The Causes Of Food Allergy

January 11, 2010 by mbelcher · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS 
If there is an abnormal response triggered by the immune system, because of some food items, it is known as food allergy. There are various foods that cause allergy in humans. If the allergic reactions are very serious, it is capable of creating a serious condition or even death. Peanuts and tree nuts and two food items that cause a very serious condition called anaphylaxis.

There are some foods that cause allergies very commonly in humans. They are fish, such as shellfish, crabs and lobster with shrimp. There are some others such as eggs and even milk. Milk, eggs and nuts affect children especially. Soy and wheat are also responsible for food allergies in the body. Some reactions to food may not be called as allergies, but they may be called as intolerance to food. The immune system is not responsible for causing any intolerance to food. They may feel like a food allergy, and thus you will have to consult a doctor about the same. Some individuals may be allergic to various types of food, but there are certain foods, which cause allergies in about ninety percent of humans.

They are the food types mentioned above. The body will believe that these foods are harmful, and in turn will react to protest against the intake of them. The protein that triggers the food allergy is known as the allergen. There are several millions of people around the world who have food allergies, and the number is rising every day. About eight percent of children below the age of five have food allergies, and about four percent of the adults have them. There are about hundreds of deaths every year around the world because of food allergies. Food allergy will be distinct compared to food intolerance and other food diseases. Doctors will be immediately able to diagnose the same.

The treatment will include a list of food items, which you will have to avoid, in which the individual will have to avoid all the food types that they are allergic to. Inhaling or touching the food avoidance may also be recommended for those who are very sensitive to the foods. If the surface has come in contact with the food, then the surface will also have to be avoided. If certain people have food allergy, then it is recommended as they carry emergency kits, or as recommended by the doctor. There are various symptoms, which are associated with the food allergies. They are itching in the throat, skin, mouth and eyes. There could also be abdominal pain, stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea.

There can be difficulty swallowing or there could be nasal congestion. Some food allergies may be genetic, and this also has to be consulted with the doctor. If an individual faces symptoms of food allergy while consuming certain foods, then it is a must that they avoid such foods in the future. If consumed again, it could lead to serious conditions. Maintaining a history of food allergy is a good suggestion for such patients.



By: NaNa Dumro

About the Author:
The article written by Nana Dumro, please visit the website for more information as it provides more knowledge about Food Allergy Treatment and Food Allergy Natural Treatment



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An Effective Approach To Histamine Intolerance Now Made Possible

January 9, 2010 by mbelcher · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS 
People, naturally, are fond of eating. Especially now that foods come in different styles, it may be hard to resist a buffet at a party or a new dish served by a loved one. Yet, perhaps the foods you enjoyed a few hours ago will be the same ones you’d wish you had never bothered to eat.

Many health-related problems are caused by eating certain foods and the most common problems are food allergies and food intolerance. Many people worldwide have experienced symptoms of food intolerance and allergic reactions but, thankfully, doctors and scientists have discovered effective ways of alleviating and possibly preventing these symptoms.

However, a food allergy is not synonymous with food intolerance, also called histamine intolerance. Although most allergic reactions involve the body chemical histamine, histamine intolerance is quite different; it is a reaction of one’s digestive system to food that has high levels of histamine, whereas a food allergy is an abnormal body reaction that involves the immune system.

Histamine intolerance has caused people in all stages of life to suffer from its various symptoms. If you’re one of the millions, or billions, who suffer from this condition, you can still consider yourself lucky. With today’s technology and recent scientific progress, a way exists to free you from that predicament.

The underlying cause of many types of food intolerance is the elevated levels of histamine found in certain foods and substances; your digestive system has difficulty digesting the ingredients that contain these high levels of histamine, especially if you are deficient in the natural enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO).

But now, through the modern breakthrough formula Histame, you can join the thousands of people who have already been helped with the discomfort they experience due to histamine food intolerance. This breakthrough formula is clinically shown to regulate the elevated histamine levels that can cause food intolerance.

Naturally Vitamins’ DAO formula, a new dietary ingredient developed by an Austrian biochemist, has been proven an effective aid in regulating histamine levels, and is also considered the first dietary supplement worldwide to decrease the elevated histamine levels in the body resulting from food intolerance.

If you’re one of the 25% of the general population who have highly reduced DAO activity and, thus, are exposed to more types of histamine food intolerance, then you will find a great health aid in the DAO formula. This dietary ingredient can provide you with a more effective answer to eating foods with increased histamine levels, without the worries of suffering from the common histamine intolerance symptoms.

With Naturally Vitamins’ Histame, you can enjoy eating more without compromising your health. Though it is best to regulate your food intake, the DAO formula can be your efficient assistant in helping your body to be at its best.



By: Daniel Marcus Manson

About the Author:

Alexia Rigor is a freelance writer who has contributed various articles to a local UK magazine, with most of her work covering health-related issues and problems. Her recent articles talk about food poisoning, food allergies, and different food intolerance problems. She has also consistently advocated the use of natural dietary supplements to reduce discomfort caused by histamine intolerance symptoms and other allergic reactions. Moreover, her articles reflect her belief in the importance of self-control and self-regulation in terms of food intake so as to avoid further health complications.



