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Saturday, June 20, 2015
Allergies: Simple Solutions For This Common Problem
Most people are aware that allergies exist. Some don't understand how hard allergies can impact a person's life. You do not have to let allergens run your life. Read the strategies in this guide and find ways on how to effectively deal with your allergies.
It is tempting to open windows to save on cooling costs when the sun is shining. Unfortunately, doing so could cause allergy problems. A better option is to use a HEPA filter in your air-conditioning unit; this drastically reduces the amount of indoor allergens. The HEPA filter is a great way to ensure that you can breathe easily in your own home.
Shower and shampoo your hair prior to going to bed. You can get a lot of pollen on your hair and skin during the daytime, which can cause an allergic reaction at night. A long shower is not necessary, you just need to rinse off to avoid any negative reaction.
Coming into contact with dust mites is unavoidable. As you can probably guess, these little guys are living throughout your bedding and pillows, making a meal of your dead skin flakes. Yuck! However, you can fight back with the use of specially designed covers for your pillows and mattresses. Wash your bed linens in hot water once per week to kill dust mites, too.
Sometimes, people are more apt to suffer from allergies as they age. For example, food allergies are more common in infants as they are exposed to different things for the first time. It is not unusual for growing children to develop pollen allergies later in life as a result of exposure to various protein allergens when very young. After years of encountering no reactions to pollen or other allergens, your child may suddenly display allergy symptoms at some point. Do not immediately eliminate the possibility that he or she is truly allergic.
If you desire to have a pet, despite having allergies, get a pet that has short fur. While practically any animal can cause an allergic reaction, animals that shed long hair are more likely to do so. As long as you consistently bathe the animals and do not allow it to sleep with you, you shouldn't have that much of an issue.
Skin tests can detect the presence of an allergy, but they are far less useful for predicting how severe the reaction will be when you encounter the allergen in the real world. For instance, tests may show that you have sensitivity with a specific variety of spore. You might be one of those people that experiences allergy symptoms so mildly that you do not feel any discomfort.
If one allergy product does produce the desired effect, it's not yet time to throw in the towel. There are more than just ingestible options for allergy sufferers. For instance, saline sprays, eye drops, leukotriene blockers and nasal steroids are all options.
Sometimes pet owners wonder if their pets contribute to their allergies. A trip to your general practitioner for an allergy panel will quickly put your questions to rest. If so, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot have pets; however, it may be necessary to implement changes or take added precautions against allergens.
Most people who suffer from allergies have been told to use humidifiers in their bedroom in order to moisten the airways during sleep. Unfortunately, a humidifier will make carpets and fabrics damp and encourage mold growth. Therefore, using a humidifier may not be the best thing that an allergy sufferer could do. Instead, try a saline spray before bedtime to keep the nasal passages moist.
Clean your car often and keep it closed so that you can prevent at least one potential allergen source. Using air conditioning and keeping all of your vents in closed positions will prevent pollen and allergens from coming in. Vacuum your interior upholstery regularly so that it stays free of things that accumulate. The accumulation of dust and other allergens can cause you to get an allergic reaction.
If you see signs of mice or bugs, enlist the aid of a professional exterminator. The droppings of vermin, such as cockroaches and rodents, can seriously exacerbate the symptoms of allergies. Making use of a professional exterminator will rid you of these assorted pests. This should make you breathe easier.
The location and time of the day you exercise can be a trigger for allergy symptoms. Exercising causes harder, deeper breathing which means you breathe in more of whatever type of pollen is floating around outside. If you exercise indoors during hours when pollen counts are lower, you can limit your inhalation of allergy-causing substances.
Although some allergies are easier to treat, others are quite a bit harder. Don't fear the changing seasons anymore. Discover the best ways to treat your allergy symptoms! Use the ideas in this piece, and get healthy again.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
How To Calm The Itching And Sneezing
Allergies are something with which many people are familiar. Some people aren't aware how terrible a problem allergies can cause someone. Try not to let allergies take over your life. Allergies can be managed and you can find great advice in this article to help.
Never try a new antihistamine away from home; the first time should always be experienced in the safety of your own home. Some of these can make you sleepy and impair your reflexes. Even if there aren't serious warnings on the package, take your first dose at home instead of when you have to drive.
When it's nice outside, you may want to air your home out. Unfortunately, doing so could cause allergy problems. To get the most noticeable results, get a HEPA filter for your air conditioning unit, thereby reducing the allergens that make it indoors. You can breathe easier when you apply this simple change.
If at all possible, do not bring rugs or carpets into your home. Carpet fibers harbor allergens such as pollen, dander, dust mites and dust. No matter how much you clean, you will never get them all, and they will continue to cause irritation for people with allergies. If you or someone in your family has allergies, you will be better served by flooring that is easy to clean; tile, wood and linoleum are ideal.
Sometimes, people are more apt to suffer from allergies as they age. Babies may be allergic to a number of types of foods when first introduced to them. As a child grows up, he continues to be exposed to new foods, and may also pick up pollen allergies once he starts spending more time playing outdoors. After years of encountering no reactions to pollen or other allergens, your child may suddenly display allergy symptoms at some point. Do not immediately eliminate the possibility that he or she is truly allergic.
In order to avoid allergies while in the car, clean your car and keep it closed. If you run the air conditioner and consciously keep vents closed, you will be able to keep allergens such as pollen out of the vehicle. Use a vacuum frequently to remove allergens from the upholstery and dust from the dashboard and other surfaces. This can lessen allergy outbursts.
The location and time of the day you exercise can be a trigger for allergy symptoms. Strenuous exercise involves heavy breathing. If you exercise during non-peak times, indoors, you will obviously avoid a lot of pollen and allergen exposure.
Watch the ingredients in your antiperspirants if you are allergy prone. They can have things in them that will hurt your skin, particularly if they get into your pores. Using products that contain these ingredients may wreak havoc on your skin.
Bathrooms should be kept sparkling. Bathrooms grow mold more than anywhere else, so clean your bathroom once a week. Wipe down your walls using a water and bleach mixture to fight mold. When you clean your bathrooms regularly, mold ceases to exist and doesn't grow back.
During allergy season, refrain from using sprays, gels or creams in your hair. If you are outside for any length of time, you will return home with all sort of unwanted allergens stuck in your hair. You want to avoid these kinds of hair products because all they will do is attract a lot of pollen.
Use your allergy medication as directed. A lot of medications need several days of usage to start working. You will not be able to simply take one dose at the first sign of a sneeze. Be sure to discuss the correct usage of your medicine with your physician.
Remove carpets and rugs from your home if you can. Unfortunately pollen and dust tend to collect on them. Rugs add softness to your home decor, but make certain they are washed often to prevent accumulation of allergens.
For laundry that smells fresh, choose a laundry detergent with a light, fresh scent or add a fresh-smelling fabric softener. Line-drying your clothing in the great outdoors might make them smell heavenly. However, clothes that dry outside collect pollen and dust particles. For people who have no sensitivity to fragrances or dyes, this is excellent.
When you want to go on a vacation, don't just randomly pick a place to go. This is risky if you have allergies or one of your family members do. Do a little research before deciding on a destination, and learn what the weather, pollen count and other potential triggers may be in that area.
Although some allergies are easier to treat, others are quite a bit harder. Quit dreading changes of season. You can overcome many of your allergy symptoms with the right treatment. Try out the tips mentioned here, so that you can finally put a stop to your allergic symptoms.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Tips On How To Better Manage Your Allergies
You must have experienced something like this. One day, you wake up, and you are coughing, sneezing, and sniffling more than actually breathing. This typically occurs during the same season of the year. If you resemble these remarks, then it's time you seriously investigated the possibility that you have allergies. Seasonal allergies are annoying, but they can be dealt with by applying the following tips.
