Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Help I Am Allergic To Cheese


If you have Cheese Allergy and we discount any possibility of this allergy being related to an allergy to milk, then you more than likely have what is call a Food Intolerance instead of an allergy. During the fermenting process the milk products are separated into Curds and Whey. Most of the proteins responsible for the allergy reactions are in the Whey byproduct produced and the Curd portion will normally have very little or none of the proteins.

Histamines sometimes occur naturally in foods and when ingested can mimic an allergic reaction. Fermented foods such as cheese, and sauerkraut contain histamine, especially Blue cheese, Roquefort, and Parmesan.

The human body contains an enzyme called Diamine Oxidase that is responsible for the metabolizing of histamines. When the histamine-metabolizing enzyme Diamine Oxidase is saturated and the enzyme cannot metabolize any more of the histamine ingested then an allergic like reaction can occur.

Symptoms are usually dose related and the amount of histamines ingested determines the severity of the symptoms. Symptom includes cramping, flushing of the skin, headache, heart palpitations and hypo tension. Symptoms are not usually life-threatening.

Another problem with eating cheese is that mold can grow on cheese. This mold can be closely related to penicillin. Penicillin allergies are usually associated with the penicillin injections but for anyone suffering from an extreme allergy to penicillin should avoid ingesting any.

If you suffer from mold allergies or if you are allergic to mold spores then mold growing on cheese can also be a problem. Never take a chance with your life. Be sure the cheese you eat is fresh and mold is not growing on it. Discard any cheese that has any type of discoloration on it that may indicate mold is growing it.

No mater what type of allergy you are suffering from their is a good chance that you can find relief from the allergy symptoms. Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Allergies such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Quercitin, and Bromellain.

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

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

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

Bromellain will enhance the absorption of Quercetin. Take 100 mg twice daily.

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

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

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

Symptoms of Dust Mites, Allergies, and the Adverse Health Effects of DMA's


Do You, or Your Family Members, Suffer from One or More of These Symptoms?

Recent clinical studies indicate that the symptoms listed below prominently appear directly after awakening from an expected good night's sleep, in you're supposedly, comfortable and cozy bed! Dust mites have been known to be associated with allergies since the 1960's and have in recent years become a "focal point" due to their involvement with respiratory ailments. The dust mite by itself is not harmful to humans...

BUT dust mites produce a very potent allergen called "guanine" which is harmful to EVERYONE'S health, to varying degrees. Dust mites live, thrive, and breed, in the micro-habitat (visualize a little eco-system) that we create while sleeping in our beds. They also thrive wherever we spend our leisure time, such as lying on our upholstered sofas or sitting on our upholstered chairs watching television, doing homework, or entertaining. Dust mites do not bite or sting but constant contact with the allergens they produce can trigger respiratory and dermatological complaints in humans. There are other species of dust mites such as the itch mite, as well as predatory mites that share the same dusty environment.

Just some of the symptoms of dust mite allergens (DMA's) include:


  • itchy skin (little bumps and rashes),

  • stuffy nasal cavities,

  • sneezing,

  • puffy, swollen or discolored eyelids,

  • irritated, watery, and reddish eyes,

  • wheezing

  • "tight" chest,

  • head or sinus aches,

  • a raspy voice,

  • dry, unproductive cough,

  • feelings of lethargy (no "get up and go"),

  • mental fatigue,

  • depression

The above symptoms are just the mild, temporary ill-health effects (temporary, if you want to call the first few hours, of each morning of your life...temporary!) associated with household dust, the #1 dominant home indoor air pollutants. But, the long-term ill-health effects are truly much worse and can result in permanent, life-long illnesses such as:

  • asthma,

  • bronchitis,

  • perennial rhinitis (hay fever),

  • eczema,

  • dermatitis,

  • sinus infections

and other serious health issues, affecting millions of people. House dust contains a mixture of approximately 28 allergenic components. Typically, dust mite allergens account for the majority of the harmful components of dust, more than any other single particulate.

