Saturday, December 31, 2011

Effective Allergy Solutions - 5 Ways To Effectively Manage Airborne Allergies



Being allergic to common indoor pollutants such as dust, dust mites, and pet dander can really take it toll on your physical and emotional health. Here are 5 not too hard ways to clear the air of these problem causing allergens.

Change Filters As Needed----Your central heating and air conditioning system has filters. Check them regularly and change them whenever they start to fill up.

Once you know about how long it takes for them to need changing, plug a reminder into your mobile device or laptop so that you stay on schedule.

The amount of time between changes may vary according to seasons, so stay alert and move the schedule to a shorter or longer period to compensate.

Wash Linens Regularly---Dust mites are most often found in the bedroom and are one of the most potent allergy triggers known. Every home has them regardless of how clean it is. But you can significantly decrease their number and most probably your symptoms by washing your linens weekly with water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since these bugs are killed by sunlight, letting your bed remain uncovered while you launder the linen is another way to reduce their numbers. Be sure to wash your pet's special pillow or bedding frequently too.

These natural solutions are effective, non-invasive, and cost effective. Sprays and pesticides for mites increase the potential for health problems, discoloration of rugs and fabrics, and need to be repeated so they are labor intensive too.

Furnish Your Home With Allergies In Mind---Rome wasn't built in a day, and unless you are buying a new house and all new furniture, it will take time to affect this change. But with this as a goal, it will happen as you need to make changes.

Hard surfaces for floors such as tile, linoleum, wood, faux wood and stone are easier to clean and they take no prisoners in the form of mites. Small throw rugs scattered about are easier and less costly to clean.

Materials that can easily be cleared of particles such as blinds and shades keep the number of particulates lower than draperies and other elaborate window treatments.

Clean With Water---When possible remove dust by damp wiping surfaces. Steam clean floors your floors where possible. This cuts down on the amount of particles that are sent into the air and really takes them out of circulation.

For rugs and other areas where water or steam is not appropriate, use a HEPA vacuum. This type of cleaner has a filter that will keep particles that it removes from going back into the air.

Use a HEPA Air Purifier---One of the best ways to continually remove allergy irritants from the air is to continually filter the air with a purifier that contains a high efficiency particle arresting filter. This is the type of technology that hospitals use to keep the air clean.

This type of filter can remove airborne particulates as small as.3 microns which is far smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. Continuous cleaning of the air along with the other 4 suggestions in this article will increase your chances of lessening your allergy symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Friday, December 30, 2011

What Has Gluten and What Is Celiac Disease?



What has gluten, what is coeliac disease, and what are gluten sensitivity symptoms? Many people have heard of the terms gluten and a gluten-free diet. What you may ask, however, is what has gluten? Gluten is a protein traditionally found in wheat, barley, triticale, rye, spelt, kamut and oats, functioning as a binding agent. Gluten is very much a staple of the American diet. It is found in pizza, pasta, bread, wraps, rolls, and most processed foods as a filler.

Moreover, gluten is found in many other products that you may not think of, including chicken broth or marshmallows. It is used as a thickener as well in soups and can be added to the pepperoni on pizza. For those who find themselves highly allergic, it is also found in cosmetics at times.

What is Coeliac Disease? Coeliac disease refers to an autoimmune disorder that is marked by an inability to digest gluten, the protein found in these types of grains. Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a genetic disorder that affects at least 1 in 133 Americans. Those affected suffer damage to the villi (shortening and villous flattening) in the lamina propria and crypt regions of their intestines when they eat specific food-grain antigens (toxic amino acid sequences) that are found in wheat, rye, and barley.

The condition known as celiac disease, or coeliac disease. Celiac (Coeliac) disease can also look similar in symptoms to Irritable Bowel syndrome, Crohn's Disease or Cystic Fibrosis. An estimated 99 percent of people who have sensitivities to eating gluten don't even know it. They attribute their poor health and symptoms to something else other than gluten sensitivity, which is 100 percent curable.

There are many reasons why people are so allergic to this grain. These include our lack of genetic adaptation to grasses, and particularly gluten, in our diet. Wheat was introduced into Europe during the Middle Ages, and 30 percent of people of European descent carry the gene for celiac disease which increases susceptibility to health problems from eating gluten.

Also, American wheat has been modified to contain a much higher gluten content which is needed to make bread lighter and more fluffy bread than those traditionally found in Europe. This super-gluten was then introduced into our agricultural food supply and now has adulterated nearly all wheat strains in America. Additionally, the wheat strand has been hybridized to introduce more protein into the grain. Thus, the stomach and digestive organs seem to not be able to understand how to process this, creating issues throughout the entire body. If a person with the disorder continues to eat gluten, studies have shown that he or she will increase their chances of gastrointestinal cancer by a factor of 40 to 100 times that of the normal population. Further, gastrointestinal carcinoma or lymphoma has been found to develop in up to 15 percent of patients with untreated or refractory celiac disease. Thus, it is vital that the disease is quickly diagnosed and properly treated to avoid these outcomes if you feel you have gluten sensitivity symptoms.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Allergies and Asthma, See What You're Missing



Allergies can be as simple as the cough I get during pollen season or as severe as being life threatening from medication, peanut, or insect allergies. Fields of rag weed create clouds of pollen spores in the spring time, these clouds soon find their way into towns or cities. Children and adults like myself who have no resistance built up because we have not been in contact with rag weed in 10 to 12 months, this goes on for days and the cars turn green from the pollen. We begin to get congested and cough, our eyes get runny. As we continue to breath in the spores we develop anti bodies that attach to the mast cells in our nasal passage, these anti bodies interlock with the pollen spores and create an explosion destroying the spores and damaging the nasal passage. This is what causes us to sneeze.

The allergens that cause the most trouble are mold spores, animal dander, dust mites, pollen, biting insects or bee stings also foods, peanuts, and medications. The most dangerous are bees, peanuts, and medications, these can kill you if not treated quickly. The cause of allergies has not been discovered yet, it is not hereditary but does seem to run in families.

Then there is asthma, this is caused by breathing in allergens but is different from allergies. Some people develop asthma from having allergies, some get asthma and never have allergies, while others never get either.

Some symptoms of allergies are itchy eyes, nose, and throat, coughing and a congestion, sneezing and a runny nose, even watery eyes. Asthma symptoms are similar but not the same as allergies, they consist of trouble breathing and wheezing, coughing and breathlessness, and a tight feeling in your chest. The most severe of allergies causes anaphylactic shock, this comes on quickly, has many symptoms, and is life threatening. Treatment for anaphylactic shock is a fast injection of epinephrine to constrict the blood vessels, open the airway,and raise the blood pressure. Followed by an injection of antihistamines and/or steroids.

Diagnosing what your allergic to is getting a complete medical history and conducting allergy testing. I had this done when I was 7, it was two rows of eight injections on the inside of each arm,

the ones that swell up, get painful and red are what your allergic to. There is a patch test that works but it is mostly for skin allergies, also a blood test but it only works for allergens that enter or effect the blood stream.

Treatment of allergies for me consisted of shots for 7 years during the worst part of my allergies, I was amazed that what I was allergic to was in the shots. That's how they work, by forcing our bodies to boost our immune system. Other then the shots all you can do is treat the symptoms to be comfortable. There were also things I had to do, like stay away from animals and enclose the mattress in plastic. I had no curtains or rugs in my room because they just stored dust mites.

I had no food or medication allergies so that was not a concern but I was supposed to wear a mask when the pollen was bad, I prefered to stay in the house with the air conditioner on. It worked better, the mask was somewhat ineffective, the eyes also put allergens into the body. Thats why they water and itch.

Asthma treatment consists of two groups of medications, breathing and anti-inflammatory, they are administered by inhaler and pills.

The fall can also be a difficult time for allergies, the windows are closed and the dust accumulates. The dry heat starts blowing and the congestion starts again. Air fresheners, chemicals, and aerosol

can also get your allergies started. Take notice to what you are allergic to and try to avoid it, that is the best treatment.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Are You Dealing With Food Intolerance Symptoms?



After enjoying a meal, someone may start to feel uncomfortable-specifically with one of the following...

Pain in the stomach

Outbreaks of wind

Nausea

Bloating

Vomiting

Indigestion

Diarrhea

Sudden irritability

Weight gain

The cause may be a food intolerance which is a response from the digestive system to a specific food; an ingredient in the food irritates the digestive system and the person is unable to digest and breakdown the food properly. One of the most common food intolerances is dairy intolerance which means an individual experiences the symptoms above when they eat milk or dairy products. Dairy intolerance affects approximately 10% of the population. Gluten intolerance is also common-as is wheat intolerance. Gluten intolerance symptoms and wheat intolerance symptoms include 'typical' food intolerance symptoms. But it may not be those foods that are causing the problem...it could be the nori seaweed or the Lindseed you have everyday because it is 'healthy'

Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance

Many people confuse food allergies with a food intolerance-and vice versa. Typically, the symptoms from a food allergy are more severe and can include the symptoms above plus:

Hives

Rashes

Irritated skin

Difficulty breathing

Chest pain

Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)

Sometimes, the cause of digestive difficulties can be food poisoning caused by eating food that has not been cooked properly or is well past its 'use by' date. However, a food allergy creates a reaction in the immune system and can affect organs-meaning a food allergy can be life-threatening.

