Introduction
An allergy is defined as an overreaction of the human immune system to a foreign protein substance (allergen) that is eaten, breathed into the lungs, injected or touched. Allergies are among the most common diseases, affecting over 60 million people. Allergies effect the respiratory system as well as the eyes, gastrointestinal system, skin, and other parts of the body. Respiratory allergies (35 million people) include environmental pollutants, like asbestos and smoke fumes, and seasonal conditions, like dust, pollen or spores. This type of allergic reaction often occurs when the body has an excess accumulation of mucous which harbors environmental irritants. Common drugstore medications generally mask symptoms and also have a rebound effect – the more you use them, the more you need them. Steroid drugs for hay fever allergies, if taken for long periods, do not cure and often make the situation worse by depressing immune defenses and impeding allergen elimination as well as effecting blood sugar balance.
Common Symptoms
Runny, watery, itchy nose and eyes; sneezing and coughing attacks; dark circles under the eyes that don’t go away with sleep; sore, irritated throat; chronic lung, bronchial and sinus infections; skin itching and rashes; asthma; frontal headaches; insomnia; menstrual disorders; hypoglycemia; learning disabilities.
Common Causes
Sensitivity to pollen, spore, mold and other airborne allergens reacting with excess mucous and waste accumulation in the body; adrenal insufficiency; free radical damage which lowers antihistamine levels and liver function; stress; hypoglycemia;Candida Albicans yeast overgrowth; EFA deficiency.
Natural Treatment
The best approach to effectively treating allergies is to find the natural solution that attacks the root cause of the problem. The first line of defense is to avoid the allergen whenever possible. It is also important to keep a strong immune system – allergens constantly weaken the body’s defenses, making it more susceptible to illness and infection. The best way to support the immune system is through optimal nutrition and supplementation. Most people with a history of allergies have chemical and food sensitivities as well as food intolerances. In many cases, the symptoms may be hidden or delayed up to 48 hours after in ingestion of a food. Therefore, determining the specific sensitivities can help avoid the compounding effect of multiple allergies. Consider the Immunolabs food allergy testing to look for reactions to over 115 commonly eaten foods.
References
Page L. Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone Eleventh Edition. Traditional Wisdom, Inc; 2000.
Allergy Facts and Figures. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Available at: http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=30. Accessed on October 21, 2009.