Mattress Covers for Allergy Protection

Today we know that allergies have a cumulative effect on our bodies; that is, the older you get, the worse allergies get, depending on what you were exposed to while growing up. Nasty microscopic bed bugs, dust mites, and bacteria live in most mattresses and pillows, separated from your face and body only by the barrier that you place between them and you. They feed on dead skin cells and become, for humans, a major cause of asthma, eczema, and rhinitis.

Unfortunately, standard pillowcases and sheets (in other words, standard bedding), don?t serve as adequate barriers from the nasty little bugs. Fortunately, the right mattress cover can protect you.

We make a substantial investment in a good mattress. For those of us with back and other injuries that we must accommodate by providing additional sleep support, we also spend a hefty sum on therapeutic pillows for our head and neck and on body pillows.

So what happens when we bring home a new mattress and plunk down our old pillow on it? And what happens when we buy an expensive neck or body pillow and put it on our existing mattress?

Well, you can guess that the nasty bugs travel right through our bedding to build a comfy home in the brand new product.

What we really need is a mattress cover that is a breathable yet waterproof barrier fabric that prevents bacteria and dust mites from breeding in our mattresses and pillows. We would all like something that feels soft to the touch yet does not let anything get through to our skin and into the new products that we buy.

And while we?re at it, why not provide a healthy, allergy-free sleep zone for baby to reduce the allergens to which baby is exposed from the start!

There are mattress covers available today that provide the barrier we seek. There are two types.

1. The less-expensive mattress protectors, such as the Slumber Soft Mattress Pad, are top-layer, waterproof barriers to protect our mattresses from moisture from bed wetting, sweating, etc. They have a super-soft feel like natural cotton, but are typically made from durable polyester Flannelatte Laminated Vinyl to prevent any leakage onto the mattress. That just means that they simulate flannel with an underlying layer of impermeable high-tech vinyl. They make excellent mattress protectors for the crib and for the elderly. Family caregivers appreciate the fact that they are lightweight and easy maintenance (machine washable). With straps to hook around the corners of the mattress, they are easy to remove and clean, and easy to replace on the mattress. Some of the waterproof-only mattress protectors are reversible so you can use them longer. With a super-soft, cottony feel, they give both baby and the elderly a comfortable night?s sleep while protecting the mattress from moisture and odor.

2. The second type of mattress cover is the allergy mattress cover that is slightly more expensive but which provides complete protection both against moisture and dust mites or bacteria. The dust mites or bacteria that may have lived in your mattress will not reach your skin or lungs once your mattress is covered with an impenetrable allergy mattress cover. It wraps your mattress like a fitted sheet. While your skin feels soft cotton on top, the waterproof, impenetrable-barrier layer further down, made from the latest high tech fabric, separates you from the bugs!

There are also mattress covers in baby?s size to protect the crib mattress both from dust mites and from bedwetting moisture, stains, and odor! The allergy mattress cover offers complete protection as a waterproof barrier and as a shield against dust mites and bacteria found in every home. Allergy mattress covers are available in pillow slip-on sizes to protect your face and neck while you sleep.

Just be careful to examine the label on the mattress cover or pillow cover to ensure that you are getting the proper protection. If it is a waterproof mattress cover (for bedwetting) that you are protecting against, either level will do. If it is an allergy mattress cover that interests you, the label should discuss the mattress protection against allergy-causing dust mites and bacteria.

This seemingly minor addition to your bed will enhance your sleeping comfort by creating a healthy sleep zone for you and your family.

Mary Engle is a contributor and author for the website Futons and Beanbags

 

Allergy Relief Air Purifiers - Relief for Allergy

Many who suffer from allergies find themselves suffering almost constantly, especially in the spring and summer months when the pollen counts are elevated heavily. What is the solution to the problem? While there is no permanent solution for those who suffer from allergies, there is some relief that can be discovered. Using some non-medication methods, many allergy sufferers are able to see some almost instantaneous relief from the normal irritants that cause so much stress.

Many people each year suffer from allergies ranging from pollen to pet dander and so much more. How to avoid those allergens is a major cause of concern for some, and only a minor irritation to others. For those who have severe allergies, allergens are a major problem that can result in serious consequences.

Many do not always realize that an allergy relief air purifier is one of the best defenses they have against the allergens in their home. Allergy relief air purifiers are able to remove most of the particles and allergens from the air without the use of chemicals that can often irritate allergies even further. With the invention of allergy relief air purifiers, many allergy sufferers are now able to see an almost immediate improvement in their allergy problems just by using a simple air purifier.

The expenses associated with buying an allergy relief air purifier are much less than the expenses associated with many other allergy treatments today. Add to it the fact that an allergy relief air purifier cleans up the air for everyone in the home, not only the allergy sufferer, and you have an even greater benefit that allergy medications just cannot match.

With some work and research, you will certainly be able to find the best allergy relief air purifier for your needs and in a size that will help you keep the air in your home the best possible. Everyone deserves clean air, and if having clean air helps remove the pollen, dust mites, pet dander, odors and other hazardous particles that irritate most allergies then it is a huge bonus for others in the house.

Remember, when considering the expense of buying an allergy relief air purifier, you will need to change the filters, so ensure that you factor this in when you are trying to determine how cost effective the choice is. You should notice huge savings over the year, from the reduced use of medications to control your allergies. Another option is to purchase an ionic purifier, which does not use filters, thereby giving even greater savings to the consumer.

Find more Helpful Air Purifier tips, advice Click Here: http://www.airpurifiersonsale.com A Popular website that specializes in tips and resources to include Living Air Purifier, Allergy Air Purifiers, and Ionic Pro Air Purifier

What About My Allergy Symptom?

When it comes to allergies there are all kinds of cause and all kinds of symptoms. Do you suffer from a single allergy symptom? Or many symptoms? There are some common symptoms seen among most:

1. Sneezing with either a runny nose or clogged nose
2. Coughing
3. Postnasal drip
4. Itchy eyes and/or nose
5. Sore throat or itchy throat
6. Watery eyes
7. Conjunctivitis which is an inflammation of the membrane the lines the eyelid which causes swelling of the eyes.