For safety's sake, always test a new over-the-counter antihistamine at home. These medications are known for having ingredients that can slow down your reaction time or even make you fall asleep. Even when there is no severe warning listed on the label, take the initial dose whey you are in the comfort of your own home and do not need to operate a vehicle or anything else potentially hazardous if you become drowsy.
Wash allergens off with a shower before bedtime. Pollen accumulates on your body and in your hair during the day, and could cause an allergic reaction as you try to sleep. Simply wash quickly, and you will find you feel much better.
The best pet for a person with allergies is one that has short fur or no fur at all. All pets tend to upset allergies, but those that have long hair are worse to deal with. Another way to cut down on reactions to pet dander is to banish your dog or cat from your bed.
Did you know that the body could be the main cause of the allergic reaction that you are experiencing? Here is how this can be true. As you make your way through the world, bits of it stick to you in the form of pollen, dust and other allergens. You bring this stuff back into the home. You breathe it in. You transfer it to your bedding. That's just one of the many good reasons to go to bed clean and wearing fresh pajamas.
Keeping yourself hydrated is an easy way to prevent and treat many bronchial allergy symptoms. The mucosal membranes will often show signs of dryness or inflammation when deprived of fluids. Dehydration can also cause your glands to try to compensate by producing their own moisture which can, in turn, be hard to break up.
Avoid anything that has dye in it. Even simple products, like bath tissue, can contain harmful dyes. Try using products made of just white paper to see if it helps.
Sometimes pet owners wonder if their pets contribute to their allergies. The gold standard for testing for pet allergies is to visit an allergy specialist and have a pet dander test done. If so, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot have pets; however, it may be necessary to implement changes or take added precautions against allergens.
Learn new ways to cope with stress. Stress can be a major factor in causing you to have allergic reactions. This is especially true for anyone who is asthmatic. The probability of an attack increases when the stress level rises. Reductions in stress can alleviate the severity and length of attacks.
Keeping your car clean and its windows up can save you from some potential allergy triggers. Using the air-conditioner and having all windows closed will prevent pollen from coming inside the car. If you vacuum regularly, this will keep the interior seats and upholstery free from the things that accumulate. This can help to lessen your allergy attacks.
Use pillows made of synthetic materials and not ones made of natural materials or feathers. Synthetic materials are far less likely to attract dust mites. They still need to be washed, but they are more allergy friendly than other pillows.
If you love the scent of sun-dried, clean laundry, consider a lightly fragranced laundry detergent or fabric softener. You can also get a natural scent by hanging clothes outside to dry. It may also increase your risk of inhaling spores or pollen. This should only be done if a person does not have issues with dyes or fragrances.
If you increase the amount of Vitamin C that you intake, you can help get rid of some of your allergy symptoms. Vitamin C acts as an antihistamine naturally. Additionally, it is a tremendous immune system supporter. Doctors recommend having 1000mg of Vitamin C each day to protect against allergies. You should also focus on increasing your Omega-3 intake to aid prevention.
Those who suffer from allergies should use the vacuum a lot. Vacuuming reduces allergens in your home. Check your vacuum. If you have an older vacuum, it will blow allergens back into the environment. A HEPA filter is standard issue with most modern vacuum cleaners. These devices will filter out almost 100% of allergens and minute particles to keep your air clean.
Now that you have a better idea of different tips and treatment options, you can start to combat your allergy symptoms. You don't have to suffer with the sniffling and sneezing that attacks you year after year. Live comfortably and breathe with ease. Use the allergy tips contained here to make your life better.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
False Alarm
After suffering for over a year and a half and losing my job, it turns out that I wasn't suffering from food allergies after all. Go figure. As soon as I moved out of the apartment, my inflammations decreased from 3-5 per week to one per month, then to none in over a year as of the date of this post.
Okay I know a run on sentence. Bear with me here... I lived in constant discomfort with the hives, swellings of ALL body parts and throat closings where I had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Within a week of moving out, I started to feel better and noticed the decrease in my adverse reactions to prohibited foods.
Four months after the move, I was episode free. No swellings, no restricted diet, no rushing to the emergency room for steroids.
So what caused all of my medical problems? Mold. That's it. Mold in the apartment. It took watching Know The Cause and researching one little comment that I would have otherwise missed or not have paid attention too that confirmed for me what I had originally told my allergist back in March or April of 2007.
Amazing what some professionals will do to pad their pockets. I actually stopped treatment with the allergist at the 6 month mark after hearing him comment to another patient that he was making repairs to his yacht while the new one was being delivered. Something about his comment didn't sit right with me.
Okay I know a run on sentence. Bear with me here... I lived in constant discomfort with the hives, swellings of ALL body parts and throat closings where I had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Within a week of moving out, I started to feel better and noticed the decrease in my adverse reactions to prohibited foods.
Four months after the move, I was episode free. No swellings, no restricted diet, no rushing to the emergency room for steroids.
So what caused all of my medical problems? Mold. That's it. Mold in the apartment. It took watching Know The Cause and researching one little comment that I would have otherwise missed or not have paid attention too that confirmed for me what I had originally told my allergist back in March or April of 2007.
Amazing what some professionals will do to pad their pockets. I actually stopped treatment with the allergist at the 6 month mark after hearing him comment to another patient that he was making repairs to his yacht while the new one was being delivered. Something about his comment didn't sit right with me.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Got Food Allergies?
Understanding those nasty little allergies has become a way to look into our general health and some possible solutions.
Some symptoms of allergic reactions can be…
Frequent colds
Hay fever
Sore throats
Mucus problems
Skin disease
Fatigue
Depression
Insomnia
Headache
Digestive disturbances
Generally speaking, an allergic reaction to food is our body letting us know that a particular food is not good for us. Reactions to refined and denatured foods are actually helpful. However, allergies can suddenly surface to supposedly healthy foods like whole wheat, dairy and eggs.
Some common ways to alleviate some food allergies can be…
Proper Food Combining - For example, whole wheat should be eaten only with veggies, fruit should be eaten by itself, and so forth.
Note: For more information regarding food combining, you may set up an appointment for a personal evaluation.
Sprouting - This works well for grain allergy types. Make sure to eat only the sprouted version of wheat, rye, spelt and so forth. Depending on how far the grain is allowed to sprout, it can develop from the allergic protein to a less “hostile” leafy green.
Interval Allergic Food Introduction - Eliminating the allergic food for a couple of months, then reintroducing it may help to alleviate the allergy, or just eating it once a week or once every four days may also help to alleviate the allergy.
Gelatin Alleviation - Utilizing gelatin rich bone broths (homemade bone soups) with the allergic food can often help alleviate the food allergy. (This works even better when combined with the Interval Allergic Food Introduction.)
(Reminder: What works for you may be different from others, and some foods may not work at all.)
Good health to you!
Lisa La Barre
Beverly Hills Nutritionist
Following graduation from college, Lisa La Barre has maintained almost 10 years of health care experience by working for the top pharmaceutical companies; Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals & Novartis Pharmaceuticals in an effort to educate physicians utilizing her expansive knowledge of science and health.
Lisa's entrepreneurial spirit and determination has led her to become a successful, AFPA certified, WAPF member, personal Nutrition & Wellness expert in Beverly Hills in an effort to bring health and vitality to her many clients.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_La_Barre
Some symptoms of allergic reactions can be…
Frequent colds
Hay fever
Sore throats
Mucus problems
Skin disease
Fatigue
Depression
Insomnia
Headache
Digestive disturbances
Generally speaking, an allergic reaction to food is our body letting us know that a particular food is not good for us. Reactions to refined and denatured foods are actually helpful. However, allergies can suddenly surface to supposedly healthy foods like whole wheat, dairy and eggs.
