Learn to Avoid Foods That Trigger Lupus Flares - With an Easy, at Home Food Allergy Testing Strategy

A food allergy is an immune response to a particular food or beverage, similar to the immune response against the body itself in a lupus patient. Don't confuse food allergies with food intolerances; they are different. When you experience food intolerance, it is not caused by the immune system, and is simply an adverse response by your body to a particular food (like lactose intolerance).

You've got to take care of yourself; having lupus or any auto-immune disease makes you especially susceptible to food allergies and these allergic reactions can instigate flares.

There are many ways to determine food allergies and the symptoms they produce. According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, you should watch for the following 7 symptoms up to two hours of eating.

Food allergy symptoms to watch out for:

o Tingling sensation in the mouth

o Swelling of the tongue and the throat

o Difficulty breathing

o Hives

o Vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea

o Sudden drop in blood pressure

o Loss of consciousness

If you suspect you have a food allergy, it is important to work with a health professional, because while simply cutting that food out of your diet may alleviate your symptoms, it won't address the potential allergy itself.

Allergy testing is easier than it sounds. You might be afraid of needles, but in most cases you don't even have to see them!

Common allergy testing methods:

Pin Prick allergy testing

In the pin prick skin test the doctor places a small drop of the substance (in this case food) that you may be allergic to on your skin and then pricks you with a tiny needle. He or she will then wait for a few minutes to see if you develop a reaction, which is usually localized in the form of redness and swelling.

RAST Allergy Test

The RAST test is another allergy test that requires a blood sample sent to a lab, where specialized tests are done to determine your allergies.

The At-Home Allergy Pulse Test

Another easy way to get an indication of a food allergy is by using the at-home allergy pulse test. This is done by checking your pulse rate before and after eating. When you maintain a close watch over your pulse rate while you challenge different foods, you can often determine possible food reactions. However, it is important that you do not use or rely on this test if you have a history of strong allergic reactions, especially anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reason which results in swelling of the throat).

To perform the pulse test on yourself, simply take your pulse before eating a meal to establish your base (or control) pulse rate.

It's best to eat a single food, and then re-check your pulse rate at 15, 30 and 60 minutes afterwards. If you see an increase in elevation of more than 10 beats faster than your base pulse, it means you are likely allergic to that food.

An obvious problem is that you may want to eat more than one food at a time. Go ahead and eat that meal, and again do your pulse test before, and after your meal as above. In this way you'll be able to determine if the foods don't have any effect, or if there are foods creating a reaction with an elevated pulse rate.

To start testing your food reactions, a simple natural diet is the way to go. Stick with meals that don't require a lot of work and include just a few simple ingredients.

If you do find an increased pulse, it's a good idea to test each food separately in order to narrow down which food ingredient is the culprit from that meal.

Be sure to keep a diary with you at all times, so you can keep a proper record and learn to identify which foods, if any, are triggering a flare. Be cautioned though, food triggers and their reactions can change, therefore be tricky to catch. However, this test is a great start to taking control of unnecessary flares that result from food allergies.

It is best to work with an experienced wellness specialist to help you maintain your health program and get further support to answer your health questions when necessary.

90% of all food allergies are caused by only eight foods!

Yes, it's true. Only 8 common foods are the culprit for most food allergies. These are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts, cashews, and pistachios), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. You should also avoid spicy foods, processed foods (such as American cheese), alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine if you have Lupus. I know this sounds like no fun at all, but all of these have the potential to mess with your immune system and have unexpected effects on your body. That's the last thing you need to worry about with lupus!

One way to recall these foods is by remembering the term 'DONGS', which stands for:

Dairy: Cow's milk and related products, goats' milk and related products, eggs

Ocean: Fish, shellfish

Nuts: Peanuts, tree nuts

Grains: Soy, wheat, wheat, rye, oats, barley, anything referred to as "gluten"

Spices: Paprika, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, cola, liquorice, mustard, oregano, peppers, poppy seeds, and sage

Now that I've told you all the no-no's... we can go over some of the foods you can eat and enjoy without fear of stimulating your immune system. Foods like brown rice, sweet potatoes, and veggies can make up delicious dishes full of energy and carbs to keep you going through the day. For a refreshing drink, why not reach for some fresh fruits or veggies and make a nice juiced smoothie or drink that will support your immune system and energy as well (just avoid asparagus, eggplant, onion, zucchini, raw olives, and peppers).