Due to their microscopic size, (the fecal pellets are about 20 microns in size and the ever disintegrating exoskeletons are even much smaller) dust mite allergens can become airborne simply by walking across a room, opening a door, "fluffing" a pillow as you attempt to fall asleep, or rolling over in bed (an act that occurs on average 50 to 60 times per night), and of course, during such activities as bed making. These are just a few of the activities that cause dust mites and their associated allergens to become and remain airborne for up to two hours at a time before settling throughout the entire house. A single dust mite, due to its heavier weight, can remain airborne for fifteen minutes. This negates the effectiveness of costly dust mite-proof mattress covers and bedding which attempts to solve the problem by simply "covering up" or placing a "band-aid" over the problem as the dust and allergens that are not inhaled, simply continue to "float about" the indoor air and accumulate on your bedding, as well as everywhere else.

While airborne, the allergens are easily inhaled and become attached to the living cells that line the "walls" of your lungs. Once attached, they suffocate and kill your healthy lung cells causing permanent damage. Dust mites practice coprophagia, meaning, in lean times they will use their own fecal pellets as a food source. Dust mite fecal pellets, which contain "guanine" and their digestive enzymes, are a major cause of allergies across the world. The powerful enzymes in the fecal pellets break down hard-to-digest food for later nourishment. It is these enzymes that cause and trigger allergies in humans by breaking down delicate living tissue including healthy lung cells.

Dust mites are living, thriving, and breeding by the millions, in your mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, draperies, fluffy stuffed toys, and to a lesser extent (only because, hopefully, it is frequently vacuumed) carpeting. Pillows, alone, may gain 15-25% in weight over a two year span, from the accumulation of dust mite allergens and a host of other contaminants.

Children, especially those who breathe rapidly such as newborns and those up to 5 years of age, are particularly susceptible to the health hazards from inhaling the allergens (especially the potent allergen "guanine") found in the fecal matter, secretions, shed (molted) skins, and the exoskeletons of dead dust mites. The elderly, chronically ill persons, and persons with a weak immune system (even if just temporary) are also very susceptible to ill-health effects of dust mite allergens and poor indoor air quality.

Dust mites are nocturnal, dislike strong light and will take refuge in the seams, ledges, cording and framework of furniture when exposed to light. A single dust mite can produce up to 20 to 30 fecal pellets per day (therefore, an average-sized colony of 2 million dust mites living within a mattress will produce 40 to 60 million fecal pellets per day). A single dust mite produces approximately 2000 to 3000 fecal pellets during its active lifetime of up to 3 or 4 months (that equates to a total of 4 trillion fecal pellets, in your mattress, produced by a single generation of an average-sized dust mite colony). Your unhygienic mattress, where you spend 1/3 of your life, is the nastiest, grungiest, item in your home and contains huge amounts of dead skin, dust mites, dust mite allergens, molds, mildew, pollens (transported inside from outdoors), spores, pet dander, bacteria and viruses.

Have you noticed how many corporations are touting their products for addressing the problem caused by dust mites? However, the solutions they offer are simply more "band-aids" to the problem and do not confront the problem (source) "head-on", the micro-habitats found in mattresses, pillows, and the "soft furnishings" in our homes. Should you choose to go the dust mite-proof mattress pad route, ask the salesperson what they sell to "protect" you from the dust mites in your upholstered sofa and chairs?

Mattress covers, pharmcotherapy (medications), and immunotherapy (skin prick tests, more testing and more meds) have been the usual methods of addressing the symptomatic problems and each of these methods generate huge sums of income. However, this is akin to placing a "band-aid" over a festering wound and then selling you more "band-aids". Perhaps the huge multi-billion dollar revenues generated by the aforementioned industries, is the reason why American's have not been properly informed and educated. But now, and unfortunately due to the annual increases in asthma, asthma deaths (especially among children), allergenic rhinitis, and other respiratory illnesses, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated a public awareness campaign through public service announcements (PSA's) and their new website (www.noattacks.org) beginning in January 2007.

Should you or any of your family members exhibit any of the aforementioned symptoms, please seek the advice of your family physician, especially if the symptoms are evident among children.