Some common ways to alleviate some food allergies can be…
Proper Food Combining - For example, whole wheat should be eaten only with veggies, fruit should be eaten by itself, and so forth.
Note: For more information regarding food combining, you may set up an appointment for a personal evaluation.
Sprouting - This works well for grain allergy types. Make sure to eat only the sprouted version of wheat, rye, spelt and so forth. Depending on how far the grain is allowed to sprout, it can develop from the allergic protein to a less “hostile” leafy green.
Interval Allergic Food Introduction - Eliminating the allergic food for a couple of months, then reintroducing it may help to alleviate the allergy, or just eating it once a week or once every four days may also help to alleviate the allergy.
Gelatin Alleviation - Utilizing gelatin rich bone broths (homemade bone soups) with the allergic food can often help alleviate the food allergy. (This works even better when combined with the Interval Allergic Food Introduction.)
(Reminder: What works for you may be different from others, and some foods may not work at all.)
Good health to you!
Lisa La Barre
Beverly Hills Nutritionist
Following graduation from college, Lisa La Barre has maintained almost 10 years of health care experience by working for the top pharmaceutical companies; Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals & Novartis Pharmaceuticals in an effort to educate physicians utilizing her expansive knowledge of science and health.
Lisa's entrepreneurial spirit and determination has led her to become a successful, AFPA certified, WAPF member, personal Nutrition & Wellness expert in Beverly Hills in an effort to bring health and vitality to her many clients.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_La_Barre
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Food Allergy - 5 Steps To Healthy Eating Using An Elimination Diet
By Cinda Crawford
Whether you suffer with pesky health problems like allergies, being overweight, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, Crohn’s Disease or certain types of Arthritis, your daily diet plays a major role in how you feel, what symptoms you battle and how successful you’ll be in feeling better. I’ve lived through such an experience; I was sick for fifteen years. I started healing five years ago. Now I’m completely well using the same strategies and techniques that I share with my clients every day.
Step 1- Think for a moment and decide if there may be a food bothering you and/or making you feel bad. Fact 1: We’re human. We eat things that we know will irritate our bodies. We may be aware of which food causes an unpleasant side effect, but do we always stay away from such a food? No, not necessarily. Sit down today and make a list of what foods should go on an “offender” list. (Hint: If a food produces one unpleasant symptom, it may cause other less noticeable ones, too.)
Step 2- Stop eating all offending foods! Okay, you say, I can think of a couple of possible troublemakers, but how can I figure out all of my problem foods? Fact 2: some trouble foods may not be easy to spot. Consciously, you avoid Uncle Charlie’s chili, but never consider that Aunt Sara’s yeast rolls may be harming you, too. Why? Because you love to eat them! We often crave foods that are “bad” for us. Plus, this second class of offending foods may not produce immediate symptoms thereby prodding us to make that conscious link between eating the food and how badly we feel. (Doctors call this “delayed reaction food allergies” when the symptoms arrive later and cannot be easily attributed to consuming one particular food.)
Step 3- Clean up your diet by eliminating the confusion. One method to pinpoint problem foods is by using a simple Food Elimination Diet. This can be a good tool to help you figure out the foods that bother you—in other words, causing food allergy or food intolerance. Allergists or dieticians can advise and help you through the process, however many people are quite capable of carrying out an elimination diet on their own. It takes patience, persistence and being a bit of a detective.
*Bonus Tip #1: When I started on such a quest years ago, my allergist put me on a limited diet of rice, beef, bananas, green beans, celery, tea and water. (These were supposed to be “good foods” that were easily digested and caused few problems, but not everyone finds this to be true today. Beef is no longer recommended universally and some people cannot consume caffeinated products like tea, cola or coffee.)
Be observant, listen to your body and figure out which foods cause your symptoms. Then restrict your diet to a limited number of foods until you stop having symptoms completely. (Plus, eat plain foods, not pre-fab or combination preparations. That will only confuse matters.) Stick to this food regimen for a few weeks. Later you can add one new food choice about every third day to see if it causes a symptom. (Hint: when you re-introduce a “new” food, overeat it for a few meals to try to provoke a reaction.) If a new food does not cause an immediate or delayed reaction symptom, then move on to new foods according to your schedule.
Note: If you have a complicated problem, this process can take months, but taking such a diet inventory may be worth your time and energy. Be willing to be your own detective. You may discover the foods that irritate your system and you won’t spend a dime at the allergist!
Step 4- Refine this process further by looking into other diet issues, such as blood type and genetics. These issues can play big roles in how your body functions in our complicated world. Some of the best books on this subject are in Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s series that begins with Eat Right 4 Your Type (4 Blood Types, 4 Diets). Dr. D’Adamo discusses how foods can create symptoms, including weight gain and hypothyroidism.
**Bonus Tip #2: In the beginning, people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and similar illnesses function better by totally eliminating certain foods from their diet. Removing white flour, milk products and all corn products for someone with Fibromyalgia can help to lessen symptoms. Take away Aspartame (i.e. Nutrasweet™ or phenylalanine) and monosodium glutatmate (MSG) and people with Chronic Fatigue syndrome or any illness where one is troubled with brain fog, fatigue, achiness or headaches-- and you’ll find more incredible results! Additionally, some people discover that they do better by cutting out refined sugar from their diet altogether. New scientific studies reveal that consuming a lower amount of sugar helps to reduce inflammation in the body.
Step 5- If you want faster answers than going through this complicated process, investigate one of the new alternative methods of healing and getting well—such as ELT (a.k.a. Essential Life Therapy). ELT is an amazing energy healing protocol that is helping people by the thousands! You can think of the ELT Protocol as if your mind body and spirit are being re-programmed and re-set, allowing you to become a whole, perfectly functioning and healthy being again. ELT facilitates the body to heal itself from disease, dysfunction and (as one example) food problems. The process can occur relatively fast, plus ELT is usually painless, low cost and effective for the long term.
To find out more information about avoiding allergies and healing many health problems, check out Cinda Crawford’s free report, The Fatigue Factor: 5 Strategies to Leave Fatigue in the dust, Start Feeling Better Fast and Find Your Own Healing From Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Allergies or Autoimmune Illness at
# http://www.linkbrander.com/go/43431
Within this report you’ll discover how the ELT Protocol re-sets the body’s innate healing power back to 100%. Happy Health. Cinda Crawford, an ELT Practitioner, facilitating personal energy healing with clients all over the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cinda_Crawford
Whether you suffer with pesky health problems like allergies, being overweight, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, Crohn’s Disease or certain types of Arthritis, your daily diet plays a major role in how you feel, what symptoms you battle and how successful you’ll be in feeling better. I’ve lived through such an experience; I was sick for fifteen years. I started healing five years ago. Now I’m completely well using the same strategies and techniques that I share with my clients every day.
Step 1- Think for a moment and decide if there may be a food bothering you and/or making you feel bad. Fact 1: We’re human. We eat things that we know will irritate our bodies. We may be aware of which food causes an unpleasant side effect, but do we always stay away from such a food? No, not necessarily. Sit down today and make a list of what foods should go on an “offender” list. (Hint: If a food produces one unpleasant symptom, it may cause other less noticeable ones, too.)
Step 2- Stop eating all offending foods! Okay, you say, I can think of a couple of possible troublemakers, but how can I figure out all of my problem foods? Fact 2: some trouble foods may not be easy to spot. Consciously, you avoid Uncle Charlie’s chili, but never consider that Aunt Sara’s yeast rolls may be harming you, too. Why? Because you love to eat them! We often crave foods that are “bad” for us. Plus, this second class of offending foods may not produce immediate symptoms thereby prodding us to make that conscious link between eating the food and how badly we feel. (Doctors call this “delayed reaction food allergies” when the symptoms arrive later and cannot be easily attributed to consuming one particular food.)