You need to know what the most common airborne allergens are and find out the main allergy symptom or symptoms.

1. Pollen Allergy ? this is an allergy that strikes every spring, summer, and fall as tine particles are released from the various trees, weeds, and grasses. These particles are pollen and the main allergy symptom they cause is hay fever. Pollen is the most common allergy out there. With a host of people suffering at different levels. There are many excellent natural products that can help you a lot. If you can determine what is causing your allergy you will be in much better shape. It is the makeup of the pollen that causes the allergy symptom known as hay fever. 2. Molds ? Mold spores can pop up anywhere and dealing with it requires that you get down and dirty. It will take some elbow grease and some persistence. If there is mold it can result in an ugly allergy symptom that affects the respiratory system. Mold will grow many places.

If mold is a problem you need to lower the humidity in the house and add fans for ventilation. Remove any visible mold. To clean mold use a product like Captan?s Powder or Orthocine.

3. Dust Mites ? you might be surprised to discover that dust mites can produce an allergy symptom like asthma. Dust mites are a microscopic organism that lives in the dust. They are not a single substance. Instead they are a combination of fiber, fabrics, animal dander, food particles, and the list goes on and on. These little creatures are virtually impossible to get rid of so you will want to control your allergy symptom. Of course using hepa filters and dusting and vacuuming regularly will really help.

4. Animals ? Pets are one of the most common reasons for developing an allergy symptom like runny watery eyes. Of course there are many different allergies that can be caused by the dander from your pet. There is actually a higher rate of allergies with cats. Pet allergies can actually take up to two years to develop. The allergy symptom can be one or many and it can be no more than an annoyance through to very serious

Whatever your allergy symptom trying to discover the cause is worth your effort because you may be able to eliminate the cause or you may be able to find a natural product that can help you.

An allergy symptom is your clue that your immune system is malfunctioning. It?s time you worked to straighten it out with herbal remedies.

Get all the latest information about Allergies from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our Allergy Symptom pages.

Allergy Air Purifier - Kick Allergy Attacks For

People who suffer from allergies cannot get relief fast enough. Merely breathing turns into a major task, which can cause serious problems and allergic outbreaks. The air is full of imperfections that can cause major allergic reactions for many, and mild allergic reactions for even more. The air in most homes is full of odors, mold, mildew, pet dander and various other allergens in the air. This causes many allergy sufferers problems with how to cope on an almost daily basis.

You should first seek the advice of a doctor to determine exactly what your allergy is. Some people are allergic to specific foods, while others are allergic to pet dander and even pollen. If you are allergic to something that is in the air then you can easily see some improvements in your allergies just by using a simple allergy air purifier. You should never attempt to treat allergies yourself without first knowing what specifically is causing the allergy.

Using an allergy air purifier will enable the purifier to trap many of the particles in the air that tend to cause many of the allergic outbreaks that we see today. A very large number of people are allergic to pet hair and pet dander. By removing these particles from the air, it is possible for many to enjoy life as well as enjoy having a pet. Many other allergy sufferers have problems with pollen, which can become quite frequent and serious in the spring and summer months.

By simply purchasing an allergy air purifier, you can see reduced occurrences of allergic reactions as well as save money on the medications that are used to treat your allergy outbreaks. This saves a lot of money in the long term. Allergy air purifiers are made to work for many years, which makes them a much more affordable option. For those suffering from allergies, an allergy air purifier makes an incredible solution that is simple to install and use daily.

Why continue suffering when it is not necessary? Through the use of an allergy air purifier, you are able to remove the harmful particles in the air that are causing many outbreaks and breathe easier, during the day and night. Those who suffer from allergies are seeking any relief possible. Why omit using something so simple as an allergy air purifier? This will help reduce allergic reactions, and keep the air much cleaner and healthier for years.

Suffering is no longer a requirement for daily life. Enjoy the beautiful weather without worrying about the air inside your home.

Find more Helpful Air Purifier tips, advice Click Here: http://www.airpurifiersonsale.com A Popular website that specializes in tips and resources to include Allergy Relief Air Purifiers, Oreck Air Purifiers, and Air Cleaners and Purifiers

Aromatherapy - Allergy Relief - Oils in Synergy

A synergy blend of essential oils is often more effective for helping to promote symptomatic relief and healing than any single essential oil. The best pure essential oils to use in a synergy blend for allergy relief, along with a brief explanation for why each oil is so effective, include: Blue Tansy, Spikenard, Rosemary and Lemongrass.

METHODS OF APPLICATION FOR BEST RESULTS:

METHOD 1: Dispense 15 drops of your allergy relief synergy blend into a 1 ounce bottle of carrier oil, shake your allergy relief dilution well and allow to synergize for 24 hours, or longer as time permits.

Dispense 1-3 drops of your allergy relief dilution, inhale and apply to tender points of your sinus, chest, upper back and abdominal areas. The oils will enter through the neurovascular gateways located in these areas to effectively trigger your relaxation response for allergy relief.

A Note About Carrier Oils: I highly recommend pure light coconut oil as the ideal carrier oil. Coconut oil is fully metabolized by the body and, unlike most oils, not absorbed into the fatty cells and tissues of the body, making it an ideal carrier for essential oils to move through the fat cells beneath the dermis and into the blood vessels serving muscles, etc. As well Light Coconut oil remains liquid at room temperature and, because of its light consistency, will not clog skin pores, making it suitable to use on sensitive or problem skin.

METHOD 2: Steam Inhalation ~ Add 4-8 drops of your allergy relief synergy blend to a large bowl of steaming hot water, put a towel over your head to capture the steam. Close your eyes and inhale until water cools or until you stop smelling the oil. Repeat, if necessary, every 4-5 hours. Relieves inflammation and sinus congestion and helps you to breath easier.

