Body Health

Tackling Wheat Allergies – Best Ways To Do So

February 2nd, 2010

It is quite common to find many children suffering from food allergies these days. Various foods can cause different types of allergies and the symptoms can also vary from mild to moderate to severe. It has been found that wheat is one of the top eight foods which cause allergies. Most of the food that is available contains wheat as an ingredient in one form or the other. Normally we find that it is children who are the main sufferers of wheat allergies though they soon outgrow them but sometimes even some adults tend to suffer from wheat allergies too.

The time taken for wheat allergy to show up after the food is eaten is normally anywhere between a few minutes to a few hours and the symptoms also can be anywhere between mild and severe. Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergy symptom which needs immediate medical help. The common symptoms for wheat allergy include nasal congestion, swelling of the air way and inflammation, irritations on the skin or hives, or even nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. When the symptoms are more severe then the person can experience shock, dizziness, rapid pulse and constriction of the airways. Anyone found suffering from these symptoms would need immediate medical help as it can be life threaten.

If you find that you are suffering from wheat allergies than the best way is to avoid all wheat products in your diet. This will reduce your chances of getting an allergic reaction. The more the reactions the more severe the allergy is and therefore it is advisable to see your doctor immediately even if you find a mild symptom. Your doctor will then carry out a series of tests to find out if wheat was really the culprit for the allergy. Once it is verified that it is wheat which is the cause for the allergy than you will be advised to avoid all wheat products. You too will find it easier to avoid wheat products from your diet as most US manufacturers make it a point to list the ingredients on their food packages.

If you have a severe wheat allergic reaction your doctor would advise you to take what is called the Epipen treatment. In this treatment which is done as an emergency measure for wheat allergies an injection is given. You can also wear am bracelet which alerts people around you about your wheat allergy problems if you do happen to eat some wheat product by mistake. Wheat allergy sufferers are normally told to avoid all wheat products in their diets and to take anti histamine if by chance they get stricken by the allergy. Wheat allergies occur more commonly in children than in adults and even children tend to outgrow their wheat allergies as they grow up.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/tackling-wheat-allergies-best-ways-to-do-so-708862.html

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Chronic Sinus Headaches, Or Could It Be Something Else?

February 2nd, 2010

Many people believe they suffer from chronic sinus headaches because they frequently suffer from sever pain around their sinus areas in their face and head. It is possible to have chronic sinus headaches however the condition is rare and can only be diagnosed by a doctor.

A chronic sinus headache would not be as painful as the more common acute sinus headache which occurs during a sinus infection. When sinuses are clogged bacteria can grow in the nasal passages creating an infection of the nasal passages commonly known as a sinus infection.

The headache associated with a sinus infection is quite severe and common treatments such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen will not help the pain. Chronic sinus headaches and acute sinus headaches will often require antibiotics to kill the infection as well as medications to alleviate the sinus pain.

Migraine Headaches

Many self-diagnosed chronic sinus headache suffers could actually be suffering from migraine headaches, the pain occurs in much the same places in the face and head. However, the cause of migraine headaches are varied and rarely are related to an illness.

Some people who believe they suffer from chronic sinus headaches believe the change in weather or pollution such as chemical smells or smoke are the cause of their sinus headache. In fact, these are triggers of migraine headaches.

If an allergy does exist it would not cause a sinus headache, because with allergies such as pollen, dander, or dust which cause nasal drainage. The fact that there is drainage omits the possibility of chronic sinus headache occurrences.

Moreover, many people take over the counter medications for sinus headaches such as sinus relief medicines, allergy medicines, or other pain relieving medication. However, these medications often will have no effect on the headache.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are also often thought to be pain masquerading as chronic sinus headaches. Tension headaches can cause pain in the temples and across the forehead. Because of this many people do mistake tension headaches for chronic sinus headaches.

Many tension headaches are accompanied by pain in the neck and shoulders. Sometimes the pain is right at the base of the head. Because there are also glands here, this can confuse many people into believing that they are suffering from chronic sinus headaches instead of tension headaches.