It's important to keep your strength up so you can fight the lupus all day, not just after eating, so try and have several smaller meals throughout the day versus 2 or 3 heavy meals that will rob you of precious energy you don't have to waste.

To learn more about the essentials of a healthy Lupus diet, plus holistic approaches to reducing Lupus symptoms visit Healing-Lupus.com for a free mini course.

Recurring Common Cold Symptoms Could Be Allergies

Some people are troubled with recurring common cold symptoms or a large number of colds per year. During cold and flu season, typically from September to April, the grocery store aisles that contain the over the counter and some of the herbal remedies for common cold symptoms are crowded with people. You can become infected with a cold virus any time of the year, but it appears that most of the viruses that cause cold symptoms survive better when the humidity is lower. In most of the United States, those are the winter months.

According to information published by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), you can get relief from cold symptoms by resting in bed, drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, using throat sprays or lozenges for a scratchy or sore throat, using petroleum jelly for a raw nose and taking aspirin or acetaminophen for headache or fever. (Note: Aspirin and aspirin containing products should not be given to children, because of the link to Reye's syndrome, a rare illness that can be life threatening.) Additionally, the NIAID advises that frequently recurring common cold symptoms that last for much longer than two weeks may be an allergy, rather than an infection with a common cold virus.

Opinions vary on the effectiveness of over the counter and herbal remedies for common cold symptoms. Research often comes to contradictory conclusions. Antihistamines, cough suppressants and nasal decongestants are believed to be safe when used as directed, but can cause unwanted side effects, such as nervousness, dizziness, insomnia or drowsiness. Additionally, these products are not believed to shorten the duration of symptoms.

Some research has shown that zinc nasal gels or sprays can shorten the duration of common cold symptoms when taken during the early stages of a cold, but other research concluded that they were ineffective and may have caused the permanent loss of the sense of smell in some people. Zinc lozenges, tablets or dietary supplements are sometimes recommended to shorten the duration of symptoms and have no unwanted side effects when taken in appropriate dosages.

Vitamin C is not really one of the herbal remedies for common cold symptoms, but because it is a natural product, it is sometimes grouped with them. Many studies have been done concerning the effectiveness of vitamin C for recurring common cold symptoms, both as a preventative and a treatment. The conclusions of these studies have sometimes been contradictory, but it is known that available amounts of vitamin C circulating in the blood stream are quickly depleted during an infection. When taken in appropriate amounts, it can shorten the duration and severity of symptoms and has no unwanted side effects. Mega doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so it is important to follow the supplement manufacturer's directions and reduce the dosage if diarrhea occurs.

Echinacea is one of the popular herbal remedies for common cold symptoms, but again research results do not always support its effectiveness or safety. Indian echinacea or andrographis paniculata is included in some herbal remedies for common cold prevention and has been shown to have very low toxicity in animals, even when used in large amounts. Curcumin or turmeric has been shown in studies to be a mild expectorant, while causing no unwanted side effects. Piperine, from black pepper, has been shown to enhance the beneficial effects of Curcumin.

Many vitamins, minerals, plant components and herbs work best when accompanied by others. This may be the reason that some research supports their use and others are inconclusive. Some of the best health supplement manufacturers take these facts into account when creating proprietary blends to be used for specific purposes, such as reducing recurring common cold infections. To learn more about these products, please visit the Immune System Booster Guide.

Shark Liver Oil Supplements Give Allergy Sufferers Relief

While the winter season begins to phase into the warmer weather months this spurs the blooming of plants and trees. Although springtime is picturesque it can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers. Just ask anyone who has allergy issues and they'll tell you it's a miserable condition they dread every year.

As allergy stricken people reach for medication at their nearest drug store, many aren't aware of how shark liver oil can offer its fair share of hay fever relief. In fact, decades of research has shown this as true. And starting this oil supplement routine now will give allergy sufferers a head start.

These supplements are normally found in health food stores. But as with any product, please do research in finding the right one because there are so many out there on the market. Look for a product that guarantees purity, potency and has a long track record of selling its product to consumers as well as health and wellness clinics.