For additional information please review the EzineArticle, "Asthma, "Hidden" Asthma and Allergies" at the following link:http://ezinearticles.com/?Asthma,-Hidden-Asthma,-And-Allergies-&id=430592

Can Food Allergies Be The Cause Of Your Chronic Muscle And Joint Pain?


When it comes to back pain, there are dozens of causes. Your chances of getting an accurate diagnosis increase when you are informed of all possible causes. One often-overlooked cause of chronic muscle and joint pain is diet.

Allergies and Pain

A food allergy is present when your immune system perceives a component of the food, usually the protein, as a threat and attacks it with the inflammatory response. Allergies differ from intolerances, which are digestive rather than immunological reactions.

Histamine is an inflammatory substance released during an allergic reaction. The inflammatory response attempts to block off threats from the rest of the body, kill the threat and promote healing. In the case of an allergic reaction, however, the inflammation caused by histamine is excessive and attacks the body itself. Any of the body's muscles and joints can become inflamed during an allergic reaction, resulting in pain and soreness.

If you have a food allergy you're unaware of, you may be in a state of chronic reaction. This can be the source of your chronic muscle and/or joint pain.

How To Identify And Rule Out Allergies

Of course, there are many other causes of muscle and joint pain. If you have chronic muscle or joint soreness that is not attributable to repetitive use, overexertion or poor posture, diet could be a factor.

Arthritis is a main cause of joint pain, and many forms of arthritis involve joint inflammation. Diet may not be the sole cause of arthritic joint pain, but identifying any food source that may increase inflammation in your body can help relieve pain.

One simple way to identify if you have a food allergy is to participate in the "elimination diet," which requires removing the suspected food from your diet for a week. If symptoms reside, you likely found the food you're allergic to. This can be confirmed by reintroducing the food back into your diet and seeing if symptoms reappear. Keeping a dietary diary is a great way to help you identify food allergies. Keep track of what you eat and the presence and severity of your pain.

Knowing the most common food allergens will help to narrow down your experiment. The most common are milk, egg, soy, wheat, shellfish, seafood, tree nut and peanut allergies. First, identify which of these allergens features prominently in your diet. Check food labels, as many store-bought foods contain soy, tree nuts, wheat and dairy.

Blood tests can be done to identify allergy-related immune substances in your blood. A blood sample is taken and different foods are used to test its reaction in a lab. Blood tests are not always accurate when looking for food allergies, however. Making dietary changes and monitoring their impacts are your best diagnostic tools.

Dietary changes may be the answer to resolving your chronic back pain. Eliminating common allergens from your diet can help resolve inflammation in both muscles and joints.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Food Allergy Symptoms - How Shakespeare Gives You Gas


The words "If music be the food of love, play on.." has been forever immortalized, thanks to the artistry of Shakespeare but here in the real world where quite literally speaking, the excess consumption of food can lead to gluttony, and this in turn can lead to obesity.

And if that's not enough, people can seriously react to food allergies which for the most part, are due to the immune system's reaction (overreaction, to say the least) to a food protein, which is actually harmless.

And this is where a food allergy is very different in comparison to food intolerance even though many people aren't able to tell the difference between the two.

Food Allergy Vs. Food intolerance

In truth, food intolerance has nothing to do with the immune system's overreact which is what happens in the case of an allergy. And while the release of histamine (by mast cells that carry the immunoglobin) causes this allergic reaction, food intolerance normally occurs due to a person's body reacting to certain nutrients, and the immune system does not get involved here.

But what is for sure, is that between the two, food allergies are far more lethal and can affect a person almost immediately as opposed to the long time that it takes food intolerance to act!

And so that demands for one to be aware of this kind of reaction by knowing how to spot a food allergic reaction.

How to spot a Food Allergy

Since the most common allergies almost always effect a person's respiratory and digestive system and skin, apart from displaying other life threatening symptoms, this is the most common way by which one can spot a food allergy as soon as possible.

1. Respiratory System

Sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing along with watery eyes are most often the symptoms of a food allergy while the closing of the throat and breathing difficulties is normally an allergic reaction to the extreme.

2. Skin

Eczema, swelling, hives and redness or flushing are the symptoms of a food allergy if one has to look for clues when it comes to the skin.