METHOD 3: Humidifier (cool mist) ~ Add from 6-8 drops of your synergy blend to the water of your humidifier. Add the essential oils 2-3 times during the day, if running continuously. WARNING Essential Oils can damage humidifier plastic and rubber parts.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG has developed massage training and holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs and clinics, schools, resorts, as well as for individual clients. She is a MindBody Therapist and Health Educator with advanced certification and training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk and Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center and the Founder & Director of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products. Click to learn more & order BLUE TANSY PURE ESSENTIAL OIL Click to learn more & order SPIKENARD PURE ESSENTIAL OIL Click to learn about & order PurePlant Essentials synergy blend in dilution ALLERGY RELIEF More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

Coping With A Cat Allergy

Most people love to own cats and dogs, but unfortunately, many people are also allergic to such animals. If you think that you've suddenly developed a cat allergy, make sure you do your homework before blaming symptoms on your four-legged, furry friend.

The only way you can find out for sure if you're suffering from a cat allergy, whether it's longhaired or shorthaired, is to take a specific test given by your physician. While at the doctor's office, your physician will also ask you a number of questions such as your family history, your past history of allergies and how long you've been feeling particular symptoms such as watery eyes, itching, sneezing, among other more serious complaints.

Then, the physician will more than likely perform what's called a skin-prick test or an intracutaneous test. These two tests will determine whether you are suffering from a cat allergy. The first involves pricking the skin with a needle dipped in allergen extract, while injecting a small amount of the allergen extract just beneath the skin surface completes the second. If skin shows signs of reddening or swelling, it's likely that you're allergic to cats, or whatever other allergen the doctor is testing you for.

After you've been diagnosed with a cat allergy, it's important to figure out what it is about the cat that makes you allergic. Is it the fur, urine, or their saliva? Most people who are allergic to cats are allergic to their saliva, but keeping licking tongues away from your face or hands won't do the trick. Because a cat grooms its fur every day with its tongue, deposits of its saliva coat their fur, which when dry, leaves the dry, invisible allergens behind.

Not only do these allergens stick to the cat's fur, they also become airborne as the cat moves throughout the house, floating through the air to land on carpeting, furniture, clothes and every other exposed surface. About the only way to prevent suffering from a cat allergy at this point is to find your cat another home, but for some this is a drastic, and unacceptable decision. If you own a beloved cat that you suddenly develop an allergy to, stock up on allergy relief medications, if possible, and try to keep the cat isolated to one or two rooms of the house, but most especially out of your bedroom and off of your bed. Giving your cat a weekly bath may also relieve symptoms, though your cat may not like that very much.

Even when a cat is given away however, the allergen may remain in the household for months. When suffering from a cat allergy, and you've decided to give away your pet, make sure that someone shampoos carpets and furniture that can hold onto the cat allergens. A cat allergy doesn't mean you have to get rid of your cat, though it may be the best solution, especially among older people, and while not easy, a cat allergy isn't easy to live with either.

For more information on allergies try visiting http://www.theallergyeffect.com - a website that specializes in providing allergy related tips, advice and resources to including information on cat allergy.

Allergy and Asthma Relief and Treatments

Types of asthma and common triggers of asthma attacks:

There are three main types of asthma, allergic, idiopathic, and mixed asthma.

The first main type of asthma is allergic asthma. This type of asthma is caused by airborne and seasonal allergens. Some of these Allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander and dust mites. Once you are exposed to an allergen, it acts as a trigger for an asthma attack, causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. By avoiding the allergen, the asthma can be controlled.

The second main type of asthma is idiopathic or non-allergic asthma. This type of asthma is not related to any specific allergen or substance. Common triggers for idiopathic or non-allergic asthma include the common cold, a respiratory tract infection, exercise, emotions, environmental pollution or some food additives such as sulphates. Over time, asthma attacks can become more frequent and severe if left untreated. This type of asthma can also develop into a more serious respiratory condition, such as chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

The third main type of asthma is mixed asthma. An individual could have a combination of both allergic and idiopathic (or non-allergic) asthma. This is the most commonly diagnosed.

Different treatments for asthma:

It is important to know what your personal asthma triggers are. Preventative medications do not stop an asthma attack, they only help improve your day to day functioning. Therefore, knowing your personal triggers is a must. Triggers can include weather conditions like extreme temperatures, pet dander, dust, mold, pollen, dairy products, emotions, and exercise. It is possible to eliminate some triggers like pet dander, dust mold, pollen and dairy products. Pets can be bathed to help with their dander. Frequent cleaning for dust and mold problems helps along with keeping windows closed and running the air conditioner during the spring and summer seasons.

Bedrooms are good rooms to target to get rid of a lot of dust. Dust and dust mites collect in pillows and mattresses. There are covers for pillows and mattresses that help to eliminate dust mites. Also the regular cleaning of sheets, blankets and curtains will help. It is recommended when possible not to have carpet or throw rugs as these items also collect dust and present problems.

According to medical theory, asthma is a hypersensitivity reaction of the lung. The bronchioles of the lungs start to constrict when triggered by stimuli. When your body is weak, the hypersensitivity reaction is more extreme and the asthma attack is more severe. Once the lungs become hypersensitive easily, it is almost impossible to remove these reactions. In Chinese concept, asthma is most likely triggered when the body is weak. According to Chinese alternative medication, eating a certain Chinese bird nest which can only been found in a cave is very good at controlling asthma. It is a bird's salivary secretion which contains lots of minerals. Some believe there are some Chinese herbs which are good for asthma also.

Some asthmatics try Chiropractic care not just for symptomatic relief of asthma and allergies, but for a complete change in how the body responds to allergens and infections. The nervous system controls all of the functions of the body and allergies are an inability to respond properly to something we are sensitive to. It's not the pollen or mold or food that gives us the allergy it's the way the body responds to the allergen. So the medication that helps with our symptoms is suppressing the body's response to something we are sensitive to. A Chiropractor performs an adjustment in a patient's spine which provides more comfort and freer breathing. They also recommend a change to a more natural diet with whole foods. It is recommended to take the most natural approach possible. First make sure your nervous system is doing exactly what it should. Get checked by a Chiropractor who will be able to recommend nutritional supplements which will help strengthen the glands in the body that have the most to do with allergy response, the adrenal glands. They put out adrenaline, which is a hormone that, when injected into the body, will immediately stop an allergic response.