When a person is experiencing digestive discomfort or other gluten intolerance symptoms, it's wise to visit a medical professional. At the clinic or surgery, the doctor or physician's assistant will begin a series of tests to determine if the problem is linked to food poisoning, a food allergy or a food intolerance. One method of diagnosis is eliminating 'suspect' foods from the diet and keeping a food diary. While this diagnostic method can work, it can take several weeks, or even months, to pinpoint the 'offending' food or additives.

Another method is to take a series of tests. Patients can take a test for allergies or intolerances.The tests are broad at first then become more specific: the first step is a test that determines if there's an intolerance present to the most common foods. If this test comes back positive, then it's possible to pinpoint one of almost 300 foods or additives that may be causing the problems. The tests are easy to administer and produce very specific results. Here's how it works.

The patient takes a test for food intolerance. It comes back positive.

A more specific test reveals the patient is not only intolerant to fish but reveals which fish.

The patient eliminates salmon from their diet and can enjoy other types of fish.

Certain tests can determine the severity of the intolerance. And testing may come back negative.

Once testing is complete, the next step for the patient is to eliminate the problem foods from their diet. The results can be immediate and dramatic: the patient enjoys a better quality of life free from the discomforts associated with food intolerance and food allergies.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Shield your Family from Allergies with Dust Mite Covers



With the cost of healthcare crossing all reasonable bounds, being able to afford respectable healthcare facilities has become a huge ordeal for a large number of people. In a world, where even the thought of existence is impossible without surrendering to the capitalistic ways of the world, now staying alive has also become a penalty of some sort. People may refer to the cuts in public aids as ‘economic reforms', ‘austerity measures', or whatever; fact stays the same that the life of a common man has gotten a whole lot more challenging than what it really should have been.

Considering global scenario, maybe wishing about a roll back in the so-called "reforms" is too much to ask for. Hence, the best way to deal with the cuts in the healthcare funding is by taking extra care of yourself as well as your family. Unfortunately, when it comes to healthcare, even though bedtime allergies can easily be touted as one of the most commonly found health ailments found, people are often unsure about the measures they can take and the aids they can use to minimize the risk of exposing themselves to possible allergens, with one notable mention being dust mite covers.

Though it is a well-known fact that bedtime allergies such as respiratory congestion, nasal irritation, skin itch and the likes are usually caused due to dust released from the upholstery we use on our bed; however, most people believe that the vacuuming they do every alternate day or so takes care of the  dust particles hidden inside their upholstery. Unfortunately, this assumption couldn't be more wrong. Even though vacuuming cleans upholstery items such as comforters and mattresses to a certain extent, saying that they take care of the dust completely would be an overstatement about the abilities of commonly found vacuum cleaners.

In contrast, by using dust mite covers, you can give your near and dear ones a robust and reliable shield against dust particles found in bedding upholstery and thus, bedtime allergies. The USP of these covers is the fabric used for their manufacturing. Unlike conventional fabrics used for making upholstery covers, the fabric used to manufacture such covers is knit with extremely tight bonding. To give you a fair idea about the difference; conventional fabrics used to manufacture upholstery may have pore sizes ranging between 10 to 15 micron while the pore sizes of the fabrics used to manufacture dust mite covers range between 0 to 10 microns.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Dust Mite Cover for Great Protection from Allergies



The cost of healthcare is rising by the day and if this wasn't bad enough, the recent 'austerity measures' imposed by our able institutional government has made the life of a common man much more difficult than it really has to be. Today, unless you are fully covered by your insurance company, even small treatments are likely to cost a fortune. In such a scenario, the ideal way to ensure you don't have to bear the mammoth healthcare charges is by taking great care of your health.

Especially when it comes to people with allergies, the need to take great care of the overall health becomes even more important. No matter whether a person has asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, or any other similar health issue, keeping the allergens under check is the best way to prevent probable attacks. Thanks to a number of aids offered by leading companies in the healthcare segment, people prone to allergies can now minimize the risk of an attack by a great deal with a notable prevention aids being dust mite covers.

Though it may come as a surprise to some of you, fact stays the same that people with allergies experience most attacks due to dust released from their mattresses and comforters. This is the reason most allergy attacks often happen during bedtime. However, by using dust mite covers on your mattress, comforters, pillows, and other upholstery items, you can greatly curb dust from entering your system, thereby preventing allergy attacks.

The secret to these covers is the fabric they are made from. Since the fabric used to manufacture dust mite covers is woven in an extremely close-knit manner, the covers manufactured from such fabric are highly effective for curbing dust, mite and other similar allergens found in the upholstery we use on a daily basis. Hence, anyone who is prone to dust allergies must keep their upholstery items covered with these dust mite covers if they wish to have a healthy life.

With the rise in the demand of such covers, a number of manufacturers have started offering an extensive array of anti-allergy covers such as mattress covers, duvet comforter covers, bed sheets, pillowcases, and many other remarkable options. Hence, if you are looking for complete protection from the aforementioned allergens, it is strongly recommended that you keep all upholstery items shielded by these covers in order to live the way you rightfully deserve to.

Take Care of Aspirin Allergy With Medical ID Jewelry



There are many millions affected by aspirin allergy and general Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug allergy. Remember, there is a way to deal with it. You need to take all of the necessary precautions and wear Medical ID Jewelry in order to ensure that you are not accidentally given a potentially deadly dose of the drug by emergency personnel.

Aspirin is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug first discovered from the bark of the willow tree. It has been proven to help reduce pain and inflammation in patients, and is now synthetically manufactured and distributed in generic form, prescription form, and over-the-counter form. The most well-known over-the-counter brand of aspirin is Bayer Aspirin.

Aspirin allergy affects approximately one percent of the general population, and is prevalent at a ten- percent rate among patients who have asthma. Thus, allergies to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Bayer Aspirin and other brands of this painkiller are relatively common. Make sure you avoid the drug. This does not mean you need to suffer. You can take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) when in need of a painkiller or anti-inflammatory.

If you have an allergy to Aspirin, then it is very important that you wear a piece of Medical ID jewelry.

How Do I Know if I have an Aspirin Allergy?

The symptoms of aspirin allergy are quite simple to identify, so you shouldn't need medical tests to determine if you are a sufferer. The most common symptoms are skin conditions, such as the formation of hives or a general swelling in an area of the skin.

Other more serious symptoms include respiratory symptoms, such as rhinitis and asthma symptoms, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. If you have taken Bayer aspirin or any other type of aspirin-related Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and experienced any of these symptoms, then you may have an allergy to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and should avoid them completely.

Because aspirin allergy isn't a traditional allergy, you cannot determine if you have the allergy through traditional allergy testing. In fact, an allergy to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is not an allergy at all, but rather intolerance to the substance. When someone with this condition consumes aspirin, the body actually has a small overdose due to the fact that it cannot metabolize even the smallest doses of the substance.

What Steps Should I Take to Stay Safe?

After one bad encounter with an aspirin allergy, you will probably become aware of your condition. Aspirin is easy to avoid as long as you are aware of which medications contain the drug, such as Bayer aspirin and other generic brands.

However, you may not be able to inform if you are rendered unconscious and become unable to inform medical personnel of your condition. Hence, it's absolutely crucial that you keep some kind of medical ID jewelry on your person at all times. One of the easiest ways to do this is to purchase customized medical ID jewelry and wear it at all times. This way, you can guarantee that emergency medical personnel will not accidentally give you a potentially fatal dose of aspirin or any other Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Medical ID jewelry are reasonably priced, stylish, and completely customizable based on your various conditions and allergies.

Keep yourself safe.

Cleaning Bedroom Air - 5 Filters A Bedroom Air Purifier Should Have



Your bedroom should be a haven from the stress of the world. And making sure that it has the cleanest air possible will provide you with a space where you can relax and sleep well. Here are the 5 filters a bedroom air cleaner needs to successfully filter your air

Large Particle Pre-Filter---If you've ever looked at the sunlight shinning in through your window and been disturbed by all of the particles you see floating in the air, then you can begin to understand the job of the pre-filter.

Its job is to trap the big particles that can be seen like dust, pet and human hair, as well as fine pieces of lint from textiles and paper. This type of filter is generally inexpensive, and keeps the filters with smaller holes from filling unnecessarily.