A doctor can perform tests to determine if a person has chronic sinus headaches. If someone believes they have chronic sinus headaches they should immediately contact a physician as medial treatment is necessary to relieve the pain and kill the infection.

Ann Marier
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/chronic-sinus-headaches-or-could-it-be-something-else-139605.html

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How To Help Your Dog With Food Allergies

February 2nd, 2010

Because every dog is unique, it’s sometimes very difficult to determine what causes food-related allergies and what doesn’t. Common pet food culprits include wheat, corn and soy. Various proteins also create their share of problems in certain dogs. I was shocked to learn that some dogs are allergic to chicken, while I know from first-hand experience that my Jack Russell Terrier Lucy used to be allergic to beef. Here’s an approach worth trying if your dog is exessively itching and scratching.

If excessive itching and scratching are the problems, that may simply be the lack of Omega 3,6 and 9 fatty acids in your dog’s diet that’s making their skin and coat dry. Winter indoor heating may also be exacerbating the condition. Adding simple food additives to your dog’s food may be the key without switching diets. Supplements like Mrs. Allen’s Shed Stop, Flaxseed Oil, Pet Botanics Skin & Coat supplement, Royal Coat from Ark Naturals or Health & Shine from Dr. Harvey’s are all viable solutions for supplementing your dog’s diet with the needed Omegas that dog’s and cats need to lubricate their skin and coats.

Excessive and compulsive foot licking, or chewing and biting other parts of the body, are generally a sign that allergies are to blame.

Assuming it’s food allergies and not environmental, many vets and pet nutritionists recommend substituting a protein source that your dog doesn’t normally eat. Lamb is often used for this purpose, because it’s not as common a dog food ingredient. Lamb, in and of itself, is not “non-allergic”, but it’s less common than chicken and beef so it enables you to introduce something new into your dog’s diet, in effect, starting with a clean slate.

Some vets sell expensive “allergy free formulas” but there are ways to figure this out on your own and a lot less expensively. Increasingly, pet owners who have dogs with food allergies are feeding various pet food mixes like Dr. Harvey’s, Solid Gold Holistique Blendz or The Honest Kitchen’s FORCE formula, which is grain free, or Sojourner Farms’ new grain free Europa formula.

Mixes, while a bit more work, allow you to more closely control what your dog is eating by beginning with a good “base” that contains the proper nutrients and vitamins especially formulated for dogs. Then, you can experiment by introducing your own protein sources (whether raw or cooked) and seeing how your dog reacts over the next few days.

Because The Honest Kitchen FORCE Formula is grain free but chicken-based, I would stick to the Dr. Harveys or the Europa which have no protein or grain sources. The Solid Gold Holistique Blendz formula is also a good choice but that already contains fish protein. Because fish-based protein is an unlikely protein source for your dog to begin with, it’s unlikely that it will cause allergy problems now — same theory with the lamb or any other uncommon protein like venison or buffalo or rabbit. If later you find that chicken is ok, I would give The Honest Kitchen FORCE Formula a second look, too.

Beginning with one of these neutral, grain-free formulas, try adding chicken for a week. If that goes well, than your dog is probably ok with chicken. Then try beef. Then lamb. Try, fish, too. If that goes well, than it was probably one or more of the grains.

Now a picture is starting to form. Your dog’s allergies have improved with a grain free diet that includes certain proteins.

As we mentioned before, the point of introducing a different protein source to test your dog’s tolerance is because if your dog is suffering some type of food-related reaction, common sense tells you it’s something she’s already eating. Can’t be having reactions to something she never had yet, right?

Please note that when switching a dog’s food, do it gradually over 5 to 6 days. Begin a 4 to 1 ration, old to new food, than 3 to 2 on day 2, than half and half on day 3, than 2 to 3 on day 4 and 1 to 4 on day 5. Day six, you’re switched over completely. Than the real allergy testing can begin in earnest by sticking with the new protein source for a week and than introducing a new one every week taking note of your dog’s reaction or, hopefully, lack of one.