Lisa McKennon writes on allergies, asthma and other related issues. You can learn more by visiting my blog, Allergy Relief http://allergy-asthma-relief.blogspot.com

 

Asthma And Allergy Sufferer's - How To Instantly

So, You Might Ask, Why the Absurd Title?

Well, wouldn?t you agree that the typical household has their carpets professionally cleaned once or twice a year? And if they entertain very much, their carpets may be professionally cleaned three or four times per year. Again, wouldn?t you agree that our carpets are also vacuumed once every week, or two? This is great, because carpets, especially those in a bedroom, collect allergens and can be home to as many as 50,000 allergen producing dust mites.

How often do we have our mattresses and pillows, items that we have intimate contact with eight hours a day, professionally cleaned? Never, nor do we even clean them ourselves, weekly, or every other week! Bed linens yes,?but not the mattresses nor the pillows.

But do we sleep on our cleaned and vacuumed carpets? No, at least not normally. We are sane people, who sleep in our beds?our beds, that have NEVER been professionally cleaned, nor have the pillows, that we lay our heads upon, ever been professionally cleaned. So obviously, it would be more logical and even healthier, to sleep on our cleaned and vacuumed carpets!

Our unhygienic mattresses and unhygienic pillows harbor, on average, 2,000,000 dust mites and sometimes as many as 10,000,000 dust mites! Dust mites produce a digestive enzyme so powerful that it breaks down and kills living tissue. This digestive enzyme, called guanine, is excreted as a potent and very harmful allergen. Dust mites excrete 20 to 30 fecal pellets each day. Doing the math, that?s the equivalent of 40 to 60 million fecal pellets accumulating in our mattress EACH DAY! The fecal pellets are approximately 15 microns in size but as they dry out they become powdery and decompose into even finer particulates. These particulates are then easily inhaled by YOU when fluffing a pillow or tossing and turning at night which, on average, happens 50 to 60 times per night.

Dust mites are responsible for 80% to 90% of allergenic compounds found in house dust. Although dust mites and dust mite allergens (DMA?s) can be found throughout a home the vast majority of dust mites live, thrive, and breed, in the micro-habitat of a mattress and pillow. It?s time to incorporate regularly scheduled mattress and pillow cleaning in routine housekeeping practices.

In any average home, Indoor Air Quality is now the worst that it has ever been and dust mites are the #1 cause of poor indoor air quality. Visit the EPA?s newest website at: http://www.noattacks.org More Facts Concerning Indoor Air Pollution Asthma, "hidden" asthma, perennial rhinitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, eczema, and many more respiratory illnesses and skin disorders have INCREASED every year since 1980.

The ACAAI (American College of Allergies, Asthma, and Immunology) has stated that 50% of ALL ILLNESSES, are either caused by, or further aggravated by, poor indoor air quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that, on average, the air quality with in our homes, schools, workplaces is 2 to 5 times worse than the outdoor air quality and in MANY places much, much, worse...as in 100 to 500 times worse! For real!!!

The EPA has also stated that since the '80's, children typically spend 90-95% of their time indoors. This is a MUCH higher percentage than when I was growing up in the 50's and 60's when our parents couldn't keep us inside (irregardless of the weather or time of day!).

So how could this have happened all across the U.S.? Here are just 3 of the major plausible reasons...

1). Energy conservation practices beginning in the late 1970's resulted in newer building construction methods, improved insulation and more "air-tight" structures to maintain indoor temperatures and indoor environments.

The negative impact that the less "draftier" structures have presented are the increased accumulations of indoor pollutants, both organic (dust mite allergens, molds, mildews, spores, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, and outdoor pollutants (pollen being #1) transported indoors and inorganic pollutants such as man-made chemicals and VOC's (volatile organic compounds).

VOC's emit gases from thousands of products found in a home such as: paints, lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, carpet backing, building materials and furnishings, and also found in schools and workplaces such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Toxic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. All of these products release chemical compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

2). Technology has played a negative role. The negative impact that technology has produced is the increase of indoor entertainment. Cable television, computers, interactive games (Play Station, X-Box, etc.) are often the entertainment of choice amongst school kids and young adults. This type of entertainment keeps people indoors instead of outdoors playing games like whiffle ball, jacks, hop scotch, 2-square (or 4-square), tag, Red Rover, or even hide-and-seek...

3). Globalization (the latest "El Nino" like, excuse). While G-zation is pretty cool (the world shrinking leads to sharing of new ideas, better access for traveler's to far away places, and furthering cultural exchanges). G-zation is also responsible for some negative impacts, some already known like the bird flu or the re-infestation, in the U.S., of the once nearly extinct bed bug and additional negative impacts, not yet realized.

Lastly, (and I can't quite decide if these are major or minor reasons) I suspect housekeeping practices and how "family-life" has changed since the '70's and 80's. Divorce among marriages actually became the norm (even becoming a status symbol) unlike in the '60's, family's (or what remained of families) became more mobile and thusly left behind assistance (and knowledge) from extended family members (grandma and grandpa), divorced mom's joined the work force leaving the home unattended (housekeeping became less of a priority), or the household needed BOTH parents to become wage earners, again allowing housekeeping to suffer, even if minimally.

Source Control, Attack the #1 Cause of Indoor Allergens

Grandma and Grandpa and the generations before knew the importance of mattress cleaning. This was a common spring cleaning ritual back in the days when everyone hung their laundry out to dry. Even though dust mites weren?t discovered until 1694 (by the inventor of the microscope) they have lived on earth about 300 million years. When man began sleeping on mattresses the dust mites learned of the new food source provided by humans. This happened about 10,000 years ago and it?s no coincidence that mattress cleaning became a normal ?housekeeping? function about 8,000 years ago.

