Posts Tagged ‘Allergies’

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Beware Of Food Allergies

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Food allergy is an adverse immune response to food that the body mistakenly believes as harmful. In food allergy, our immune system releases antibody called IgE(Immunoglobulin E) to fight the food allergen. These allergens are food substances that create an allergy. Food allergy may appear more often in someone who has family members with allergies, and symptoms may occur after that allergic individual consumes even a tiny amount of the food. Allergy to food is a hypersensitivity reaction. This means that before a person becomes allergic to a certain food, he should have been previously exposed to the food, in other words, he is sensitized to food.

Peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish, cows’ milk, eggs, soya and wheat are the most common problem foods that can cause food allergies. Usually, allergic reactions to food happen two hours after meal. Some food allergies result in immediate, severe and even life-threatening symptoms, while others cause symptoms which may take longer to develop. Allergic reaction can affect the respiratory system, gastro-intestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system. These symptoms include runny nose, itchy skin rash, tingling in the tongue, lips or throat, swelling, abdominal pain or wheezing.

Mot people experiencing allergic reactions do not recognize that they have allergies to certain food, before they become severe therefore, that is why most food allergies go undiagnosed. Learning how to recognize an allergic reaction will help you get the medical care needed if a reaction occurs.

It would be best to get tested for food allergy now. Allergy testing is important because those that are suffering from allergies may be experiencing discomfort and symptoms that can be treated. Allergy test is also best for determining the foods that is triggering the patients’ allergic symptoms. Also, some allergies are potentially dangerous, and thus knowing your food allergies can save you from allergic reactions and also from doctor’s bills.

It is suggested that non intake of the problem food is the treatment for food allergy. People with allergies should identify and prevent them. Although at times the reaction is mild, reactions have the potential of causing illnesses and sometimes, can be fatal. In case you are experiencing an allergy and you do not know what causes it, go for allergy testing. This test will be very useful in order to avoid foods that you are allergic to.

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How to Treat Dog Allergies

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Dog allergies are one of the most common conditions affecting dogs. Dog allergies can be very frustrating for both yourself and your dog. The constant itching and scratching, paw licking and chewing, skin rashes or chronic ear infections can make life very unpleasant.

Dogs allergies become noticeable when your dog’s immune system reacts excessively to substances (called allergens or antigens) to which she has been exposed. Generally, allergies show up in three ways. The most common is with the skin – your dog will itch and scratch either in one area or all over, or you will see skin sores or lesions. Another way involves the respiratory system and your dog may cough, sneeze, and/or wheeze, and there may be an associated nasal or eye discharge. A third type of allergic reaction involves the digestive system, when your dog vomits or has diarrhea.

There are several types of dog allergies. Conventionally, Veterinarians focus on five different types, but I have grouped them into three areas – these are the most common allergies you will see with your dog. The first is external allergies, and these include flea allergies; the second allergy group is with food; and the third is environmental, and this includes inhalant, from allergens such as pollens and house dust mites.

Dog allergies can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the symptoms you may see can be a result of allergies or of another illness. It is best to get your pet examined by your Veterinarian first, before trying any home or alternative treatments.

If you know or suspect your dog has an allergy, you do have options. There are conventional ways to treat allergies that your Veterinarian will discuss, but I would like to focus on alternative methods in this article. In my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed (available at veterinarysecretsrevealed . com), I focus on alternative home treatments for dogs and cats. Here are a few of the solutions you can try at home that I recommend for dog allergies.

For Fleas – here is an obvious solution: eliminate the Fleas! Practice regular flea-control. Two natural ways to battle fleas include using aromatic herbs, such as Pennyroyal and Catnip, and Chinchilla Dust (“diatomaceous earth” – but make sure this is the type meant for pets).

If you suspect that your pet is allergic to something in their diet, the first step is to stop all traditional treats (i.e. – milk bones) and table scraps. If your dog is still reacting after 3 weeks, then she may be allergic to her regular food. At this point, try the elimination diet. This means chancing your dog’s food to an entirely different type which she has never eaten before.

The most important part is a unique protein source. There are a number of commercially available allergy diets for pets – one that I prefer for dogs is Fish and Potato. For cats, it can be more difficult, but one I have had luck with has duck as the protein source. The difficulty is that your dog can be allergic to anything in the food. Regardless, I highly advocate a more natural, simple diet that is naturally preserved, or a home-made diet. See my book or join my membership site, theonlinevet . com, for a choice of allergy diets.

Whatever food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks. If after 12 weeks your pet it still scratching, then she probably doesn’t have a food allergy.

With environmental allergies, dogs can react in a way that is very similar way that we as humans do. One way to help deal with an allergy to pollen and/or house dust mites is to purchase an air purifier for your home.

For itchy skin, try an oatmeal shampoo bath with cool water – this can ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly. Also, Calendula ointment (herbal medication) has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.

There are many herbal solutions for allergies. Phytopica, a combination of 10 different Chinese herbs, has been shown to be effective in scientific studies in decreasing the severity of itching. Xiao Feng San is a common Chinese herbal combination useful for atopic dermatitis (allergy to inhalants). The dose is 1/8 of a teaspoon per 10lbs of body weight daily.

I hope you have found this article helpful. If you would like natural, holistic solutions for many common dog or cat health problems, visit my site at Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

To your pet’s good health…

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Natural Cure for Allergies and Sinus Conditions Via Allergy-fighting Foods

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Allergies is a common condition which affect many of us. Allergies can take many forms such as skin allergy, sinus, asthma, are the common ones. Most people would not hesitate to popping antihistamines or other prescription by doctors. These prescriptions do not cure allergies, rather it just suppress the symptoms. As long as the root of the allergy is not taken care of, the allergies will be back. While allergens should be avoided or removed, if possible, a healthy and strong immune system is the best remedy for fighting allergies.