As you’ve probably figured out by now, there’s no one answer or “Silver Bullet” that will miraculously solve all your dog’s allergy problems overnight. You have to break the cycle by moving your dog to a neutral, grain-free food and begin experimenting with different proteins. Once you find a protein or combination of proteins that work, try slowly introducing grain formulas back into the diet to see if there’s a reaction or not. Using this gradual, common sense method combined with a good quality dog food should have your dog on the road to a happy, itch-free life.

Gene Sower
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-help-your-dog-with-food-allergies-18332.html

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Allergy Control Products

February 2nd, 2010

For allergy sufferers life can become miserable if they come into contact with whatever it is they are allergic to. Allergy control products in conjunction with allergy treatments or by themselves are effective in bringing relief to the allergy sufferer. allergy control products come in many forms and are more user friendly than ever before. If you are an allergy sufferer and have never before used allergy control products or have used them in the past and found them too expensive or unreliable then now is the time to see what progress has been made in the field of allergy control products.

Research and surveys have shown that the number of allergy sufferers world wide is on the increase. In a recent U.S. survey it was found that fifty-four percent of Americans are allergic to at least one pathogen. That’s over half of all Americans surveyed! Consumer demand has demanded better products and the industry has responded. Air purifiers were once expensive to buy, cumbersome and difficult to operate and maintain. Now though, a wide variety of less expensive and easy to maintain air purifiers are available and most importantly, they actually perform quite well.

Dust mites, human hair and shedding skin can all contribute to allergies. Many people have suffered for years not even knowing that the bed they slept in was the source of their misery. Now though allergy resistant sheets covers and pillow cases can bring relief and peaceful sleep to those who suffer from those allergies. allergy resistant fabrics also bring relief inside the home. Drapes and bed covers and carpeting are all available made entirely of allergy resistant fabrics. For allergy sufferers the fabrics that are so necessary to every day living can also bring misery. allergy resistant fabrics end the suffering.

Allergy sufferers who are chemically sensitive life can be pure hell. We live in a world of chemicals. For them the adage (better living through chemistry) is truly a farce. For many chemically sensitive people their home has become a torture chamber. Allergy resistant paint and chemicals of all sorts are now available that can free them from their misery. These products actually work very well and the money spent on these products is money invested well. The price has come down as quality has gone up on allergy resistant products. Now chemically sensitive people have the option of living a free and normal life.

If you are an allergy sufferer. No matter what you are allergic to there now is help. There is a wide range of products available and chances are there is something there you can use. Some allergy resistant products operate by helping your body cope with whatever it is you are allergic to while others effectively limit or eliminate all together whatever it is you are alergic to from your immediate environment. Many people have found it difficult to completely eliminate allergens from their whole home but have been very successful in creating an allergy safe room in their house. An allergy free zone to retreat to find relief if it is needed.

On the medical front great strides have been made in allergy relief products. A broader understanding of allergies and how pathogens effect the allergy sufferers has paved the way for new and better products. There are natural products available that for many people who have tried them appear to work. The medical establishment for years collectively scoffed at herbal remedies and now the facts speak for themselves. Herbal remedies for some people do work. It is up to each individual allergy sufferer to seek out what is best for them as there is no cure all. What works for one may not work for another but their is help out there.

Sven Ullmann
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/allergy-control-products-116228.html

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Dealing With A Wheat Allergy

February 2nd, 2010

Foods that contain wheat are everywhere – after all they are a staple in the American diet. But both the protein and the gluten in the wheat are a common allergen. Dealing with a wheat allergy can be frustrating.

If you have a wheat allergy of course the most logical thing is to avoid wheat products to prevent the allergic reaction. This includes cereals, baked goods, chocolate, pancake mixes, waffle mixes, pies, cookies, processed meats, breaded meats, some casseroles, pastas, some salad dressings, soups, alcoholic beverages, and the list could go on and on. Let’s face it wheat really is everywhere.