Health and Wellness begins at home and to experience the best health, it?s time to once again, begin sleeping on hygienic mattresses and pillows?or sleep on the clean carpets. If you appreciated this article you may be interested in other articles authored by Tom Hefter.

Visit: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Hefter Scroll down and RATE this article!

Tom Hefter, Founder/Owner, SterilMattress
http://www.sterilmattress.com

Due to past personal family experiences, the business enterprise "SterilMattress" was formed to assist the millions of American's (1 in 5) who suffer adverse health effects due to poor indoor air quality. Working in partnerships with health organizations, SterilMattress is compelled to help educate the U.S. public concerning this increasingly problematic issue. Additionally, SterilMattress offers the necessary specialized equipment available, at the lowest possible cost, and the technical advice needed to assist entrepreneurs with establishing their own successful and environmentally "green" Home Indoor Allergen Control business.

Exposed Facts About Allergy Relief Air Purifier

Allergies can hit anyone at any time of the year. In fact it doesn't matter how old you are it can appear at any age. It is a very uncomfortable feeling to experience and in many cases it can lead to further health issues such as asthma. An allergy relief air purifier can be of great help to someone who suffers from allergies. One thing we can not help doing in this world is breathing. It is a natural thing that we don't even have to think about, we just do it to survive. In most cases, the air we are breathing is contaminated and harmful to our health. There are many things that are found in the air we breathe that we cannot see and this article will expose the facts about how an allergy relief air purifier works and if it actually can be of help to our health.

An allergy relief air purifier claims to draw the room air into its filter system and cause the bad particles to attach themselves to the filter or plate, leaving only good air to be blown back into the room for you to breathe. If you are an allergy sufferer, you will relate to this type of experience. You are going about your business doing whatever and all of a sudden your eyes begin itching and watering. Your nose begins to run and you seem to keep having to blow it, or it can do just the opposite. It can all of sudden plug up and you begin having a difficult time breathing. You may begin wheezing and not be able to take a full breath of air in. By this time you are probably experiencing an asthma attack which can be very serious. This can be very scary to experience. In order to avoid this type of experience, you may want to try out an allergy relief air purifier.

If an allergy relief air purifier will even do half of what it claims to do, then your chances for an allergy attack from happening will lesson tremendously. There are many things that can trigger an allergy attack. Many of these things can't really be avoided, so by using something that will cut down the chances of you breathing them, will be beneficial. Many of the common allergy triggers are household dust and dust mites. No matter how clean you keep your home, it will still accumulate dust, but an allergy relief air purifier will draw the dust particles into its unique filtering system and help eliminate it before you breathe it in.

Other contaminants such as pollen, mold, pet dander and smoke can also be cut down tremendously with the use of an allergy relief air purifier. We all know that second hand smoke is very harmful to breathe in, so many of us try to avoid being in places where we might be exposed to this type of smoke, but did you know that just being around someone who smokes can be just as harmful. In most cases, they carry smoke smell on their hands so whatever they touch is contaminated with the smell. The smoke smell is also attached to their clothing and hair, so if you are around them you are taking in the smoke smell as well. An allergy relief air purifier comes in many different models including one you can wear around your neck like a necklace, so no matter where you are, the allergy relief air purifier is filtering the air you are breathing in.

For more information on Air Cleaners and Purifiers for your home or business try visiting http://air-cleaners-and-purifiers.com , a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and Air Cleaners and Purifiers resources to include Allergy Relief Air Purifier and more.

Want To Effectively Handle A Food Allergy?

Having any kind of food allergy can certainly crimp eating habits, but for most, it's something that is just dealt with without too many problems, especially when the allergy is developed at an early age.

A food allergy or any kind of food intolerance can be mild or severe, and many people are allergic to foods and don't even realize it. Mild symptoms like an upset stomach or heartburn is common after eating particular kinds of food, but most people don't equate such as an allergy. However, there's a difference between a food allergy and food intolerance, and the public in general should know what that is.

The body has an unusual response to an allergy that is caused by the body's immune system and comes with specific and sometimes extremely uncomfortable symptoms that occur within minutes of eating sensitive foods and include hives and rashes. A reaction may also induce asthma and weakness or lightheadedness, and in some cases, anaphylactic shock.

Excessive swelling in body tissues, including the larynx, which can cut off oxygen supply, causes this condition, and while most people don't suffer such severe reactions, many people allergic to nuts, especially peanut butter or shellfish can develop these symptoms. The sudden drop in blood pressure can be deadly.

Additional common symptoms also include itching and difficulty swallowing. Nausea, and on occasion, vomiting results, along with abdominal pain.

Food intolerance is not quite the same as a food allergy and is caused not by the immune system, but by other body systems. Symptoms of food intolerance may be gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and stomach cramps. Many babies and young children are allergic to milk and soy products that can lead to colic and poor growth. Almost twenty percent of infantile colic, or chronic crying at night, may be due to those babies allergic to milk or soy products found in most powdered baby formulas.

The most common culprits in adults are shellfish, such as shrimp, crab and lobster, and nuts that grow on trees, like walnuts and acorns. Other foods like fish and some meat are also common allergy sources. Nuts, especially peanuts are to be blamed for more severe allergic reactions in many patients.

If you think you may be suffering from any type of food allergy, first try to limit your intake of such foods and see if that helps relieve symptoms. If you're not sure what is causing allergic symptoms, a visit to your doctor will more than likely initiate a series of skin-prick or scratch tests which will introduce particular food allergens in minute quantities into your skin to watch for local reactions.

While having a food allergy may at times put a damper on eating habits, millions of people around the world suffer from one sort of or another and lead perfectly happy, normal lives. Once you know what you're allergic to, just avoiding such foods may relieve symptoms of food allergy, and nothing more is necessary or required.

For more information on allergies try visiting http://www.theallergyeffect.com - a website that specializes in providing allergy related tips, advice and resources to including information on food allergy.