When buying this type of oil supplement it's important to find a manufacturer who creates a product that has the following:

• No artificial preservatives


• No colors


• No dairy


• No soy protein


• No soy


• No wheat


• No yeast

High quality supplements of this kind have been proven to lessen allergy symptoms, such as:

• Itchy nose


• Red, itchy and watery eyes


• Sneezing


• Post nasal drip


• Dark circles under the eyes brought on by congestion

Controlling the above allergy symptoms also has the potential to ward off sinus infections, too.

This oil which is high in Omega 3s, also has a miracle ingredient named Alkylglycerols, otherwise known as AKG. AKG naturally boosts a person's immune system. In the human body, AKG is found in human breast milk, liver, spleen and bone marrow. Research has shown that a mother's breast milk can do wonders for her baby in increasing its immune system and lowering the chances of allergies. The same "AKG philosophy" is used for shark liver oil consumption in humans.

Retrieving refined AKGs from the shark is a tedious and scientific process. This is why finding a reputable manufacturer is so important otherwise a supplement user will not get the full benefits of shark liver oil. And most of all, they will be throwing their money away on a substandard product.

Before starting any supplement, it's advised to seek the advice from a healthcare professional.

Avid users of shark liver oil call it a supplement they can't live without, especially during allergy season.

How Ganoderma Lucidum Helps Prevent and Stop Allergy and Sinus Problems!

Do you suffer from allergies? Do you have red puffy eyes when you wake up in the morning... that feel like they are full of sand and so itchy that you want to claw out your eyeballs? No manner of scratching or rubbing will help... only make it worse. It drives you crazy! Then the runny nose starts... followed by a hacking cough and a sinus migraine headache that would stop a truck. My headaches would get so bad that I just wanted to die. I would go into my bedroom, shut out the lights, cover my face with the heating pad and pray it would ease some and eventually go away. No amount of sinus medication or allergy pills seemed to help. If anything, it intensified things.

Have you experienced some or all of these uncomfortable symptoms that made life just miserable? Trying to carry on a normal routine, looking after young children, doing my housework, going to my place of employment and trying to be civil to people in the workplace was almost impossible. I worked for a lawyer and trying to take dictation and type on the typewriter (before computers) was horrible. Every pound of the keys sent vibrations throughout my head that were horrific and I just wanted the workday to end so I could go home. But at home things were no better. Most of time it was only the passing of the hours that brought some relief. I just had to bear with it. Not a pleasant experience! Not something you want to see anyone else have to deal with. That is why I am writing this article, hoping it will help someone who is experiencing what I went through find some relief.

In starting my search for answers I found out something I did not know before and it changed the way I addressed my allergy concerns. The following is information that helped me get on track to finding solutions to my problems:

A. Deficiencies of the Immune System:
"When the immune system is deficient or does not function properly, it leaves the body susceptible to a wide array of illnesses. However, allergies and hypersensitivity to certain substances are considered immune system disorders."

B. Allergies are Immune System Disorders:
"Allergies are disorders of the immune system. Most allergic reactions are a result of an immune system that responds to a "false alarm." When a harmless substance such as dust, mold, or pollen is encountered by a person who is allergic to that substance, the immune system may react dramatically, by producing antibodies that "attack" the allergen (substances that produce allergic reactions). The result of an allergen entering a susceptible person's body may include wheezing, itching, runny nose, and watery or itchy eyes, and other symptoms... " Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

If you have allergies and enter a room where someone has doused themselves with perfume... how long does it take for your nose to let you know it does not like the scent? What about going to a friend's house and their pet cat decides it prefers your lap to any other comfortable place in the room? Much more serious, what if you are allergic to bee stings or Peanuts... that could be life threatening. If you have an immune system disorder all the foregoing are concerns you must be aware of. Allergies can also trigger asthma attacks which can be very serious, even life threatening.

Due to major surgery that depleted my immune system, I developed not only allergies... but an asthmatic condition that was so severe that I was taken to the hospital on several occasions for emergency treatment. I was constantly fighting off allergy attacks and lived in fear of another asthma attack that would send me back to the hospital. After going to an Allergist and Asthma specialist, only to find out that my condition was chronic and would not improve but only get worse over time... I decided to look to alternative treatments and supplements that might help alleviate my condition.

An Answer At Last!
It was not until I clued into the fact that Allergies are caused by Immune disorders did the "light bulb" come on. Neither my doctor nor the specialists I went to provided me with this information. If they had done so, it would have helped me tremendously in my search for a solution. Either they did not know or felt the information would be beyond my comprehension, I am not sure... but without that information, I would still be suffering today from this problem.