Symptoms of wheat allergy include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin disorders, eczema, dermatitis, respiratory infections including asthma, hypertension, headache, and even anaphylactic shock. Great you know what the problem is and you are doing your best to avoid wheat but it’s in the most unexpected places and you do occasionally mess up.

Besides avoiding wheat there are other things you should do to treat your wheat allergy. There are medications that can help depending on what your symptoms are. Stomach related issues can be dealt with either with OTC or prescription drugs. Immunotherapy can inject small amounts of wheat into your body with the theory that over several years your body will learn to tolerate wheat and the allergy will disappear.

Has anyone noticed that allergies are on the rise? Stats are certainly indicating this. Think back 10 years ago – do you recall the press that wheat allergies were getting. I’m betting you don’t and yet today it seems like just about every other person has some type of allergy with wheat and wheat products being right on top. Why is that?

Modern life is hard on our bodies. We are exposed to high levels of toxins and stress which take their toll on our body, on our immune system, and on our adrenal system. Allergies are our body’s immune system misfiring and that’s exactly what happens with a wheat allergy. So what needs to happen is we need to bring our body back to optimum health.

We can remove wheat from our diet if we have a wheat allergy but the problem is when the body is out of sync the allergy list just keeps growing and growing so a smart choice would be to nourish the body with vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

For example in the case of a wheat allergy adrenal support and immune support are both very important and herbs such as goldenseal, licorice, marshmallow, and Echinacea can help boost the adrenals and the immune system.
You should also be sure that your vitamin supplements are giving you the most benefit. For example Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and will improve adrenal function. Take up to 5000mg daily. Increase in 500mg increments and stop when the bowel is no longer tolerating it. COQ10 is powerful boosting the immune system, reducing histamines, and improving heart health. Take 100mg two times a day. Vitamin B5 helps deal with stress and improve adrenal function. Take up to 1000 mg a day and split into two doses.
Dealing with a wheat allergy needs you to go beyond treating symptoms and get to the root of the problem. Only then will you be healthy and feel alive.

Steve Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/dealing-with-a-wheat-allergy-104669.html

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Supplements for Nasal Allergy and Sinus Infection Patients

February 2nd, 2010

Nasal allergy is a quite common illness that everybody can have it. It is caused by the exposure of the individual to the various types of allergens such as pollen, fungus, mold, dust mites, certain foods, latex, animal dander, volatile chemicals and others. When allergens were inhaled into the nasal cavity, it penetrated mucosal membrane and came to contact with blood serum. Individual with Immunoglobulin-A antibody deficiency will easily let the allergens penetrate mucosal barrier because deficiency of Immunoglobulin-A antibody increases the mucosal permeability. Macrophages are the first type of cells that will come in contact with the allergen particles and after processing the allergens; it will pass information about the invasion of the allergen particles into the body to B-lymphocyte cells (one type of the white blood cell). This will stimulate B-lymphocyte cells and cause them start to multiply and transform into plasma cells. Stimulation of the B-lymphocyte is controlled by T-lymphocyte cell (the other type of white blood cell). The plasma cells that have been formed will produce IgE antibodies, which after that bind with the mast cells and basophil cells around nose and cause itching and hypersensitive. Subsequently, histamine chemical will be released from the mast cells when the mast cells started degranulating

What we know that why an individual’s nose easily becomes allergy is due to the deficiency of Immunoglobulin-A antibody, which is one of our defense components in our body. Its function is scavenging of exogenous material, which is coming in contact to the mucosal membrane. Apart from this, T-lymphocyte cells, which are developed in bone marrow, work as helper and suppressor to the secretion of immunoglobulin by the B-lymphocyte cells. Malfunction or deficiency of these cells will cause over secretion of immunoglobulin-E antibodies. This may exacerbate the nasal allergy illness. All this malfunction and deficiency may due to the genetic disorder inheriting from our parent. However, it may also cause by our irregular lifestyle, unhealthy eating habit and environmental factor such as not enough sleep, eat too much fried food, smoking, alcoholic, exposure to hazardous chemicals and so on. Infection with certain virus such as HIV or utilized certain steroid or chemotherapy medicines may also cause this problem. In other words, deterioration of the body immune system will make nasal allergy illness become more critical. Due to this, in order that one can relieve from the nasal allergy torturing, he or she must have a strong immune system to defend the foreign substances that will enter into their body.