Medium Particle Pre-Filter---This type of filter has slightly smaller holes and is designed to trap things like mold and mildew spores, and seasonal pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds.

This is a huge advantage for people who are even the tiniest bit sensitive to these allergens which in some form or another are present in the air throughout the year. Keeping the level of irritants to minimum can be one of the most effective ways to reduce the number and severity of respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma. And most importantly in the bedroom, it can make getting to sleep and staying asleep easier.

HEPA---This is the common abbreviation formed with the first letter of high efficiency particle arresting filter. As its name indicates, it is really good at eliminating microscopic solids from the air. To be designated as such it must have proven to be able to remove 99,997 out of every 10,000 airborne particulates that are.3 microns or great in size with 99.97% efficiency.

The fact that it can trap airborne viruses and bacteria increases your chances of staying healthy. Even though many germs are smaller than.3 microns their most common means of transportation is by attaching to larger particles. So by eliminating particles you are getting 2 jobs done with one filter. It can also remove the invisible dust mite that is so prolific in bedrooms.

The advantage of this type of technology is that its only by-product is fresh, clean air. It is effective without using ozone or ionization.

Carbon Cloth---This amazing filter was first invented by the British Military as a defense against chemical warfare. So as you can imagine it is excellent at removing gases odors and chemicals. The fact that is woven like a cloth makes if effective at particle elimination.

Activated Carbon---Long recognized as the leader of the pack when it comes to removing gaseous pollutants, a carbon filter is a must. It can remove gases, odors, and chemicals that off gas from furniture, personal and cleaning products, as well as pet smells that are not urine based.

Removing smells and particulates from bedroom air with the right air purifier can literally be a breath of fresh air for you and will make your bedroom a relaxing and inviting space to get away from the cares of each day.

Description Any time you spend in the bedroom should be restful, and a peaceful haven from the events of the day. Having clean, irritant free air can help you relax and sleep well every night. Here are the best 5 filters a purifier can have to be effective.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Can You Take Bee Pollen for Allergies?



It's unbelievable but there are thousands of people who take bee pollen for allergies and are feeling better already. Pollen has been contested as a health supplement for many years, but those who use it and are successful far outweigh the numbers of those who use it and have no success with it.

While many have formed an opinion about it, the evidence leads us to believe that pollen is helpful for those who have nasal allergy symptoms and other allergies too.

Why Pollen is Good for Allergy Sufferers

Sure there are plenty of questions that need to be answered regarding pollen, but how hard can it be to research and get those answers?

The challenge is that not enough people know what is actually in pollen that helps reduce allergy symptoms but allergies can be reduced if not altogether improved by using pollen that is gathered by bees.

For starters, we know that pollen contains vitamin A, C, and E which are all antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to not only repair damaged cells, but they help to generate new healthy cells as well. This means that the immune is system is getting a boost and is able to ward off bacteria of all kinds to keep the body healthy.

Studies in Japan

Due to the "buzz" about pollen, some research was done in Japan in 2009 with pollen to see what would happen when given to mice.

The end result was nothing short of amazing, proving that mast cells were reduced when given pollen on a regular basis. These mast cells produce histamine, which triggers allergy symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing.

When the mice were given pollen consistently, the allergy symptoms were dramatically reduced, and yet more evidence is there to show that pollen is helpful in reducing mast in order to provide relief to those who have allergies.

The Journal of Allergy

Did you know that the Journal of Allergy has also reported positively on the use of pollen for allergy patients?

Allergy patients that have tried pollen have experienced a 75% improvement in their allergy symptoms when they took pollen in oral form. Those patients who also were asthmatics noticed quite an improvement with their condition as well. There is plenty of evidence that points in the direction that pollen is effective in helping allergy sufferers get relief, and while it doesn't claim to provide 100% relief, these patients are in fact getting relief and living easier lives as a result.

There are plenty of people out there who suffer from allergies, and the worst part is that there are foods that can irritate these allergies as well as things in our environment that can bring about these symptoms too.

Using all of these helpful tips combined will bring about a winning combination for those who need allergy relief, but wish to do it without using medication on a regular basis.

Visit my guide on bee pollen allergies to learn more.

Treat Ailments With Bee Pollen: Allergies Can Be Overcome With the Bee



Have you ever imagined that you could treat allergies with bee pollen? Allergies are troublesome for many in the United States, and while some believe that they are only seasonal, the weather patterns are changing and causing people to reconsider how they view the allergy season and what they can use to help them overcome the symptoms.

Types of Allergies We Battle

There are several allergies that we battle here in the United States, ranging from ragweed, to gluten allergies and more. Those who suffer from nasal allergy symptoms are always looking for a medicine to cure them, but what happens when the medicines no longer work?

Those who suffer from itchy, watery eyes should consider using pollen that is gathered by bees, simply because it is being used by thousands to treat allergies. Sure, we hear a lot about how pollen helps to treat allergies, but what is in it that helps treat them?

How Pollen Can be Used to Treat Allergy Symptoms

In order to help us see how pollen can be helpful in treating allergies, then we just need to study what is in pollen that would possibly help to reduce the allergy symptoms.

There have been studies in Japan that prove that histamines can be reduced by using pollen. When mast cells are increased allergies begin to flare up, and when lab mice were given pollen as a regular part of their diet, they began to see a reduced number of mast cells as a result.

Other Causes for Allergy Symptoms

Mold count and other things in the air aren't the only contributors to why people suffer from allergies, but there are other known causes like stress, eating gluten, and pollution which is hard to get away from.

In order to reduce the likelihood of allergy symptoms being worse, it is best to start taking pollen about 2 to 3 months before summer begins, and gradually introduce it so that you know how you will react to it. If you discover that your body doesn't tolerate it well, then you can use a process by which you start to reduce your sensitivity to it.

There are other helpful supplements that you can incorporate with the pollen to make it more effective so don't fail to use them. You can add more vitamin C even though pollen already contains vitamin C.

Vitamin C is an immune booster and an antioxidant, so it only makes sense that one would want to use it to help in reducing allergy symptoms.

There are plenty of options when it comes to treating allergies, but those who wish to lead a medication free life or are more likely to try using pollen and stick with it.

Will you try pollen to help you reduce your nasal allergy symptoms this year?

Monday, December 12, 2011

I Don't Have Food Allergies - Do I?



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

IgE Antibodies

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

IgA Antibodies

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

IgG Antibodies

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

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

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Foods Sensitivities Aren't Unusual



Many of us have observed, or perhaps at least heard of the frightening anaphylactic reaction to peanuts and even shellfish which several kids have. As a parent this is often a tremendously scary occasion, we are going to discuss food sensitivities, which if disregarded after a while can cause various other health issues. "When we see kids come in with constant symptoms of abdomen pain, ear infections, runny noses, exhaustion or perhaps skin rashes, we think about food sensitivities first," states Dr Mike Towbin of Ultimate Health and Wellness in Fort Collins, CO. It's estimated that as much as 50 % of the population has a food sensitivity to varying degrees.

Once the immune system gets out of balance-say simply by eating an unhealthy diet, taking an antibiotic or catching a bug-it may start to see a certain food as an opponent and attack it. Unfortunately, the immune system can't tell the difference between an undigested food protein and a destructive protein like a virus.

"If your immune system is good and performing properly, it allows the ideal things into the bloodstream and keeps the dangerous stuff out," says Dr. Towbin of Ultimate Health and Wellness. Any time it's off, it could react to something harmless-like the protein in milk, whole wheat or perhaps corn-while allowing in dangerous things, including germs.

It's essential to note the actual difference relating to a food allergy and a food sensitivity. Genuine allergic reactions can be either immediate or delayed; they could trigger a extreme antibody reaction in the blood stream which could quickly turn into a crisis, or they can build a slow antibody response which could result in problems over hours, days or perhaps weeks. Sensitivities, on the other hand, may not have a clear immune trigger and can trigger a slower immune response. Indications may be annoying to significant and may come and go with modifications in diet. Well-known food sensitivities include things like wheat, dairy products, corn, soy, processed sugar, eggs, coffee, chocolate, beef, fish, shellfish, citrus in addition to food additives, preservatives and even colorings. Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, soy and wheat.

When Dr. Towbin suspects a food sensitivity he typically does further testing and suggests a comprehensive elimination diet. "We pull most of the suspect foods from the diet for 3 weeks to see if your youngster feels better. Next we add food groups back, one-by-one. Doing so let's us pinpoint which food is triggering the problem." If you suspect your child has an issue with food, see your doctor. Food allergies can be tested in multiple ways, sometimes with a simple blood test.

