Allergies Tests and Their Limitations

The first step your doctor will probably take when allergies are suspected is send you off for a skin or blood test. Medical allergy tests include the skin prick test, patch test or blood tests like the RAST blood test.

Let's have a closer look at these tests.

A skin prick test involves putting drops of a variety of suspected allergens (for example pollen, dust mites, pet hair, mould, foods) using a pin-prick, usually on the forearm. Sensitivity to a particular allergen will show itself with an itchy, red, raised wheal. Skin prick tests are a way of checking sensitivity to inhaled allergens such as pollen or dust mite, but are not so effective at detecting sensitivity to foods. This test is uncomfortable and only a limited number of allergens can be tested at one time.

Patch testing is a way of identifying whether a substance that comes in contact with the skin is causing inflammation of the skin. With the patch test you need to leave the patch (usually placed on your arm) on for about 24 hours. This patch contains a suspected allergen and again a local reaction of the skin needs to occur for a positive result.

Blood tests will look for elevated antibodies also known as Immunoglobulin (Ig's), which is a type of protein. Those immunoglobulins are the weapons of the immune system to identify and destroy invading antigen and other foreign objects. There are 5 different types of Ig's and each one has a specific job to do. Blood allergy tests look for particular Ig's.

In autoimmune conditions this protective system is malfunctioning as it is mistaking its own tissue as the enemy.

Blood tests for allergen specific IgE antibodies RAST (radioallergosorbent) test determine sensitivity to suspected allergens. Whereas the skin prick test result is available immediately, RAST results are often not available for a few days and may be more expensive than skin testing. However, RAST testing is a useful alternative when skin prick testing is not possible, as in a bad case of a skin condition or if a reaction is not advisable. The Wikipedia Encyclopedia states that a more superior test has been developed in 1989 called CAP FEIA (fluorenzymeimmunoassay )

Blood test for IgG is a blood test for non-immunological adverse reaction to the sensitivities to common foods.

IgA is found in the saliva, gastric fluids, plasma and mucous membrane of the body. It is believed that IgA is the link between gut-related health conditions and the systemic illness and is usually associated with altered intestinal permeability (leaky gut). It is responsible for immune protection within the gut. Stress, Candida, Coeliac disease, Crohn's disease and other auto immune conditions and also food sensitivities can be responsible for elevated levels.

The above are the most common medical allergy tests available.

Ok, you have been for your blood or skin test, which tested you, for lets say between 10 to 100 different items. Those may be foods, dust, pollen, grasses, fibers, chemicals etc etc. You have your list and you think all is well as long as you stay away from those dreaded allergy causing items. Your doctor agrees and might send you home with some antihistamine medication or what ever else could be of help.

This is most probably not the end of your allergy reactions. Why?

What about the other thousands upon thousands of food items, chemicals, natural and synthetics fibers, toothpastes, washing powders, soaps... the list is long. What about items you have not been tested for? Anyone of those could potentially induce an allergic reaction. Even healthy and organic foods are not excluded. If you have not been given a list of safe foods or other items for you personally then I believe the test is not worth the paper it is written on. This might sound harsh, but usually it is not an isolated item, causing the allergy. Allergies are accumulative and the inflammation they cause encourage secondary allergies. All of those items need to be removed from your diet and life for a certain amount of time. This will start the healing process. But how can you know what else is causing you allergy reactions if you only been tested for 100 or so items.

Many Allergy tests are not specific enough and that's where their limitations lay. Most tests provide you only with a broad idea of what you are allergic too and are not able to advise you on safe alternatives. Any allergy test, whether, blood, skin or any other kind, will offer very limited success, unless it can provide you with a list of safe foods and products, specific for you.

Fasting and Food Testing for Allergy

The fast would probably have been first used by our ancient predecessors in their early attempts to treat illness. After all, it makes sense to give the body a rest from the daily rig ours of the digestive processes.

The benefits of fasting are without dispute. Throughout the known history of every civilization, race and culture, fasting has featured significantly for both religious and health reasons. Even religious fasts were based on sound physiological principles. The ancients knew that it was difficult to think good thoughts when the body was overloaded with toxic rubbish.

In animals, the abstinence process is instinctive. As a result, not only will the animal fast and rest, when it is sick or injured, but it will also avoid eating any food which may be harmful to it. This is not quite the case in domesticated animals, as they can acquire the bad habits of their owners, if given the chance. Unfortunately, human beings (especially those living in modern industrialized societies), have had their basic sensory mechanisms blunted by the unnatural processing and extraordinary diversity of the Western diet. As a result, we are no longer, instinctively, able to recognize what is good for us and what is not. If we could, there would be very little sickness in the world today and, certainly, the ever increasing problem of masked multiple allergies would simply not exist.

Many people, these days, experience toxic overload, to some degree, due to:

Habitually eating more food than is required for the body's needs.

Poor quality, processed foods, which impose a strain on the digestive and assimilative functions of the body.

Lack of exercise, which reduces the detoxifying capacities of the liver and kidneys, and affects the excretory efficiency of the bowels and bladder.

Allergy sufferers have these problems further aggravated by the additional toxins permanently present in their bodies, as a result of allergenic substances. A primary cause of allergy illness is food allergy. Obviously, if a sufferer stops eating he will feel better.

The fasting process:

When we eat, or engage in physical activity, our food must be broken down into component nutrients and then built up into cellular tissue, or energy supply. The residue must be collected and eliminated. If allergenic food is constantly ingested, toxicity will accumulate, resulting in discomfort and illness. This is further exacerbated by too much food, containing excessive, unusable matter. Fasting, therefore, allows the continuation of the brief cleansing period that takes place during sleep. It is important during a fast to rest as much as possible, so that all available bodily energy can be directed to the cleansing process. With no food in the gastrointestinal tract and no tension in the muscular or nervous systems, this can take place with maximum efficiency.

During the fasting process, the body lives on its stored reserves. These are contained in every cell and every organ, in the form of glycogen in the liver, protein in the blood and lymph, stored fat, (even in thin people) and assorted food elements in the bone marrow and glands.

One of the incredible things about the fasting process, is that in a few short days, the accumulated toxicity from years of illness can be obliterated due to the body's incredible capacity to recover. The temporary suspension of its digestive and eliminative labours, increases this capacity greatly. In no time at all the body is relatively clean, thus allowing food testing to commence.

The cleansing action taking place during the fast results in the toxic residues being eliminated in many different ways. Bowel and bladder movements are considerably reduced. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to drink copious quantities of water. However, a litre of pure water per day, should be the average intake, with more if necessary, depending on the state of health of the individual. Elimination through the ears, nose, mouth and pores will continue constantly throughout the fast until all toxins are consumed. The tongue, in particular, will take on a concentrated 'furriness' and this is a good indication that toxic elimination is working properly. After a few days, this will pass.

It is important to understand that a fast is the quickest way to clean the body and recover from an overloaded, toxic, allergy inducing state. This means having no food at all if it is to work effectively, in the shortest possible time. Partial fasts, such as the grape diet, are not really fasts at all and, although a single food diet will facilitate valuable cleansing, it will obviously take longer to achieve. The body cannot metabolize nutritional intake and, at the same time, effectively break down stored reserves.

When you consider that, in the course of a normal day's food intake, the pancreas produces three quarters of a litre of digestive juices, and the liver about a litre of bile, it is easy to see why a fast would be beneficial to these vital organs and, at the same time would release energy for toxin elimination.

It is important to consult your doctor before commencing a fast. Normally this is a safe process, but some medical conditions may need careful monitoring.

Infant Allergy Testing

As parents, we all want to ensure our kids to get the best in their life and never suffer from any discomfort or repulsiveness. With an infant allergy testing, it makes it all possible. Infants or even toddlers cannot tell you or describe what is causing them to feel unwell. Whenever a father or mother ever finds themselves in a condition where their kid is suffering from constant pain and things that have previously been ruled by the physician, I is recommended you have your child's allergies tested. Our planet is indeed full of various types of different chemical compounds and particulates. For individuals that have allergic reactions, to these compounds can make you feel under the weather.