Dealing With A Mold Allergy

Mold allergy is not nearly as common as you might have thought considering there are thousands of different molds. But out of those thousands about a dozen can cause an allergic reaction.

Molds and fungi grow in all kinds of environments and they really do nicely inside. Outside molds don?t really have a season that causes trouble. If you have asthma that is a result of a mold allergy the best thing you can do it so avoid the mold spores. Of course completely avoiding them is pretty difficult, especially air borne molds. Thankfully there are asthma medications that work well.

Wondering what the symptoms are for a mold allergy? They are the same as any other respiratory allergy. Sneezing, cough, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip, watery eyes, itchy eyes, itchy nose and throat, sinusitis, and skin rash and for some it causes asthma which has shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

A mold allergy is caused when you come into contact with the mold spores and your body thinks they are a foreign invader so it develops an antibody to fight it. Even after the exposure is over you body will continue to produce antibodies so they will remember this invader the next time contact occurs. The reaction causes your body to release histamines which are what cause your eyes to water and your nose to run.

Toxic black mold is the mold allergy that made the news awhile back because it caused serious lung disease and caused hundreds of homes to be condemned as unfit to live in. Black mold is not a medical term but rather the slang it was dubbed at the time. This greenish black mold develops after serious water damage has occurred and although it has been directly linked to severe mold allergy the scientists still haven?t been able to determine why.

The treatment for a mold allergy is the same as with any other allergy. There are several different types of medications both over the counter, prescription, and natural supplements that can help.

For an asthma type mold allergy inhaled corticosteroids can be used if you have symptoms more than twice a week your doctor will likely put you on a corticosteroid medication.

For some the mold allergy results in an instant asthma attach when exposed. Bronchodilators are quick to act bring relief from asthma attack symptoms almost instantly.

Antihistamines are used when the immune system over reacts to the mold allergy producing histamines. Histamines cause watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and other symptoms. Claritin and Allegra are two common antihistamines that are used.

When a mold allergy causes mucus and sinus problems then using a decongestant can bring relief from those symptoms. Common decongestions include Claritin-D and Allegra-D with the D standing for decongestion. Often an antihistamine and decongestion are combined to get the best relief.

There are also nasal sprays, immunotherapy which is a series of shots, and natural supplements that can help boost the immune system and bring your body into balance. Some can even relieve your histamine symptoms.

If you have a mold allergy it is important to deal with the mold itself whenever possible and then choose the correct treatment for your situation. It always pays to try natural options first before restoring to chemical solutions.

Get all the latest information about Allergies from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our mold allergy pages.

Allergy Drops - Another Treatment Option For Allergies

Allergies can interfere with even the most commonplace of daily events; for those who suffer from allergies, even leaving their house during certain times of year can prove nearly impossible. For sufferers, finding effective, long-lasting allergy relief can mean a significant difference in their life. And while many have found great success with oral medications and allergy shots, there is an alternative treatment option that comes with its own benefits ? allergy drops.

Allergies are the result of the body?s immune system malfunctioning. When the body is introduced to something that it considers a threat, it reacts accordingly in an effort to rid the body of the toxin. With allergies, the immune system reacts to otherwise benign substances as if they are a threat ? pollen, cat dander, nuts, or any other number of elements. To fight what it considers to be trespassers, the immune system releases the chemical histamine that results in the common symptoms of allergies ? runny nose, congestion, coughing, wheezing, watery and itchy eyes, etc. In many cases, avoiding the allergy trigger or combating the symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medication can make a world of difference for the allergy sufferer. But for those who suffer more intense symptoms or are exposed to their allergens on a daily basis, allergy shots have been the effective treatment of choice. But research has shown that allergy drops can be just as effective ? and far more convenient ? than allergy shots.

Allergy shots are often given once a week and must be injected in a doctor?s office. Further, there is time associated with this visit as the patient is often injected with extremely diluted allergens. The patient must then wait ? often at least thirty minutes ? before being able to leave the doctor?s office as the doctor must first ensure that the patient is not having any negative reactions. This inconvenience of visiting the doctor - and the discomfort of the injection itself - often causes patients to shy away from pursuing the treatment.

With allergy drops there are no painful injections ? simply a drop put under the tongue. This procedure is something that the patient can do themselves at home; doctor visits are reduced to just a few times a year in order for the doctor to follow the progress of the patient. For children who suffer from allergies, the allergy drops can be enormously beneficial allowing them to receive the necessary treatment without having to get a shot once a week.

Allergy drops are but one alternative to the management of allergies on an ongoing basis. For allergy sufferers, they can make a world of difference in keeping symptoms at bay and maximizing comfort levels.

For easy to understand, in depth information about allergy drops visit our ezGuide 2 Allergy.

Allergy Treatment - Allergy Medicine Relief - Herbal

Having healthy environment keeps you away from allergy. The environment which is filled with the dust is the dominant factor for allergy. By keeping the home surroundings clean we can prevent the allergy as it is one of the basic thing which we can do to be away from it.

There are number of allergies like food allergy, skin allergy, indoor allergy, outdoor allergy, chemical allergy, common allergy, canine allergy, seasonal allergy, drug allergy, hay fever, eye allergy, nasal allergy and many more.

As allergy can happen through allopathic medications also many prefer natural medications as they act as adrenal support and review the best vitamins, mineral and herbs for fighting allergies. The natural allergy relief can be a powerful method of strengthening the immune system as it has the power of minimizing the allergy symptoms and obtaining relief. It has also proven to be quick, reliable and very effective.

The natural remedies are many and they are easily available without any prescription. But it is a urge need to have precautions by the consultation of the doctor before taking the alternative medicines.

Some of the primary symptoms of allergy are coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose and many. These can be prevented by home medicines also. Like having garlic and onion in food keeps you a bit away from allergy. Quercitin is also one of the remedy for keeping away allergy. It is also needed that you should have a little observations on the food you intake. That is should not take the food which may keep you again stick on to allergies like wheat, tomatoes, peanuts, and others. This should be remembered that consuming the same food may lead you to allergy if it is consumed frequently.