Step 3- Clean up your diet by eliminating the confusion. One method to pinpoint problem foods is by using a simple Food Elimination Diet. This can be a good tool to help you figure out the foods that bother you—in other words, causing food allergy or food intolerance. Allergists or dieticians can advise and help you through the process, however many people are quite capable of carrying out an elimination diet on their own. It takes patience, persistence and being a bit of a detective.
*Bonus Tip #1: When I started on such a quest years ago, my allergist put me on a limited diet of rice, beef, bananas, green beans, celery, tea and water. (These were supposed to be “good foods” that were easily digested and caused few problems, but not everyone finds this to be true today. Beef is no longer recommended universally and some people cannot consume caffeinated products like tea, cola or coffee.)
Be observant, listen to your body and figure out which foods cause your symptoms. Then restrict your diet to a limited number of foods until you stop having symptoms completely. (Plus, eat plain foods, not pre-fab or combination preparations. That will only confuse matters.) Stick to this food regimen for a few weeks. Later you can add one new food choice about every third day to see if it causes a symptom. (Hint: when you re-introduce a “new” food, overeat it for a few meals to try to provoke a reaction.) If a new food does not cause an immediate or delayed reaction symptom, then move on to new foods according to your schedule.
Note: If you have a complicated problem, this process can take months, but taking such a diet inventory may be worth your time and energy. Be willing to be your own detective. You may discover the foods that irritate your system and you won’t spend a dime at the allergist!
Step 4- Refine this process further by looking into other diet issues, such as blood type and genetics. These issues can play big roles in how your body functions in our complicated world. Some of the best books on this subject are in Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s series that begins with Eat Right 4 Your Type (4 Blood Types, 4 Diets). Dr. D’Adamo discusses how foods can create symptoms, including weight gain and hypothyroidism.
**Bonus Tip #2: In the beginning, people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and similar illnesses function better by totally eliminating certain foods from their diet. Removing white flour, milk products and all corn products for someone with Fibromyalgia can help to lessen symptoms. Take away Aspartame (i.e. Nutrasweet™ or phenylalanine) and monosodium glutatmate (MSG) and people with Chronic Fatigue syndrome or any illness where one is troubled with brain fog, fatigue, achiness or headaches-- and you’ll find more incredible results! Additionally, some people discover that they do better by cutting out refined sugar from their diet altogether. New scientific studies reveal that consuming a lower amount of sugar helps to reduce inflammation in the body.
Step 5- If you want faster answers than going through this complicated process, investigate one of the new alternative methods of healing and getting well—such as ELT (a.k.a. Essential Life Therapy). ELT is an amazing energy healing protocol that is helping people by the thousands! You can think of the ELT Protocol as if your mind body and spirit are being re-programmed and re-set, allowing you to become a whole, perfectly functioning and healthy being again. ELT facilitates the body to heal itself from disease, dysfunction and (as one example) food problems. The process can occur relatively fast, plus ELT is usually painless, low cost and effective for the long term.
To find out more information about avoiding allergies and healing many health problems, check out Cinda Crawford’s free report, The Fatigue Factor: 5 Strategies to Leave Fatigue in the dust, Start Feeling Better Fast and Find Your Own Healing From Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Allergies or Autoimmune Illness at
# http://www.linkbrander.com/go/43431
Within this report you’ll discover how the ELT Protocol re-sets the body’s innate healing power back to 100%. Happy Health. Cinda Crawford, an ELT Practitioner, facilitating personal energy healing with clients all over the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cinda_Crawford
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Food Allergies - Why the Drama?
Food allergies continue to get a lot of press. Many people wonder why it is getting so much attention. Statistics continue to show that food allergies are on the rise. As an example of that it can be noted that the number of children with peanut allergies doubled in a five-year period ending in 2002. This is significant because food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis which can be fatal in some cases. Most of the press coverage focuses on the young victims of food allergy reactions.
Peanut allergies can be the worst type of allergies. Peanut oil can be found in many ingredients and under many circumstances. Tragically an incident that received a lot of coverage in the last few years was when a teenage girl died after kissing her boyfriend who had just eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Her throw was swollen shut. This tragic type of event happens more commonly than you think.
The danger of food allergies is that the reaction of the sufferer can be quite varied. Some people might feel sick to their stomach after they eat something that they're allergic to. While others may experience swelling in the face, the body and the lips. The swelling can affect the sufferer's airways (anaphylaxis). Rashes and hives are also some common reactions.
What type of foods cause allergies?
* milk/dairy
* eggs
* peanuts
* wheat
* fish
* shellfish
* sugar
* yeast
Since food allergies can cause the extreme allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Many sufferers end up in the emergency room. The key to avoiding those types of incidents is to make sure you do the most you can to educate yourself about possible food allergies that you or your family may be exposed to. Something as simple as an epinephrine pen can save your life.
If you have very young children you need to make sure to tell everyone that takes care of them of any food allergies your child may have. It is very common nowadays to have nut free childcare facilities. Not only should you make sure that you inform people about your own child you also need to be aware of any food policy that may be in effect to safeguard other children. Nut allergies like many of the food allergies can be tricky since not only are they found in the main food itself they can be used as ingredients in other foods. A sugar allergy and the yeast allergy are good examples of that. Keep in mind though that many people are confused by food intolerance and a natural food allergy. A true allergy involves the immune system.
So now that you know what the drama all about is up to you to make sure you get the most information you can regarding any issues that may come up for you and your family regarding food allergies. The best source is definitely your doctor though there is plenty of information available online to help you get started. If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from some sort of reaction to food schedule a visit with your doctor. They may also further direct you to an allergist.
Find more on food allergies like sugar allergy and yeast allergy at AllergyFiles.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marilyn_Franklin
Peanut allergies can be the worst type of allergies. Peanut oil can be found in many ingredients and under many circumstances. Tragically an incident that received a lot of coverage in the last few years was when a teenage girl died after kissing her boyfriend who had just eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Her throw was swollen shut. This tragic type of event happens more commonly than you think.
The danger of food allergies is that the reaction of the sufferer can be quite varied. Some people might feel sick to their stomach after they eat something that they're allergic to. While others may experience swelling in the face, the body and the lips. The swelling can affect the sufferer's airways (anaphylaxis). Rashes and hives are also some common reactions.
What type of foods cause allergies?
* milk/dairy
* eggs
* peanuts
* wheat
* fish
* shellfish
* sugar
* yeast
Since food allergies can cause the extreme allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Many sufferers end up in the emergency room. The key to avoiding those types of incidents is to make sure you do the most you can to educate yourself about possible food allergies that you or your family may be exposed to. Something as simple as an epinephrine pen can save your life.
If you have very young children you need to make sure to tell everyone that takes care of them of any food allergies your child may have. It is very common nowadays to have nut free childcare facilities. Not only should you make sure that you inform people about your own child you also need to be aware of any food policy that may be in effect to safeguard other children. Nut allergies like many of the food allergies can be tricky since not only are they found in the main food itself they can be used as ingredients in other foods. A sugar allergy and the yeast allergy are good examples of that. Keep in mind though that many people are confused by food intolerance and a natural food allergy. A true allergy involves the immune system.
So now that you know what the drama all about is up to you to make sure you get the most information you can regarding any issues that may come up for you and your family regarding food allergies. The best source is definitely your doctor though there is plenty of information available online to help you get started. If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from some sort of reaction to food schedule a visit with your doctor. They may also further direct you to an allergist.