Their bodies identify these annoyances as germs or viruses and they deal with them as such. As a result, they might experience the signs ranging from runny noses to anaphylaxis. Whenever a baby is suffering from this condition, the symptoms can possibly be critical and infant allergy testing is highly needed. Luckily, an allergy isn't always harmful. But this can cause pain, indigestion and the like.

Every time an infant is struggling from indigestion or dyspepsia, they are not capable of telling their parents with words, instead they cry. With a test, it helps the parent to determine what the baby ought to be keeping away from. In utilizing this test, both parents and the infant will have a better quality of life. So, is testing worth it? When you think of your If you baby who is constantly hard to please and there's no clear guide to their habits, it's recommended to talk to your physician about the infant allergy testing. With just a few easy tests, you could probably shed a lot of light on your baby's wellbeing. You'll be grateful they had the test.

YorkTest - Food Allergy Testing

The view of YorkTest and indeed other such professionals is that, a food allergy or intolerance can massively inconvenience your life in today's hectic world. Luckily, though, you don't have to take the time and expense of a visit to an allergy specialist, instead, you can test yourself at home to see if food is upsetting your body's natural way of functioning and your overall well-being.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an adverse reaction to the foods eaten. The big eight of food allergies are egg, dairy, tree nut, peanut, seafood, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Symptoms may include nausea, hives, itching, swelling, and congestion among other symptoms. Food allergies may affect as many as 1% of a country's population, make it somewhat common.

How does home food allergy testing work?

YorkTest, the premier laboratory for at home medical testing, provides the First Step Food Intolerance Test allergy test. The process for using this test is incredibly simple. YorkTest sends you the simple to use FoodScan 113 Home Test. You simple prick your finger with the included lancet and collect your blood with the blood collection kit. The amount required is very small and it leaves you with only a light scratch. The kit includes detailed instructions on how to accomplish all of this with ease. After collecting the blood, you simply package the kit into the included prepaid return envelope and ship it back to YorkTest for analysis.

What sort of results will I get from YorkTest?

You will learn what foods to avoid, ways to avoid the foods you are allergic to, and a consultation with a qualified nutritionist. In addition to this, you get a one year free membership in Allergy UK. YorkTest not only serves as your counselor for testing and results but also makes every effort to make the transition towards a healthier, allergen-free diet as simple as humanly possible. YorkTest operates on the belief that you have already been through enough, and they want to aid you with your life changes as much as possible.

Conclusion

The FoodScan 133 by YorkTest is the best at home food tolerance testing methods available on the market today. Quick, simple, convenient, and incredibly private, individuals suffering from the symptoms of possible food allergy cannot afford to avoid food allergy testing any longer. Ordering the YorkScan food allergy testing will be one of the best decisions of your life. Order today and start living a healthier life.

Dog Allergy Testing - Tips on the Methods and Preparation

Dog allergy testing is performed as standard procedure before immunotherapy, or allergy shots are normally given. Being part of the diagnosis, the data gained from a canine blood test and skin scratch test will provide the basic information necessary to correctly diagnose that a condition of hypersensitivity does exists and will determine exactly which allergens are responsible. Thus, this testing makes it possible to conduct immunotherapy.

Dog allergy shots are given in order to inject a carefully created vaccine, each one is individually designed to bring about the desensitization of specific allergies that have been shown in testing to be the cause of the physical reactions to allergens.

Preparations

Before beginning any procedure, two things must be done.

First, all lingering skin infections must be cleared-up. These include flea, mite, yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. At times this may take several weeks to completely cure these conditions. Still, this is necessary to ensure that your pet's allergies are the problem-- and not the infections.

Secondly, if it has not occurred earlier, your pet will be placed on a diet of hypoallergenic food for a period of about three months prior to proceeding. This will be done in order to ensure your pet is not reacting to a food allergy, which is usually treated by identifying the problem food in question and eliminating it from the diet. Desensitization of a food allergen is usually not attempted except in cases of very special circumstances because of especially poor success rates.

The IDST

When all is ready, an Intradermal Skin Test (IDST), or allergy skin testing, is performed in order to confirm that: 1) the physical reactions are indeed caused by an allergen, and 2) to determine specifically which allergens are responsible.

In theory, the IDST is a very straight-forward procedure, yet at times it may become somewhat complex due to the incredibly huge range of possible allergens. Re-testing is sometimes performed to further understand the scope of the problem.

Whom to Select

At times a family veterinarian will conduct the canine blood test and skin test leading to desensitization therapy (dog allergy shots), and then the family vet may even provide the shots based him or herself. Let me say that there are some family vets that are competent in doing this, although most are not-- primarily because they lack the proper training and do not have enough experience, except for very simple cases.

That is why it is recommended that an animal with more than simple inhalant allergies be taken to a veterinary dermatologist. They are highly-trained specialist in the field of diseases of the skin. Going to a vet dermatologist from the beginning will often avoid wasted time and money. You will find most veterinary dermatologists will want to do their own dog allergy testing according to their own standards and specifications; and these will likely be different from those of the family vet. The simple fact is that veterinary dermatologists are far better suited to understanding and applying the fine art of specialty diagnosis.

One Last Thought

It should be kept in mind that dog allergy testing works best in the season when your pet's allergy symptoms are not present, in the non-itchy season. Though, inhalant allergies often begin as a seasonal hypersensitivity that will eventually progress to a year-round problem, so this may not be possible.

Allergy Testing and Your Child

If you are taking your child for allergy testing, it's common that you might want to know what to expect, especially if this is your first time. When you can prepare your child before the appointment, it will also help her to be more relaxed for the appointment and in the time before it. Children are often apprehensive when they don't know what to expect from an appointment.

Here are some steps to help you and your child become more comfortable with this process:

· Find out all of the details about the process first so that you can talk it over with your child. This will allow you to be prepared to answer any questions that might come up.

· Talk with the allergist about any medications your child should discontinue before the testing and how early you should discontinue.

The allergist that your child is seeing should provide you with preparation instructions as well as guidelines on what you can expect. It's important that you read over all of this and ask any questions before the appointment date if you have them. You can then help prepare your child for what she can expect in the appointment.

Allergy testing is not typically done on children under the age of four, with the exception of blood testing that is sometimes done to rule out some things. However, blood testing for allergies is not thorough and skin prick testing is usually done later.

Allergy skin testing today is very non invasive. Small plastic panels or pre-prepared allergens are pressed onto the skin of the back. The child will need to lie on her tummy with her back exposed for the testing. You will then wait 15 minutes before the tests are read for the results. This skin prick testing can determine common allergens such as trees, grass, weeds, animals, cockroaches, dust and more.

Your child may experience some itchiness or burning sensation at the site of the skin testing but otherwise, there are no symptoms except in rare cases where your child has a serious reaction to one of the allergens.

Once the testing is complete, your child's allergist will be able to give you results so that you know what she is allergic to. In addition to trying to avoid these triggers, such as bee stings or peanut butter, your child may also be set up for allergy shots that help maintain the symptoms of seasonal allergies and allergies to things in the air such as pollen or ragweed.

ADHD and Allergy Testing

There are two popular ways to test an ADHD child for allergies, the Vega Method and in the Needle Method.

VEGA testing

Testing with the VEGA machine has its origins in acupuncture and homeopathy.

It is based on the concept that the first sign of abnormality in the body is an electrical charge and, if abnormal electrical charges continue for long, then structural changes will follow.

In VEGA testing the patient holds an electrode (brass tube) in the right hand while the practitioner presses a pointed probe against an acupoint, preferably on the left foot.

The body's reaction to potential allergens, etc. is measured by inserting the agents into the electrical circuit one at a time.

VEGA testing enables an experienced practitioner to quickly obtain information about many of the stress factors that come from the environment.