Homeopathic Remedies for Food Allergies and Sensitivities



Food allergies or sensitivities are a group of signs and symptoms that denote adverse immunologic reactions to food. Nowadays thanks to coloring agents, preservatives, pesticides, and newer food storage techniques food allergies and sensitivities have become a very common phenomenon. The manifestation of food allergies or sensitivities are specific and highly individualized depending on age, sex, the quantum of exposure to a specific allergen.

If a person is allergic to some food, the manifestation of allergic reaction starts once the food enters the mouth. The mouth starts itching and once the food enters the stomach, abdominal dysfunctions starts and the person starts experiencing vomiting, stomachache, cramps and diarrhea. Severe gastroenteritis where there is vomiting and diarrhea cause a drop in blood pressure. On skin the manifestations are to dermatitis or hives with severe itching, red welts with heat and irritation and occasional swelling. The respiratory manifestations might vary from a slight difficulty in breathing to severe wheeze. The manifestation differs from persons to person.

Homeopathic remedies for Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Homeopathy has an excellent remedy for treating food allergies and sensitivities. As the treatment for these problems require a very individual approach, homeopathy treats food allergies by the use of simple remedies.

However, food sensitivity demands treatment that is specific to a particular problem, a specific allergen and a specific manifestations.

Some of the remedies for food allergies and sensitivities are:

Arsenicum Album: This is the remedy to think of first in any case of food related gastric upsets.This remedy is indicated when the patient is down, severely dehydrated with frequent passing of "White, rice watery liquid stools", where there is thirst for small quantities of cold water and there is physical and mental restlessness with anxiety.

Aloes Socrotina: Pain around the navel region. Sense of fullness and distension of the abdomen and a feeling that there is a constant need to evacuate the bowels. Burning sensation with the loss of power of the sphincter's of the rectum with the passage of lumpy, mucus stained undigested stool.

Calcarea Carbonica: The indications that ask for the use of this remedy are fatigue, anxiety sometimes with claustrophobia or fear of heights, lack of stamina, chillness, etc. The other common symptoms are developing digestive problem and heart burn after eating milk or wheat products, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils, back pain, shortness of breath from exertion and strong craving for sour liquids.

Carbo Vegetabilis: It is an effective remedy for people who show indications of weakness, faintness, chillness, and indigestion due to reactions to food allergens. Such patients may also experience difficulty in breathing, strong desire for fresh air, frequent need to burp, bloating and flatulence.

Gelsemium: Patients who develop symptoms of chillness, weakness, trembling, muscle pain, droopiness in eyes due to allergy reactions ask for this remedy. They may also suffer in the back of the head and muscles of the neck and feel ill and weak.

When you are allergic to some food, your body responds to this food. Sometimes your immune system may react to even good food. Food allergies are not an ailment which needs to be cured but it is a manifestation of basic imbalance of the body.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Gluten Allergy - What Happens When You Are Allergic to Gluten?



Here are the 7 gluten-free basics to get you started....

1. What actually is gluten? I hear about it all the time and I have no idea!

Gluten is a natural forming protein found in grains. It is specifically found in wheat, oats, barley, and rye. Millet and corn are also showing up in tests as containing high levels of gluten (damn those tasty corn chips!).

Gluten can also be hidden in pre-prepared foods like soups, sauces, marinades, dairy products, and tinned goods. This is because derivatives of wheat are used as a cheap way to thicken food. Instead of boiling those tomatoes to make a rich, thick sauce, just throw in a bit of gluten and it'll thicken up nice and good!

2. What's the difference between gluten intolerant and celiac disease? I'm confused!

Yes, you're not alone. You and the majority of the population are pretty confused about the difference.

If you're 'gluten intolerant' that means you have an inability to tolerate gluten. Your symptoms may or may not be severe and you can get a range of reactions (varying in intensity) when ingesting gluten. You may not even be aware you are gluten intolerant.

If you're diagnosed as 'celiac' then you have an allergic reaction to gluten and your immune system will click in (it's basically saying "out with you damn gluten!"). Your symptoms will happen within 30 minutes to 3 hours of ingesting gluten. Being celiac will mean your symptoms will be a lot more dramatic and you definitely need medical guidance. You will definitely be aware something is dramatically wrong.

3. Someone told me I might be sensitive to gluten. How can I tell?

Well the list of symptoms is very broad but some of the major ones include digestive problems, diarrhea/constipation, weight gain/loss (unfortunately I suffer more from the gain!!), lung problems such as asthma, headaches, joint problems, depression, inability to concentrate, and fatigue. Different people respond differently. Of course these things can also be symbolic of many other physical problems, so do check with your doctor.

You can also try taking gluten out, wait a couple of weeks, then attempt to eat something with gluten in it. The symptoms can return within a couple of hours.

4. Should I care if I'm reacting to gluten? It all seems a bit hard!

Reacting to gluten can lead to major health problems, including diseases such as cancer, asthma, thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chron's disease. If you keep consuming gluten it's basically going to affect the tissue in your body and make you sick. It's not sounding pretty is it?

So in short, yes you should care! If you want to maintain your long-term health and are experiencing symptoms, go see a doctor and share your concerns.

5. Help!! I've just been diagnosed and need to go gluten-free. I just don't know what to eat now!

The simplest gluten-free diet is meat (unprocessed), fish, eggs, vegetables and fruit. You can add in some nuts (as long as they're not flavoured) and legumes like chickpeas and lentils. That's pretty easy isn't it? Just be sure you have your own chopping board and cooking implements. Use scrummy taste sensations like fresh herbs (or dried), spices, tamari (that's wheat-free soya sauce), tahini (that's made from sesame seeds and tastes a bit peanutty), rosewater, a dash of nice oil and so on to spice up your meals. Try out some ways to prepare raw food.

Here's an simple and comprehensive list of foods to avoid: Foods containing gluten

Don't be scared. Get creative! Fresh is always best. Use this as an opportunity to extend your diet and add some exciting new delights to your culinary repertoire.

6. How do I find 'hidden' gluten in food? It seems a bit confusing!

The first thing I recommend you do is learn how to read food labels (that's the list of contents you'll find on the back of prepared foods). My best advice is if in doubt about an ingredient, consider it 'persona non grata' (that's means put the packet down gently and step away slowly....).

Here are some hidden ingredients that you may not realise contain gluten and you'll need to avoid them. If in DOUBT, leave it OUT:

Thickners (anything numbered 1400-1450)

Maltodextrin

Soya sauce

Vinegar (unless it says white, balsamic or cider)

Cornstarch.

7. This whole gluten intolerance thing seems like a fad! How come everyone seems to have suddenly started becoming gluten-free?

Ok I'm going to step out on a limb here but after 8 years I'm sensing a pattern. My belief is that our Western diets are FILLED with gluten in recent years. From our breakfast cereals, to our high bread consumption (having toast for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch?), the increase in our consumption of pasta and noodles, to the amount of museli bars and muffins we consume, that's just the start! Add into the mix the amount of processed and flavoured food we eat, and you'd be hard-pushed to escape gluten in anything you eat if you're not monitoring your diet.

I think everyone would benefit from lessening their level of processed food and getting back to the joy of cooking from scratch. It's healthier and cheaper!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Neti Pot for the Winter



It's the holidays once again and you know what that means - winter is the time for colds, flu and other upper respiratory conditions. The combination of the weather, stress and being in crowds (where you can catch viruses) make you more susceptible to these conditions. At times, you may even wake up feeling terrible - your nose stuffed up, your throat scratchy and sneezing every few minutes. For these winter times, perhaps you should put down those cold medications and try using the neti pot. This device can help you get rid of those winter symptoms. The neti pot works as a nasal flushing device. Nasal flushing is the act of allowing water to flow through your nasal passages and flow out.

How does this work? First, the solution goes in one nostril, and flows through the nasal cavities. When it flows out, it should take away the foreign objects in there, caught by the small hairs in the nasal passages. These can be allergens or even viruses that cause flu and colds. When you get rid of them before they take hold into your body, you can prevent or shorten the time of your cold or flu. Nasal flushing can also work as a moisturizer for your nasal passages. The dry heat (from the heaters at home or at the office) can harden some of the mucus in the nasal cavities, which make it uncomfortable and even make it painful.

So, how do you use a neti pot? First, fill up the pot with filtered water and add some salt. Allow the salt to dissolve. Then, place the spout against your right nostril. Tip your head and continue to press the pot against the nostril. Allow the water to go into your nostril - keep your mouth open so you can breathe. The water will flow out your other nostril or through your mouth (make sure you spit it out.) Repeat with the other nostril. You'll feel relieved instantly!