There should be little observation in the living environment also as it may also be one of the reason for allergy. The place where we are living and working should be away from dust. Should keep the carpet and the bed clean without dust on it. Should be away with the animals who have fur skin which is also one of the causes for allergy. Should try to use the air filters and dehumidifiers which may keep you away from the dust and tiny particles.

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Supplements for Nasal Allergy and Sinus Infection

Nasal allergy is a quite common illness that everybody can have it. It is caused by the exposure of the individual to the various types of allergens such as pollen, fungus, mold, dust mites, certain foods, latex, animal dander, volatile chemicals and others. When allergens were inhaled into the nasal cavity, it penetrated mucosal membrane and came to contact with blood serum. Individual with Immunoglobulin-A antibody deficiency will easily let the allergens penetrate mucosal barrier because deficiency of Immunoglobulin-A antibody increases the mucosal permeability. Macrophages are the first type of cells that will come in contact with the allergen particles and after processing the allergens; it will pass information about the invasion of the allergen particles into the body to B-lymphocyte cells (one type of the white blood cell). This will stimulate B-lymphocyte cells and cause them start to multiply and transform into plasma cells. Stimulation of the B-lymphocyte is controlled by T-lymphocyte cell (the other type of white blood cell). The plasma cells that have been formed will produce IgE antibodies, which after that bind with the mast cells and basophil cells around nose and cause itching and hypersensitive. Subsequently, histamine chemical will be released from the mast cells when the mast cells started degranulating

What we know that why an individual?s nose easily becomes allergy is due to the deficiency of Immunoglobulin-A antibody, which is one of our defense components in our body. Its function is scavenging of exogenous material, which is coming in contact to the mucosal membrane. Apart from this, T-lymphocyte cells, which are developed in bone marrow, work as helper and suppressor to the secretion of immunoglobulin by the B-lymphocyte cells. Malfunction or deficiency of these cells will cause over secretion of immunoglobulin-E antibodies. This may exacerbate the nasal allergy illness. All this malfunction and deficiency may due to the genetic disorder inheriting from our parent. However, it may also cause by our irregular lifestyle, unhealthy eating habit and environmental factor such as not enough sleep, eat too much fried food, smoking, alcoholic, exposure to hazardous chemicals and so on. Infection with certain virus such as HIV or utilized certain steroid or chemotherapy medicines may also cause this problem. In other words, deterioration of the body immune system will make nasal allergy illness become more critical. Due to this, in order that one can relieve from the nasal allergy torturing, he or she must have a strong immune system to defend the foreign substances that will enter into their body.

Deterioration of immune system mostly due to the attack by the free radicals that have formed in our body. Free radical is a very reactive molecule and has a strong tendency to oxidize lipid, protein and DNA in our body. Everyday, a lot of free radicals are produced in our body. Although our body itself can generate antioxidant to protect ourselves, it is still not enough. That's why, we are all aging. Free radicals that have been generated in our body can weaken our body immune system by attacking to the white blood cells. Changing the DNA in a white blood cell is the most crucial point because it causes irreversible mutation of the cell. Due to this, white blood cells can not function properly and become malfunctioned. When this happening, nasal allergy illness will emerge in our body. To protect our body from radical and maintain our body immune system, we need to take enough antioxidant supplements to neutralize the excessive free radicals that have been produced in our body everyday.

Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant that can relief nasal allergy symptom. But the doses that we need to take to stop the nasal allergy are around five to eight gram. This is quite a large amount and it may cause stomach and intestinal upset. To prevent this, we should use ascorbate form of vitamin C. Until now, there is no solid evidence to show how vitamin C can stop the nasal allergy reaction. But scientists figured out that it may due to its antioxidant capabilities, which prevent cell damage. Research had been carried out in the department of obsterics at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn to study vitamin C and histamine levels in the blood of 400 people. They found out that, people with high levels of vitamin C in their blood have lower histamine levels. When 1000mg vitamin C supplement was given daily to those with low levels of vitamin C and high levels of histamine, their hay fever improved remarkably within three days. [Journal Nutrition, April, 1980]. When large amount of vitamin C is taken, just make sure you take calcium supplement. This is because; vitamin C in the blood will bind with the calcium in the bone and attract them out into the blood. This calcium will be discarded from the body through urination. This is because vitamin C is an organic acid that can dissolve mineral in bone. To avoid this, we should take calcium ascorbate, which is a mineral form of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is very soluble in water. Therefore, high levels of vitamin C in the blood may not be easily achieved. This is because vitamin C easily excretes from the body through urination. More frequent you urinating; less vitamin C can be retained in your body. Therefore, although we take a lot of vitamin C, the actual amount retaining in the body in very little. You may relief the nasal allergy for a while and if you want to continually remain relief from nasal allergy, you may need to continually take vitamin C. This situation can be seen after we have taken the vitamin C. The urine that we excrete after one hour taking the vitamin C is yellowish color. The color is due to the presence of the vitamin C in the urine. The following urine may still yellowish. After the urine no longer shows any yellowish color; that means the vitamin C levels in the blood has gone down already. Due to this, a lot of vitamin C has been wasted. To save cost, we need to take citrus bioflavonoids and pantothenic acid. Both of them are vitamin B complex substances. Citrus bioflavonoids alter the body?s metabolism of vitamin C and raising the concentration of vitamin C in certain tissue [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, August, 1979]. Whereas, pantothenic acid can help our body absorbs vitamin C more easily.

