? Or maybe the shoes he kept in a damp closet all winter before he decided to take his tiptoe through the tulip beds were shedding fungi that made Brian sneeze, wheeze, and tear.

Every environment is rich in multiple sources of allergens
The simple fact is, most allergic rhinitis have multiple causes. We inhale pollen from different kinds of plants at the same time. We inhale dander form our own pets, but also from any of the neighbors' pets with whom our pets interact during the day. We inhale fumes from our household care products, but also from our neighbor's household care products, and the products used at work, school, and the places we go for community events.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms are caused by allergic load.
The reality of multiple causes for allergy symptoms has caused some doctors to describe the triggers for allergy attacks in terms of allergic load. A person's allergic load is the total of airborne allergens, food allergens, and other toxins in the environment that generate symptoms that tell you something is wrong.

How high or low your personal allergic load may be depends on your general state of health, your genetics, your consumption of antioxidants from plant foods, and your use of medications. But most allergies are like the last straw that broke the camel's back. If you could remove just one allergy trigger from your life, you just might not have symptoms next time. Or you might find a novel and effective non-drug way to reduce your sensitivity to allergens without changing your environment.

Acupressure is one way to change your allergic load
In a study conducted at the School of Nursing at Chung Gong University in Taiwan, researchers found that acupressure treatments eliminated nearly 95 per cent of symptoms in clinical trial participants who suffered allergies and asthma. A review of 92 studies by the World Health Organization found that acupressure was as effective as prescription medication for relieving short-term symptoms and more effective than any other natural or conventional therapy for relieving long-term symptoms.

But what about cost? Does acupressure require trips to yet another expensive specialist?

Is there any way to do acupressure at home?
Providing just the right amount of pressure in just the right places. Acupressure nose massager extends the benefits of antihistamines, herbs, and good housekeeping. With the daily application of nose massage, you may get control over your allergy symptoms for good, without drugs, without shots, and without making major changes in your life.

Hay Fever Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is most prevalent during the spring and summer seasons, however it can occur year round if an individual is particularly susceptible. Reactions are caused by the tiny pollen of wind-pollinated plants. Locations with large quantities of trees, grasses and weeds are hot spots for hay fever. Locations without much vegetation often have much lower occurrence rates of hay fever, however the risk of developing allergic rhinitis still exists in these areas.

Allergic rhinitis is a form of standard rhinitis, which is the medical term for a runny nose. The fever occurs when the mucous membrane in the nose becomes inflamed. When the mucous membrane is inflamed, excessive amounts of mucus are secreted. Other symptoms include nasal congestion (stuffy nose), and post-nasal drip (phlegm in the throat). In addition to effecting the nose and throat, also effected are the eyes, causing an increase in fluid production (watery, sensitive eyes).

Hay fever is mostly blamed on pollen from trees, plants and grasses, however there are many other ways that one can develop symptoms. Dusty areas, such as a warehouse or storage facility, can cause symptoms. Dust itself causes bodily reactions that are similar to that of pollen reactions. Another common cause of rhinitis is animal dander, which is similar to dandruff. Animal dander is prevalent in all homes with animals, and is naturally occurring. There is no way to prevent animal dander, however it can be reduced. There are a number of treatments available for hay fever and pollen allergies.

Grass Allergy

Grass allergy is one of the most common and prevalent form of allergy that affects people with histories of it during certain seasons.

Grass allergy normally occurs all throughout the spring season and during the onset or ending of the summer season. Grass allergy is somehow directly linked to hay fever, because their symptoms and causes are somehow similar to each other.

Grass allergy can also take the form of an inhalant kind of allergy similar to asthma. It is noted that in the United States alone, about 30% of overall yearly allergy reported or recorded is in the form of grass allergy.

Grass allergy is caused by an allergen that invokes discomforting reaction upon body contact.

Cause of grass allergy

The most usual allergen or substance that cause or triggers grass allergy is pollen. Pollens are very tiny and small particles of ovulation structures owned by plants.

During your primary education and even in your previous Biology classes, you have encountered the word pollen on subjects related to the proliferation or reproduction of plants' flowers.

Take note that pollens are so tiny and light that they can stick to the tiny feet of butterflies. Pollens are most of the time flying or are carried out in the air especially during summer and spring when trees, flowers, and mostly, grass pollinate.

Because pollens are so light weight and they are carried over through the air, people can inhale them. Inhaling pollen can cause or trigger adverse reactions to the person.

Symptoms of grass allergy

Manifestations that indicate the onset of grass allergy are usually identified with breathing disorders.

The most common symptom of grass allergy is severe or constant dry cough. Usually these cough will occur with sore throat. It can never be mistaken for a common viral colds or cough.

The person with grass allergy also experiences difficulty in breathing. It s because the air passages are narrowed or constricted as a result of the body's defense mechanism against grass pollen.

It can be noted that since the air passage constriction is a body defense mechanism, it is not dangerous. The danger occurs when the person experiencing it panics and feel a thriving discomfort.

Itchiness which can appear in several areas of the body can also occur at the onset of a grass allergy attack.

In rare occasions, fever can also be detected. However, in such occurrences, immediate help from doctors and medical practitioners should be sought to detect the presence of complications.

Fevers indicate the presence of viral and bacterial attacks in the body and should therefore be immediately attended at to avoid further complications.

Treatment and prevention of grass allergy

The most effective treatment for grass allergy is also its most potent prevention. That is, to avoid the grass allergy causing allergens, which are usually grass pollen.

To avoid exposure to grass pollen or the possibility of grass pollen inhalation, people with histories are advised to stay indoors especially during summer and spring when grass pollens are carried out in the open air.

Doctors also advise such people to install a working air conditioner in their home and room to make sure the ventilation is good and the probability of air contamination with grass pollen is reduced.

Otherwise, medications are available both through prescription and over the counter. Allergy shots can immediately relieve and soothe the symptoms. Antihistamines are also usually prescribed to curtail grass allergy development among patients.

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The Genesis and Management of Latex Allergy Symptoms

The development of latex allergy symptoms is linked with the need to protect the human population from the transmission of communicable diseases such as HIV. Latex gloves were used as protective barriers and consequently there was an increase in the level of allergic reactions.

Conservative estimates that there has been at least 10 billion latex gloves used per annum in the USA alone since 1987. For the people for whom this protective barrier is an allergen, the figures are startling and worrying at the same time. Healthcare units have had to come up with concrete strategies that are meant to protect them from the potential hazards associated with this tool. The condition affects about 2% of all hospital employees and yet the source material is present in about 40,000 products that are on the market today.

• The material: The rubber tree tends to produce a milky substance that is used to manufacture the globes. During the process of production there will be some modifications that are meant to improve the efficacy of the item. The dipping process which is essential to the production of the item can also lead to allergies. It is used in making condoms, balloons and gloves. Molding is a far better process in terms of protecting the people with allergic tendencies. Powdering the surface on the gloves also makes the problem worse in the long run because it accumulates the free latex. Snapping means that it is even possible to inhale the allergens such that other people within the vicinity are affected.


• The detection process: There are two main responses once expose has occurred. The first is known as delayed hypersensitivity. A skin rash will develop in the locality which had contact with the latest. It is distinguishable from normal eczema on account of its severity. The immediate reaction is the second type and it is quite dangerous because it can lead to anaphylaxis. Therefore the patient will have difficulty breathing and a very low blood pressure reading.