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Food Allergies: Fact and Fiction

January 8, 2010 by mbelcher · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS 
Millions of people all over the world are affected by allergies. Tiny particles of dust in the air, a friend’s cat or even freshly cut flowers can lead to sneezing, itching and runny noses in some people. Though we are quite aware of external agents that cause allergies, we do not suspect the seemingly innocent glass of milk or bowl of fresh peanuts. After all, what can they do to us? Unfortunately, people who are allergic to these foods have to be very careful around such foodstuffs.

An allergy is a severe reaction of the body’s immune system. The immune system goes into overdrive when there is a perceived threat to the body. In this case, the body perceives an ingredient in the food, like protein, as potentially harmful and goes all out to attack this ingredient and you, in the process. This is what causes itching, rashes, hives or other reactions in the body. In mild cases, the reactions are also mild. However, some reactions are very uncomfortable and may even be fatal. Examples include vomiting, diarrhea, asthma, wheezing and anaphylaxis.

Food allergies may be caused by almost any ingredient in the food. Even so, specialists have identified eight common allergens that affect the most number of people. These are: wheat, egg, milk, soy, fish, peanuts, nuts of trees and shellfish.

There are a large number of myths surrounding food allergies.

Myth 1: Food allergies are very common.

Food allergies occur in less than 12% of the adult population. Of the 6-8% of children who suffer from food allergies, a huge majority outgrows their allergies as they age. Food intolerance is another matter. Food intolerance happens when a person is unable to digest or process a particular ingredient. Food intolerance produces mild though persistent reactions in the body, which is quite different from the severe allergic reactions caused by food allergens. A good majority of people suffer from food intolerance. Unfortunately, most people mistake food sensitivities for food allergies.

Myth 2: Most people are allergic to milk

Milk allergy is very uncommon in adults, though it is quite common in children below the age of 3. Most children outgrow their allergies as they grow. Adults may experience bloating, nausea or breathing problems after ingesting milk products. But these reactions are a result of being lactose intolerant.

Myth 3: Food allergy is only lifestyle threatening, not life threatening.

This is a serious misconception. Food sensitivity is lifestyle threatening, food allergies can become life threatening. This is because of the inherent nature of allergies, where the body produces severe and sometimes violent reactions to counter an attack. Food allergies are particularly life threatening in small children as they can accidentally ingest something that can cause a violent allergic reaction.

Food allergies must be treated immediately and patients need to be taken to a doctor as soon as possible.

Food allergies can be diagnosed by conducting allergy and intolerance tests. Once an allergy is detected, sufferers must avoid those foods. This is the only way in which food allergies can be treated. Of course, there are medications to relieve symptoms, but, as they say, prevention is always better than cure.



By: gardnerwilkinson

About the Author:

Food Allergy Treatment – For over 20 years, the ALCAT Test has provided both patients as well as healthcare professionals with a tool to successfully overcome a wide variety of conditions which result from chemical sensitivity and food intolerance.



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Determine The Difference Between A Food Allergy And A Food Intolerance

November 18, 2009 by mbelcher · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS 
You will need to find out if you are having a food intolerance versus a food allergy, if eating a specific food causes you to suffer from some symptoms. It is easy to confuse the two together. However, if there is confusion, you may not be aware about the severity of your ailment and what appropriate action can best help you reduce your symptoms. Finding out the difference between the two can help you determine the best treatment option.

With a food allergy, your immune system response is triggered, leading to an allergic response. Only 2 percent of adults and 6 percent of children have a true food allergy that can be dangerous to their health. Mostly food allergens include peanuts, shellfish, soy and wheat. You do not need to consume a whole plateful of your food allergen for it to be fatal. Just a small amount can endanger your life.

With this, having a food allergy is considered more severe than having a food intolerance alone. Some of the most common symptoms of a food allergy include hives, eczema, wheezing, swelling of the throat, abdominal pain, and headaches. However, if your allergic reactions are severe, you can also suffer from shock, airway constriction, loss of consciousness and rapid pulse. This can mean death if you are not given the required treatment in a timely manner.

On the other hand, if you experience a tummy ache or diarrhea due to eating certain foods, you may be having a food intolerance. You still can eat these foods and yet suffer no symptoms if these are taken in small portions. This factor also distinguishes it from a true food allergy.

Obviously, for a food allergy, you would have to avoid eating that specific food. Severe food allergy symptoms require serious medical treatment. To keep you from going into anaphylectic shock, your doctor may give you a shot of epinephrine. You may also need to be warded in a hopsital for emergency treatment and observation.

To know for sure if you are having a true food allergy, some medical testings can help. Your doctor may also recommend that you keep a food diary so that you can note down the symptoms that you suffer from in response to the food that you just ate. With a better understanding, it is possible to reduce your symptoms whether allergic or otherwise.