Many people prefer doing this method of nasal flushing rather than taking medicines. For one thing, while medicines can help you, taking too much can harm other parts of your body, like the liver. This is a more natural way of giving you relief from sinus symptoms and facial pain. It can even helps people with sinusitis. Nasal flushing is safe to do every day, even twice a day (in the morning and evening.)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Enjoyment Of Ice Cream For Lactose Intolerant People



Making Lactose Free Ice Cream

There is no reason for lactose intolerance to mean that ice cream is never to be enjoyed again. There are several lactose free options that can be used to make this delicious dessert. Some commercially produced examples may be found on the shelves of your supermarket or health food store.

Another option is to consider making your own tasty dessert based on one the lactose free substitute milk options. Soy, rice and almond milks can be used to produce tasty desserts. Lactose free milk, which is dairy milk with added lactase that eliminates most lactose by breaking it down into the simpler sugars glucose and galactose, which lactose intolerant people can digest more easily. These lactose free milks come in many varieties such as reduced-fat, whole, calcium enriched and flavoured.

Ice Cream and Lactose

In each cup serving of regular ice cream there is approximately 6 g of lactose. People with lactose intolerance may suffer from symptoms after taking that amount of lactose. Some will be affected by even less than that. In addition to the normal level of lactose from the milk used to make ice cream, many brands found in stores have added milk solids in the ingredients which adds even more lactose.

Lactase Free Milk

Some companies produce lactose free desserts by adding the lactase enzyme in the recipe. Even when this process is used there may be traces of lactose present that can cause discomfort for some people. This type is available in several flavours and is typically rich and creamy, as the milk used has the same properties as cow's milk. It has the same level of calories, fat, protein and carbohydrates as regular milk.

Milk Substitutes and Ice Cream

Among the options for non-dairy milks to use for making your favourite dessert are soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk and almond milk. Because cow's milk tends to be thicker that than these substitutes, you may need to experiment with the recipe to make what you produce meet you preferred texture. Coconut milk can be thicker that the other substitutes so it might be better to try that. However, by trying to gain the texture you desire you may find the result has a different taste because the milk is made from coconut.

Sweetness is also another factor that will be affected by using different milk substitutes. Dairy milk is fairly sweet, so you may have to add some sweetener or adjust your taste to accept the less sweet alternatives.

Cream and Ice Cream

A typical ice cream has between 25% to 60% milk, with the remainder being cream, fruit and other ingredients. If using a lactose free milk or substitute, the lactose level will be reduced or non-existent. The cream that is part of the recipe will be a source of lactose, which may be problematic for some people. The options for substituting the cream include non-dairy whipped topping to add volume, flavour and texture.

Ice Cream Recipes

It is possible to find recipes for making lactose free homemade ice cream. Another option is to adapt a recipe for a typical homemade desserts by substituting the milk products with products that have no lactose. When using store bought ingredients for your homemade recipes remember to check the labels to make sure that they are truly lactose or dairy free.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Cholinergic Urticaria - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment



Is your cholinergic urticaria making you feel like you're destroyed inside? feel like you can't get the answers that you seek? this will change everything as soon as you start reading. Here you will get concrete information about cholinergic urticaria, including the symptoms, causes and possibly what you can do to get some relief.

What Is Cholinergic Urticaria?

This form of skin hives is fairly common out of all of the different forms of chronic urticaria. It's been estimated that about 11% of chronic urticaria sufferers will have cholinergic urticaria. It's main trigger is outside heat causing an internal rise in body temperature. Emotional stress is also a major contributor, but cholinergic urticaria is often times also known as exercise induced hives, because physical activities like yard work or hitting the gym can also bring it on.

However, you should also know that heat hives, or solar urticaria can be labeled sometimes as a classification of cholinergic urticaria. Essentially, anything that has to do with elevated temperatures is what triggers a person's skin to break out into this unpleasant form of skin hives.

What shocks most hives patients isn't always the fact that they have cholinergic urticaria, but the factors that can trigger it. Blushing, taking a shower consisting of hot water, and even eating spicy food can induce this form of hives. It is still widely believed that one of the largest causes of cholinergic urticaria in hives patients is stress. The good news is that there are plenty of ways and lots of knowledge on managing stress. The bad news is that cholinergic urticaria can also cause a lot of stress for the individual who suffers with it.

Studies have revealed some interesting findings. It's believed that men are slightly more prone to this type of urticaria for some reason. It's also be revealed that the medium age for those affected by this skin issue is 22, with studies ranging from 16 - 30 years of age.

On average, 7.5 years is the long term duration that it lasts, but it has also been known to last in some patients for as long as 30 years.

What Causes Cholinergic Urticaria?

Although heat hives at the core is caused by a rising in body temperature from a physical stimulus, in actual fact it's the sweating that leads to the outbreak of wheals (raised, itchy patches of skin) on the body. These spots are typically about 2 - 3 millimeters in size, and most of the time will occur within 20 minutes of stimulus, although it can take a little longer sometimes.

Compared to other types of hives, these itchy patches of skin typically don't last as long, with the longest duration being a few hours, but more often than not, only being present for about 30 minutes.

Cholinergic is the term which means "related to acetylcholine", and acetylcholine is a chemical that originates as a neurotransmitter from the parasymphatic nervous system. When released this chemical can cause a hives reaction.

Although it's widely known that a rise in body temperature, followed by sweating, then by the secretion of acetylcholine, and then by a histamine reaction is what causes cholinergic urticaria to occur, the true root cause is not understood, and more testing and research is required at the point in time.

Symptoms Of Cholinergic Urticaria

The symptoms are pretty straight forward. Small, pruritic (itchy) wheals that range in size between 1 - 3 mm, with the outside areas becoming flared.

The wheals can appear anywhere on the body, except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Understanding this description can help someone determine whether or not they have cholinergic urticaria.

There are other symptoms that are non skin related as well. Abdominal cramping along with diarrhea, headaches and even lightheadedness or fainting can occur.

Does Cholinergic Urticaria Treatment Exist?

Yes and no. There really is no believed treatment, but the antihistamine hydroxyzine seems to have a positive effect on this condition. The only set back is that it causes major drowsiness, which is hard to tolerate for most patients.

People who learn to live well alongside cholinergic urticaria tend to do so by having a game plan to stick with. They may take short, warm showers, exercise minimally throughout the day (rather than all at once), and avoid certain spicy foods in their diet.

Studies have shown that this form of hives can come on not as a shift in core body temperature or skin surface temperature, but a collection of the average body temperature.

Best Practices For Keeping An Allergy Free Home (It's More Than Just Carpet Cleaning)



There are many medications out there designed to help you feel better once you start experiencing allergy symptoms, but why not just prevent the symptoms altogether with a comprehensive allergen control plan? To avoid allergy triggers while at home, follow these tips for banishing dust mites, pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold, and other household allergens.

In the Living Room

The key to allergy-proofing your home is to think like an allergen, and then extensively clean all the places where allergens tend to linger. Examples include carpeting, upholstery, curtains, blinds, wall hangings, shelves, and knickknacks. Twice weekly carpet cleaning sessions with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter are essential, along with regular dusting and biweekly vacuuming of any upholstery. Additionally, keep windows closed during allergy season and watch out for signs of mold and moisture near windows.

In the Bedroom

You most likely spend more time in your bedroom than any other room in your home, so this room is not to be missed. Cover your pillows, box spring, and mattresses with dust mite-proof covers, and wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Window coverings are a favorite place of allergens, so wash them weekly as well. Try to eliminate as much clutter as possible in the bedroom, and keep pets out as well. You can also remove any stray allergens from the air by running a HEPA filter while you're sleeping.

In the Bathroom

Mold is an allergen that thrives on moisture, so take steps to reduce moisture in the bathroom. Use an exhaust fan during and after showers and baths to quickly move steam out of the room, and avoid moisture-trapping wallpaper. You should also avoid rugs, window coverings, and fabrics when possible, or at least clean them regularly. Another trick is to dry the shower or tub after each use, and to clean the tub, tiles, sink, toilet, and floor with a five-percent chlorine bleach solution once a week to further prevent mold.

In the Kitchen

Much like the bathroom, the main goal in the kitchen is to control moisture. Use an exhaust fan to remove steam from cooking, and always keep the sink empty and dry. Check your refrigerator weekly for moldy food, and empty garbage containers daily.

Additional Best Practices

Don't allow smoking in your home and keep pets (and their allergy-inducing dander) outside if possible or at least off of furniture. Have your carpet professionally cleaned twice a year (or more if you suffer from particularly bad allergies). To keep insects and other pests at bay make sure to keep all countertops, cabinets, appliances, floors, and other hard surfaces clean. Should any insect or pest problems arise, take action at the first signs of invasion. Fix any plumbing leaks promptly. If after all of these steps moisture remains a problem in the home, use a dehumidifier.