• Latex Allergy Treatments: If they do not get medical attention then they may die from the condition. Other sufferers have reported some form of allergic rhinitis which is commonly known as hayfever. Their nasal passages will also experience a level of irritation. A standard patch test is used to detect the accelerators and preservatives that are associated with latex allergy symptoms. Invariably the management model will involve the use of antihistamines and inhalers. Emergency treatment may be required.

Tips to Avoid Springtime Allergies and Sinus Problems

Spring is a beautiful time during the year and most of us can't wait for sunshine and flowers after the long, cold winter. However, if you have deal with allergies, the season might be downright miserable time for you.

There is a world of spring allergens, which are literally in the air! Allergy sufferers may be sensitive to pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander too. However, you can significantly decrease your symptoms and sometimes eliminate them altogether. Find out how!

While at home, it is advisable to keep your home's doors and windows closed. Although it is not possible to completely seal off your home from outside, don't be tempted to open the windows to let "fresh" air in if you are prone to allergies. Also, if you dust your home regularly, ensure that you wear a mask while dusting. You should limit your outdoor activity, especially early in the morning as the pollen counts are high between 5 am to almost 10 am. Don't forget to take Vitamin C supplements during the spring season and invest in a good quality air filter.

If you've been careful and followed all these precautions but still experience allergies and sinus problems, it is time to meet a doctor. There are a variety of medicines available, such as, antihistamines, nasal steroid spray, nasal antihistamine sprays, leukotrienes inhibitors, decongestants, which will help reduce or block allergy symptoms. For cases, which are harder to treat, allergy evaluation and immunotherapy is an effective option.

Allergy Evaluation: Allergies are caused due to a host of ear, nose and throat symptoms. Your doctor can help determine the specific allergens, which cause the symptoms and treat it accordingly. RAST blood work, which is a method using your blood sample and skin testing are common means to determine allergies.

Allergy Immunotherapy: If you choose immunotherapy to treat your allergies, it helps build blocking antibodies, reduce the allergic response and help in complete elimination of the allergies. Normally, shots or oral drops are used. It reduces the need for injections and frequent clinic visits too.

Dog Allergy Symptoms - Prevent Dog Allergies

If you own a dog and he is starting to show some unusual behaviors such as scratching more than usual, or scratching in just one spot, then he may have some form of dog allergy symptoms. Just like humans have allergies, dogs have allergies as well. The number one reason for dog allergy symptoms is from the types of food that he is eating. But another reason, is that your mutt might be allergic to something that is in the environment, or some type of biological organism or substance. It is important to understand what is causing the allergies, and be sure to treat these as soon as possible.

Since a dog has no way to inform its owner of dog allergy symptoms, it's important that you come up with a diagnosis yourself. All that he knows is that it is itching more than usual or itching the exact same spot, or that it isn't feeling very well at the moment. It needs you to treat the allergies.

As said, the number one reason for dog allergy symptoms is the type of food he is eating. Just like a human, your pup needs much of the same vitamins and minerals that you do, to a certain extent. A lot of times dogs are fed scraps left over from dinner or other meals. While this is usually okay in some instances, it also may be a reason that he is experiencing allergies. You need to make sure that the food you are feeding your pup is rich in vitamins and minerals. A lot of times people will think that it is okay to take the fat from steak or the skin from the chicken and feed it to their pets. Just because it isn't necessarily healthy for humans, doesn't mean it's healthy for dogs either.

If your dog is showing signs of allergy symptoms to the food that it is currently eating, you need to make sure to change from this type of brand of food. And the results that you experience are going to be determined completely by trial and error. Some veterinarians recommend that a dog stay away from chicken and grain products altogether, so keep this in mind when you're feeding him. You can actually purchase specifically designed food that are aimed and targeted towards preventing dog allergy symptoms.

Other common allergy symptoms is hair loss, dry skin, and digestive problems. If your dog is barking too much this could be a sign of an allergies to something. Vomiting is also a symptom that is involved with allergies. If you change the eating habits of your dog and haven't identified any other problems that could be leading to these dog allergy symptoms, it might be best to take your pup to a veterinarian. There might be some kind of underlying biological problem that needs to be addressed by a professional. In this case, it's as easy as getting an antibiotic.

6 Tips to Keep Your Winter Allergy Symptoms Under Control

Think allergies are not an issue during winter? Think again. Although the pollen season has ceased, allergy symptoms often persist into the cold winter months. While it is common to confuse with the common cold, a large number of people suffer from this unseasonal nuisance. Here are six simple tips to help keep winter allergies at bay.

1. Fix the Problem From the Inside Out
During the winter, more time is spent indoors. As a result, winter allergy suffers are likely experiencing allergy symptoms as a result of something in their home. A thorough dusting of the house is an excellent first step in removing allergens. Other ways to reduce the number of in-house catalysts include fixing leaky pipes, cleaning the refrigerator and replacing furnace filters.

2. Launder Often
Washing sheets and blankets eliminates the allergens that build up in these areas. To decrease the chance of an allergic reaction, it is good practice to wash all bedding and pajamas frequently in hot water. Further action can be taken by covering the mattress with a protective layer which can be found at most department stores.

3. Buy a New Vacuum
While it may be assumed that keeping the house tidy and vacuumed will reduce winter allergies, this practice can actually trigger adverse reactions. By investing in a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency particulate air filter, the amount of irritants that are otherwise repositioned throughout the home will be reduced. While cleaning, it is also suggested to wear a mask to guard against dust and grime.

4. Check for Mold
Not only can the presence of mold within a home be threatening to overall health, but it can also trigger winter allergies. By scheduling an inspection to test for mold, homeowners take a crucial step toward reducing their allergies as well as improving many other facets of their well-being. To reduce the risk of developing a mold problem, windows should be left open in areas prone to such outbreaks, such as the kitchen and bathroom.

5. Kick the Habit
While it may be easier said than done, quitting smoking can significantly reduce the effects of winter allergies and, in many cases, completely eliminate the problem. In addition to the money that will be saved on cigarettes, the allergy suffer will be able to enjoy a higher quality of life.

6. Keep Pets Out of the Bedroom
Our furry friends offer love and companionship, but they are also a major trigger to winter allergies. Their fur easily transports irritants that can send an allergy sufferer over the edge. While it is understandable that the pet owner may not want to send their pet outside, simply keeping them out of the bedroom can significantly reduce allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of Ragweed Allergy

As popular as the summer months are with almost everybody that hates the cold winter, which let's face it is pretty much everybody, it can be a very painful and tedious time for those that suffer from allergies. Arguably the most frustrated and generally unhappy people are those that suffer symptoms of ragweed allergy! Are you an allergy sufferer?

The symptoms of ragweed allergy are much the same as the symptoms suffered from those that have hay fever. After all hay fever is essentially an allergic reaction to the pollen produced by the plants that flower at this time of year. It is a fact that the pollen produced by the ragweed plant is the most allergenic of all pollens so those of us that suffer from hay-fever can and probably do at the same time suffer from ragweed allergy too. Basically it is important to think or hay-fever and ragweed allergy as one and the same.

If you are unsure whether you are one of these unfortunate sufferers please take a look at the list of symptoms below. As much as I would like to be listing the cure for this ever so annoying condition all it will do is help you recognize that you have it so that you can seek some sort of relief which is the best that can be done!

So here we go the question is...... Between the months of July and October each year do you find yourself experiencing a combination of the following symptoms:

• Irritation and/or redness to the eyes causing your eyes to water and you feeling the need to constantly rub them!