3. Digestive System

Vomiting, nausea, stomach and diarrhea are some of the symptoms to watch out for in the digestive system

4. Life threatening reactions

Although this is extremely rare, this condition (also known as anaphylaxis) can affect several parts of the body, and can display a combination of symptoms as mentioned above as well as pertaining to one's cardiovascular health as well. While 150 people die each year in the United States of this ailment, there is no doubt that even though it is rare, it is considered fatal.

Coping with a food allergy

As the only way to deal with a food allergy is to avoid the food completely, most patients are actually put on a meal plan that completely avoids these foods. And while it might be difficult to avoid some common foods, it should heartening to know that there are substitutes that are appearing in the market especially for people who cannot have common foods.

In Closing

And the tragic irony (that was Shakespeare's forte in his plays) is that while some people continue to abuse their eating habits, there are some folks who can't even touch a particular food, thanks to a food allergy that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

What Causes Allergic Reactions in Eye Care From Artificial Ingredients?


If you are prone to allergic reactions, eye care ingredients could be something to worry about. Artificial preservatives and fragrance ingredients are commonly to blame. Let's identify some causes and then learn How Natural Vitamin E Prevents Allergic Reactions in Eyes.

Allergies Triggered By Cosmetics

Symptoms of allergies triggered by cosmetics may include redness or rashes on the skin, also known as dermatitis. Itching or watery eyes, stinging or burning of the eyes or skin can occur. The area may feel painful. The inflammatory response causes increased sensitivity to pain in general.

Allergy Symptoms

Conjunctivitis, eczema or hives can be symptoms of an allergy, as well. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucus membranes covering the white part of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids. Redness and swelling are visible symptoms. Extreme itching and pain are the symptoms you would feel.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition accompanied by flaking, itching and excessive dryness. Hives are red itchy welts. Inflammation is the underlying cause of all of the symptoms of allergic reactions; eye care ingredients cause inflammation by stimulating the skin's cells to produce prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins and the inflammation caused by those molecules are responsible for the "symptoms" of allergies triggered by cosmetics. But we often think of the compounds present in the product as the cause.

Limited Sensitivity Cause

Not everyone has allergies triggered by cosmetics. People that do may be sensitive only to a single ingredient, which can easily be avoided. On the other hand, some people are sensitive to a host of compounds.

As mentioned above, fragrances and artificial preservatives are most often to blame. Many people have a condition called perfume allergy. They must avoid perfumes of all kinds. Everyone can be negatively affected by perfumes, particularly if the product containing them is intended to be used around the eyes.

Fragrances - Big Cause

Balsam fragrance is one of the top ten (number three) triggers. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are eight compounds that are frequently mixed together and listed on the label simply as "fragrance". This fragrance mix is number six on the Clinic's list of top ten skin allergens.

Look for These Ingredients to Avoid

If you want to avoid allergic reactions, eye care ingredients to avoid include thimerosal, urea, methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens. Those are the artificial preservatives favored by cosmetic companies.

Allergies triggered by cosmetics may also be due to the emulsifiers DEA and TEA. Isopropyl alcohol can cause redness and burning. It is a strong eye irritant. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can cause hives, eczema and other allergy-related symptoms.

If you want to avoid allergic reactions, eye care ingredients stearalkonium chloride, synthetic colors, MIT and formaldehyde should also be avoided. All of the compounds mentioned in this article have been used by the cosmetic industry for many years. It is very difficult to get an ingredient banned, even when it is known to cause health problems.

It is essential that skincare products contain an effective preservative. Otherwise, the product would quickly turn rancid. If used on the skin or around the eyes, rancid oils can cause serious infections.

There are natural non-allergenic alternatives to the artificial preservatives responsible for allergies triggered by cosmetics. Now that you know more about what causes allergic reactions, eye care ingredients to avoid and the damage they can do, you probably want to know which compounds are non-allergenic. You'll learn about that and what ingredient is a naturally safe preservative in my next article.

And now please visit the Eye Contour Serum website listed below for updated information on How Vitamin E Prevents Allergic Reactions to the Eyes. See author/resource box below.

Abnormal Allergy Symptoms Could Be Mold Related!