These factors, which may be overlooked in normal medical testing, can be responsible for many conditions of chronic illness, unexplainable conditions, conditions in which conventional testing finds nothing wrong, vague or unusual symptoms, and failure to respond to treatment.

It allows early detection of tendencies toward diseases, toxicity and imbalances due to stress before they become noticeable.

No needles are used in this testing.

Needle testing

Needle testing on the other hand involves pricking the skin with a solution of the suspected food.

This method uses a drop of each allergen to be tested which is placed on the skin, usually on the forearm or the back.

The area is examined for the next twenty minutes for any trace of swelling and redness, which would show a positive reaction.

A positive test will produce a small hive like reaction.

Needle testing may be inexpensive, but it is uncomfortable.

For children with eczema or other skin conditions, the results may be difficult to interpret.

In children with severe allergies, even the small amount of the food injected into the skin can cause significant reactions.

Another problem with skin tests is that in order for them to be truly reliable, the patient cannot take any antihistamines for about two weeks before the test.

For children who suffer from bad hay fever or other allergies, two weeks without antihistamines may be impossible.

Also if a child is allergic to twenty different substances it means twenty needle pokes!

A new needle is used for each prick.

Why is continued testing important for an AD-HD child?

As your ADHD child grows and develops, body chemicals can change consequently, reactions to foods can also alter.

Repeated tests may be necessary to check the first result.

When your ADHD child has tested positive for several foods, you ought to eliminate all of those foods from the diet.

Constant monitoring of all situations and circumstances is important to ascertain what the best course of action for your ADHD child in any area is; food allergy testing is no different.

What is Food Allergy Testing?

Food allergy testing has been used for many years through a test which is a skin or blood test. This is where the doctor tests the child or adult, which foods they are allergic. Mostly common in children who are allergic of milk, wheat, or eggs, usually grow out of it. Adults sometimes cannot outgrow the allergy to peanuts. There are ways to test an allergy, but some doctors believe there is more to an allergy test than a prick of your skin or a vile of your blood.

The problem with food allergy testing is that it is not accurate. There are people who get hundreds of test and still with no positive results. The way that allergy testing is most effective is that to try the foods and see which make you sick. It is very uncommon for someone to be allergic to more than one product. There are more positive results when you do this method. Having a food allergy is never fun, but it can be diagnosed easier if you follow the latter step.

Another test that is used is the elimination diet. Similar to the Oral Food challenge, the elimination diet is supervised by a medical supervisor and is done through eliminating all the foods which you are not allergic to. There are many tests you can take but none as accurate as the elimination diet or the oral food challenge. These tests are the most accurate but they are considered risky.

Allergy testing is never a fun test to give to anyone. Children are the most often test subjects for the allergy testing. No one wants to put their child through the pain that comes from the test. However, there is always a need for a test if there is a problem. Getting to the root of the problem is always important when it is your child. Allergy testing is an important step to take if you are to know which foods to avoid and which are going to offer delicious aftertastes.

Food Allergies - Fact and Fiction

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.

Can Food Allergies Be The Cause Of Your Chronic Muscle And Joint Pain?

When it comes to back pain, there are dozens of causes. Your chances of getting an accurate diagnosis increase when you are informed of all possible causes. One often-overlooked cause of chronic muscle and joint pain is diet.

Allergies and Pain

A food allergy is present when your immune system perceives a component of the food, usually the protein, as a threat and attacks it with the inflammatory response. Allergies differ from intolerances, which are digestive rather than immunological reactions.

Histamine is an inflammatory substance released during an allergic reaction. The inflammatory response attempts to block off threats from the rest of the body, kill the threat and promote healing. In the case of an allergic reaction, however, the inflammation caused by histamine is excessive and attacks the body itself. Any of the body's muscles and joints can become inflamed during an allergic reaction, resulting in pain and soreness.

If you have a food allergy you're unaware of, you may be in a state of chronic reaction. This can be the source of your chronic muscle and/or joint pain.

How To Identify And Rule Out Allergies

Of course, there are many other causes of muscle and joint pain. If you have chronic muscle or joint soreness that is not attributable to repetitive use, overexertion or poor posture, diet could be a factor.

Arthritis is a main cause of joint pain, and many forms of arthritis involve joint inflammation. Diet may not be the sole cause of arthritic joint pain, but identifying any food source that may increase inflammation in your body can help relieve pain.

One simple way to identify if you have a food allergy is to participate in the "elimination diet," which requires removing the suspected food from your diet for a week. If symptoms reside, you likely found the food you're allergic to. This can be confirmed by reintroducing the food back into your diet and seeing if symptoms reappear. Keeping a dietary diary is a great way to help you identify food allergies. Keep track of what you eat and the presence and severity of your pain.

Knowing the most common food allergens will help to narrow down your experiment. The most common are milk, egg, soy, wheat, shellfish, seafood, tree nut and peanut allergies. First, identify which of these allergens features prominently in your diet. Check food labels, as many store-bought foods contain soy, tree nuts, wheat and dairy.

Blood tests can be done to identify allergy-related immune substances in your blood. A blood sample is taken and different foods are used to test its reaction in a lab. Blood tests are not always accurate when looking for food allergies, however. Making dietary changes and monitoring their impacts are your best diagnostic tools.

Dietary changes may be the answer to resolving your chronic back pain. Eliminating common allergens from your diet can help resolve inflammation in both muscles and joints.

Allergies - Food Sensitivities a Real Cause of Disease, Pain, and Poor Quality of Life

Allergies are on the rise in our society. 1 in 3 people have allergies. You may know people who have severe allergies. These allergies can cause an anaphylactic shock. Putting this person in an intense emergency situation. There are more and more kids these days with allergies than 10 years ago. These are the allergies that are being found.

There are also many allergies that go undetected. Many people when you talk about allergies testing they talk about the pin pricking to get a response. This is very affective for IgE mediated responses. There are other allergies that are not as easy to find. This allergy testing is called IgG mediated response testing.

This type of allergy testing differs because it is looking at the slower response of the immune system. The body responds quickly to some allergens and slowly to others. Because it is slower it is harder to know if there is a problem. Although, it is harder to recognize because it doesn't seem as severe, it causes a host of issues. These issues build over time and create havoc down the road.

There is a popular trend around food sensitivities. Gluten intolerance, and gluten free diets seem to have hit the supermarkets. I even saw cooking oil that was claiming gluten free. Although it seems like a trend, to the people with this condition it is a lifestyle change that is saving them from much pain and suffering.

A 19 year-old student was having headaches, pain in the joints, and moodiness. She went to many specialists and was tested. Her symptoms looked like arthritis, lupus, and gastroenteritis. She was young and giving up. Finally, she was tested for gluten and found that she was gluten intolerant. There was a huge lifestyle change. No more breads or pastas. Gluten is in almost everything.

She changed her lifestyle and got her quality of life back. Her pain was gone, her headaches disappeared, and she could finally think again. Her mood improved. She felt like a new person.

It is important to know where the cause is coming from.

Another great story is of an older lady who was having migraines almost everyday. These were happening ever since she had a heart attack a few months back. After, going to many doctors she was tested for food sensitivities. The test came back and showed she was allergic to almonds. Not a lot showed on her test.

She was thrilled. She said ever since her heart attack her doctor told her to eat almonds because they were good for her heart. Almonds are great for most of us, but not for her. She stopped taking them and the migraines stopped.

It is so interesting to see that something we all know is good for us can be detrimental to our health.

Why do food allergies cause problems?

The real culprit to the pain and destruction of the body is inflammation. Inflammation is the cause of most disease. The real mystery is to find out what piece of the puzzle is causing the inflammation.

Allergens can cause a tremendous amount of inflammation in the body. This inflammation can get into the organ systems, tissues and the brain and cause many different diseases.

If inflammation were the cause of disease it would be imperative to eliminate all causes of inflammation.