• Swelling of the eyes


• Frequent sneezing


• Inflamed nostrils and/or irritation to the nose


• Irritated and/or sore throat * Headaches


• Severe loss of sleep


• For those that suffer from asthma, frequent attacks


• Sinusitis - Sinusitis is a condition that sees inflammation of the linings of the sinuses which surround the nose. Common symptoms include a tender face and a blocked nose.

If these are symptoms that you are familiar with then you are one of the unlucky ones but the consolation is you are not alone as millions of people suffer from the symptoms of ragweed allergy year in and year out and there are ways of making living with the allergy easier.

It's true that many of the above symptoms combine to be those of the common cold but if you are experiencing them several times or even constantly over the summer and autumn seasons then you really don't have to be a doctor to realize that this is unusual. If you are still in any doubt then why not consult you doctor, it won't hurt!

If following your visit to the doctor you have been enlightened to this being the case and you are indeed a confirmed ragweed allergy sufferer then seek relief as soon as possible! Visit your pharmacy or chemist who can offer a variety of antihistamine tablets and allergy relief products to help the fight against the symptoms of ragweed allergy. Your doctor may even offer other methods of fighting the allergy such as immunotherapy injections.

Allergic Rhinitis In Children

Allergic rhinitis is very common in children and is found to be up to 30% in pediatrics world over. The cause can be either genetic or environmental. 75% of children suffering from asthma also have allergic rhinitis. Although it is not considered to be a life threatening disease, however it can affect a child's daily life and development. Various allergy tests, history and physical examinations are carried out to diagnose allergic rhinitis in a child. Pharmacotherapy, Immunotherapy, investigational therapies, behavior modification and avoiding allergens are used for treatment.

Types and cause

Irritants such as dust, smoke, pollen, animal dander in the environment trigger the release of histamines which results in inflammation in the nasal passage. Seasonal allergic rhinitis usually occurs during pollen seasons and doesn't affect children under 6 years of age. Chronic AR however, stays throughout the year and is commonly seen in younger children.

It is very much inherited and 75% children who suffer from asthma also have allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms may be different from child to child. However the common symptoms include:

• Congestion


• Clear nasal discharge


• Itchy eyes, nose and ears


• Sneezing


• Runny nose

If it's chronic/perennial AR, then the symptoms may also include

• Persistent ear infections


• Fatigue

These symptoms may often be confused with other medical condition. Hence it is advisable to seek a physician for the right diagnoses and treatment. A doctor looks for dark circles around the eyes, swelling in nasal tissues and/or creases under the eyes when diagnosing.

Prevention

You can take the following measures for prevention:

• Avoid irritants such as dust, mites, cleaning chemicals or molds.


• During the pollen season try using air conditioning rather than opening the windows.


• Try avoiding pets.


• Keep your child well hydrated. Give him plenty of fluids including water, broth, soups, freshly squeezed orange juice.


• Give him vitamin C and antioxidants rich food to help strengthen immune system.

Treatment

• The best treatment is to avoid the allergen causing the problem.


• Over-the-counter antihistamines help in reducing the release of histamines and easing symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and itching.


• Use saline nasal sprays to reduce inflammation in the nose. But not for too long as there is a chance of worse rebound of congestion.


• You can either use the available decongestants in the pharmacy or try natural remedy to reduce congestion. If your child is old enough to do steam inhalation, then add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil in steaming water and help him inhale vapors. Else, make your child sit in the bathroom filled with steam to loosen up congestion.

If your child's allergic rhinitis doesn't get any better with the above medications and prevention, then your child may require immunotherapy which involves 3-5 years of allergy shots to help reduce your child's reaction to allergens.

Mold Allergy Shots Effects to the Candida Symptoms

A friend has started mold allergy shots for a couple weeks and realizes that after receiving the shots for the first couple of hours, her candida symptoms get a lot worse. But, now after taking 2 shots a week, she kind of feels better. Sweets and yeasts still bother her, but not that much anymore. She was allergic to Alternaria, Phoma, Epicoccum and a couple of other molds that she can't remember. She is starting to believe that the whole candida syndrome is actually the side effect of a mold allergy, from her improvements.

Another friend just had her first set of shots last week, which are 3 on Wednesday and one on Friday. The ones on Wednesday were for molds and candida and she didn't feel too bad after them. The one on Friday is for a certain type of fungus that is related to the candida. She doesn't know what it is but it has been on both of her big toes for years. That one made her feels really sick and she is hoping it will get better as time goes by.

They didn't give her a personal copy of what she was allergic to, though I know those were tested on her. They tested 13 single molds and fungi (including Candida), plus one mix of 12 molds combined. She didn't react to several of them, but she had been treated for molds before by another doctor, so she is sure that is why. I think her worst reaction was to the Candida, it was definitely the most painful over the 48 hour delayed reaction time period.

She has discovered each allergist does things a little different. The one she goes to tests 5 different strengths of each allergen on one day, with 10 minutes between strength. They measure the size of the reaction at the end of the 10 minutes, then move on to the next strength. After that, they have you wait 48 hours and then return to the office to check for delayed reactions as many allergens will cause a secondary reaction hours or days later. Then, they do one more to check for a final, immediate reaction on anything you didn't have a delayed reaction to over the 48 hours.

Gluten Allergy Symptoms Or Is It Something Else?

Gluten allergy symptoms is a term that is often applied to mean the symptoms for gluten intolerance and also celiac disease,which is an autoimmune disease.

We will therefore bring some clarity to this issue as much as space will allow.

Firstly you must know that an allergy is A HIGH SENSITIVITY TO ANYTHING THAT WOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM TO MOST PERSONS.

A gluten allergy then is an immune system reaction within hours or minutes of eating any food containing gluten.

The symptoms of such an allergy would include the following:

1. Hives

2. Asthma

3. Abdominal cramps

4. Nausea and vomiting

Many persons who have this condition as a child would outgrow it.This is an allergic reaction.

However there is another condition which is known as gluten intolerance which is often confused with gluten allergy. This is a more serious condition which will not have the symptoms similar to gluten allergy symptoms. In fact there will be no symptoms after eating gluten until much damage has already taken place.

In this case, the walls of the small intestine are damaged and thus the ability to absorb all foods is impaired.

You will then have gluten intolerance symptoms whenever you consume foods with gluten. Such symptoms include

1. Constipation or Diarrhea

2. Bloating

3. Nausea with or without vomiting

As the inner walls of the small intestine continue to be damaged the symptoms will get worse since your intestine will not be able to digest nutrients from your food, even when you do not eat gluten food.

It therefore brings in its wake malnutrition and all that goes with it, including, immune system problems, brain conditions, and skin ailments, to just name a few.

In this type of situation the symptoms may include the following:

1. Diarrhea

2. Weight loss

3. Constipation

4. Offensive stools

5. Abdominal cramping and bloating

The symptoms in children will include:

1. Impaired or stunted growth

2. Distended abdomen

3. Migraine headaches

4. Poor appetite

Celiac disease is characterized by symptoms which are similar to those cited above for gluten intolerance and may also include severe skin reactions. In celiac disease the body over reacts to the eating of gluten in such a way as to damage the villi, which are the protuberances like fingers in the intestine which absorb nutrients from food. When these are damaged there is progressive malabsorption to the point that all foods are not able to be digested, not just gluten foods.

As you can suspect, not being able to absorb nutrition from food can and does lead to serious problem. Unlike the allergic reactions of gluten allergy, this is not out grown and it does get worse.