Deterioration of immune system mostly due to the attack by the free radicals that have formed in our body. Free radical is a very reactive molecule and has a strong tendency to oxidize lipid, protein and DNA in our body. Everyday, a lot of free radicals are produced in our body. Although our body itself can generate antioxidant to protect ourselves, it is still not enough. That’s why, we are all aging. Free radicals that have been generated in our body can weaken our body immune system by attacking to the white blood cells. Changing the DNA in a white blood cell is the most crucial point because it causes irreversible mutation of the cell. Due to this, white blood cells can not function properly and become malfunctioned. When this happening, nasal allergy illness will emerge in our body. To protect our body from radical and maintain our body immune system, we need to take enough antioxidant supplements to neutralize the excessive free radicals that have been produced in our body everyday.

Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant that can relief nasal allergy symptom. But the doses that we need to take to stop the nasal allergy are around five to eight gram. This is quite a large amount and it may cause stomach and intestinal upset. To prevent this, we should use ascorbate form of vitamin C. Until now, there is no solid evidence to show how vitamin C can stop the nasal allergy reaction. But scientists figured out that it may due to its antioxidant capabilities, which prevent cell damage. Research had been carried out in the department of obsterics at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn to study vitamin C and histamine levels in the blood of 400 people. They found out that, people with high levels of vitamin C in their blood have lower histamine levels. When 1000mg vitamin C supplement was given daily to those with low levels of vitamin C and high levels of histamine, their hay fever improved remarkably within three days. [Journal Nutrition, April, 1980]. When large amount of vitamin C is taken, just make sure you take calcium supplement. This is because; vitamin C in the blood will bind with the calcium in the bone and attract them out into the blood. This calcium will be discarded from the body through urination. This is because vitamin C is an organic acid that can dissolve mineral in bone. To avoid this, we should take calcium ascorbate, which is a mineral form of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is very soluble in water. Therefore, high levels of vitamin C in the blood may not be easily achieved. This is because vitamin C easily excretes from the body through urination. More frequent you urinating; less vitamin C can be retained in your body. Therefore, although we take a lot of vitamin C, the actual amount retaining in the body in very little. You may relief the nasal allergy for a while and if you want to continually remain relief from nasal allergy, you may need to continually take vitamin C. This situation can be seen after we have taken the vitamin C. The urine that we excrete after one hour taking the vitamin C is yellowish color. The color is due to the presence of the vitamin C in the urine. The following urine may still yellowish. After the urine no longer shows any yellowish color; that means the vitamin C levels in the blood has gone down already. Due to this, a lot of vitamin C has been wasted. To save cost, we need to take citrus bioflavonoids and pantothenic acid. Both of them are vitamin B complex substances. Citrus bioflavonoids alter the body’s metabolism of vitamin C and raising the concentration of vitamin C in certain tissue [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, August, 1979]. Whereas, pantothenic acid can help our body absorbs vitamin C more easily.

Apart from vitamin C and B, the second supplement that can boost our immune system is zinc. Zinc is a transitional metal that is indispensable in our body. Biochemical functions in our body that involves zinc are protein synthesis, spermatogenesis, platelet reactivity and the main one is maintaining cellular immunity. Apart from these, zinc also can prevent certain type of cancer. Zinc deficiency mostly due to malnutrition, alcoholism, malabsorption, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal disease, extensive burns, use of chelating agents and genetic disorders. Our meats that contains high amount of zinc are chicken and beef. People who try to avoid red meat due to its high cholesterol have the higher possibility not enough zinc in their body. Zinc deficiency can cause growth retardation, male testerone deficiency, delayed wound healing, bullous dermatitis, diarrhea and intercurrent infection. Zinc can inhibit replication of several viruses such as herpes simplex virus, foot and mouth disease virus, poliovirus and rhinovirus. Zinc is very effective to treat common cold because it prevents rhinovirus (cold virus) from binding to the tissue surface and stabilizes the cell membranes. Subsequently, it is also inhibiting prostaglandin metabolism and inducing production of interferon gamma, which is a natural chemical that help body to fight infections. Study that had been published in the Annals Internal Medicine in 1996 showed that if an individual starts taking zinc gluconate glycine within 24 hours onset of the common cold symptoms, it can significantly reduced the illness duration.