Find more on food allergies like sugar allergy and yeast allergy at AllergyFiles.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marilyn_Franklin
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
What To Do With A Food Allergy?
For many, food centers on celebrations - holidays, school events, special occasions, and family reunions. Food is not only a source of energy and sustenance, but for some, food is a highlight at these events. Food is what we look forward to as we sit down at the big table to celebrate. But unfortunately, for an individual that is managing a food allergy, these joyous events can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing.
A food allergy is usually diagnosed during early childhood, but some individuals can develop an allergy to a certain food in the later stages of life. In order to make a proper diagnosis, an allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergies, will begin testing. Testing may include a scratch test to expose the skin to possible irritants. If the skin reacts by exhibiting redness or swelling, the individual may have sensitivity to the corresponding type of food.
Ninety-percent of allergic reactions stem from fish and shellfish, milk, nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts and cashews, and eggs. Even though these foods account for a majority of the food allergy cases, some individuals may be allergic to any type of food such as fruits, vegetables, and certain types of meats.
When an individual has a food allergy, they may experience itching, hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, watery eyes, stuffy or itchy nose, and excessive sneezing during exposure to a certain food.
Occasionally a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes the body to react to the allergy within minutes or hours after being exposed to the food. At times, anaphylaxis can develop extremely quickly. During this type of reaction, an individual may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, tingling sensations throughout the body, and tightness in the throat. Anaphylaxis can progress quickly and may become life threatening if treatment is not received immediately.
Dealing with a food allergy is sometimes difficult. Watching what you eat and being aware of the ingredients contained in food is very important. In order to be in control of a food allergy, individuals need to eliminate the food item from their diet. Medications are not available for food allergies, so the best course of action is to stay clear of the foods that are known to cause distress; this includes both the eating and touching of foods.
In addition to preparedness, communication is the key to successfully managing a food allergy. This includes asking the ingredients contained in menu items when eating out. Also, be sure to discuss a food allergy with a host of a party you are attending. Explaining a food allergy to the people serving the food will give you the important information you need to prevent becoming ill.
Being aware of the menu before an event and choosing the best available options can help minimize anxiety about having a reaction to a food allergy. Knowing what is available and reading the ingredient labels can assist individuals who suffer from a food allergy in making educated decisions; which can help return a passion for food and enjoyment to return to those joyous celebrations.
For more information on allergies try visiting http://www.theallergyeffect.com - a website that specializes in providing allergy related tips, advice and resources to including information on food allergy.
Riley Hendersen
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Riley_Hendersen
A food allergy is usually diagnosed during early childhood, but some individuals can develop an allergy to a certain food in the later stages of life. In order to make a proper diagnosis, an allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergies, will begin testing. Testing may include a scratch test to expose the skin to possible irritants. If the skin reacts by exhibiting redness or swelling, the individual may have sensitivity to the corresponding type of food.
Ninety-percent of allergic reactions stem from fish and shellfish, milk, nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts and cashews, and eggs. Even though these foods account for a majority of the food allergy cases, some individuals may be allergic to any type of food such as fruits, vegetables, and certain types of meats.
When an individual has a food allergy, they may experience itching, hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, watery eyes, stuffy or itchy nose, and excessive sneezing during exposure to a certain food.
Occasionally a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes the body to react to the allergy within minutes or hours after being exposed to the food. At times, anaphylaxis can develop extremely quickly. During this type of reaction, an individual may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, tingling sensations throughout the body, and tightness in the throat. Anaphylaxis can progress quickly and may become life threatening if treatment is not received immediately.
Dealing with a food allergy is sometimes difficult. Watching what you eat and being aware of the ingredients contained in food is very important. In order to be in control of a food allergy, individuals need to eliminate the food item from their diet. Medications are not available for food allergies, so the best course of action is to stay clear of the foods that are known to cause distress; this includes both the eating and touching of foods.
In addition to preparedness, communication is the key to successfully managing a food allergy. This includes asking the ingredients contained in menu items when eating out. Also, be sure to discuss a food allergy with a host of a party you are attending. Explaining a food allergy to the people serving the food will give you the important information you need to prevent becoming ill.
Being aware of the menu before an event and choosing the best available options can help minimize anxiety about having a reaction to a food allergy. Knowing what is available and reading the ingredient labels can assist individuals who suffer from a food allergy in making educated decisions; which can help return a passion for food and enjoyment to return to those joyous celebrations.
For more information on allergies try visiting http://www.theallergyeffect.com - a website that specializes in providing allergy related tips, advice and resources to including information on food allergy.
Riley Hendersen
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Riley_Hendersen
Monday, June 18, 2007
Food Allergy Awareness: Be Prepared With These Tips and a Medical Alert Wallet
It's rare that you hear of someone dying from food allergies, but when it happens, it usually reaches national news. Why? Because food is something we eat every day - several times a day - and everyone should be aware of the dangers of food allergies. Some foods such as peanuts contain very strong allergens that are in the food and released into the air as well. That's why someone with severe food allergies must be extremely careful where and how they dine out.
Food Allergy Deaths
There are approximately 150 deaths related to food allergies in the United States each year. Food allergies are responsible for more deaths than insect bites as well as reactions to medicines.
Some food allergy deaths could have been prevented if proper medical attention was given when the allergic reaction occurred. Unfortunately, someone who is dining out or eating at home alone can have an allergic reaction without anyone around who knows the cause. With severe reactions, the person may not be able to speak or move at all. When the paramedics arrive, they do not know how to treat the patient.
Non-deadly allergies can still cause unpleasant symptoms such as cramps, light-headedness, itching and rash, hives, headaches, swelling lips, tingling mouth, shortness of breath and wheezing. Even these symptoms can seem urgent when they're really not, so emergency personnel might attend to someone with these symptoms as well.
Keeping in Touch with Your Food Allergies
Prevention is always best with food allergies, especially dangerous ones. When dining out, ask the waiter if the food you're about to order contains the ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction. Also, check food labels and labels on drinks and condiments while grocery shopping to be sure it's safe before eating. Keep a list of the foods you're allergic to with you in your wallet or purse as a reminder when dining out.
If you've already experienced a severe food allergy attack, ask your physician about a self-injecting epinephrine to keep with you for emergencies. This could save your life!
Help Medical Emergency Workers do their Jobs
Another way to be prepared is to have all your medical emergency information with you in one place along with your identification. Keep this information in your purse or wallet so emergency workers will know how to diagnose and treat you when they arrive.
Special wallets are now available called Medical Alert Wallets that have all your medical information and allergy details inside. Emergency workers easily recognize these because each Medical Alert Wallet has a "Medic Alert" symbol and a free Medical Information Card with each wallet. They come in nylon, vinyl, and leather. Several styles are available such as bi-fold, tri-fold and neck wallets. Families can use these for every member of the family so everyone will be protected if a food allergy reaction or any other medical emergency occurs.
With a little preparation and a Medic Alert Wallet, you'll have peace of mind when dining out or eating at a friend's house. Food allergies do not have to control your life!
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Medical Alert Wallets: Be Prepared! or Majon's Health and Beauty directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Food Allergy Deaths
There are approximately 150 deaths related to food allergies in the United States each year. Food allergies are responsible for more deaths than insect bites as well as reactions to medicines.
Some food allergy deaths could have been prevented if proper medical attention was given when the allergic reaction occurred. Unfortunately, someone who is dining out or eating at home alone can have an allergic reaction without anyone around who knows the cause. With severe reactions, the person may not be able to speak or move at all. When the paramedics arrive, they do not know how to treat the patient.
Non-deadly allergies can still cause unpleasant symptoms such as cramps, light-headedness, itching and rash, hives, headaches, swelling lips, tingling mouth, shortness of breath and wheezing. Even these symptoms can seem urgent when they're really not, so emergency personnel might attend to someone with these symptoms as well.