A test for Celiac disease may indicate you do not have celiac disease but in many cases there is still gluten intolerance or as some tend to say, gluten allergy symptoms. Medical science is still trying to figure this out.

You may feel that based on the negative celiac disease results you can go and eat rye and barley and wheat and oats. Do not take that chance!

It is felt that in such a case the gluten intolerance may eventually become celiac disease. In the meantime, you should eliminate all traces of gluten from your diet.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms - Treatment Solutions For Hay Fever

Seasonal allergy, also known as hay fever, affects millions of people each summer and many find that their condition worsens with each passing year.

Common Symptoms

Seasonal allergy causes a variety of symptoms and no two individuals will suffer in exactly the same way. The common symptoms however include the following:

- Itchy and runny eyes. You may also experience the feeling of having something stuck under your eyelid even though there's nothing there.

- Constant sneezing that can also develop into a cough.

- A tickling sensation at the back of your throat that you can't get rid of.

- A runny nose, or alternatively you may have blocked sinuses.

Common Treatments

The most common forms of treatment for seasonal allergy incorporate the use of an antihistamine. These products can be bought over-the-counter in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, eye drops and nasal sprays. For severe symptoms prescription medications might be needed - most of which are just stronger versions of the generic products.

What are the Causes?

The most common cause of the allergy is pollen however this can come from a variety of sources. The most common causes of hay fever include the following:

- Flowers
- Grasses
- Tree blossoms
- Dustmites (which also increase their numbers during the summer season).
- Ragweed

Conclusion

While all of these cause problems during the summer months, many people consider ragweed allergies to be the worse. If the symptoms become too bad, you should consult a doctor. He'll be able to advise you on the best treatment solution to fit with your specific situation.

Food Allergy and Food Intolerances

Food allergy and food intolerances are becoming more widely recognised amongst nutritional and conventional medical practitioners. Food allergies can be quite a serious condition, such as a child having an allergy to nuts and when consuming them they could go in to anaphylactic shock that could be life threatening. Less seriously they could suffer from a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing or wheezing.

A food allergen causes an immune response whereby IgE antibodies attack the allergen and release histamine which causes the symptoms described above. These IgE mediated food allergies could manifest themselves in conditions such as asthma, eczema or hay fever as well as recurrent colds and infections.

Another food mediated immune response is known as a food intolerance. This happens when there is an IgG or IgA response to food associated with degranulation of basophils and mast cells that create inflammation. Considered to be less severe than a food allergy, food intolerances can manifest as low grade "silent inflammation" with sub clinical symptoms such as brain fog, irritable bowel, headaches or low energy. These IgG mediated food intolerances may also create no outward symptoms at all but can be creating havoc on the inside. Research from the Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics in Austria have shown that obese children have significantly higher IgG antibodies against certain foods than normal weight children. These IgG antibodies are associated with thickening of the common carotid arteries. The authors state that these findings raise the possibility that IgG mediated food antigens are pathogenetically involved in the development of obesity and atherosclerosis.

Unfortunately, many conventional doctors and dieticians may tell you there is no such thing as food intolerances; however you can easily test yourself with a reliable home test kit called a York Test. You can also see that food manufacturers are now embracing the idea of food intolerances and are providing foods that are gluten, wheat or dairy free.

The most common food intolerances are wheat, gluten, cow's milk, eggs, soy and yeast. These foods are found in bread, pasta, bakery products, dairy products and soy products. If you can't afford a food intolerance test (as they can be between 瞿170 and 瞿265) then you can do an elimination diet.

For 2 weeks eliminate all potential food intolerances and just eat the following foods - all meat, seafood, poultry and fish (except tuna, and swordfish) as your source of protein. Chicken, turkey, seafood and white fish are generally lower in calories and fat, however you should still eat oily fish a couple times a week and can occasionally have dark meats such as lamb or beef. Combine these protein sources with unlimited amounts of vegetables such as artichokes, avocado (1 a day), asparagus, aubergine, bamboo shoots, beetroot greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, raw carrots, celery, chard, collards, courgette, cucumber, fennel, green beans, kale, lettuce leaves (all types), mushrooms, olives (3 a day), onions, parsley, peas, peppers, radishes, sauerkraut, spinach, tomatoes, turnips, water chestnuts and watercress. During this 2 weeks don't eat grains, fruits, dairy, starchy vegetables or drink alcohol. This will help your immune system to calm down, it will allow your gut to heal and you will also lose a little weight.

After the initial 2 weeks of food elimination you should follow what is known as a Palaeolithic diet for a further 2 to 4 weeks. This will further allow your immune system and gut to heal and still excludes many common food intolerances. This part of the elimination diet includes:

• All the meat, fish, seafood and poultry you can eat
• Unlimited vegetables
• All fruits
• All nuts
• Olive oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, herbs and spices.
• No grains, dairy or legumes
• If you suffer from or have a family history of autoimmune disease then no eggs, nuts and seeds, tomatoes, potatoes, aubergine or peppers.

You can also eat ginger, garlic, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, turmeric, basil, thyme, oregano, black pepper, sage, cardamom, as well as lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, horseradish and pickles to add flavour and variety to your food. After this time of food elimination it's time to start reintroducing some of the foods you have been avoiding, one at a time, to see if you start getting some of your old symptoms back again. For example continue eating the Paleo way but add back to your diet some dairy for a week, re-evaluate how you feel, if some of your symptoms return remove dairy again and try adding back grains for a week. Keep either removing offending foods or adding back non-offending foods until you feel you are happy with how you look and feel.

Chinese Medicine Treats Seasonal Allergies

Here in the triangle, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, you've probably already started to notice that familiar tickle in your nose and throat that signals the arrival of spring pollen. Maybe you've been sneezing, have been mildly congested or had a runny nose, or perhaps you've even noticed some mild burning of your eyes or itchiness of your skin. All these symptoms, from a Chinese medical point of view, point to the climactic influence of the spring season - wind.

Chinese medicine views seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms as being primarily caused by the pathogenic influence of wind. Wind is qualified by symptoms that occur quickly, are rapidly changeable, affect mostly the upper part of the body, and occur at a very surface level - for example, mucous membranes and skin. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, those of us with underlying deficiencies, often of the spleen, kidney, or lung, are especially susceptible to invasion by wind, and, therefore, conditions like seasonal allergies.

Luckily, there are many natural options to help relieve allergy symptoms. One of the best choices for effective and side effect free treatment is acupuncture. Acupuncture works incredibly well because it not only relieves current symptoms, but also balances the immune system and corrects underlying deficiencies to help prevent symptoms from recurring. Regular treatments are most effective during allergy season, ideally starting acupuncture therapy a few weeks before symptoms hit their peak.

Chinese herbal medicine is another very effective choice, and can be combined with acupuncture for faster results. One of the most basic formulas used during allergy season is Jade Windscreen (Yu Ping Feng San). This formula is incredibly simple and elegant, comprised of only three herbs - one that expels wind (Ledeboureilla root), one that supports the lung system (Astragalus root), and one that supports the spleen system (Atractylodes). The simplicity of this formula also makes it highly adaptable for each individual patient's presentation.

Using a neti pot can also be of great help during allergy season. Nasal irrigation with saline can be extremely effective at washing allergens out of the nasal passageways and preventing an immune response. Additionally, the saline helps to moisturize the nasal membranes and control swelling. Goldenseal and/or grapefruit seed extract are great additions to the traditional saline wash.