Pollen Allergy

During the spring, summer, and fall, there are a lot of things in the air that will make you have allergy attacks and hay fever. These particles that you may have issues with are released from the trees, weeds, and the many grasses. You will want to make sure that you think about the pollen allergies that you have and the current air condition. Before you go out, every day, you should check the pollen levels on the various weather stations and sites and then think about how you should prepare for the day.

You may find that you will prepare for the day by simply just taking your allergy medication in the morning. Remember, the pollens are the worst in the morning and at night. You really only have to think about how you are going to get through the few hours in the morning and at night. The pollen allergies that you have will depend on the environment and what you find in your surrounding.

A lot of people are allergic to grass pollens. Grass pollens are the worst because you may have many neighbors and such that will cut grass and not on the same day. You may have hay fever for weeks at a time because of the various people cutting their grass. However, you have to think about not only the grass, but also the flowers and the trees.

The trees will give off their pollens in both the spring and summer. You will want to keep in mind that there are trees around you like oak and such that will let off their pollens and you may need to take some meds in the morning and night. Some people will also find that there other seasonal allergic triggers that will bring on a full attack.

You will find that there are many sensitivities that you will have all year around. You will want to consult your doctor about the allergies that you may have and get tested. Once you get tested, you will want to think about what it is that you will be able to avoid and keep hay fever at bay. However, the testing will make you have reactions and it can be very uncomfortable, so you may want to bring some conclusions as to what you may be allergic too. You may end up having to test for several things so that you can avoid your allergies.

A Simple Explanation to the Common and Confusing Word - Allergy

An allergy is nothing but the abnormal reaction of our immune system when a harmless substance or allergen comes into its contact either by inhaling, swallowing or touching. At least one out of three humans has some kind of allergy. Medical science is yet to figure out why a particular person is allergic to something and somebody else is not. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system assumes the harmless substance to be dangerous and starts working with extra enthusiasm to defend the body by releasing antibodies which attach themselves to cells commonly found in the airway who in turn release histamines which causes the allergic reaction. Histamines are nothing but chemicals released by the immune system cells to fight against bacteria.

Most common symptoms of allergies are itching, rashes, swelling, runny nose, sneezing and hives. The most difficult part of allergies is its diagnosis because most of the symptoms are common with other kind of diseases or disorders. For example a runny nose can be due to the common cold instead of an allergy.

Some common allergies are:

• Hay fever is a common allergy in the United States. It is also known as pollen allergy. It usually occurs during the spring and summer season. Its main symptoms are runny nose and sneezing

• Animal allergies are more common with people keeping pets. The allergic reaction here is due to the protein found in animal saliva. Animals keep licking themselves and saliva sticks to their fur which humans constantly come into contact with. Cockroaches are also a common cause of this type of allergy


• Some people do not react well with milk and peanut butter. Food allergies can cause rashes, itchiness etc.


• Some have allergies to drugs like penicillin


• Mold allergies


• Dust mite allergies


• Air borne allergies.

The number of treatments available is as varied as the allergies ranging from home remedies, natural or herbal products, and homeopathy to allopath. However the best way to start treatment is started by doing a few tests to determine what type of allergy a person has and accordingly one can try their best to avoid those particular allergens although with thousands of allergens it is a bit difficult.

Determining the Specific Cause of an Allergic Reaction With an Allergy Skin Test

Individuals who experience frequent or severe allergic reactions, of which they are unable to determine the cause, may be referred to an allergy specialist by their regular physician. An allergy specialist can usually determine the specific allergen, or in some cases multiple allergens, which are causing these reactions by a skin test.

There are three different types of skin test which can be preformed and typically only one of these is used. The determination of which test will be given is generally based on what type of allergen is suspected in causing the allergic reactions.

Allergy Tests

The most of common of these tests given is the scratch or puncture test which is done by introducing certain suspect allergens to the skin by lightly scratching or pricking the skin with very small amounts of allergen extracts. This test is generally used when trying to determine the most common types of allergies such as hay fever, mold, food, pet dander, and dust mites.

Another type of skin test which can be preformed is where the allergen is injected through the top layer of the skin with this injection being done typically in the arm. This test can be used to determine if allergic reactions may be due to certain types of venom caused by insect stings, or when taking certain medications such as penicillin.

The third type of skin testing which can be performed is called a patch test which is typically used to determine what is causing a contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation or irritation of the skin which may be caused by many substances some of which include perfumes, latex, metals, medications, and preservatives. Once the results of these skin tests are known, the allergist will then discuss with you the treatment options available which may include medications or allergy shots. However, in most cases once the allergen is known, these substances can be avoided which can decrease or stop the allergic reactions all together.

What You Must Know About Allergy Treatment

Lots of people are afflicted with allergy to different types of objects. Some people are allergic to odors, fumes and smoke, but many others are allergic to foods like shellfish and nuts. Environmental allergens are the former while the latter are known as food allergens. The victims always become uncomfortable whenever they come in contact with any of these objects. Sneezing, vomiting and abdominal pain are some of the discomfort the victim often experience. Some of these reactions do happen suddenly and death may be the result in some instances if no immediate treatment is found quickly. How best can you treat environmental and food allergens?

The best way to solve the problem of food allergens is to know the food that is responsible for the allergic reaction. Do not be afraid yet. This may mean that you will have to take a look at the food you've consumed of late. Did you alter your food? You should immediately remove the food from your list once you've discovered that it is the one causing the problem. You must not treat this with levity.

Whenever possible, it is advisable to stay away from the food as much as possible. Unlike their food counterpart, environmental allergens are not easy to deal with. This is because of the tricky nature of environmental allergens. Skin allergy testing is the best solution for environmental allergens.Allergy treatment is then prescribed based on the level of reaction at hand.

Furthermore, many people are not aware that it is not everyone experiencing allergic reaction that needs to visit a medical professional. Since allergic reaction is not the same in everyone; its treatment also differs from one person to another. What is ideal for one person may not work effectively in another individual. In summary, it is advisable to try out over-the-counter medication if you or a loved in battling with allergic reaction.If there is no respite yet, then you may have to consult with a medical professional for assistance.

Wheat Gluten Allergies

Nobody wants to live with an allergy. It's especially troubling when you're allergic to a particular type of food. An allergy to wheat can be especially troubling since it's found in so many foods. Gluten is a rubbery protein that's contained in grains. It's common in breads that are made from wheat, barley, rye and oats. It's these proteins that people are allergic to. Albumin, globulin, gluetnin and gliadin are the four basic proteins that can be found in wheat.

As with any allergy it's best to recognize your wheat allergy symptoms. While it's possible for them to vary, depending on the person, the most common signs and symptoms of a gluten wheat allergy are swelling, hives, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, asthma and a skin rash. These symptoms can range from mild to extremely painful. In the worst case scenario these symptoms could be life threatening. However this is the case only if the person is highly sensitive to gluten.

It's a good idea to see a doctor if you think you may suffer from an allergy to wheat & glutton. He or she will be able to perform an allergy test that will show exactly what grains you're allergic to. Your doctor will also be able give you helpful information on how to treat your wheat and gluten allergies.

After you're diagnosed, you will have to pay special attention to your diet. It's important to read the labels on all the foods you eat. While there is no sure fire wheat allergy solution, with a little careful planning, you'll be able to live a happy healthy life free of symptoms of wheat glutton allergies for the rest of your life.

How to Deal With Hives Allergy Symptoms

A hives allergy condition will normally happen when your body is allergic to something you've been exposed to. It could be caused by a medicine you're taking, or perhaps something you've eaten. You'll recognize the hives by their appearance - usually large, swollen red patches on the skin. They tend to come on various sizes and itch like crazy.

Such an outbreak could also be the result of an infection you have as your immune system overreacts and tries to fight it off. If this is the case, you may need the help of your doctor. However, hives caused by an allergic reaction can normally be treated with OTC medicines or natural remedies. Of course, avoiding the allergen will clear up your condition as well.