The third supplement that has antioxidant function is virgin coconut oil. The difference between ordinary coconut oil and virgin coconut oil is that the later is extracted by wet process directly from the coconut milk or meat under a control temperature usually is 50 oC, whereas; coconut oil is obtained from the copra by dry process, which involves high temperature or sunlight exposure for several days. Due to the exposure to sunlight and application of high temperature, most of the minor components such as tocopherols, tocotrienols and polyphenols will be destroyed. This is because all these components are unstable in high temperature. Sunlight can destroy there components because sunlight contains a few percent of UV light, which is a high energy wave that can break the chemical bonding in an organic substance. Recently, study had been carried out in University Kerala in India to determine the effectiveness of the virgin coconut oil as antioxidant enzymes in male rat [Food Chemistry, 2006]. They found out that virgin coconut oil has more effect as an antioxidant and prevents peroxidation of lipids compared to the groundnut oil and copra oil. Study also had been carried in the same University to determine the beneficial effect of the virgin coconut oil to lipid components in male rat [Clinical Biochemistry, 37, 2004]. The finding that they got is that virgin coconut oil can reduce the levels of lipid in serum and tissues. Besides, it also can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increased high-density lipoprotein in the blood. This effect may due to its high polyphenol content.

Finally, what we know immunoglobulin-A (IgA) antibodies are the main antibodies that can prevent allergens from entering our body through nasal mucosal membrane. Therefore, nasal allergy and sinus infection can be prevented by increasing this antibody level in our body. Nutrients that can boost this antibody level in our body are monounsaturated oleic acids and vitamin A. Monounsaturated oleic acids can be found in cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, hazelnut or filbert oil (or the whole nuts), green and ripe olives, and almonds. Whereas, vitamin A can be found in cod liver oil, pumpkin, cooked carrots, sweet potatoes/yams, squash and other yellow or orange vegetable

Alexander Chong
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/supplements-for-nasal-allergy-and-sinus-infection-patients-91000.html

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Types of Food Allergies

February 2nd, 2010

Some of the most deadly allergies are those caused by food. While some people have no allergies, others are allergic to one or more things. Food allergies are difficult, however, because the offending particle is actually ingested, and therefore harder to remove.

Reactions in those with food allergies can range from mild irritation, such as a slight itch in the mouth, inside of the ears and/or the back of throat, or to severe swelling of the airway, causing a blocked passageway. If not treated, the more serious food reactions can result in death.

One of the most common food allergies is a reaction to peanuts and peanut products. Some people only experience a reaction when ingesting peanuts and products like peanut butter. Those who are more sensitive to peanut products, however, can sometimes experience a deadly reaction when a small portion of powder or oil is present. Many candy companies that include peanut varieties warn that those with severe allergies to peanuts that even non-peanut candies may have traces of peanut products. Many people have allergies to other nuts, such as walnuts, macadamia nuts and almonds.

Gluten allergies are another severe food allergy. People allergic to gluten are unable to ingest products made with gluten. Most foods made from white flour contain gluten. It is extremely difficult for these people to find foods that are safe to eat. There are, however, cookbooks available that give recipes for gluten-free foods. Whole grain breads are an alternative to white bread (which contains gluten).

An allergy to lactose is another difficult food allergy to deal with, as lactose is present in most dairy products. Soy products can help alleviate the inconveniences associated with lactose intolerance.