Recently a friend of mine said that she had been diagnosed by her allergist with sensitivities to medicine and several other severe allergic reactions. She responded very well to homeopathic and herbal medicines but found it most important to constantly guard against any source of toxins. Because of this, she requested immediate testing for mold in her home by a professional mold remediation specialist.

When considering a physician for a specific issue like this, it's also a good idea to consider the particular specialty of the doctor. Unless your allergist has training specifically in the areas of environmental health and immunology, he or she may not be sure of the best course to follow to diagnose or treat conditions caused by prolonged exposure to mold. He or she may order the normal allergy tests which usually result in inconclusive results then pursue the general treatment of weekly allergy shots. This may or may not be of help if the problem is mold. There are many different species of mold, and they have different effects on different bodies. The elderly and very young children are the most susceptible to mold spores. Mold produces mycotoxins which cannot be seen and enter the body primarily through skin or human airways. Once they have entered your body, they may spread throughout the body causing multiple issues.

There are many different types of diseases that can be caused by many different types of mold, but one of the most interesting of them to me is mycotoxicosis which results from eating food products already contaminated by fungi. There are a plethora of symptoms including fibromyalgia, IBS, respiratory problems, vision problems, night sweats, nose bleeds, memory loss, dirt-like taste in the mouth, anxiety, liver problems, kidney problems, thyroid problems, boils, hair loss, irregular heart beat, etc. which may result from mycotoxicosis. Of course, no one displays them all and certainly not all people who have these symptoms can attribute them to mold, but most people experiencing mycotoxicosis have several from the list.

Just as my friend was careful in choosing her allergist, she was also careful about choosing the company who would perform the mold inspection for her home. She chose one that had been established for many years, who had certifications to prove their qualifications, answered her questions courteously, had good references, and performed her tests efficiently and promptly. Be sure to do your homework to protect your home and body from dangerous toxins.

How to Deal with Skin Allergy


Allergy

Allergy is body hypersensitivity to some substance. Our body can react by breathing system allergy (rhinitis and asthma), intestine allergy (diarrhea) and skin allergy. Skin allergy may occur in the form of mild skin redness until dermatitis, which can appear in many places.

Skin Allergy Identification

When you suddenly get the red spots and suspect an allergy, question your self these:

-Do the red spot appear in a broad part of your body (at your arms and legs) or just in a small part (at your palm hand)?

-What unusual food or even drug and food supplement have you taken?

-Do you change your detergent?

Small part of itchy redness in your palm may indicate that you have a skin contact allergy. Avoid touching the suspected substance. Broad skin redness may be suspected as caused by food allergy-something that goes with the blood flow.

Skin Allergy Treatment

Corticosteroid combined with antihistamines cream or ointment can be used to relieve skin redness. Dermatologist may prescribe a mixture cream contains anti histamines, anti redness, and itchy reducer. Some topical corticosteriods used for allergy treatment are betamethasone, clobetasol, clobetasone,

desonide, desoxymethasone, dexamethasone, difluocortolone, flumethasone and fluocinolone.

There is also natural herbs contained cream for allergy relieving. Some herbs have anti histamine factor in their extract. You can use natural herbs to relieve allergy. Check the label before buying some natural herbs base allergy treatment to find any drug substance inserted in it. A natural herbs treatment should not use any drug substances otherwise they are called allergy drug.

Skin Allergy Alerts

Put a greater consideration in your skin allergy and consult your doctor if:

-Any topical treatment did not work out. No allergy symptoms like skin redness and itchy feeling are reduced.

-You have another severe allergy symptoms like breath difficulty, faster heartbeat, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Those symptoms are leading to serious allergy that cause anaphylactic shock and should be treated soon by a medical doctor.

Further Steps to avoid Skin Allergy

-Take an allergy test to know what substances you are allergic to. It is called a patch test. Doctor will give some allergy suspected substances on your skin and see which one cause you allergy. It is not a painful test but useful to prevent from contact skin allergy.

-Always remember what you are allergic to and avoid things that can cause allergy.

-Prepare an allergy cream as a first aid. At least the cream will prevent from scratching your allergic skin.