Any type of medicine containing antihistamine can work to relieve hives allergy symptoms. You should be aware however, that many of these types of pills will cause you to become sleepy. Avoid them if you're driving or in any situation where you must be completely alert. Sometimes a cream remedy will be the best option.

Until you've found adequate relief, do your best to avoid scratching your hives. They will itch and it will be difficult, but scratching only makes the condition worse and you could damage your skin in the process. Many of the creams designed to treat hives will work well for the itching symptoms in particular.

Hives tend to come and go - some outbreaks last longer than others. However, if your hives allergy appears to be chronic, you may want to have your doctor do an evaluation and determine if there may be something else going on. You may even want to undergo allergy testing to see if you can avoid the problem in the future.

The Food Allergy Maze

It is estimated that 1 in every 6 person is sensitive or allergic to some foods, and that many health, psychological and behavioural problems are due to food allergies. Yet conventional allergy testing methods often fail to identify allergies in patients.

I see many patients who have spent frustrating years trying to understand their health problems, only to discover that they do, in fact, have food allergies. Not surprisingly, a great many of these patients or parents of allergic children tell me that they first suspected allergies, but their suspicions were dismissed by their doctors after their tests results showed negative. It is thanks to sheer persistence that these patients eventually find the answers they have been seeking.

Kinds of Food Allergies

A food allergy can trigger either an immediate or a delayed reaction to food. This and whether or not the reaction involves the high levels of antibodies determine what type of food allergy it is.

Type l. Immediately or soon after eating the food, you show clear and often dramatic symptoms. If you are allergic to fungus, you might develop abdominal cramps within an hour of eating a ragout containing mushrooms. A child with a type 1 reaction to kiwi fruit might experience severe itching in the mouth or vomiting within 15 minutes of eating a kiwi fruit.

Type 1 food allergies they result in high levels of IgE antibodies in the blood so they are easily diagnosed by tests for these antibodies. Many doctors consider IgE mediated allergies to be the only real allergies, yet most food allergies are not Ige mediated. Only 3- 5 % of children and 1-2 % of adults are estimated to be affected by Type l food allergies.

Anaphylaxis - a severe reaction that can be fatal within minutes - is a Type 1 reaction. Warning signs are dizziness, light-headedness, swollen tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, fainting or facial swelling immediately after eating food. Get immediate emergency care.

Type ll. Though not considered a true allergy by more conservative doctors, a Type ll reaction still results in high levels of antibodies, usually IgA, IgG and IgM, as well as the typical inflammatory reactions.

Type lll. Delayed reactions often go unrecognized because the symptoms are not usually obvious, and may occur days after the food is eaten. Also, since they do not involve IgE antibodies, delayed allergy reactions to not show up on standard skin tests or some blood tests. Instead, they manifest as clusters of physical, behavioral and learning symptoms that affect several body systems at once. Type lll allergies are for this reason often called 'hidden' allergies.

A person with Type lll food allergies can suffer from recurring breathlessness, mucousy throat, sporadic hyperactivity and emotional swings, chronic stuffy nose, and flu-like symptoms. For another person, symptoms can include headaches, itchy eyes, stomach pains, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and swollen lymph nodes.

These delayed reaction patterns of food allergy are difficult to diagnose. Yet health practitioners believe that they account for most food allergies, especially in children. In my opinion, any undefined pattern of illness that involves different symptoms and different body symptoms should be taken as a likely sign of food allergy until proven otherwise.

Effective tests for Food Allergies

Given the prevalence of type lll food allergies, other testing methods are called for. The most common non-standard test is the Rotation Diet. Common allergenic foods and suspected food allergens are eliminated from the diet for 4-7 days, then reintroduced. When the body is given a chance to clear of food allergens, symptoms will usually subside or disappear. By reintroducing the food again, you cause symptoms to reappear, allowing you to identify just what foods affect you.

Kinesthetic and Energy Testing

Many natural therapists test for allergies by identifying energy disturbances caused by different foods. Some methods work on the principle that these disturbances will temporarily weaken the long muscles of the body, while others use energy technology to identify which foods cause disturbances in the body's energy fields. Though still not accepted as valid tests by conventional medicine, these testing methods are providing breakthroughs for thousands of patients whose allergies previously went undiagnosed.

Food Intolerance

Many people experience unpleasant reactions to foods they have eaten and suspect they have a "food allergy". However, only 2-5% of adults and 2-8% of children are truly "allergic" to certain foods.

The remainder of people may be experiencing food intolerance, or food sensitivity, rather than true food allergy.

I think a quick lesson is in order...

A food allergy occurs when an individual ingests a food (usually containing a protein) that the body sees as a "foreign" or threatening substance - known as an ANTIGEN or ALLERGEN.

The person's immune system responds by mounting an attack, producing large amounts of IgE antibodies, which attach themselves to specialised white blood cells. These cells release histamine and other inflammatory substances, producing "classic" allergic symptoms of swelling and inflammation. Conditions and symptoms such as rhinitis, asthma, wheezing, lip swelling, itchy skin, hives, and eczema involve this type of "allergic" reaction. The allergens involved could be anything from a food protein, pollen from flowers or grasses, house-dust mite or animal dander.

A food "intolerant" reaction also occurs when the body "reacts" to the ingestion of a food. This reaction however may or may not involve the immune system, and may be caused by a food protein, a starch or sugar molecule, other food component, or by a contaminant found in the food (e.g. food colouring, preservative etc.). If the immune system IS involved, it is usually a different class of antibody that is produced, which is why standard food allergy tests can produce negative results, yet noticeable food-related symptoms persist. Many symptoms related to food intolerance are caused by a local inflammatory response in the gut, and a sign of underlying "inflammation".

With food "intolerance", it is worth understanding, that it's rarely the food that is the problem - it is the person's response to it!

Foods containing wheat or milk for example are getting reputations as "bad foods" due to the reactions they can produce in some people. While they can very well be "problem foods" for some, they can also be very healthy foods for others. Food intolerance could be re-named as "poor digestion", as reactions to food are often the result of poor or compromised digestion!

So what can cause food intolerance?

Food intolerances are often caused by stress! Food-intolerant people often have low levels of secretory IgA, a class of protective antibodies found in the gut. IgA antibodies protect the body against the entry of foreign substances. Stress leads to a decrease in secretory IgA... a bit of vicious cycle really, but it certainly explains the relationship between stress and food intolerance!

Underlying digestive problems (e.g. low stomach acidity, gut bacterial overgrowth, a "leaky" or damaged gut lining, yeast infection or poor digestive enzyme production) are common "causes" of food intolerance and must be addressed before avoiding foods unnecessarily.

Gallbladder disease, gallstones, and pancreatitis may also be underlying causes of reactions to foods, but these will produce other symptoms too.

It is usually large food particles that cause allergic reactions, so proper breakdown of food (especially protein) via cooking and chewing is vitally important. Digestive enzymes or probiotics can often help too to ensure complete digestion, and once digestion is corrected, things can improve quite dramatically.

Signs and symptoms of food intolerance can be quite diverse, depending on how long the person has been ingesting food allergens and how the body has "adapted". Common symptoms include bloating, stomach cramping, diarrhoea or constipation - yes commonly known as "IBS"!

Long term food intolerance may produce symptoms totally unrelated to the digestive system and may include fatigue, joint and muscle aching, depression, headaches and migraine, hyperactivity in children, and even certain autoimmune disorders.

Diagnosing a food intolerance rather than an allergy (via IgE antibody blood testing) is not easy, simply because reactions to foods can occur from anywhere between 12-36 hours after eating... coupled with the fact that an individual may be reacting to more than one food!

Exclusion/reintroduction diets are the "gold standard" of tests and the most useful when done properly. They do need to be adhered to for at least 2-4 weeks initially, and are always best done under the guidance of a registered nutritionist or dietician with experience in food allergy and intolerance.

Various blood tests are now available (most useful are IgG antibody tests - available now via pin-prick blood sample) which may prove useful in many cases - but only when there are noticeable symptoms.