Supplements can also be of great support to your system this time of year. Quercitin can help to normalize the histamine reaction, Bromelain thins mucous and reduces nasal passage swelling and inflammation, and good quality probiotics help to normalize large intestine and gut function and, therefore, support the immune system as a whole.

Remember, there's no reason to suffer this season. Try some of the many natural options available to you to find relief from allergy symptoms!

10 Tips For Natural Pet Allergy Relief

You may develop allergy symptoms after getting a new pet. Or you may even find may feel yourself getting pet allergy symptoms even though you have had your cat or dog for several years already. For whatever it is, allergies can cause you ill health. Pet allergy symptoms include watery eyes, itchy skin or/and wheezing.

If your symptoms are severe and if medications are not helping, you can choose to give away your pet. But what if you are so attached to your pet that you cannot bear the thought of being without it? If this is the case, you need to decrease the dander to reduce your symptoms and make your home less susceptible to the allergens. Here are some tips for natural pet allergy relief:

1. Keep the pet out of your sleeping area.

2. Keep your pet off your furniture.

3. Bathe your pet at least once a week.

4. Have someone brush your pet daily outside. This can help to decrease the dander that it carries around in the house.

5. Consider making your pet an outside pet, rather than allowing it to live inside.

6. Vacuum carpets everyday and damp dust at least once a week.

7. Wash hands with soap and water after touching and playing with the pet.

8. Get an air purifier for your home that states that it removes airborne pet dander.

9. Choose hard flooring over carpeting. Carpeting traps the allergens, which can trigger off your pet allergy symptoms.

10. Other furnishings trap allergens, as well. These include drapes, curtains, and upholstery. Choose plastic, vinyl, or wood blinds over drapes for your windows. Leather and wood furniture are a great allergy-friendly choice for furniture.

Of course, if you already suspect that you have a pet allergy or are sensitive to certain allergies, choose wisely when selecting a pet. Some pets are considered more allergy-friendly than others. For instance, small birds or small dogs carry much less dander than their larger counterparts. Also, short-haired dogs would be a better choice than long-haired dogs.

Getting natural pet allergy relief is of prime importance especially if you decide to keep your pet. Drug medications may help but these may be something that you also do not want to depend on as there can be several side effects. The above tips for pet allergy relief can help you reduce your symptoms so that everyone including the pet can live harmoniously together. Getting control of pet dander can improve the quality of life at home and keep everyone happy.

Gluten Intolerance Symptoms: 5 Things To Look For!

If you think you may have gluten intolerance, then you may be experiencing some of the following symptoms. I'm here to discuss with you the symptoms of gluten intolerance.

If you have come to the conclusion that you may be gluten intolerant, I want to take the time to say, "Congratulations." So many people have this disease, but so many people seem to ignore the fact that they do. Now, there is a huge difference between being full-blown celiac, and just having an intolerance to gluten, although in both cases, many of the symptoms will be the same. Today, I want to talk to you about the symptoms that you may be experiencing, if you're gluten intolerant.

1. Diarrhea. If you're experiencing diarrhea on a consistent basis, and it's due to some kind of food allergy, then there's a good chance that you're either gluten intolerant, or lactose intolerant. If you have diarrhea on a consistent basis, then there's a definite problem, and it's extremely important that you visit your doctor right away.

2. Tiredness. For me, when I eat gluten, I am tired all of the time. But this isn't a normal kind of tiredness. Personally, I am not a lazy person, but when I consume gluten, I feel extremely foggy and lethargic. Focusing on something as simple as a video game can become extremely challenging. In severe cases, you may get to the point to where you just need to lay down, or sleep all day. Like I said, doing the most simple tasks can be extremely difficult, and really, you feel like all you want to do is sleep for almost the whole day.

3. Heart Palpitations. Some people who have an intolerance to gluten may experience heart palpitations, especially after eating. Although this isn't a severe symptom, it can be annoying.

4. Swollen Glands. This is something that I have most recently began experiencing. Although this is a common sign of being gluten intolerant, or having some kind of food allergy, for me, this symptom actually only began recently occurring. With that being said, I think there may be another reason for me developing this symptom, but regardless, swollen neck glands can occur if you're intolerant to gluten. I have personally noticed that swollen neck glands can make breathing a little uncomfortable. Also, your throat may feel tight, to a certain extent.

5. Hunger Pangs. If you have never been truly hungry before, then developing hunger pangs can be a relatively shocking symptom. I'm a relatively healthy man, eating 6 to 7-500 calorie meals a day. I have to eat between 3,000 to 3,500 calories each day because of the fitness program that I am following. When I consume a lot of gluten-based foods, the hunger pangs are almost unbearable. You may find that no matter how much you eat, you just don't get full. While experiencing hunger pangs, I have consumed 1,500 calories in 1 hour, without feeling relieved. Folks, I am 6-feet-tall, and 160 pounds. Eating 1,500 calories in 1 sitting is practically impossible for someone my size.

If you're gluten intolerant, the most common symptom is probably going to be diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Although, you may also experience some of the other symptoms that I have discussed above.

It's extremely important to also know that just because you experience the above symptoms it does not mean you have an intolerance to gluten. There are a number of other medical conditions that you could have.

At the end of the day, it's a good idea to make an appointment to see your doctor. Get tested for gluten intolerance and celiac, and get all of your regular blood work done. If everything comes back normal, your doctor will probably tell you to go on a gluten free diet anyway, for the gluten/celiac test can sometimes show a false negative. If you completely stop consuming gluten for 30 to 60 days, and your symptoms disappear, then there's a good chance that you are gluten intolerant.

The Best Vacuum For Allergies

Many people think that regular vacuuming and cleaning will reduce allergy symptoms, but the problem is poor vacuums can actually make your allergies worse. What happens is that many vacuums can not trap small allergen particles and end up blowing them around the room. At least before they were trapped in the carpet instead of airborne where they can cause much more damage. The best vacuum for allergies are those which use a HEPA filter.

HEPA filters were originally designed by the military to trap small radiation particles and have been used for many years by the medical community. HEPA vacuums can trap over 99.9% of particles that are .3 micrometers or bigger. It is these tiny particles that cause the majority of allergy symptoms. The human body can easily handle larger particles on its own, but smaller particles get trapped in the lungs where they damage the respiratory system. Allergies are also cumulative so even dust, smoke, dander and pollen all work together to make your symptoms worse.

When shopping for the best vacuum for allergies make sure it has a true HEPA filter and the power to use it. HEPA has become a real buzz word these days and unfortunately HEPA filters are put on many cheaper vacuums even though they lack the power to use them. If a vacuum does not have to power to drive small particles to the filter than it is of little use. Some top machines use two HEPA filters. Even if you do not have allergies the HEPA filter will remove all sorts of toxics that you could become exposed to.

Even though your looking for the best vacuum for allergies you have to keep in mind that your going to be using it a lot so consider weight and ease of use. The best vacuum in the world won't be any good if its to difficult to use.

Homeopathy For Allergy Symptoms

You can consider trying homeopathy to help reduce your allergy symptoms. While homeopathy is considered an alternative treatment and often criticised as a medical practice that is not proven, there are many people who have reported good results with this form of natural allergy treatment. So what is homeopathy all about?

Homeopathy is a practice that involves giving you, the patient, minute doses of treatments that produce the same symptoms as the ones that you are trying to relieve. Doing so helps to stimulate your body's own natural immune system to help fight off the allergy and resulting symptoms. A homeopathy treatment is a gradual process and is not designed to give you instant results. Your homeopathic practitioner needs to monitor your results progressively and may need to adjust your prescription as you go along. This process can take up to weeks or even a few months.