We should be aware that the symptoms of allergies is a sign from our body trying to tell us something is wrong. So if we take medication to suppress these symptoms, we are ignoring these important signs our body trying to tell us. Instead of suppressing it, we should instead pay attention to what our body is trying to tell us. Allergies is usually a sign that our body needs to be nourished. Allergies, such as eczema, is also a possible sign that our body is attacked by toxins which need to be eliminated fast. For the purpose of this article, I would like to focus on the basics, food.

Do you know that by making positive changes to our diet is the first step to a healthier immune system, thus reducing allergies attacks. Are you taking the right type of food your body needs? Are you guilty of eating too much processed and instant food? We are responsible for our body, so make the right choices.

There are types of food which helps to fight allergies. Therefore, it is beneficial to make it a point to include these foods in your daily diet:

- Eat more cold water fish

Omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines can protect the body against over production of certain antibodies which trigger allergies. Bake, steam or poach are the healthiest way to cook the fish.

- Yoghurt

The cultures or probiotics contain in yoghurt is good for the gut as well as helps skin allergies. However, most commercial yoghurt’s culture is weak due to over processed. The best is making your own yoghurt from organic milk. If you are allergic to cow’s milk, substitute with goat’s milk or soy milk.

- Canola Oil

This is a rich source of allergy fighting Omega-3 fatty acids. Other alternatives include soybean oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil and wheatgerm.

- Green Tea

According to the Japanease, green tea contains methylated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is found to be anti-allergenic.

- Magnesium Rich Foods

Magnesium seems to be the minural which is found lacking in those who are allergy prone. Include magnesium rich foods in your daily diet such as spinach, sunflower seeds, pinto beans, tofu and halibut.

- Zinc Rich Foods

Some studies have shown that people with eczema are zinc deficient. It is a good idea to include zinc rich food such as tofu, beef, lean ham, chicken and crab in your diet.

- Fresh Fruit and Juices

Vitamin C is the best natural antihistamine. So make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and juices in your diet.

A healthy diet is the very basic way to combat allergies. Without a good diet, you are not giving the nutrients your body needs to fight allergies. So start healthy eating today!

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Small Children and Food Allergies

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Allergy Background

A child is at higher risk for food allergies if one or more close family members have allergies or allergy-related conditions, like food allergies, eczema, or asthma.

Causes

In a true food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or component of food as a harmful substance. Your immune system triggers certain cells to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight the culprit food or food component (the allergen). The next time you eat even the smallest amount of that food, the IgE antibodies sense it and signal your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. These chemicals cause a range of allergic signs and symptoms. Histamine is partly responsible for most allergic responses, including dripping nose, itchy eyes, dry throat, rashes and hives, nausea, diarrhea, labored breathing and even anaphylactic shock. Food intolerances and other conditions: Not food allergies

Other reactions to food don’t involve your immune system or, consequently, the release of histamine. These reactions aren’t true food allergies. Instead, they may be food intolerances. Because food intolerances may involve many of the same signs and symptoms as food allergies do – such as nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea – people often confuse the two. Watching For Allergic Reactions

New foods, no matter where they come from, should be introduced one at a time for several days. As your baby’s digestive tract is still developing they may have reactions to new foods. Watch your baby closely for allergic reactions.

What Are the Most Common Food Allergens?

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that up to 2 million, or 8%, of children in the United States are affected by food allergies, and that eight foods account for most of those food allergy reactions in kids: eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

Cow’s milk (or cow’s milk protein)

Between 1% and 7.5% of infants are allergic to the proteins found in cow’s milk and cow’s milk-based formulas. About 80% of formulas on the market are cow’s milk-based. Cow’s milk protein allergy (also called formula protein allergy) means that the infant (or child or adult) has an abnormal immune system reaction to proteins found in the cow’s milk used to make standard baby formulas.

Eggs

One of the most common food allergies in infants and young children, egg allergy can pose many challenges for parents. Because eggs are used in many of the foods kids eat – and in many cases they’re “hidden” ingredients – an egg allergy is hard to diagnose. Most kids with an egg allergy are allergic to the proteins in egg whites, but some can’t tolerate proteins in the yolk.

Fish and shellfish

The proteins in fish can cause a number of different types of allergic reactions, including a gastrointestinal reaction that leads to diarrhea and vomiting. Children can also have skin reactions to fish causing itching and dryness. Fish allergy is also one of the more common adult food allergies and one that children don’t always grow out of.

Peanuts and tree nuts

Peanuts are one of the most severe food allergens, often causing life-threatening reactions. About 1.5 million people in the United States are allergic to peanuts (which are not a true nut, but a legume – in the same family as peas and lentils). Half of those allergic to peanuts are also allergic to tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and often sunflower and sesame seeds.

Soy

Like peanuts, soybeans are legumes. Soy allergy is more prevalent among babies than older children; about 30% to 40% of infants who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to the protein in soy formulas.

Wheat

Wheat proteins are found in many of the foods we eat – some are more obvious than others. As with any allergy, an allergy to wheat can happen in different ways and to different degrees. Although wheat allergy is often confused with celiac disease, there is a difference. Celiac disease is caused by a permanent sensitivity to gluten, which is found in wheat, oat, rye, and barley. It typically develops between 6 months and 2 years of age and the sensitivity causes damage to the small intestine. Some foods, because they cause choking or are otherwise potentially harmful, should stay off limits for all children under 3.

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