Vega testing (measuring energy flow) and kinesiology (muscle strength testing) are entirely reliant on the skill of the practitioner, so how effective they actually are is very difficult to measure. Whatever the test, none are 100% accurate, and changes to a person's diet based purely on the results of a test cause more confusion than clarity, and very often lead to unbalanced eating, unnecessary food phobias, and possible nutrient deficiencies.

What to do if you suspect you have a food intolerance

1) Keep a food diary and note when symptoms occur

2) Try and identify the possible problem foods

3) Seek advice on how to adapt the diet to improve digestion

4) Eat a varied, fresh and nutritious diet

The most commonly allergic foods...

Cow's milk, cheese, soya, eggs, peanuts, wheat, gluten, yeast, corn, rye, chocolate (often the milk in chocolate!), coffee, tea, alcohol (it is the chemicals and preservatives in alcohol, not the alcohol per say), citrus fruit (lemons, oranges), white potato, beef, various spices, tomato, malt, pork, chemical additives, colourings and preservatives in food (especially tartrazine, sodium benzoate, aspartame).

Food intolerances are best dealt with by avoidance of the offending food for a prescribed period of time, followed by a "rotation" diet, in which problem foods are only eaten every three to four days, instead of daily.

Young children can often re-introduce foods after three months of avoidance, whereas adults may require six to twelve months of avoidance.

Much food intolerance and even some food allergy problems settle down after long-term avoidance, and especially when digestion is improved.

When a problem food is only eaten sparingly, symptoms are less likely to return. The importance of rotating foods varies from person to person and may be related to the severity of the allergies.

The following foods are the least likely to provoke allergic reactions:

Beverages:

Almond milk, Quinoa milk, herb teas, apple juice and other pure or freshly squeezed fruit juices without sugar or additives (dilute 50:50 with water).

Roasted grain beverages may be used as coffee substitutes. If you like fresh coffee, Dandelion root which you can grind in a coffee grinder.

Soya milk is fine UNLESS you have an allergy to soya!

Cereals:

Oats (unless you have diagnosed Coeliac disease or are known to be "sensitive" to gluten)

Oatmeal and Oatbran

Quinoa porridge

Puffed rice and millet cereal

Homemade mueslis

Grains and flours:

Chick pea flour

Potato flour

Buckwheat flour

Rice flour

Cooked whole gains:

Oats, millet, pearl or pot barley, buckwheat groats (also known as Kashi), brown rice, basmati rice, amaranth, quinoa, 100% buckwheat soba noodles, rice noodles.

Breads:

Sprouted grain breads, rice bread, 100% rye or spelt bread (often fine with wheat-sensitive individuals), other wheat and yeast-free breads

100% rice cakes

100% rye crackers

Legumes:

Haricot beans

Chickpeas

Black-eye beans

Kidney beans

Lentils

Navy beans

Pinto beans

Peas

String beans

Tofu (soya bean curd)

Dried beans should be soaked overnight. Pour off the water and rinse before cooking for allotted time. Canned beans often contain added sugar or other potential allergens, so if used they must be rinsed well.

Nuts and seeds

Almonds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds - eat raw with no salt etc.

Nut butters are highly nutritious spreads to use in place of butter or margarine, e.g. Tahini, almond butter, hazelnut or cashew butter.

Oils:

Use cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oils (available from health food stores), as they are safer. Do not use corn oil or "vegetable oil" from an unspecified source, as this is usually corn oil.

Rapeseed oil

Linseed (edible linseed or flaxseed) oil

Olive oil

Safflower oil

Sesame oil

Soya oil

Sunflower oil

Protein:

Fresh white fish, salmon, mackerel and tuna and most canned fish, lamb, poultry and fowl.

Vegetables and fruit

All vegetables except corn are generally acceptable on a low-allergen diet, as is all fruits with the exception of citrus fruits. Tomatoes can often cause problems and should be avoided by susceptible individuals. Other food members of the nightshade family (potatoes, aubergine, peppers) may prove problematic with arthritis sufferers.

Autism & Sulfur Sensitivity - Part 2

A Biomedical Autism Intervention Doctor Explains:

 

A sulfite sensitivity does not constitute an automatic allergy to sulfa drugs and vice versa. Many people with asthma who have obvious reactions to sulfites can many times have some in small amounts and suffer no adverse reactions. A sensitivity reaction to sulfites is not a true allergy like a sulfa drug allergy, and so allergy testing for sulfites in unreliable.

 

Sulfates are chemical compounds with sulfur surrounded by oxygen atoms. It is a derivative of sulfuric acid and can complex with various minerals in the body to form stable compounds such as magnesium sulfate found in Epsom Salt (which is used as a laxative or a muscle soothing aid in bathwater). Some people can have sulfate sensitivity, but it is questionable whether this is truly an immune reaction to the sulfate or an immune reaction to chemical compounds attached to sulfate. More commonly, a sulfate sensitivity is a biochemical reaction from other sources, and have nothing to do with an allergy. This leads us in the next discussion - sulfur supplement sensitivity.

 

Sulfur sensitivity can occur when too much homocysteine is pushed through the trans-sulfuration pathway creating an abundance of sulfur compounds. This is particularly a problem if an enzyme called CBS is up-regulated creating an increased production of sulfur byproducts. These byproducts can contribute to the overproduction of ammonia. Ammonia can lead to irritability, hand-flapping, stimming behavior, language problems and other chemical imbalances in individuals on the autism-spectrum. Other chemical systems in the body become stressed leading to a further difficulty in eradicating ammonia. Genetic mutations in the CBS and MTHFR complexes make this problem worst.

 

Finally, an enzyme called SUOX (sulfite oxidase) in a deficiency state will effect sulfate regulation which effects glutathione production, as well as sulfates for other proteins in the body that support protein structure. Glutathione is our bodies' most potent antioxidant and supports cellular detoxification. There is a genetic disorder that leads to severe brain damage and death with the SUOX enzyme deficiency, but it is likely possible that sub-clinical stressors in this enzyme could adversely affect some children on the autism-spectrum, while not causing a disease process.

 

The likely scenario is if children are having difficulty with sulfur containing supplements (i.e. taurine, Epsom salt, MSM, methionine) that a genetic mutation pattern has occurred in the CBS and MTHFR genes, and has nothing to do with a sulfur allergy - which we know is a misnomer.  

How To Diagnose Allergies

It is very important that you learn how to help your allergies. You may never know what it is that affects you until you go to the doctor and have a test run. There are many side effects that will tell the doctor if you have an allergy. Some of them would be like asthma, rhinitis, anaphylaxis shock, and several other key factors with allergies.

Once a diagnosis of asthma, rhinitis, anaphylaxis, or some other allergic disease has been made, there are several methods for finding out what the patient is allergic to.

When it comes to finding out what type of allergies that you have they will do a skin test. You will find that they may take a blood test when it comes to certain allergies, however, that can be very expensive. You will want to take the tests even though they may be painful.

The puncture allergy test can be hard to bare for those who are afraid of needles. There are hundreds of allergies that you could have and you will find that there are methods of pick testing that will test them all. You will have the allergen injected into a patch of skin and they will see if you have some type of reaction to it. The doctors will be looking for red colored skin or if the area will puff. There are other side effects that you will find that could arise, but this test will tell you what and if you have any allergies.

Make sure that you are ready to take on such a test. If you have never been diagnosed, then you will want to think about trying several of the over the counter drugs and see what works for you. Sudafed works well for most allergy reactions.

You may even find that a skin test is not an option for you. For those who have a certain skin disease that would include inflamed skin, you will not be able to take the tests because your skin is to sensitive for the test. You will wan to talk to your doctor about what you can do to save yourself from the allergy season, but also not put yourself through too much inconvenience. Your doctor will be able to help you out, but you may also want to talk with them about many of the over the counter drugs that you may want to take when an allergy attack happens.