Some people are actually allergic to raw fruits and vegetables. This is one of the less common food allergies. After cooking the foods, many of the produce that poses a danger raw become safe to eat.

Food allergies are not always present from infancy. They can develop at any stage in life, and for many reasons. Many women find that when they become pregnant, they suddenly develop allergies to new things. The key is to monitor your reactions, and, if you aren’t sure how you will react to something, try a very small amount, or avoid it altogether.

James Hunt
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/types-of-food-allergies-10030.html

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Five Secret Natural Allergy Remedies To Try

February 2nd, 2010

Approximately one out of every ten Americans suffers from allergies of some type. Allergies are the body’s natural reaction to any foreign substance. When the body encounters one of these substances, it produces many different substances, including histamines. Once released into the body, these cause tissue swellings called allergies. Allergies can affect many different parts of the body including the lungs, skins, nasal passages, sinuses, and stomach. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include intestinal pain, bloating, mood swings, exhaustion, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, swelling or bloating of the skin, watery eyes, itchy nose, and sneezing. There are many things that cause allergies including pollen, mold, flowers, dust mites, grass, and spores. Additionally, food and chemicals can be an allergy trigger. The medical community has come up with all sorts of ways to treat allergies, but many people shy away from modern day medicine because of the extensive side effects associated with some of the treatments. It is often the case that the treatment is worse than the cure.

One natural allergy remedy is butterbur. Butterbur is a plant that grows in marshy areas and has three foot leaves. They can be found across Europe, in Asia, and in North America. It is a gentle, natural remedy that is free of antihistamines for those who wish to treat hay fever. It has been used for centuries to treat all sorts of ailments, but it has been found most effective at treating allergy style symptoms. It can also help reduce the muscle spasms associated with allergies. Butterbur is typically taken in tablet form, as the plants themselves can be toxic if not properly processed. The roots are dried, beaten to powder, and combined with other natural ingredients to create the tablet. It is best to take one tablet three times a day, but consult the packaging for more specific instructions.

Another natural allergy remedy is locally grown honey. This product can assist with hay fever and other pollen allergic reactions. It is important to start with small amounts. Approximately a teaspoon per day should help. You must first ensure the honey agrees with your body. If it doesn’t, discontinue use immediately. If you notice discomfort in the gastrointestinal area, it is important not to use it again. The goal is to work up to several teaspoons per day to ward off hay fever. If you decide to use honey, be sure to do several things first. Talk to your doctor before you try any natural remedies. Remember that you might have a bad reaction to the honey. Not every treatment works for every person. You should only purchase non-pasteurized honey. The honey should be purchased from a local beekeeper or at a local farmer’s market to ensure the freshest quality available is consumed. Try to make sure the honey was collected at the same time of year that you suffer from allergies. This will increase the effectiveness of this cure. To make sure you get the best results possible, use the honey one month before your typical allergy season. Using it in the midst of your difficult season won’t be enough. Also, do not heat the honey. It decreases its natural healing properties. One last note, begin with a small amount and increase gradually.

Another natural allergy remedy is green tea. People who regularly consume green tea have noticed that they suffer less from sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Green tea is best consumed in purer forms. Don’t pollute it with additives like honey, and don’t use chemically processed tea either. It is important that you consume at least one cup per day. You should try to work your way up to three cups per day. It does not matter if the tea is consumed hot or cold.

An additional natural allergy remedy is Echinacea. This herb has been known to treat all sorts of problems, including hay fever. It aids in the production of interferon, which assists with decreasing the swelling in tissues, which, in turn, helps stop the runny nose and watery eyes associated with allergies.

One final natural allergy remedy is vitamin C. You become extremely susceptible to allergens if your diet does not contain enough of this essential vitamin. Vitamin C detoxifies foreign substances entering the body and strengthens your cells. Dosages can be up to one thousand milligrams per day.

James Calvin
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/five-secret-natural-allergy-remedies-to-try-77074.html

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