Keeping in Touch with Your Food Allergies
Prevention is always best with food allergies, especially dangerous ones. When dining out, ask the waiter if the food you're about to order contains the ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction. Also, check food labels and labels on drinks and condiments while grocery shopping to be sure it's safe before eating. Keep a list of the foods you're allergic to with you in your wallet or purse as a reminder when dining out.
If you've already experienced a severe food allergy attack, ask your physician about a self-injecting epinephrine to keep with you for emergencies. This could save your life!
Help Medical Emergency Workers do their Jobs
Another way to be prepared is to have all your medical emergency information with you in one place along with your identification. Keep this information in your purse or wallet so emergency workers will know how to diagnose and treat you when they arrive.
Special wallets are now available called Medical Alert Wallets that have all your medical information and allergy details inside. Emergency workers easily recognize these because each Medical Alert Wallet has a "Medic Alert" symbol and a free Medical Information Card with each wallet. They come in nylon, vinyl, and leather. Several styles are available such as bi-fold, tri-fold and neck wallets. Families can use these for every member of the family so everyone will be protected if a food allergy reaction or any other medical emergency occurs.
With a little preparation and a Medic Alert Wallet, you'll have peace of mind when dining out or eating at a friend's house. Food allergies do not have to control your life!
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Medical Alert Wallets: Be Prepared! or Majon's Health and Beauty directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Sunday, June 17, 2007
What Are Food Allergies, Intolerances And Sensitivities?
Food allergies are due to IgE antibodies made for specific foods that an individual has for some reason developed because their body has misinterpreted the food(s) as a foreign invading protein. The presence of IgE antibody to the specific food a person is allergic to results in an immediate immune reaction of the body to the food when it is eaten. The IgE antibody binds its specific food protein and initiates reactions in the body that include the release of chemicals such as histamine that may result in symptoms of itching, swelling, wheezing or difficulty breathing, rash or hives, and if severe, shock resulting in death if not reversed. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur but are less common.
Testing for the presence of allergy to a food or foods can be done by blood test or skin testing or both. One of the most common blood tests is the RAST test that looks for the presence of the specific IgE antibodies to common food allergens and other foods based on a history suggesting that a particular food is suspect. Skin testing is done by injecting or applying extracts of the common and any suspect food(s) to pricked or scratched skin and looking for diagnostic “hive” like reactions at the site of the suspect food. The most common food allergens are peanut, cow’s milk, wheat, corn, soy, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, chocolate, pork, tomato, and citrus.
The terms food intolerance and sensitivity are commonly used interchangeably. They refer to a group of food reactions that occur that are not IgE antibody caused. In more general terms they refer to any adverse or unpleasant reaction that occurs after a food is eaten.
Food reactions that are not allergic in cause may have a variety of causes. A particular food may not be tolerated because it is not digested adequately due to an enzyme deficiency. Lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar or lactose, is present on the surface of the intestine lining cells. Lactase deficiency can be inherited or acquired. It commonly occurs whenever the intestine lining is damaged. Because the lactase enzymes are on the outer most surface of the intestine they are more vulnerable to injury. For example, after intestinal flu or in untreated Celiac disease, lactose intolerance is common. Other sugar enzymes can be deficient or the intestine can be simply overwhelmed by too large a sugar load at one time. A classic example is “the Big Gulp” syndrome when someone drinks a giant cola beverage then experiences the “gut ache” from the tremendous amount of fructose. Large amounts cannot be handled by the intestine and that results in bloating, urgency and terrible diarrhea.
Deficiency of digestive enzymes released into the intestine can result in poor digestion of foods. For example, when the pancreas gland is damaged (pancreatitis) chronically, usually from chronic alcohol abuse, or is congenitally underdeveloped or malfunctioning (e.g. cystic fibrosis). The pancreatic enzyme deficiency that occurs results in malabsorption, especially for fats, that cause symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss. Abnormal bacteria types and levels in the gut, also known as dysbiosis, and abnormal excess levels of “bad” bacteria or presence of bacteria in upper small intestine where little or no bacteria normally occur (bacterial overgrowth) can interfere with digestion, absorption or cause fermentation of food resulting in symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Some foods and food additives have a direct toxic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Additives such as MSG and sulfites can cause symptoms, including flushing and diarrhea or the “Chinese restaurant” or “salad bar” syndromes.
All foods contain proteins known as lectins. Some of these proteins are highly resistant to digestion and are toxic to the human intestine especially if they are not pre-treated by soaking, cooking well, or removing toxic portions. For example, inadequately soaked and cooked kidney beans will cause a food poisoning like illness. There are several foods that have lectins that are poorly tolerated by many humans and are lethal to insects and pests. One researcher, Loren Cordain PhD., author of the Paleo Diet, has published extensive research on how the human intestine is not “evolved” to tolerate many of the foods we now eat but did not eat in the ancient “hunter-gatherer” times resulting in many of the illness seen in modern societies and the rising epidemic of autoimmune diseases. Several of the “modern” foods that were not part of the ancient diet but constitute much our diet now have well recognized toxic or poorly tolerated proteins known as lectins. Examples include wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), casein (cow’s milk protein), peanut agglutinin (PNA), soyabean agglutinin (SBA) and tomato lectin (TL) that have been shown in animal studies to be toxic to the human gut. There are a few published studies and little active research on the role of dietary lectins in health and disease.
When the reaction is an immune toxicity reaction to a food protein intestinal damage commonly results, frequently referred to as “leaky gut” because of the symptoms of malabsorption or the entry of toxic food proteins and/or bacterial products into the blood stream resulting in a variety of adverse health effects. This reaction may result in autoimmunity, the body attacking itself within the gut or distant organs or tissues. The reaction may be aided by abnormal bacteria types and/or levels in the gut (dysbiosis). The symptoms commonly develop over time and flare in just hours to up to three days after eating the offending food and continue as the food is eaten.
Because the protein in the food is usually the cause and such proteins may be hidden in other foods, especially processed foods, and the toxicity is more of a delayed and cumulative immune reaction, it is very difficult for the person suffering from this to identify the specific food as the cause. For example gluten (the protein in wheat) and casein (the protein in cow’s milk) are in many foods and toxic to many individuals. Over time people sensitive to such food proteins typically become more ill and may develop enough intestinal injury that blood tests for other types of antibodies, IgG and/or IgA, to the food or specific food proteins, may be detectable in the blood, stool or saliva.
Delayed immune response to proteins in the food (wheat, cow’s milk) resulting in bowel injury, gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms and increased autoimmune conditions is most well recognized in Celiac disease. It is an autoimmune disease resulting from ingestion of gluten in wheat or products made from wheat flour (or gluten like proteins in barley and rye). It used to be considered a disease of children and rare, especially in the United States. However, blood test screening studies have documented that it is present in approximately 1 in 133 to 1 in100 people worldwide though most of those affected are undiagnosed and untreated. It is diagnosed by positive screening blood tests and confirmed by a characteristic abnormal small intestine on biopsy followed by relief of symptoms and return of the intestine to normal after a gluten-free diet. Untreated it is associated with higher rates of cancer especially lymphoma, osteoporosis, anemia, and other complications of malabsorption resulting in shortened life expectancy. It is treated with a life-long gluten free-diet. Lesser degrees of gluten intolerance or sensitivity may not be severe enough to cause abnormal or diagnostic blood tests and intestinal biopsies but result in symptoms that improve or resolve with a gluten-free diet and may be detected by elevated stool or saliva antibody tests.