Food Allergy or Intolerances - Symptoms in Adults and Children

The symptoms, frequency and severity of food allergies differ from person to person. A mildly allergy can show itself as a skin condition such as eczema, respiratory conditions such as hay fever, a slightly runny nose or sneezing, but there is a very wide range of symptoms that can be caused by allergies.

Common symptoms of food or other allergies or intolerances in children include:

· sniffling and a postnasal drip, inflammation of the nasal passages,

· dark circles under they eyes (what is often called the allergic shiner),

· puffiness under the eyes,

· restlessness,

· fatigue,

· poor sleep,

· headaches,

· behavioral issues, such as:

o irritability,

o hyperactivity,

o poor concentration, and

· pickiness with food.

However the range of symptoms that can accompany a food allergies or intolerances is much broader than the symptoms in the list of common symptoms in children above. They symptoms can affect every system of the body.

Gastrointestinal system

· bloating and flatulence

· coeliac disease

· constipation and or diarrhea

· Crohn' disease and ulcerative colitis

· gall bladder pain

· gastric ulcers

· gastrointestinal bleeding

· heartburn

· indigestion

· infantile colic and colitis

· mouth ulcers

· mucous in stools

· nausea and vomiting

· pains or cramp

· spastic colon

Skin, eyes and ears

· acne

· conjunctivitis

· dark circles under the eyes

· dermatitis

· ear infections

· eczema

· eye pain

· hearing loss

· hives

· itching and skin rashes

· Meniere's disease

· noises in the ears

· periods of blurred vision

· psoriasis

· sensitivity to light

· skin reddening

· tearing

· temporary refractive changes

Respiratory system

· asthma

· chronic rhinitis

· coughing

· frequent colds

· hay fever

· mouth breathing

· nosebleeds

· postnasal drip

· sinusitis

· stuffy nose

· wheezing

Cardiovascular system

· angina

· high blood pressure

· irregular heart beat

· low blood pressure

· rapid pulse

Urinary system

· bed wetting

· frequent night urination

· painful or difficult urination

· some kidney diseases

Musculoskeletal system

· arthritis

· joint pain

· muscle aches and pains

· muscle cramps

· muscle spasms

· muscle weakness

Cerebral conditions

· anger

· confusion

· crying without apparent cause

· decrease in coordination

· decreased attention span

· decreased memory

· difficulty with concentration

· dizzy spells

· drowsiness but insomnia

· feeling 'spacey' or 'unreal'

· feeling 'foggy' headed

· frustration

· headaches

· hyperactivity

· irritability

· learning difficulties

· mood swings

· nervousness

· poor concentration

· poor decision making

· restlessness

· sleeps to little or sleeps to much

· tension-fatigue syndrome

Some health professionals also include the following as having a food allergy or intolerance component associated with them.

· anxiety

· delusions

· depression

· epilepsy

· hallucinations

· schizophrenia and other serious mental conditions

Other

· abnormal body odour

· excessive sweating

· general weakness

· aggravation of diabetes

· hypoglycaemia

· night-sweating

· overweight

· underweight

There is indeed a great range of symptoms - so it is important that you are able to eliminate food and chemical allergies or intolerances as being at the base of your problems. There are a number of different feature which should make you suspect a food allergy or intolerance. These are outlined below.

· Fluctuating symptoms - that come and go and do not seem to be related to any particular environmental factor may be caused by eating a particular food of which you are intolerant. The fact that they symptoms may be there one day and not the next, and yet the offending food has been eaten on both days, is not reason to assume that the condition is not due to eating a particular food. What this indicates is that you are fluctuating back and forth across a 'symptom threshold'.

· Fatigue. If you have a food allergy or intolerance you will be excessively tired and the tiredness is one that is not relieved by rest. You will often feel worst in the beginning of the day and then gradually pick up as they day progresses (or visa versa). But the energy level doesn't pick up to the level that is considered ideal. Sometimes you will feel so tired that you will need to go to rest or go to bed during the day. You may also be able to actually track down a period in your lives when the fatigue started. This may be with the onset of a bout of the flu or glandular fever or after an operation or period of high stress or during pregnancy and so forth.

· Mental and psychological symptoms are also very common with food allergies and intolerances. Many people who have spent years on antidepressants, anti- anxiety drugs and other mind altering medication have symptoms such as irritability, depression, anxiety and tension that are directly related to food allergies or intolerances.

· Weight fluctuations (sometimes many pounds or kilos in 24 hours), often also associated with fluid retention, can be directly caused by food intolerance. Weight problems often indicate food intolerances either directly or perhaps as a result of the metabolic effects of the ingestion of the offending food or because a food addiction can occur, resulting in binging on excessive amounts of carbohydrates.

· Muscle and joint aches and pains are a common sign that you have a food allergy or intolerance and although this can be associated with nutrient deficiencies (magnesium or vitamin B6, for example) they often respond to the removal of the offending food. Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis is often associated with food intolerances (particularly to wheat and milk).

· Bouts of a racing pulse or an abnormal heat beat are associated with food intolerances as well as certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies (especially vitamin B1, B6, magnesium and potassium).

· Low blood sugar or reactive hypoglycaemia is often food related. In this situation the blood sugar can drop to the point where fatigue, anxiety, lethargy, palpitations, cold sweats, faintness, dizziness, headaches, hunger, aggression and irritability can all begin to set in (although they don't necessarily all occur).

· Intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation which are found in irritable bowel syndrome are often caused by food intolerance. Sometimes severe and longstanding constipation can be caused by allergies or intolerances to wheat, other grains and dairy products.

· Food addictions and or cravings can be a part of the food intolerance picture. There can be withdrawal symptoms caused by the allergic condition - this makes you feel less well and that feeling is made better by eating the offending food or chemical.

It can be seen from this article that food allergies and intolerances can be at the base of many diseases and common condition. To find out what you can do about food allergies and intolerances and how you can deal with many health problems get your copy of Safe Colon Cleansing from my website. Use the links in my bio to get there.

Respiratory Allergies - 8 Specific Symptoms and Causes

What are respiratory allergies? We must have all asked this question sometimes. We are all effected in one way or another, whether it is summer or we are cleaning our basements. These type of allergic reactions are those that affect the organs and the airways that help us to breathe. In this article, I will be sharing with you some specific symptoms and causes of this sensitive condition.

The thing with people with allergies is that they are overly sensitive to certain things that most people don't have a problem with. This would include pollen from plants, mold, dust, cockroaches and food.

When a person that is sensitive comes in contact with what causes them to be sensitive, the allergen, the immune system releases a large amount of a chemical called histamine. A large amount of this histamine causes tissue swelling or inflammation or the tightening of muscles.

Symptoms:

Some people are allergic to different things. One person may be allergic to pollen, somebody else may be sensitive to something else.

1) Itchiness

2) Watery or red eyes

3) Coughing

4) Sneezing

5) Stuffiness in the nose

6) Shortness of breath

7) Wheezing

8) Airways that are constricted and swollen (in extreme cases - called anaphylactic shock)

Common Allergies That Affect The Respiratory System:

1) Hay Fever - This affects many people all over the world. Hay fever usually happens in the summer from pollen such as from the grass or even flowers.

2) Food and Drug Allergies - You can get this situations from eating such things such as fish and shellfish. You will usually develop an upset stomach or even a skin reaction and breathing problems. Medications can also cause some problems. Sometimes, you may develop a reaction if you eat peanuts, milk or eggs.

3) Insect Allergies - Insects such as cockroaches is another major cause of problems. This usually takes place in cities. It also affects children in big urban cities. Bees stings for example can be very dangerous to overly sensitive people.

4) Allergic Asthma - Asthma is a fast growing disease all over the country. This problem is a major cause of hospital admission for children each year.