Taking these steps to eliminate or reduce allergens around your home may seem overwhelming at first, but the comfort you'll enjoy as a result will be worth it. Stop treating allergy symptoms by getting rid of the triggers - follow these best practices for allergy-proofing your home today!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Canada Pharmacy Online Offers Quick Relief from Eye Allergies



Eye allergies can cause considerable amount of discomfort including itchy, red, or watery eyes that invariably lead to conjunctivitis. At such times, finding relief becomes essential, as often watery eyes and swollen eyelids affect eyesight. People can now buy Elestat from Canada Pharmacy Online as an effective anti-allergy therapy for prevention of itchiness resulting from allergic conjunctivitis.

Neglecting Eye Allergies Is a Mistake

Malfunction in the body's immune system is responsible for eye allergies. Mucous membrane known as conjunctiva lines the eyelids covering white portion of the eye. When the immune system is down or malfunctions, even a small harmless particle in the sensitive area is considered a threat to the eye. The immune system begins releasing histamine responsible for watery eyes and itching. Allergic symptoms in the eye can occur with nasal allergy symptoms as well. Taking early action in the form of medication to tackle the allergy is therefore very essential.

Eye allergies may appear to be a common ailment with one-fifth of all Americans suffering from symptoms. However, the same symptoms of red and puffy eyes could be a result of other infections and medical conditions that could affect eyesight. So it is a smart move to keep allergy remedies in stock or go see the doctor for immediate relief.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Lactose Intolerance and Lactose Free Information for Lifestyle Improvement



The effect of lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance has been linked to many physical symptoms. For many people, it may be the insidious and almost un-noticed lethargy or weight gain. Others suffer from crippling migraines and "autoimmune" type symptoms that can adversely affect your lifestyle.

Some research has linked dairy to prostate cancer, breast cancer, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Dairy and dairy products are completely safe for most people, but for others, it can be a silent (or not so silent) destroyer of a quality lifestyle.

It might be worth checking out to see if a dairy-free or dairy-limited diet improves your quality of life. By limiting your Dairy intake for a short time, there may be no reaction, or no change, and you can go back to your normal diet. On the other hand, if your migraines disappear, your cholesterol drops, your blood pressure stablises, your energy increases, your body seems lighter, your stomach calms down, and if you just FEEL BETTER, that might be telling you something.

Have you considered going Dairy-Free?

I thought that it was just one of those fads that seemed to be popular and typical of what New-Age, Natural therapies gurus were promoting.

That is until a couple of health issues that had been lurking in my background started to surface. That's when going Dairy-Free (and gluten-free) was suggested to me. Taking the, "Well it's worth a try approach" I decided to remove Dairy and Gluten from my diet.

The effect was almost immediate. The excess weight came off without effort, my blood pressure (which was being slightly improved by medication) fell to, and maintained a good level and I had a general sense of feeling better.

After a time, when I reintroduced some small amounts of Dairy, I began to feel small amounts of abdominal discomfort. Apparently over the years I had been experiencing this discomfort, but did not recognize that it was potentially the result of a small degree of lactose intolerance. Now, after a short period of not having that discomfort, I notice that soon after eating or drinking dairy products it returns. That discomfort is not debilitating, but it is noticeable, and I suspect a result of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is not something that everyone has to live with, but if going dairy-free for a short time indicates that it may be affecting you then it is worth having it checked out.

Before making any substantial changes to your diet it is advised that you consult with your trusted health professional.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Canada Pharmacy Welcomes Allergy Immunotherapy Changes



Different types of allergies strike people at different times of the year, and allergy immunotherapy usually takes several months or even years to find the optimum resolution of symptoms. Our Canadian pharmacy therefore welcomes a more effective approach being adapted by the medical community. Researchers presented data at the American College Of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting indicating much faster benefits for patients who opted and received accelerated immunotherapy schedules.

Allergy Diseases May Increase In Future

An estimated $12 billion is spent on anti-allergic drugs yearly with over 300 million people suffering from asthma across the world. Allergy is a state of hypersensitivity resulting in excess production of mast cells, which are white blood cells, and an antibody known as IGE. Reactions to allergy are often extremely inflammatory and commonly include eczema, hay fever, asthma, hives, reaction to insect bites, and food allergies, among other reactions. In different locations of the world, allergy reactions differ and people experience symptoms that have not been treated earlier.

Medical bodies across the world are trying to educate people about causes and consequences of the different allergy diseases. Our Canada pharmacy has kept in touch with regular updates being published by eminent immunologists across the globe, as allergy has the potential to develop into an academic. People do buy Allegra to find relief from allergy symptoms. For instance, every second European may suffer from an allergy in the year 2012. Westernized living standards including vaccinations at a young age and availability of antibiotics to treat different ailments result in accelerated rate of allergies.

Is It Time To Get A Mold Inspection?



Have you considered getting a mold inspection? If you think there may be hazardous mold lurking in the deep dark crevices of your home, a home mold inspection might just be what you need to clean up this ghastly presence.

Why get a mold inspection?

Mold is not only ugly, it can be hazardous to the health of your family. Mold spores floating around your home might seem as innocent as dust particles, and basically in most cases they are. But, when mold plants its roots and develops into a toxic strain, it becomes a dangerous situation.

mold inspection

 

Some of your family members might be allergic to mold. An allergic reaction to mold is more severe than other allergic reactions. Serious respiratory problems could develop. Small children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory conditions are even more susceptible.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Mold Allergies - What you can do to to stop this pesky condition



Nearly everyone experiences some form of allergy including mold allergies. An allergy is simply an intolerance to a certain environmental or ingested product, such as pollen, dogs, peanuts or lotions. Allergies can cause many symptoms. These range from minor irritation of the affected area up to anaphylactic shock that can lead to death. Most often people with what they term "seasonal" allergies experience their symptoms during particular parts of the year, such as the spring or fall. If you experience the symptoms of allergies throughout the year, and they get worse when in certain indoor environments, you may not have seasonal allergies at all. Rather, you may be experiencing mold allergies.

What are Mold Allergies?

Most people are exposed to mold throughout the day, every day. Tiny spores released by the fungus can be in the air you breathe, or you may accidentally eat food that has mold on it. For the most part, such small exposures will have no negative effect. For people withmold allergies, however, being exposed to too much mold, whether through breathing it or ingesting it, can cause unpleasant, and even dangerous, symptoms. An allergy to mold is like any other allergy, and should be recognized and dealt with as quickly as possible to prevent miserable symptoms and damage to health.

Learn What Mold Smells Like So You Can Better Diagnose Possible Mold Problems



Have you wondered what does mold smell like? A damp musty smell is usually mildew. The smell of mold is not quite as obvious, but very similar.

 

What does mold smell like?

Mold is a microscopic fungi. It is one of the smallest members of the mushroom and yeast family. It takes hold easily in damp areas and reproduces quickly meaning it can cover a large area in a very short time. Some mold is helpful. Penicillin was developed from a type of mold and has cured more diseases than scientists ever thought possible. Other molds assist in the fermentation needed to make some types of food and beverages, like sauerkraut, beer and wine .

 

Harmful Mold

Of course, not all mold is helpful. Most of it is just the opposite. Mold can ruin wooden furniture, fabrics, hard wood flooring, carpets and many other household items. It can have negative affects on your health, as well. Expectant mothers, small children, elderly people and people with chronic respiratory problems are affected the most by floating mold spores.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Wart Safe Treatment



The reason of wart is by the human Papilloma virus. This virus mainly enters in the skin via area where skin is broken. Depending on the some particular tune of this virus, warts can appear. Medical research have discovered many different versions of wart and developed effective wart treatment for wart removal. There are many types of reasons for why warts affected some people and not others.

Dermisill is one of the method treatments against of warts. This is made by nature's experiment. Dermisil is test on all types of HPV symptoms that cover all types of warts. This product is safe to use, but pregnant women and children below the age of 5 cannot use this product.

The homeopathic wart treatment is Watrol. It is the best treatment of warts in the today's market. This product is also made by natural products. In this product Watrol include Black Sulphide of Antimony, Wild Yellow Indigo, Potassium hydrate, Nitric Acid and Arbor Vitae. It is a safe medicine. Compare to any other homeopathic treatment in the market it has not any report of side effects. This medicine contains 20% alcohol in the ingredient. But it is not any side effect for any age of people. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Natural Remedies for Asthma and Allergies



Introduction

Asthma Overview

Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs.
Asthma is caused by chronic inflammation of these passages. This makes the breathing passages, or airways, of the person with asthma highly sensitive to various "triggers." This narrowing makes it difficult for air to be breathed out from the lungs.

A little about allergies

Allergies are the result of a hypersensitive immune system. With every breath we take, we breathe in millions of microscopic particles such as dust, pollen, plant spores, viruses, bacteria and even pollutants in the form of chemicals in the air.

Facts and Figures
An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from asthma (1 in 15 Americans), and 50% of asthma cases are "allergic-asthma." Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children. Asthma is more common among adult women than adult men.