You may question the logic of using even small amounts of substances that can trigger an inflammatory response and over a long term period, if the homeopathic treatment would cause implications. However, it has been said that water-based homeopathy, developed by a few homeopathic companies, is suitable for those with allergies.

Here are a couple of homeopathic remedies that are known to help reduce allergy symptoms:

- Blood Root. Blood root can be helpful in treating allergy symptoms as chronic runny nose, headache, facial pain, coughing, or a dry throat.

- Cevadilla Seed. Cebadilla seed is excellent or sneezing, dry nose, red eyes, pressure, dry coughs, and a sore throat.

- Eyebright. This homeopathic remedy is a great treatment for the symptoms of a watery nasal discharge and watering eyes. Patients who experience their most severe symptoms while lying down, in the morning, or while they are outside in the air will be aided the most by this remedy.

- Selenium. Selenium helps to stimulate the immune system response and protect cellular membranes.

- Green Tea Extract. Green tea is helpful in fighting off the allergy symptoms.

- Histaminum. Histaminum is usually given in small amounts to help the body fight off the allergies and the associated symptoms.

- Arbor Vitae. Arbor vitae is helpful in treating a green nasal discharge, headache, runny nose, and sinusitis that is associated with allergies.

The above list is not exhaustive. You can get more information from a homeopathic practitioner as well.

Some people prefer not to use prescription or over the counter medications simply because they have many side effects. If you are one of these people, then you may want to look into using homeopathy for your allergy symptoms. There is no need to suffer needlessly from your symptoms as there are natural treatments that can possibly help you.

Are You Allergic to Cigarette Smoke?

Is just one breath of smoke enough to ruin your day? As soon as the person next to you lights up, the first thing to cross your mind is the unpleasant memory of your last clash with secondhand smoke and the runny nose, sneezing, and congestion that followed. For some, the reaction to cigarette smoke closely resembles an allergic reaction, which leads them to believe that they have "smoke allergies".

There are a lot of "smoke allergy" myths that actually make it harder to properly treat your condition. This article will help you tell if determine whether you are affected by "smoke allergies" and what you can do to better protect yourself from the illnesses associated with smoke exposure.

#1 Myth: "Allergic to Smoke"

No one is really allergic to smoke. A large number of people insist that they are allergic to smoke created by cigarettes or cigars, but the truth is that they have having an allergy-like reaction due to other health conditions. Understanding exactly why you feel like you are having allergy attack when around a smoker is the key to understanding how to prevent future symptoms.

Why do I say that there is no such thing as a smoke allergy? Because technically smoke is not an allergen - but it is an irritant. This little difference explains why most people feel no relief when they take antihistamine allergy medicine after exposure to smoke. The key to avoiding the problems caused by cigarette smoke is determining what type of sensitivity you have and how best to treat it.

Who is Prone to "Smoke Allergies"?

• Children and Infants


• Elderly Persons


• People with allergy history (anyone with allergies, asthma, eczema, etc)


• People exposed to heavy smoke for long periods of time

Sometimes people who are sensitive to tobacco smoke will also experience allergy-like symptoms when they encounter strong odors, perfumes, weather changes or temperature changes.

Symptoms of Cigarette Sensitivity

For some people, exposure to tobacco smoke can cause a list of symptoms:

• Sneezing


• Coughing


• Watery, burning eyes


• Runny nose


• Post nasal drip


• Congestion


• Shortness of breath


• Headache

These symptoms appear shortly after exposure to cigarette smoke and last for hours afterward. In addition to these symptoms, people who are in smoky environments on a daily basis are more likely to experience constant respiratory infections like sinusitis and bronchitis as well as the development of wheezing and asthma.

Tobacco Smoke Exposure

A lit cigarette is capable of releasing over 4,000 different chemicals into the air (80 of these are known or suspected carcinogens). Sometimes avoiding situations where people are smoking is almost impossible. Often a family member will smoke indoors, or a public place like a bar or restaurant will allow smoking. Depending on the severity of your reaction, just the smell of smoke on someone's clothing or in a room where someone had smoked can cause irritation. So, even though avoidance of tobacco smoke is the best method to prevent "smoke allergies", it may not be a practical solution.

Two Main Types of Smoke Sensitivity

The best way to treat your "allergy" to smoke is by first identifying what sort of sensitivity you are experiencing. There are two forms of smoke sensitivity:

• Smoke Aggravating Underlying Allergies: your body is weakened by smoke and begins reacting to all the tiny bits of pollen, dust and dander that usually would not have been a problem.


• Vasomotor Rhinitis: this is a condition that has the exact same symptoms as allergic rhinitis (or nasal allergies), but cannot be treated by antihistamine allergy medicine.

Smoke-Aggravated Allergies:
An allergen is a small particle that is made up of proteins that the body mistakes for a dangerous intruder like a virus or other germ. Smoke contains tiny tar ash particles (you can see these particles in the form of a white cloud created by burning tobacco). But tar ash particles are not the same as a true allergen because they are not protein based, but a form of carbon.

Instead of being tagged as an allergen, smoke particles are classified as an irritant. Irritants can cause you quite a bit of discomfort, worsen illnesses like asthma and allergies, and cause other serious health problems. So, in medical terms, no one can really be allergic to smoke, but they can suffer complications to their existing allergies or other illness.

If you have allergies or allergic asthma, smoke can trigger an allergic reaction because it is putting an extra strain on your body and immune system. The speck of cat dander drifting through the air that would not have normally set off a violent reaction; but with the addition of tobacco smoke, your body can no longer handle the allergens. Asthma becomes dangerous when mixed with exposure to tobacco smoke-even deadly for some.

You are likely to experience complications to existing allergies if:

1. You know that you are allergic to other things like pollen, pets, mold or dust mites.


2. You have eczema or food allergies.

Treatment

• Avoid as many situations as you can where you are exposed to smoke.


• See an allergist to optimize your existing allergy treatment, or see if you have developed new allergies.


• Run an air purifier to reduce the number of allergens in the air. Even a smaller, portable air filter like a home smoke eater is effective at removing allergens in guest rooms of smoking family members.

Vasomotor Rhinitis:
Vasomotor Rhinitis is a form of inflammation and irritation of the nasal area as well as the throat and eyes. Seasonal or indoor allergies are called "allergic rhinitis". This condition is different from the allergic type because it is not caused by allergens. For this reason, Vasomotor Rhinitis is sometimes called "non-allergic rhinitis". It causes many of the same symptoms that an allergic reaction would, but is caused by highly sensitive or excessive amounts of blood vessels in the delicate tissue of the sinus area. The symptoms you experience are trigger by your nervous system rather than allergens.

What this means is while another person may be able to tolerate cigarette smoke, a person with vasomotor rhinitis will experience a lot of discomfort with the same amount of smoke. So you are not overreacting when you complain about even small amounts of smoke - these small amounts REALLY ARE affecting you more severely than those around you.

In addition to cigarette smoke, often strong odors or weather conditions will also cause symptoms, so you may find that many aspects of your environment cause allergy-like symptoms. Some people even have allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis simultaneously.

You are likely to have vasomotor rhinitis if:

1. You are highly sensitive to other elements like perfume, strong odors, changes in weather, changes in temperature, or even spicy foods.