Though injury to the intestine tissue may be seen visually as abnormal appearing tissue during endoscopic procedures such findings are non-specific for the cause. The tissue frequently appears normal and therefore many times is not sampled by biopsy, though under the microscope injury may be seen, though not specific for cause or food. If the physician is either not suspecting food intolerance or doesn’t routinely biopsy normal appearing intestinal tissue looking for signs of food intolerance, the injury may not be discovered.
The immune based food intolerances are commonly associated with many symptoms that can be both gastrointestinal and outside the gut and may include bloating, gas, diarrhea (and sometimes constipation), abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pains, skin rashes, weight loss or gain, anemia or nutritional deficiencies, irritability, depression, mental fogginess, and nerve pain (neuropathy). These symptoms may be misdiagnosed or mislabeled as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, reflux, ulcer, and fibromyalgia, etc. without another thought by patient or physician that food intolerance may be the cause and specific food elimination may be the cure. The common food allergens also are the most common causes of food intolerance reactions.
Generally, most physician are aware of common food allergy symptoms and how and when to test. However, several studies have confirmed most people’s experience that the majority of primary care physicians are unaware of the common symptoms of Celiac disease, that blood tests exist for screening antibodies and the high risk genes, and that it is common and may be diagnosed in adults. This is why the diagnosis is delayed on average over 11 years in most adults, after many of them have irreversible complications such as osteoporosis, cancer, or another autoimmune disease. The awareness and acceptance of non-Celiac gluten sensitivity and other food protein intolerances in the medical community is even worse.
Therefore, food intolerance or sensitivity is commonly missed and untreated. Many patients are forced to self-diagnose by discovery of the link of their symptoms to specific foods serendipitously, often as a result of an elimination diet, recommendation of an alternative practitioner or friend/relative, or search for help on the internet or multiple physicians for help. Hopefully, by reading this article you now better understand food allergies and intolerances, why they are often missed and that they are a common cause of many symptoms, not just intestinal, that usually improve if not resolve once the offending food or foods are eliminated from your diet.
Dr. Scot Lewey is a physician who is specialty trained and board certified in the field of gastroenterology (diseases of the digestive system) who practices his specialty in Colorado. He is the physician advisor to the local Celiac Sprue support group and is a published author and researcher who is developing a web based educational program for people suffering from food intolerances, http://www.thefooddoc.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Scot_Lewey
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-Food-Allergies,-Intolerances-And-Sensitivities?&id=220082
Testing for the presence of allergy to a food or foods can be done by blood test or skin testing or both. One of the most common blood tests is the RAST test that looks for the presence of the specific IgE antibodies to common food allergens and other foods based on a history suggesting that a particular food is suspect. Skin testing is done by injecting or applying extracts of the common and any suspect food(s) to pricked or scratched skin and looking for diagnostic “hive” like reactions at the site of the suspect food. The most common food allergens are peanut, cow’s milk, wheat, corn, soy, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, chocolate, pork, tomato, and citrus.
The terms food intolerance and sensitivity are commonly used interchangeably. They refer to a group of food reactions that occur that are not IgE antibody caused. In more general terms they refer to any adverse or unpleasant reaction that occurs after a food is eaten.
Food reactions that are not allergic in cause may have a variety of causes. A particular food may not be tolerated because it is not digested adequately due to an enzyme deficiency. Lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar or lactose, is present on the surface of the intestine lining cells. Lactase deficiency can be inherited or acquired. It commonly occurs whenever the intestine lining is damaged. Because the lactase enzymes are on the outer most surface of the intestine they are more vulnerable to injury. For example, after intestinal flu or in untreated Celiac disease, lactose intolerance is common. Other sugar enzymes can be deficient or the intestine can be simply overwhelmed by too large a sugar load at one time. A classic example is “the Big Gulp” syndrome when someone drinks a giant cola beverage then experiences the “gut ache” from the tremendous amount of fructose. Large amounts cannot be handled by the intestine and that results in bloating, urgency and terrible diarrhea.
Deficiency of digestive enzymes released into the intestine can result in poor digestion of foods. For example, when the pancreas gland is damaged (pancreatitis) chronically, usually from chronic alcohol abuse, or is congenitally underdeveloped or malfunctioning (e.g. cystic fibrosis). The pancreatic enzyme deficiency that occurs results in malabsorption, especially for fats, that cause symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss. Abnormal bacteria types and levels in the gut, also known as dysbiosis, and abnormal excess levels of “bad” bacteria or presence of bacteria in upper small intestine where little or no bacteria normally occur (bacterial overgrowth) can interfere with digestion, absorption or cause fermentation of food resulting in symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Some foods and food additives have a direct toxic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Additives such as MSG and sulfites can cause symptoms, including flushing and diarrhea or the “Chinese restaurant” or “salad bar” syndromes.
All foods contain proteins known as lectins. Some of these proteins are highly resistant to digestion and are toxic to the human intestine especially if they are not pre-treated by soaking, cooking well, or removing toxic portions. For example, inadequately soaked and cooked kidney beans will cause a food poisoning like illness. There are several foods that have lectins that are poorly tolerated by many humans and are lethal to insects and pests. One researcher, Loren Cordain PhD., author of the Paleo Diet, has published extensive research on how the human intestine is not “evolved” to tolerate many of the foods we now eat but did not eat in the ancient “hunter-gatherer” times resulting in many of the illness seen in modern societies and the rising epidemic of autoimmune diseases. Several of the “modern” foods that were not part of the ancient diet but constitute much our diet now have well recognized toxic or poorly tolerated proteins known as lectins. Examples include wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), casein (cow’s milk protein), peanut agglutinin (PNA), soyabean agglutinin (SBA) and tomato lectin (TL) that have been shown in animal studies to be toxic to the human gut. There are a few published studies and little active research on the role of dietary lectins in health and disease.
When the reaction is an immune toxicity reaction to a food protein intestinal damage commonly results, frequently referred to as “leaky gut” because of the symptoms of malabsorption or the entry of toxic food proteins and/or bacterial products into the blood stream resulting in a variety of adverse health effects. This reaction may result in autoimmunity, the body attacking itself within the gut or distant organs or tissues. The reaction may be aided by abnormal bacteria types and/or levels in the gut (dysbiosis). The symptoms commonly develop over time and flare in just hours to up to three days after eating the offending food and continue as the food is eaten.
Because the protein in the food is usually the cause and such proteins may be hidden in other foods, especially processed foods, and the toxicity is more of a delayed and cumulative immune reaction, it is very difficult for the person suffering from this to identify the specific food as the cause. For example gluten (the protein in wheat) and casein (the protein in cow’s milk) are in many foods and toxic to many individuals. Over time people sensitive to such food proteins typically become more ill and may develop enough intestinal injury that blood tests for other types of antibodies, IgG and/or IgA, to the food or specific food proteins, may be detectable in the blood, stool or saliva.
Delayed immune response to proteins in the food (wheat, cow’s milk) resulting in bowel injury, gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms and increased autoimmune conditions is most well recognized in Celiac disease. It is an autoimmune disease resulting from ingestion of gluten in wheat or products made from wheat flour (or gluten like proteins in barley and rye). It used to be considered a disease of children and rare, especially in the United States. However, blood test screening studies have documented that it is present in approximately 1 in 133 to 1 in100 people worldwide though most of those affected are undiagnosed and untreated. It is diagnosed by positive screening blood tests and confirmed by a characteristic abnormal small intestine on biopsy followed by relief of symptoms and return of the intestine to normal after a gluten-free diet. Untreated it is associated with higher rates of cancer especially lymphoma, osteoporosis, anemia, and other complications of malabsorption resulting in shortened life expectancy. It is treated with a life-long gluten free-diet. Lesser degrees of gluten intolerance or sensitivity may not be severe enough to cause abnormal or diagnostic blood tests and intestinal biopsies but result in symptoms that improve or resolve with a gluten-free diet and may be detected by elevated stool or saliva antibody tests.