By: Evelyn Lim

About the Author:

Evelyn Lim has been an allergy sufferer for many years. She now publishes tips on food allergy, something that she has to keep a watch on. For more information, please visit http://www.Allergy-Attacks.com.



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The Secret to Living With Allergies Part 2 Help With Pet Allergies

October 23, 2009 by mbelcher · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Alternative Medicine 
In Part 1:  Understanding the Allergy Basics of the Allergy Control Products series on “The Secret to Living with Allergies,” the differences between seasonal allergies and indoor allergies were covered as well as diagnosing allergy triggers, the causes of allergy symptoms and important steps to take to find allergy relief.  In indoor allergies, the top three allergen sources include dust mite allergens, molds and pet dander.  Although some allergy sources are harder to identify, pet allergies may often be self-evident as contact with the animal or pet can cause obvious allergy symptoms.  What may not be as well known is what causes pet allergies, as it is not actually the pet hair that is at the root of the problem.  In Part 2 of the Allergy Control Products “The Secret to Living with Allergies” series, what causes pet allergies and steps to reduce allergy symptoms related to pet allergies will be covered.

Step 1:  Learn the Facts About Pet Allergies that Cause Your Allergy Symptoms

Many people believe that what causes pet allergies is the pet hair, but the allergy-causing material is instead a protein found in the animal’s dander (made up of flaky skin cells and dried saliva), saliva or urine that triggers allergic reactions.  These pet allergy particles are particularly small and your allergy symptoms begin as they are inhaled into the nose and lungs or come in contact with your eyes.  In some cases, your allergic reaction may build up and occur hours after you come in contact with an animal.  However, most often, an allergic reaction and the resulting allergy symptoms happen very quickly (within minutes).  

Since all dogs or cats produce animal dander, unfortunately, none are hypoallergenic.  Some animals may produce less dander and people with pet allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds than others.  Symptoms of pet allergies can include sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, runny nose or nasal congestion and contact-induced rash or itching.  For asthma sufferers, allergic reactions such as wheezing, shortness of breath and lung congestion can bring about even severe asthma symptoms.

Pet allergens (pet dander) are the highest in homes with pets, however, pet allergens can be found even in places where pets are not allowed.  Pet dander is very sticky and can travel on clothing to public places.  Pet dander can remain allergenic and cause allergy symptoms for long periods of time and important steps, covered in Step 3, should be taken to reduce contact with pet allergens. 

Step 2:  Millions Suffer from Pet Allergies, with Cat Allergies Being the Most Common Pet Allergy

Although many animals (from birds to horse to dogs) can cause pet allergies, the most common pet allergy is to cats.  Cat allergy may be more predominant due to a higher potency of cat dander as an allergen or the fact that cats are not bathed as frequently as dogs and do more self-grooming, further increasing the presence of saliva and pet dander that leads to allergy symptoms.  According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 10 percent of Americans may be allergic to animals.   Of these allergy sufferers, many may have asthma and 20 to 30 percent of asthma sufferers have pet allergies.  These asthma sufferers include kids with childhood asthma.  The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains that allergic asthma (caused by allergens such as dust mites, cat and dog dander and other environmental allergens) is the most common form of asthma in children.

Taking important steps to control pet allergies can lead to a healthier life for you and your children and potentially avoid instances in which severe asthma or allergy reactions may take place.

Step 3:  What to Do for Pet Allergy Relief

If you have pet allergies and there is a pet in the home, it may be necessary to find a new home for the pet.  This step can be difficult to do and the necessity may be dependent on the severity of your allergic reaction.  If your pet stays at home, the pet must be kept out of the allergy sufferer’s bedroom and you should wash hands or clothing after any contact.  In either instance, cleaning steps throughout the home should be undertaken as it is important to get rid of pet allergens or keep levels as low as possible. 

For effective pet allergy relief, begin with cleaning steps in your bedroom.  Create a barrier between yourself and pet allergens that have accumulated in your bed by covering pillows, mattress and other bedding in allergy-proof bed encasings.  Wash your linens and any other bedding frequently, and even consider replacing bedding items.  The carpet can be the second largest allergy-causing source after the bed, and removing or treating the carpet will reduce your continued exposure to allergens that have built up in the soft carpet surface.  Vacuum any remaining carpet regularly, and it is particularly important to use a HEPA filtration vacuum, as these vacuums are designed to contain small allergy particles such as pet dander.  Air filters in your vents will keep pet allergy particles from circulating in the home, and special filters over an air vent in the bedroom provides an extra level of filtration in the allergy sufferer’s bedroom.

Using HEPA air cleaners or HEPA air purifiers can be particularly good for people with pet allergies, as the tiny pet allergy particle stays in the air for longer periods of time.  The HEPA air filter has a better chance to capture these particles before they settle to the ground, for improved air cleaning.  Give your pet frequent baths to help remove dander on the surface of skin or fur and reduce your pet’s need to groom itself.



By: Colleen F Finnegan

About the Author:

For 25 years, Allergy Control Products has been recommended by thousands of physicians as the most trusted allergy company for revolutionary products for indoor allergies. Whether you’re looking for the highest quality air purifier and air filters.



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