2. Walking into a slightly warmer (or cooler) room makes your nose runny or painfully stuffy.


3. Antihistamine medications do not alleviate the symptoms.

Treatment

• Avoid as many situations as possible where your condition might be aggravated. This includes smoke, as well as some other vasomotor rhinitis triggers like wearing perfume, burning scented candles, etc.


• Talk to your doctor about treatment options. Some over the counter medications like oral decongestants and saline nasal sprays may offer you some relief. Some prescription medications that have been proven effective are antihistamine nasal sprays (as opposed to oral antihistamines which typically have no effect on vasomotor rhinitis), anti-drip anticholinergic nasal sprays and corticosteroid nasal sprays.


• Limit your exposure to smoke and smoke odor as this is often the cause of many vasomotor rhinitis cases. Use an air purifier like a home smoke eater to minimize airborne pollutants.

A Note to Those with Existing Allergies:

Inhaling even small amounts of smoke over a long period of time can actually cause you to develop new allergies or even asthma. In young children, second hand tobacco smoke inhalation greatly increases the likeliness of developing allergies when they get older. If you live with a smoker, you are likely to have more cases of bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and other respiratory illnesses.
The best thing you can do for yourself make your living space a zero-tolerance smoke area. If this is not an option, you might want to consider an air purifier as an investment in your health.

Some of the symptoms of sinusitis (sinus infection) can closely resemble the vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis described in this article. Be sure to see your doctor to help you diagnose your condition if tobacco smoke has you feeling under the weather.

Remember: always be sure to talk to your doctor or allergist about your symptoms and treatment.

What Does a Propolis Allergy Cause?

Propolis is a substance collected by the honeybees from different sorts of plant saps and tree buds. It is also used for a lot of medical purposes because it is believed to have great effect on human health. It is used in a lot of products: toothpastes and different creams. Propolis will also help you a lot if you have some serious injuries; it relieves inflammations and you could also take it if you suffer from a viral disease. Of course, it is not possible for everyone to take propolis when they want to boost their immune system. There are people who have a propolis allergy and they are not able to take anything that consists of propolis.

It is interesting that propolis is also used in completely different niches: in musical instruments, in food and in car wax. Of course, most of its uses are for medical purposes. It is used as an emollient, as an antitumor growth agent, as a dental antiplaque agent and so on. It can help with the treatment of skin burns and canker sores. Propolis is used for so many things and you could say that it is all around us. That's why you have to be very careful if you suffer from that allergic reaction. A propolis allergy is really dangerous, especially if you do not take proper treatment. If you want to find out whether you have that allergy, there are two things that you could do. The best choice is to perform patch test that will show you if you have such a problem. And the second way is to buy a product that contains propolis and if any of the symptoms of a propolis allergy appears, then you should stop taking that product. Of course, the first way is safer and better.

If you still like the second way, then we have to inform you about the symptoms of a propolis allergy, so that you could recognize them if it is necessary. Maybe the skin inflammation is the most frequent symptom among people who suffer from that allergic reaction. If you have that problem, you should definitely talk to your dermatologist and do not take any actions on your own because you could only make it worse. Most people treat their inflammations with hydro cortisone cream, but your dermatologist will help you to find the best treatment.

Other popular symptoms of a propolis allergy are ulceration and stomatitis. They are also very dangerous, so it would be better if you do not experience them. If you take propolis orally, that could lead to nausea. All these symptoms do not sound really good, do they? If you want to avoid all these things, it would be good if you talk to your dermatologist soon or if you perform a patch test. It would be easier and you will feel better when you understand the result. If you are not allergic to propolis you will be able to use all these products that could strengthen your immune system. However, if you are allergic to it, at least you will know that you can't consume propolis and you can't use any products which contain that substance.

Gluten Allergy Symptoms Encompass 3 Different Conditions

I often see the word gluten allergy symptoms used to describe an intolerance to gluten or a wheat allergy. However, a gluten intolerance and a wheat allergy are two different medical conditions. The term gluten allergy is a bit of a misnomer. Let me explain what that term might encompass and why it isn't a useful way to describe the gluten phenomenon.

Wheat Allergy Symptoms

A wheat allergy is not a gluten intolerance; this is because a wheat allergy is a histamine response more like a traditional allergy, like hay fever or a peanut allergy. When people suffer from a wheat allergy, they are specifically allergic to wheat and not to the gluten which exists in more than just wheat. They are also likely to have a more immediate response to eating something with wheat in it.

Symptoms of a wheat allergy can include an itchy or swollen tongue, an itchy, sore throat, heartburn or indigestion, hives or a skin rash, headaches and kind of foggy mind feeling. There are more symptoms than this, but these are the symptoms that are most likely to occur right away.

Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

On the other hand, a person who has gluten intolerance may be able to eat a piece of wheat bread and not experience an immediate and obvious symptom. Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disease not a food allergy. When someone has this gluten sensitivity, any kind and amount of gluten he or she eats will trigger his or her immune system to attack the small intestine with certain antibodies.

However, this attack can be gradual. Don't misunderstand here: this is a very serious condition and over time as these antibodies attack the lining of the small intestine (and its microvilli), the patient will develop very serious consequences. While the initial symptoms include gastrointestinal problems like gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation, many more severe gluten allergy symptoms will occur in time, including diabetes, arthritis, ataxia and even cancer.

Celiac Disease

Until recently, if you had an intolerance to gluten, you had celiac disease. However, researchers and doctors now understand that you can test negative for celiac disease but still have a significant gluten sensitivity.

Celiac disease is basically a more severe form of gluten sensitivity where doctors are able to verify the presence of specific genes associated with the disease. Other than the context of the diagnosis and its greater severity, celiac disease is essentially the same thing as a gluten intolerance. That is, it is not a food allergy.

So you can see we have three separate conditions here, and none of them are really accurately represented by the term gluten allergy.

4 Best Natural Allergy Remedies - Natural Ways For You To Get Immediate Results

Natural allergy remedies, if used properly, will help you improve your allergy condition in the most dramatic way that you can just stop taking your allergy medication. I personally use natural allergy remedies to relieve my allergy condition all the time. It is very effective indeed, and that there is no doubt about it. In this article, I wish to share with you some of the most effective allergy remedies in the world. Without wasting time, let's get started.

1. Change Your Diet and Eating Habits

Changing your diet habits is one of the best natural remedies to your allergies. Basically, you need to know that actually allergies are inflammatory diseases, and if you are able to suppress or stop the production of inflammatory chemicals in your body, you are actually already doing your best to improve your allergy condition. Now the question is, how do you reduce/stop the production of inflammatory chemicals inside your body? You can do so by stop eating foods that contain a massive amount of fat. By cutting down your daily fat intake, you are effectively reducing the inflammatory chemicals in your body, thus lowering the risk of allergies. And by eating a balanced and healthy diet, you will be able to improve your allergies.

2. Eat Foods That Combat Allergies

There are some foods that are extremely beneficial if you have allergies. I'd just list a few now. If you have no dairy allergies, you must make sure that you take in a lot of yogurt everyday. Research showed that by drinking yogurt drink everyday, patients were able to reduce their allergy symptoms by a massive 90%! Other foods that you might want to eat include foods(fruits and vegetables) that contain a high volume of vitamins and minerals. Meat and seafood are, most of the time, not beneficial to your allergy condition. In fact they might even worsen your allergies. Take note.

