Allergies 101

What Is An Allergy?

• An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander.
• In a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals such as histamines, which fight off the allergen. This causes allergy symptoms.
• Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. Some of these antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection, such as bacteria and viruses.
• When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even though it isn't.
• When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system's reaction inflames your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.
• People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Milk allergies and wheat intolerance are very common culprits for chronic health issues.

Symptoms of Allergies Include

• Abdominal pain
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Bloating
• Burning, tearing, itchy eyes
• Colic
• Coughing
• Dermatitis
• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Eczema
• Fatigue
• Hay fever
• Headache
• Hives
• Increased colds/flus
• Itchy throat
• Mucus production
• Night-wakening
• Rash
• Red, itchy anus
• Red swollen eyes
• Reflux
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Sinus infections
• Sneezing
• Stomach cramps
• Stuffy nose
• Swollen tongue/throat
• Throat clearing
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Hygiene Hypothesis is based upon finding that in a "too sterile" environment, without exposure to common bacteria and microbials, the body becomes hyper-sensitive and triggered by harmless substances. Increased eczema, asthma, and autoimmune issues develop due to antibiotics, antimicrobial products, and C-section births.

Antibiotics in the first year of life are associated with increased allergies.

Common allergens

• Drugs
• Dust Mites
• Foods
• Insect Bites
• Mold
• Pet Dander
• Seasonal Pollens
• Environmental Triggers

A "Food Journal" is the gold standard for identifyingallergytriggers and symptoms. The best way to reduce symptoms is to avoid what causes your allergies, especially food intolerances. Read labels as dairy is hidden by many names.

• Hidden diary

• Hidden corn

Allergens to Avoid

• Antibiotics
• Artificial Colors
• Aspirin
• Chemical Additives
• Eggs
• Latex (cross-reactive with banana, avocado and kiwi)
• Milk (all dairy)
• Peanuts
• Seeds (sesame, poppy) (and their oils)
• Shellfish
• Soy (and oils)
• Tree Nuts
• Wheat (gluten)

Common remedies to decrease the allergy symptoms

• Black currant
• Butterbur
• Calcium
• Choline
• Cod Liver Oil
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D (sunshine)
• Nigella Sativa
• Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus)
• Seaweed
• Stinging Nettle

Additional allergy research can be found on the GreenMedInfo.com allergy research page.