Every day in America: 40,000 people miss school or work due to asthma, 30,000 people have an asthma attack, 5,000 people visit the emergency room due to asthma and 1,000 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma.
 

An Herbal Tea Remedy that reduces Asthma attacks and Allergies symptoms

ASMAKAL Herbal Tea Remedy, which was developed by Galilee Tisanes, is a natural mixture of medicinal herbs which Promotes healthy respiratory function.

You Can Have Clearer Skin And Feel Healthier With The Help of Bee Pollen



Have you ever imagined the ways bee pollen and acne may go together?

Unless you've had someone tell you about their experience of getting clearer skin through the use of this wonder food, you may not have given it a second thought.

If you are out of the loop on the numerous ways pollen can be helpful, you're in for a treat. This article is going to clue you in to some of the beneficial ways bee pollen can give you better health and improve your complexion.

What Makes This Natural Supplement So Great?

Bee pollen is made up of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fatty acids. It is full of vitamins A, C and B complex; all of which promote healthy skin.

In addition to this wealth of nutrients, pollen contains a lot of healthy antioxidants. They are also known as free radicals and are able to neutralize harmful chemicals that would do damage at the cellular level.

These are the same antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins that work hard to repair damage in cells and skin. By getting a daily dosage of pollen supplements you can help protect your skin, increase your natural immunity and have higher energy levels.

How Does Bee Pollen And Acne Treatments Go Together?

The average person's diet is no longer balanced.

It is very difficult to get the right amounts of fats, vitamins and nutrients. This is mainly because the majority of people are eating drive thru-meals and highly processed food-products chock full of preservatives and void of high quality nutrition.

This creates a gap in the normal person's diet where it is lacking in certain essential fats. If there is a disruption in the balance of Omega-3s and Omega 6s, then you can start to have all sorts of differing ailments of health and complexion.

One of these is acne. There have been dermatologist studies that show acne as having its roots in stress, hormonal imbalances, stomach issues and a person's general state of nutrition.

By taking a natural supplement that provides the right balance of nutrients you can start your body back on the road to a healthy balance. This will give your skin a chance to heal and for the inflammation to go down. That is when your body starts to experience less irritation and you start to experience results.

Pollution Plays A Big Role In The Quality Of Your Pollen

You're not going to see the best health changes if you use a natural supplement that is full of pollutants and toxins.

In fact, if you are not choosy about where you get your natural supplements from you may be defeating the purpose by ingesting toxins. Instead, you want to use something as it was intended to be and harvested from an environment that is as pure as nature meant it to be.

The New Zealand islands off its southwestern coast are known for having some of the purest air we could breathe.

It is also important to know that it makes for fantastic fresh flowers for bees to gather pollen from. Xtend-Life offers a nutritional supplement in capsule form made of the pollen from these islands.

They freeze dry the pollen immediately upon gathering-a process that helps to insure all the beneficial properties of the vitamins, minerals and fatty acid are naturally preserved. Using a higher quality of pollen like this will allow you to experience the results from bee pollen and acne treatment.

Learn About Amazing Bee Pollen Facts That Can Help You Live a Healthier Life

Saturday, October 29, 2011

What Can We Do With Hay Fever?



When we have chronic allergies, our immune system has been shifted away from a response that deals more with bacteria and viruses towards a response that causes more allergic tendencies. This is usually due to our bodies being over-stimulated by exposure to multiple irritants and becoming hypersensitive to different agents. With a shift in the immune response, our immune system is hypersensitive to things such as dust, pollen, grasses, pet dander, or allergic foods, and allergies can often be found in a triad with asthma and eczema. The most important thing to do at this point is to try and avoid things we are sensitive to, whether they are food or environmental offenders, to try and decrease the burden to our immune system. Besides avoiding offending factors, there are many other natural treatments that can be helpful, which are described below.

Vitamin C and quercetin are both very helpful in decreasing histamine and the inflammatory response seen in allergies. Other treatments that are very helpful for decreasing hay fever include grape seed extract, Petasites hybridus, or butterbur, and Urtica dioica, or nettles. Because low stomach acid can cause problems in digestion and lead to the development of allergies, supplementing with hydrocholoric acid may be useful. Fish oil and probiotics can also help with stabilizing membranes and the healing of the gut, which will decrease allergic symptoms.

A method for directly clearing our nasal passages during bouts of hay fever is the use of a neti pot. Howto use a neti pot is described in my blog post on treatments for sinus infections. A neti pot can help to wash away any airborne allergens we may have inhaled during the day, as well as rinsing away any bacteria or other microbes that can build up and eventually cause sinus infections. The neti pot can thus directly decrease the allergic load in our nose and sinuses.

Along with using a neti pot to clear nasal passages, another way of decreasing congestion and thinning mucus secretions can be accomplished by eating spices or pungent foods. As long as the spices do not cause reflux (spicy foods are an easy trigger for people that are prone to having heartburn), the most frequently recommended spices for this purpose include cayenne pepper, hot ginger, and fenugreek, as well as the traditional onion and garlic.

One key to success with allergies is to try and start treatment before symptoms kick in - starting three weeks before allergy season begins is a great way for preventing or decreasing allergy symptoms. As always, there are many treatments that can be beneficial for allergies. It is therefore important to seek professional medical advice for moderate to severe allergies to find the underlying causes for each case and to get treatments specific to each individual.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Use Allergy Free Bedding to Chase Away Health Issues



Believe it or not, but allergies are one of the main triggering factors responsible for a number of health issues. Be it dust, mite, or for that matter any other commonly found allergen, the role they play in deteriorating our health stays the same. These allergens lead to issues such as respiratory congestion, nasal irritation, body itch, nausea, and several other similar health worries, making the lives of people much more troublesome than they have to be. However, with the use of allergy free bedding covers, a number of these problems can be greatly curbed, letting you and your dear ones live a longer and healthier life.

As suggested by their name, allergy free bedding covers are aimed at giving you a healthy, allergen free bed to sleep in. As you may already know, dust and mite found in our bedding are responsible for a large number of allergies, using these covers are sure to minimize the probability of allergy attacks. The secret of these covers is the remarkable fabric that is used to manufacture them. Unlike ordinary cloths allowing passage to dust and mite, the fabric used to manufacture allergy free bedding covers assures great resistance from the aforesaid allergens, promising sound sleep every night.

Owing to their instant success, manufacturers of these dust mite covers have started manufacturing other types of upholstery covers such as pillow cases, mattress covers, mattress covers, and the likes, ensuring complete protection for your near and dear ones from allergy attacks. This is the reason every health expert recommends using all types of allergy covers available in the market to guarantee total protection against allergies. In addition to this, by covering the bed upholstery with these covers, you safeguard yourself against potential long term health concerns as well.

When it comes to buying dust mite covers, you can easily find different types of options in the market including allergy free bedding cover, pillow cover, comforter covers, and many others in the virtual market. However, though the web space is a great place to buy everything money can compensate for, the presence of scam websites and dubious sellers on the web-space cannot be ruled out. This is the reason it is strongly recommended for you to ensure that you are not being duped. To do this, always verify the authenticity of the seller you are shopping from by reading their customer reviews received for the previous orders.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Home Remedies for Pain Allergies - 4 Remedies For Allergies



Allergy symptoms

are brought on whenever you have an immune overreaction. Your immune system is prepared to protect the body against viruses and dangerous bacteria that will enter your system and disrupt regular functions. Whenever you have allergy symptoms, the immune system response exaggerates. The primary trigger of allergy symptoms are from dust, pollen, mildew and also pets. These triggers are known as allergens.

Listed here are 4 all-natural treatments for allergy symptoms that will be utilized to assist and stop allergy symptoms from kicking in. Even assist to alleviate symptoms if uncovered.

    Attempt to stay clear of the culprits that trigger your allergy symptoms. As soon as you have a thought of what precisely is creating your allergy, do every thing feasible to steer clear of get in touch with with this particular allergen. Make sure to make plans ahead of time to eliminate future exposure. For instance, in the event you know you're allergic to mildew, do every thing feasible to maintain every thing inside your house thoroughly clean and totally free of mildew. Don't go to places where mildew could be a issue.

Yoga in your Asthma Action Plan



An asthma action plan is often a written program that lets you know how to reply to bronchial asthma signs. The aim would be to avoid flare-ups with good every day control and recognizing signs and symptoms of the flare-up earlier. Additionally it is essential to accept proper medication on the proper time. You do not need to discontinue for the medication you've been using but should you choose some all-natural stuff you can enhance your bronchial asthma and you might not need to take those medications.