A friend of mine gave me a sample of coffee with an herb in it that had an immediate effect on my immune system's allergy symptoms. At first, I could not understand why one cup of this coffee, with this particular herb, could all of a sudden take away my sinus headache. This herb is called the Red Reishi Mushroom. I started doing some research and this is what I found.

There have been many studies on the effects of Reishi on the immune system, including its Anti-Allergic/Anti-Inflammatory Actions.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Reishi's anti-allergy action became the subject of ongoing research in both China and Japan. Studies showed that Reishi inhibited all four types of allergic reactions, with positive effects on asthma and contact dermatitis. Depression can also be caused by food allergies. Research shows Reishi's dramatic help in clearing food allergies. Reishi revitalizes the blood and helps normalize IgG, an immunoglobulin responsible for triggering many food allergies.

Just What is Ganoderma Lucidum Anyway?
The Red Reishi also known as Ganoderma Lucidum, is primarily grown in the Orient. Those who study the Reishi for it's medicinal purposes are amazed at it versatility in working with the human body. It's adaptogenic properties make it the most powerful herb on the planet... giving it the status of the "King of Herbs" in China. Natural foods like the Reishi exist in nature for a reason, they provide us with the help we need to keep our bodies finetuned, providing antioxidants and nutrients that our diet does not provide. The Orientals practice preventative medicine and the Reishi is on top of their list in the prevention of disease. Do you think we maybe could take a lesson from them?

How Does Ganoderma Work?
I needed to know more about how this amazing herb could be so effective. I did more research and found the answer... I found out that the Reishi supports and builds up the Immune system. It has so many properties that I decided to continue my growth of knowledge about this amazing herb. I have been able to reach many, many people, who after trying this herb, have found it has the ability to provide solutions to their many health concerns. I am in awe of this miraculous mushroom called the Red Reishi and my continual research has increased my appreciation of what nature can provide us and I will continue to pass on this valuable information to everyone who wants to benefit from my findings.

"Life is a precious gift from God. Although fragile, it demands our continual nurturing and should never be taken for granted." Java Joan Maxymuik.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided on our email or company web site and on all publications, packaging, and labels is for general purposes only and designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or health- care professional.

Cat Allergy Symptoms In Children

Cat allergy symptoms can happen to lots of people and even kids are not exempted from it. Most of the time, they are the ones who will play with your cats so they are also prone to allergies. You'll see that there are many cat allergy symptoms in children noticeable among them.

If you have kids and cats at home, it's important for you to know the positive symptoms they may experience and start doing something about it. Remember that kids with allergic reactions may find themselves limited in terms of activities at home so you must do something to alleviate their symptoms.

Runny nose and sneezing - This is by far the top symptoms your kid may experience. Primarily, cat dander is able to make its way up to their respiratory system and irritates it. Sneezing is the common physical reaction of the body when it comes to irritation so they would sneeze and even experience congestion at times. For this type of problem, some parents would get medications that are prescribed by physicians to their children. As you know, some over the counter medications may not be suitable to kids so they would prefer to get prescriptions from physicians. Coughing may also occur as a part of its symptoms.

Watery eyes - Just like in the case of pulmonary symptoms, watery eyes are also among the common cat allergy symptoms in children. Cat dander can also irritate the eyes and thus cause its tear glands to secrete tears. Once your kid tells you about this symptom, the firs thing you must do is to keep them from scratching their eyes. They may have played with your cats so their hands may also have dander and may cause them more problems in terms of eye irritation. This is also a mild symptom as they would only cause them to have swollen eyes after shedding tears.

Serious symptoms - The two symptoms mentioned above are mild symptoms but they can also experience serious symptoms that can be fatal for their age. Difficulty breathing is one of them. Make sure to bring them to the physician right away in order to get treatment.

In conclusion, these are some of the cat allergy symptoms in children. Make sure to provide them medication once they experience their symptoms or bring them to the physician once serious symptoms start to occur. Simultaneously, make sure to keep your home clean all the time as it can also be a great help in alleviating its symptoms.

Is a Food Allergy Causing your Fatigue?

When you are allergic to a particular food your body initially reacts with alarm and the symptoms are very clear.