Causes Of Respiratory Allergies:

1) Family history

2) Exposure to air pollution

3) Exposed to some workplace substances

4) Second hand smoke

5) Some health conditions - If you had infections when you were a child growing up

Treatment:

The best way to avoid an attack is to prevent the allergen. Not always easy to do at times. You could place pets in another room where you are not in all the times. You should also make sure to regularly clean your home, so that you do not have a build up of dust. Also, make sure you do not spend a lot of time being in damp areas. This will definitely expose you to mold. If the problem gets worse, make sure to see your doctor or pharmacist.

Skin Tests Used to Find Causes of Allergy

One of the biggest problems with having pets in the home is the fact that so many people suffer an allergic reaction to them. Though when the allergy first appears it may not be obvious as to what is the cause and all possibilities need to be looked at before being certain that it is due to the pet. This can be a serious problem for the health of the person suffering from the allergy and possibly the thought of having to remove the pet from the family is one that is unbearable. The next steps would be to seek medical advice so that the real cause can be found.

If the allergy is displaying itself on the skin of the patient the then one of the many tests that are used in finding the cause is the skin test. This is usually done after a careful history of the patient has been made to find out if there is any pattern or family history of the allergy, or the likelihood of it occurring just after the pet appeared. It may sound horrifying to the sufferer of the allergy but it is very effective at finding out exactly what substance is making their body react in such a debilitating way. Of the skin allergy tests there are two types, the epidermal and the percutaneous.

Epidermal Skin Allergy Tests

The epidermis is the skin that we all see, the outer layer of our skin that gets exposed to the world and protects us from it. The first type of these is simply the Patch Test, in which suspect substances are placed against the skin and held next to it by a patch. The patch when removed about 20 minutes later will show if the epidermis has reacted to the substance and displaying any skin allergy.

Another is the Friction Test, which is useful with substances like animal hair, where it is rubbed over the forearm about 10 times to see if a reaction takes place.

Percutaneous Skin Allergy Tests

Percutaneous in this case means getting underneath the outer layer of skin and applying the substance there. This is not so bad as it sounds but requires the skin to be pricked or scratched to be able to do it effectively. The first of these tests is the Prick Test, where the substance is placed upon the skin and with something similar to a needle the skin is pricked to see if a reaction forms. There should be no bleeding; it is not a deep prick but just enough to get underneath the surface. The results of this should be seen after about 15 minutes when the substance is washed away.

Another form is the Scratch Test, where the skin is scratched, again not enough to cause any bleeding and only about 5mm long. The substance may be made into a solution to enable it to have contact with the skin, but then it is given time to see if a reaction takes place.

The final skin test here is the Intradermal Test, though this is one that can be difficult to interpret. This is where a very small sample of the substance is made into a solution and injected with a small syringe and needle. This is not the same as having an injection because it is only done just under the surface of the skin, just enough to produce a tiny bump, about 3mm on the surface. This test may take a lot longer to get the results from, in some cases over weeks but is used only in specific situations where any of the other tests above cannot work. If a reaction has taken place the area where the substance was injected will flare up.

These are the most common types of skin test used and many of the simpler epidermal ones are likely to show where the allergic is coming from. It may be the case in pet allergy that the exact cause of the allergy is found and some remedy or solution will be recommended rather than the undesired removal of the pet.

Help I Am Allergic To Sulfite

If you have a Sulfite Allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. Sulfites have been used for centuries as a preservative for drinks, foods and medication. They preserve the color and flavor and increase the shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth. About 1 percent of the populations are allergic to sulfites. Sulfite allergy reactions tend to manifest in respiratory symptoms.

Prior to seeing any allergy specialist for testing you will need to stop taking any anti-allergy medication or over the counter antihistamines 2 to 3 days before the test are to be performed. Talk to the allergy specialist if you are unsure about any medications that need to be stopped and for how long.

Patients allergic to sulfite rarely show a positive allergic response to skin testing. The most reliable way to test for this allergy is commonly called The Food Challenge. You are told to avoid all sulfite-containing foods for several weeks.

Avoidance can be very difficult because sulfite is often hidden in other foods. Read the labels of every food that you bring into your home. Because the manufacturing processes change continuously re-read the labels each time you purchase a product. On January 1, 2006 a new law was passed stating that all labels should be designed in such a way that a 7-year-old child could read and understand the ingredients.

The doctor will then have you take pills containing sulfite under close supervision. If symptoms appear after ingesting the sulfites then you are allergic to sulfites and will need to avoid anything that has it on the label.

The USFDA requires the labeling of foods containing 10 ppm or more of sulfites and in 1986 the FDA banned the use of sulfites on fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw.

A growing awareness about food allergies is becoming well known in the United States. Food manufactures and restaurants are becoming more understanding and willing to accommodate people living with food allergies.

Living with any food allergy is no longer a major undertaking; it is now just a minor adjustment to your life-style. You will need to avoid baked goods, Soups, jams, canned vegetables, pickles, potato chips, dried fruit, trail mix, most condiments, shrimp, guacamole and anything that has sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium bisulfite and potassium metabisulfite on the label.

Some of the common vitamins used to treat sulfite allergy symptoms are Vitamins C, Quercetin, and Bromelain.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.

Bromellain will enhance the absorption of Quercetin. Take 100 mg twice daily.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

ADHD Diet - How to Detect Food Allergies

There are many environmental factors that trigger attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and one of the leading food-related triggers of the condition is food intolerance. Researchers have discovered that foods with certain substances affect the brain wave activation pattern of children with ADHD, causing uncontrollable hyperactivity or inattention.

The complicated part about treating food intolerances and food allergies is that traditional allergy tests do not detect them due to their delayed reactions. To make it even more difficult, these allergic reactions often manifest themselves in behavior, not through typical symptoms like rashes or watery eyes. Even though there are now special muscle and blood tests that can detect these delayed reactions, these tests are not designed to identify which particular groups of food are responsible for the symptoms. Treating food intolerances is useless if the child continues to eat the foods he or she cannot tolerate.

One way you can detect food intolerances is by implementing an elimination diet. An elimination diet requires removing particular food groups from your child's diet for several weeks, then slowly reintroducing these foods and noting how your child reacts to them. If the symptoms return upon reintroduction, then that particular food should be removed from the diet for good. While this method is time-consuming and will require nutritional and lifestyle changes for the whole family, an elimination diet is the most accurate way to identify which foods your child is intolerant of.

Currently, there are three elimination diets widely used by children with ADHD, with high success rates.

1) Gluten-free, casein-free diet. All dairy products and wheat products are removed for several weeks, because they contain proteins called casein and gluten. The gastrointestinal tract of ADHD children normally has difficulties digesting these proteins, and their undigested form creates peptides, amino acids that work like morphine on the brain.

2) Feingold Diet. All foods containing synthetic coloring, flavoring, and preservatives are removed.

3) RPAH Elimination diet. This diet, developed by the Royal Prince Albert Hospital in Australia, eliminates all foods with synthetic additives, like the Feingold Diet. However, the RPAH Elimination Diet also removes fruits and vegetables high in salicylates, a group of chemicals that are natural pesticides in plants.

Start the diet by maintaining a daily food journal of what foods are removed and what foods are reintroduced. Every day, write down what foods were eaten, what time meals were served, and your child's moods or reactions. This allows you to compare changes and spot the reactions to food intolerances. In three weeks or a month, you should be able to detect a pattern in how your child reacts to different foods.

The hardest part about putting your child on an elimination diets is that your child will probably have to give up his or her favorite foods. Potato chips, pizza, ice cream, and milk are just a few of the foods that these diets eliminate. If you think going cold turkey might be too drastic a change, try eliminating certain food groups at a time and observe your child's reactions. For instance, eliminate wheat products for two weeks. If there are no improvements, eliminate dairy products, and so on until you start noticing positive changes in your child's behavior. If you notice your child's symptoms start to subside, your child was probably intolerant to the food that was most recently removed. You can then start adding back the other foods to the diet, carefully watching for the return of any symptoms.

Once you've positively identified the foods that cause the symptoms, keep them off the menu for around 90 days before slowly reintroducing them.