Yoga is probably the most beneficial healing methods theoretically as well as in practice and it needs to be included in your Asthma Action Plan. It generally includes several unique breathing routines with meditation. Yoga has been practiced more than 5000 years. What exactly is special about these yoga exercises is they could be used by anybody, no matter creed, age, color or religion. Yoga promotes enhanced breathing.  The breathing exercise in yoga shows you proper breathing together with your complete inhaling and exhaling mechanism.  Your energy is increased through the improved breathing.

Taking Care of Respiratory Allergies with Apt Aids



It is undeniable that sound health the biggest blessing of all. With the rise in health concerns amongst the masses, the healthcare industry has developed a number of remarkable aids aimed at preventing several health ailments. Especially when we talk about respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and the likes, there are several ways by which you can minimize the risk of an attack. Two notable mentions from the segment of preventive aids available for respiratory issues are whole house HEPA air purification systems and allergy bedding sets.

As the name suggest, whole house HEPA air purification system is aimed at trapping the dust particles and other respiratory allergens found in air, making the air of the room much safer for you and your dear ones. As the rise in the demand of air purification systems grew manifolds, numerous manufacturers and importers have started to offer poor quality purifiers at ridiculously low prices. However, the poor performance of such purifiers makes them a sheer wastage of money. Thus, always go for premium quality air purifiers.

The next recommended aid for those dealing with respiratory allergies is allergy bedding sets. These sets comprise of specially manufactures bedding covers aimed at preventing dust from entering or escaping from our mattresses, pillows, comforters, and the likes. The secret of these covers' functionality is the fabric that is used to manufacture them. The fabric used is extremely closely woven and has very small pores for the air to pass through. These pores are so small that they don't let dust and other allergens pass through them, making the covers highly dust resistant.

If you are one of the many dealing with respiratory allergies or have a dear one in your family going through this ordeal, the aforesaid aids are bound to give great relief from the issue. Going for these options ensure that you keep respiratory allergies at bay and promise yourself and your family a healthy and trouble free life. Owing to their high demand, these aids are easily available in most places, however, in order to buy them in the most seamless manner; it is recommended that you buy them from an online seller.

With internet available in most places, you can use a web search engine and discover several e-stores offering these aids. Thanks to the extensive array of options the online market has to offer, no matter whether you need to buy a whole house HEPA air purification system or an allergy bedding set, a suitable seller is just a web search away.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Discover the Five Psoriasis Home Remedies



Psoriasis home remedies can be a mild, all natural therapy choices to a recurring skin disease traditionally treated with harsh topical cream and oral prescription medicines, such as corticosteroids, Anthralin, or Calcineurin inhibitors, that may result in debilitating irritation on the presently swollen skin, and even negatively affecting the body's immune system.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder, often occurring on the arms, legs, scalp and trunk area of the body. Described as patches of elevated, reddish skin having scales of silver covering the patches, psoriasis frequently impacts the elbows and knees. Psoriasis isn't contagious and is not an infection.

Psoriasis breakouts could be due to environmental factors like air pollution, cigarette smoking and anxiety. They might also be a result of sickness and injury. Healthy skin cells have got a month-long life cycle. They grow far down in the skin and relocate to the surface of the skin within a 28-day timeframe. The fresh skin cells move to the top and the very old ones are shed off.

For someone with psoriasis, this event merely takes three to four days. The skin cells develop in layers of patches known as "plaques." For most sufferers, psoriasis home remedies work well at reducing symptoms, without undesirable side effects.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Dr. William Howland Discusses the Top 5 Allergy Cities in the U.S



According to Dr. William Howland, there are some lists in which a city doesn't want to be in the "Top 5." And one of those lists is the "Worst Allergy Cities in the United States." The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America uses a ranking system that takes into account three distinct factors to determine a city's allergy ranking, says Dr. William Howland. The deciding factors include tree pollen amounts, the number of allergy medications used by residents and the number of allergists, Dr. William Howland explains.

There are plenty of reasons why Austin, Texas is nicknamed the "Allergy Capital of the World," Dr. William Howland acknowledges. With its three allergy seasons, there is a scant few months when residents have relief from hay fever, comments Dr. William Howland. There is even a winter pollen season, which is unusual for most of the country, and is caused by mountain cedar trees. The spring allergy season occurs with newly budding trees and grasses and the fall season thatDr. William Howland describes as being born on a wave of ragweed pollen.   

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Staying Healthy in a Clean Home



No family is interested in suffering from allergy symptoms that could quite possibly keep family members under the weather and home from school or work. Is it essential that parents and guardians are aware of the basics when it comes to cleaning a home or residence and keeping it clean. The difference between a clean home and a not-so-clean home is quite obvious. Researching and following a few simple cleaning steps will be the key to ensuring everyone in the home stays healthy and remains in good condition throughout the seasons.

Among the basics of keeping a home clean, it is vital that sanitation efforts are continuously in place. The biggest sanitation step will be the washing of hands. The same way hands are used to transfer objects, food and other things, they are also useful in the transfer of contagious and infectious bacterias. Although it is believed that allergies are not contagious, if anyone in the home has allergies, they are encouraged to wash their hands after every sneeze, cough, blowing of the nose, etc. A great way to minimize the onset of allergies is to ensure vents are kept clean, air purifiers are in place and there is medicine on hand for any uncontrolled occasion where pollen or dust may be present.

Many homeowners rely on the services of a professional cleaning company to ensure their home is being cleaned to the highest degree and without error. There is a positive to knowing how keeping a home clean will not only show good with guests or visitors, but benefit the entire family. A clean home ensures that many illnesses one has to worry about throughout the season are otherwise absent in a clean home environment.

For homeowners who are distinctly interested in keeping their own home clean, it is essential to do minor research on products and techniques that will assist in achieving the highest cleaning results. Homeowners should know that there is more to cleaning than sweeping, mopping and washing dishes! Cleaning is a practice that should be carried out in a group effort by all members of the home.

Summary of side effects of Atenolol and Zoloft



Atenolol and Zoloft are medicinal drugs that are used to remedy a number of circumstances like high BP and hypertension. Both varieties of drugs surely are considered as Beta blocker and help in lowering the blood pressure of the patient. It is certain that both the medicinal drugs offer patents with different side effects. Before you take these medications it is recommended to seek advice from your physician for the accurate amount of dosage that you need to consume. Side effects of atenolol and side effects of Zoloft depend on the immune system of the patient. These side effects might include signs like dizziness, pain in the chest, nausea and belly ache. Apart from this the atenolol side effects and Zoloft side effects might as well differ from one patient to another, depending on the quantity of dosage consumed.

The drugs and medications are mainly offered to patients to treat conditions like coronary heart disease and other related problems. Both medicinal drugs are consumed as oral suspension and tablets and therefore it is important that you need to maintain the time of medications consistently. When taking these medications it is certain that you as well need to control your body weight. Apart from this if you are looking forward to check side effects of Atenolol and side effects of Zoloft it is important that you need to consume a nourishing diet. It is also important that if you are consuming these medications then you should try and include exercise sessions on regular basis to help make better your blood flow in your body.

You also need to keep in mind that if you are used to taking both medications for a while then before discontinuing them you should try and seek advice from professional medical doctor. In case these medications are discontinued instantly then you might face serious side effects of atenolol and of Zoloft that might comprise chest pain or in some cases, even heart attack. There are a number of patients who as well complain of reduced heart beat the moment they try and stop taking these medicines without consulting medical doctor.

As these are strong medicines so it is certain that you might too face swelling in different parts of the body or even get the feeling of excessive coldness. In some cases it has too been seen that side effects of atenolol and Zoloft side effects might lead to reduced apetitie, stomach pain, nausea and depression. Many patients who have been taking the medicines for a long time as well complain of some serious side effects of atenolol and side effects of Zoloft like asthma problems, heart failure and chest pain. The moment you experience these side effects it is important that you should try and seek medical advise instantly from a professional.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Reducing Asthma and other allergy symptoms



The inhalation of airborne fungal spores is a long recognised trigger for many allergies including Asthma, Rhinitis and certain forms of dermatitis which can often be misdiagnosed as eczema, particularly in children.  In the autumn many asthma sufferers, as well as those suffering from Rhinitis and other allergy related conditions report a rise in the severity of their symptoms. This is due in large part to the increased levels of mould in the environment and home caused by the relatively damp and warm atmospheric conditions. The spores released by these fungi are released into the air and are inhaled into the airways provoking allergic reactions amongst sufferers. Most sufferers are completely unaware of these allergens or how to control them.

 Whilst we cannot control the prevalence of these allergens in the outside environment, we can take steps to reduce their levels in the home using a variety of methods. Reducing the levels of humidity in the home using air conditioning units and improved ventilation symptoms help, albeit at a relatively high cost and can indeed have other detrimental effects I.E. air conditioning can cause drying out of respiratory tissue making inflammation and chest infections more likely.