You may notice headaches and migraines, abdominal bloating or cramps, frequent diarrhoea or constipation, eczema or other skin problems, painful swelling of joints, unexplained mood swings, depression or anxiety, swollen hands, ankles, feet, eyes, face, unexplained weight gain or loss, catarrh, sinus congestion, runny nose or constant fatigue.

The amazing thing about the human body is that it works remarkably well in coping with a food allergy at the initial time of reaction and after a short period the symptoms may not be as extreme or indeed the initial symptoms may not appear at all.

The problem is that whilst the offending foods are still eaten the body is having to cope with the food allergy on an ongoing basis and as part of this process the adrenal glands produce adrenalin and cortisone to keep the body working.

Over time the adrenal glands gradually become exhausted from the continuing effort of having to cope and this will leave you feeling exhausted and suffering from fatigue.

The other surprising fact about food allergies is that the sufferer typically feels BETTER when they eat the offending food, and if the allergen food is eaten regularly you may even feel a sense of "elation".

Unfortunately, this explains why the foods that are causing you the most harm are normally the ones that you crave to eat.

Not surprisingly, a result of this food allergy mechanism is a lack of energy and fatigue, as your body is constantly trying to deal with the food that is causing all the distress.

Once the body has run out of resources to fight and adapt any more you will enter a stage of exhaustion due to the immune system becoming damaged and the adrenal glands being diminished.

Many people visit their doctors or health care practitioner at this stage complaining of constant fatigue, bloating and depression without understanding that the cause may be a food allergy.

The important fact to remember is that a food allergy is often overlooked or missed in a diagnosis when fatigue or exhaustion is an issue. If you have tried all you can to improve your energy, even if you have no symptoms of a food allergy, it is worth testing for one on the chance the food allergy symptoms may be hidden.

If you do have a food allergy and you do not detect it you could face poor health and continued fatigue as a result.

The Non-Sedative Anti-Histamine For People Suffering From Major Symptoms Of Allergy

Fexofenadine HCL is a non-sedative antihistamine that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treating of chronic idiopathic urticaria, and seasonal allergic symptoms. It is a prescription medication originally, but has become available over-the-counter in March 2011 for the treatment of seasonal allergies and hives.

How it works: Fexofenadine HCL is a histamine H1-receptor blocker, thereby blocking the effects of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical substance that causes allergies such as itching, sneezing and irritation. By blocking the actions of histamine, Fexofenadine HCL relieves various allergic symptoms in the body.

Medication dosage: Fexofenadine HCL comes in three dosage forms: oral tablets (30, 60, and 180 mg), oral suspensions (6mg per ml), and orally disintegrating tablets 30 mg(ODT's). The medicine is commonly taken by mouth, 1-2 times daily depending on the condition being treated. Oral tablet dosage forms shouldn't be taken with fruit juices.

Unwanted side effects: Like any other medication, Fexofenadine possess certain side effects in the body. But, not everyone who takes the drug suffers from these side effects. Popular side effects may include headache, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea, cough, respiratory tract infections, ear infections, back pain, dizziness, drowsiness, pain in the arms and legs, and indigestion. Rare side effects can include allergies, painful periods, breathing difficulty, and insomnia. Certain side effects are mild and need no treatment at all. However, when it becomes bothersome, it must be reported to the medical doctor quickly.

Precautions before you take Fexofenadine: People troubled with kidney diseases, and women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should notify their doctor before taking Fexofenadine. The drug may also interact with certain medications, it is therefore advisable to tell the heath care provider before taking this medication. Any difficulty encountered by the patient after using Fexofenadine also need to be reported to the medical doctor.

Who shouldn't take Fexofenadine Hcl? Always check with your doctor whether Fexofenadine medication is suitable for you. In addition, prior to the administration of this drug your full medical history should be disclosed to the doctor. This is because this medication might not be ideal for: - Patients with kidney concerns - Patients suffering from liver disorders - Patients with previous or current heart condition - Seniors or children younger than 12 years

Final thoughts: Fexofenadine is an anti-histamine used in the treating of seasonal allergic symptoms and urticaria. Like other anti-histamine, Fexofenadine HCL does not cause any sedative action in the individual. Although, Fexofenadine is known as very safe and effective in the treatment of allergies, it has to be used with caution by seniors, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with certain health conditions.