Though injury to the intestine tissue may be seen visually as abnormal appearing tissue during endoscopic procedures such findings are non-specific for the cause. The tissue frequently appears normal and therefore many times is not sampled by biopsy, though under the microscope injury may be seen, though not specific for cause or food. If the physician is either not suspecting food intolerance or doesn’t routinely biopsy normal appearing intestinal tissue looking for signs of food intolerance, the injury may not be discovered.
The immune based food intolerances are commonly associated with many symptoms that can be both gastrointestinal and outside the gut and may include bloating, gas, diarrhea (and sometimes constipation), abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pains, skin rashes, weight loss or gain, anemia or nutritional deficiencies, irritability, depression, mental fogginess, and nerve pain (neuropathy). These symptoms may be misdiagnosed or mislabeled as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, reflux, ulcer, and fibromyalgia, etc. without another thought by patient or physician that food intolerance may be the cause and specific food elimination may be the cure. The common food allergens also are the most common causes of food intolerance reactions.
Generally, most physician are aware of common food allergy symptoms and how and when to test. However, several studies have confirmed most people’s experience that the majority of primary care physicians are unaware of the common symptoms of Celiac disease, that blood tests exist for screening antibodies and the high risk genes, and that it is common and may be diagnosed in adults. This is why the diagnosis is delayed on average over 11 years in most adults, after many of them have irreversible complications such as osteoporosis, cancer, or another autoimmune disease. The awareness and acceptance of non-Celiac gluten sensitivity and other food protein intolerances in the medical community is even worse.
Therefore, food intolerance or sensitivity is commonly missed and untreated. Many patients are forced to self-diagnose by discovery of the link of their symptoms to specific foods serendipitously, often as a result of an elimination diet, recommendation of an alternative practitioner or friend/relative, or search for help on the internet or multiple physicians for help. Hopefully, by reading this article you now better understand food allergies and intolerances, why they are often missed and that they are a common cause of many symptoms, not just intestinal, that usually improve if not resolve once the offending food or foods are eliminated from your diet.
Dr. Scot Lewey is a physician who is specialty trained and board certified in the field of gastroenterology (diseases of the digestive system) who practices his specialty in Colorado. He is the physician advisor to the local Celiac Sprue support group and is a published author and researcher who is developing a web based educational program for people suffering from food intolerances, http://www.thefooddoc.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Scot_Lewey
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-Food-Allergies,-Intolerances-And-Sensitivities?&id=220082
All of a Sudden I'm allergic to everything
Hi. I have been diagnosed as someone suffering from environmental and food allergies. Nothing remarkable about that. Millions of people live with some sort of allergy. The part I have difficulty with is that all of the allergies seemed to surface at the same time. Mine wasn't a gradual procession. Let me explain...
I live in Puerto Rico. Moved here in 2005 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Reason for moving.. the only family I had there was my church family. When I moved here I moved into the mountains.. as rural as it gets. You could wake up and there would be no water for days. Power goes out better hope it's not on a weekend. Family members used horses whenever they needed the lawn mowed. You get the picture.
Well I lived in the mountains for a year and a half. I had enough of the farmer's life. So I moved to the big city.. Guaynabo. Only predominantly english speaking city in Puerto Rico. I was home.
Three weeks later I wake up with a swollen left hand. I haven't felt the same since. Every week some part of my body swelled up. Lips, ears, eyes, feet ... you name it - it probably swelled up.
I had tests done by an allergist and he informed me that I am allergic to trees, bushes, mites, dog and cat dander, grass, corn (corn syrup and starch), black pepper, american cheese, wheat, condiments, tomatos, soy and a couple more that I can't remember. Actually after the nurse said corn syrup, I stopped listening. Do you realize that over 85% (my guess- I could be way of) of all foods are made with corn syrup? No more cereal, cakes, Baby Ruth's. No more A1 steak sauce. AHHHHHH!!!
Anyway, these swellings that all of a sudden started to plague me caused me to miss a lot of days at work. I currently have no time accrued and have used at least 117 hrs with no pay. While I work for the federal government and it may be difficult to dismiss some - it's not impossible. So I wanted another opinion. I went to my primary physician.
My PP believes that the apt I reside in is sick and that I am okay. He has a hard time grasping that this is a coincidence. I tend to agree. My allergist and his crew believe otherwise. Note: I want to state the obvious that while my allergist is a professional he does have an economic interest in me. Rumor has it that he is repairing a very nice yacht.
I currently take generic benadryl and zyrtec. Twice a week I get my vaccines. On the occasions that I have to go to the Emergency Room I'm given sumadrol(?)/benadryl drip and a 4mg dose pak of Medrol. I still manage to swell up.
My diet consists of steak, pork chops, cooked with garlic, onions olive oil. Chicken with no seasoning except salt. I eat pasta rustica no tomato sauce once every two weeks (my allergist allows me to introduce one banned food or ingredient a week).
Why this blog? Not sure. I do need some help with the menu. I am not very creative when it comes to cooking. I'm interested in others out there and their food allergies.. how do you manage?
I'll post articles that you may find interesting. Hope you'll do the same.
Thanks for listening..
Ciao
I live in Puerto Rico. Moved here in 2005 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Reason for moving.. the only family I had there was my church family. When I moved here I moved into the mountains.. as rural as it gets. You could wake up and there would be no water for days. Power goes out better hope it's not on a weekend. Family members used horses whenever they needed the lawn mowed. You get the picture.
Well I lived in the mountains for a year and a half. I had enough of the farmer's life. So I moved to the big city.. Guaynabo. Only predominantly english speaking city in Puerto Rico. I was home.
Three weeks later I wake up with a swollen left hand. I haven't felt the same since. Every week some part of my body swelled up. Lips, ears, eyes, feet ... you name it - it probably swelled up.
I had tests done by an allergist and he informed me that I am allergic to trees, bushes, mites, dog and cat dander, grass, corn (corn syrup and starch), black pepper, american cheese, wheat, condiments, tomatos, soy and a couple more that I can't remember. Actually after the nurse said corn syrup, I stopped listening. Do you realize that over 85% (my guess- I could be way of) of all foods are made with corn syrup? No more cereal, cakes, Baby Ruth's. No more A1 steak sauce. AHHHHHH!!!
Anyway, these swellings that all of a sudden started to plague me caused me to miss a lot of days at work. I currently have no time accrued and have used at least 117 hrs with no pay. While I work for the federal government and it may be difficult to dismiss some - it's not impossible. So I wanted another opinion. I went to my primary physician.
My PP believes that the apt I reside in is sick and that I am okay. He has a hard time grasping that this is a coincidence. I tend to agree. My allergist and his crew believe otherwise. Note: I want to state the obvious that while my allergist is a professional he does have an economic interest in me. Rumor has it that he is repairing a very nice yacht.
I currently take generic benadryl and zyrtec. Twice a week I get my vaccines. On the occasions that I have to go to the Emergency Room I'm given sumadrol(?)/benadryl drip and a 4mg dose pak of Medrol. I still manage to swell up.
My diet consists of steak, pork chops, cooked with garlic, onions olive oil. Chicken with no seasoning except salt. I eat pasta rustica no tomato sauce once every two weeks (my allergist allows me to introduce one banned food or ingredient a week).
Why this blog? Not sure. I do need some help with the menu. I am not very creative when it comes to cooking. I'm interested in others out there and their food allergies.. how do you manage?
I'll post articles that you may find interesting. Hope you'll do the same.
Thanks for listening..
Ciao
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