3. Quail's eggs.

By eating quail's eggs, people have recovered from asthma and allergies. You too can use it to your advantage in order to improve or get rid of your allergies. So how does eating quail's eggs as well as other foods is able to improve your allergy condition? As you might know now, allergy is a kind of inflammatory disease. One of the best natural ways to relieve your allergies is by reducing the inflammatory chemicals in your body. To do this, you need to do two things. Firstly, cut down your fat intake. Secondly, eat foods that contain anti-inflammatory substances. Quail's eggs contain tons of those anti-inflammatory substances that reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in your body.

4. Herbs and spices

The best and most effective herbs that I have used are ginger and turmeric. I started to drink especially ginger juice a year ago on a daily basis, and my allergy condition have noticeably improved. Two small glasses of ginger juice everyday would be enough to do the magic. Cinnamon is especially helpful in aiding and relieving allergies and asthma. Garlic will do a lot of good by reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals.

And whenever you get rashes and redness from skin allergies, you can apply a small amount of aloe vera to relieve the itchiness and redness.

I have just shown you some of the best natural allergy remedies that you can use now and get almost immediate results. But there are a lot of stuffs I can't cover now, such as other effective and natural allergy remedies.

Five Common Allergies - And Tips to Get Rid of Them

Allergy season is now in full swing, and people everywhere are looking for tips to get rid of allergies. One of the first things you should do if you suspect allergies, is to go have an allergy test done. This test is usually done at either your primary care physician's office, or at the office of an Allergy and Immunology doctor. The test is usually performed by a nurse or medical assistant and the results are interpreted by the doctor. After this test is complete, you will have a better idea of what is triggering your symptoms. Then you can take steps to prevent allergy symptoms, and ultimately, learn how to get rid of your allergies!

This article will discuss five of the most common allergies and tips on how to get rid of them. First you may ask, what is an allergy? Basically, an allergy is an unnatural immune reaction to a normally benign substance (whether plants, animals, insects or food) that your body thinks is harmful. These substances are called allergens. When you come into contact with an allergen, your body releases a chemical called histamine into the bloodstream, (in hopes of destroying what it thinks of as an invader) which causes inflammation. This is called an allergic reaction. Sometimes, an allergic reaction is so severe, it can become fatal. What are some of the most common allergies? They include substances such as:

1 Pollen
2 Mold
3 Pets/animal hair
4 Latex
5 Food

Of all common offenders, pollen is the number one allergen in the United States, and is the most common allergy during seasonal allergy months. Pollen comes from a multitude of plants, herbs, trees and flowers, and spreads like wildfire through the air. The most prevalent time for pollen is during the spring and summer, when most plants bloom to life. Plants release pollen on into the autumn season, and while winter is usually a time for pollen-allergy sufferers to breathe a sigh of relief, there are still some plants that release pollen even in the dead of winter.

Mold is pesky little fungi that loves to grow in warm, moist, dark places. Mold releases spores into the air, and when mold is touched or the spores are inhaled, they cause inflammation in the airways and bring on an allergic reaction. It is important to have your house routinely checked for mold, especially if you live in a humid climate. The longer a mold problem persists, the harder it is to eradicate.

An allergy to animal hair is a very common, yet unfortunate, allergy to have. The most common cause of an allergy to animal hair is the proteins that coat the hair. Those oils/proteins are there to protect the animal's coat of hair and keep it shiny. Unfortunately, those shiny coats trigger respiratory allergies in many people, which can be very sad for animal lovers. Sometimes, animal hair allergies are so severe that the afflicted person, sadly, cannot keep a pet.

Latex allergy is another quite common, yet often times severe, allergy. The protein contained in the latex rubber is the offender here, and usually leads to an immediate, sometimes very severe allergic reaction. For those who work in the healthcare field, and those who require frequent doctor visits, this allergy can be problematic, since many healthcare items contain latex. Fortunately, more and more medical manufacturers are coming out with latex-free gloves and other latex-free equipment.

Last on this list of the top five most common allergies, but certainly not least, are food allergies. Food allergy can, at times, be the most problematic allergy of all. This is because nowadays, in this age of food additives and preservatives, there are many hidden ingredients in processed and pre-prepared foods. The most common food allergies are nuts, shellfish, wheat and milk/dairy products. When a food allergy sufferer eats an allergy-causing food, their bodies release histamine into the bloodstream, causing inflammation which can be severe. This reaction can be anywhere from diarrhea and stomach cramps to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that causes the airway to close or swell shut.

Now that you know some of the most common allergies, and you know that getting tested to identify your allergies is the first step, it's time to talk about how to get rid of your allergies. Many (but not all) modern doctors believe that adults won't be able to totally get rid of their allergies. Children tend to grow out of their allergies, but most adults retain their allergies for life. Don't groan just yet - keeping positive is a huge step in dealing with your allergies. Contrary to popular belief, there is hope - yes, you can get rid of your allergies! Some more good news is that many naturopathic doctors, herbalists, and natural healers believe that you can indeed get rid of allergies.

The next step to getting rid of your allergies is to avoid the things that give you allergic reactions. That sounds fairly simple, but it can be complicated when it involves allergens such as food. Modifying your environment can go a long way to getting rid of allergies. Keep an allergy diary and write about your reactions - this will help you learn what to avoid. If you have mold in your house, make sure it is cleaned out and totally eradicated by specialists that deal specifically with getting rid of mold. If you are allergic to your household pets, don't fret. Do some research into allergy-friendly pets that you can own - yes, there are allergy-friendly animals out there. There are even allergy-friendly dogs such as the short-haired Chihuahua. If you are allergic to pollen, make sure to have someone help you keep your grass mowed and your yard in tip-top shape, and take your prescribed allergy medicine daily. If latex is what gets your allergic response going, be sure to alert any new doctors to this allergy, and carefully read labels on household and cosmetic supplies to make sure they are latex-free. Food allergies can be the trickiest, but if you become an avid-label reader and carry allergy medicine (including an Epi-Pen for serious reactions) with you that should go a long way to helping you avoid the offending substances. Do a diet of elimination - meaning, eliminate all the problem foods from your diet for a period of time (usually around 6 weeks) and then slowly introduce them back in, one at a time. Many times, elimination diets have huge success rates, even to the point that the previous allergy-causing foods no longer cause problems!

Next on the list is treatment. Take your prescribed allergy medicine every day. If you know you are going to come into contact with any allergens, take your medicine beforehand to lessen or even prevent symptoms. Talk to your doctor about getting what is called allergy shots. These shots contain very small amounts of the substances to which you are allergic, so as to desensitize you. The theory is, which each shot, you become less and less allergic to that particular substance. The good thing is, many people have a huge success rate with allergy shots. Another option is alternative treatments such as chiropractic and acupuncture sessions.

A lot of allergy sufferers swear by acupuncture to alleviate their allergies. Other alternative treatments would be vitamin, antioxidant and herbal supplements that boost the immune system, stabilize cells, and repair damage. Examples of these would be vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, Quercetin, green tea, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Saline sinus rinses also have a high success rate, since they flush out irritants and bacteria. Speaking of flushing out irritants - a good intestinal cleanse has worked wonders for many food allergy sufferers.

Remember to always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, doing any kind of cleanse, or starting any kind of alternative therapy for your allergies. Though you may want to, you can't diagnose yourself. Allergy sufferers need to be under the care of a physician. Don't fret or get discouraged, though! No matter what the naysayers say, there are options and you can get rid of allergies. Allergies don't have to last forever - and when you follow the tips outlined in this article, you can kiss your allergies goodbye.