Apart from vitamin C and B, the second supplement that can boost our immune system is zinc. Zinc is a transitional metal that is indispensable in our body. Biochemical functions in our body that involves zinc are protein synthesis, spermatogenesis, platelet reactivity and the main one is maintaining cellular immunity. Apart from these, zinc also can prevent certain type of cancer. Zinc deficiency mostly due to malnutrition, alcoholism, malabsorption, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal disease, extensive burns, use of chelating agents and genetic disorders. Our meats that contains high amount of zinc are chicken and beef. People who try to avoid red meat due to its high cholesterol have the higher possibility not enough zinc in their body. Zinc deficiency can cause growth retardation, male testerone deficiency, delayed wound healing, bullous dermatitis, diarrhea and intercurrent infection. Zinc can inhibit replication of several viruses such as herpes simplex virus, foot and mouth disease virus, poliovirus and rhinovirus. Zinc is very effective to treat common cold because it prevents rhinovirus (cold virus) from binding to the tissue surface and stabilizes the cell membranes. Subsequently, it is also inhibiting prostaglandin metabolism and inducing production of interferon gamma, which is a natural chemical that help body to fight infections. Study that had been published in the Annals Internal Medicine in 1996 showed that if an individual starts taking zinc gluconate glycine within 24 hours onset of the common cold symptoms, it can significantly reduced the illness duration.

The third supplement that has antioxidant function is virgin coconut oil. The difference between ordinary coconut oil and virgin coconut oil is that the later is extracted by wet process directly from the coconut milk or meat under a control temperature usually is 50 oC, whereas; coconut oil is obtained from the copra by dry process, which involves high temperature or sunlight exposure for several days. Due to the exposure to sunlight and application of high temperature, most of the minor components such as tocopherols, tocotrienols and polyphenols will be destroyed. This is because all these components are unstable in high temperature. Sunlight can destroy there components because sunlight contains a few percent of UV light, which is a high energy wave that can break the chemical bonding in an organic substance. Recently, study had been carried out in University Kerala in India to determine the effectiveness of the virgin coconut oil as antioxidant enzymes in male rat [Food Chemistry, 2006]. They found out that virgin coconut oil has more effect as an antioxidant and prevents peroxidation of lipids compared to the groundnut oil and copra oil. Study also had been carried in the same University to determine the beneficial effect of the virgin coconut oil to lipid components in male rat [Clinical Biochemistry, 37, 2004]. The finding that they got is that virgin coconut oil can reduce the levels of lipid in serum and tissues. Besides, it also can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increased high-density lipoprotein in the blood. This effect may due to its high polyphenol content.

Finally, what we know immunoglobulin-A (IgA) antibodies are the main antibodies that can prevent allergens from entering our body through nasal mucosal membrane. Therefore, nasal allergy and sinus infection can be prevented by increasing this antibody level in our body. Nutrients that can boost this antibody level in our body are monounsaturated oleic acids and vitamin A. Monounsaturated oleic acids can be found in cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, hazelnut or filbert oil (or the whole nuts), green and ripe olives, and almonds. Whereas, vitamin A can be found in cod liver oil, pumpkin, cooked carrots, sweet potatoes/yams, squash and other yellow or orange vegetable

By Alexander Chong Author of "How to cure your incurable nasal allergy without using any synthetic drugs, herbs and expensive devices". http://www.cure-nasal-allergy.com

Food Allergy Labels Easier to Understand

If you are concerned about food allergy it is good to know the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all food manufacturers to list common food allergens on food labels. Even better is: Food manufacturers are required to list the common food allergens in simple terms that adults and older children can easily understand. These labeling requirements are to help us reduce the chance of an accidental allergic reaction to a food. These food label requirements were revised in January of 2006.

Where to look for common allergen list on the food labels: Look either in the ingredients list, after the list, or right next to it. Did you ever believe that ?nondairy? means there is no milk in a product in the case you are allergic to milk products. I sure would think this would be the case. Before the label guidelines were revised, the use of ?nondairy? was allowed even when the foods contained milk byproducts such as ?casein? (a milk-derived protein). With the new guidelines if a product contains milk byproducts (that you could be allergic to), the label will lists the term ?milk? in parenthesis after the term ?casein,? or whatever other milk byproduct used. Or, the label will simply state ?contains milk.? This is so much easier and informative especially for kids with food allergies to milk products who may be choosing their own snacks.

Food labels of course do not and cannot list every possible allergen, the food manufacturers are required to list the top eight that account for 90 percent of all documented food allergies. The list also represents foods most likely to cause a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). These include:

? Milk
? Eggs
? Peanuts
? Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts)
? Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder)
? Shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp)
? Soy
? Wheat

Any domestic or imported packaged food regulated by the FDA is required to make the labeling changes.

Types of allergen included on the label are:

? Type of tree nut such as almond, walnut
? Type of crustacean shellfish such as crab or shrimp
? Any ingredient that contains a protein from the eight major food allergens
? Allergens found in flavorings, colorings or other additives

Foods that are not labeled:

? Fresh produce
? Fresh meat and certain highly refined oils
? Foods that may inadvertently come into contact with a food allergen during the growing, harvesting or manufacturing process are also exempt.

Also to our benefit is that the FDA is working to tighten regulations for manufacturers? use of the term ?gluten free? on food labels. Gluten occurs in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, and can cause a serious reaction (though not an allergic one) in people who have celiac disease, a digestive disorder. Many people are unsure about which foods contain gluten. The FDA is working to issue standards for what constitutes a gluten-free product by the year 2008.

The new guidelines are to help us avoid exposure to even small amounts of a food allergen. If you think you have a food allergy it is a good idea to see your doctor for testing. Without specific testing you will not know whether or how much or how little exposure might trigger a serious allergic reaction.

It is important to note also that not all people with food allergies are at significant risk when exposed to very small quantities of food. If you will work closely with your doctor you and he or she can develop a personalized plan to reduce your risk of exposure to foods you are allergic to.

In addition, the new food-labeling law helps you make safe choices; however, the law requires food allergens to be identified even in the smallest amounts. You might see ingredients such as soy lecithin used as a nonstick agent for baked goods or fish gelatin used in coloring for soup broth.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical concerns.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 2-2007.

Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of Nutrition and Health articles at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com Articles are available for FREE reprint to your newsletter, website or blog. Please sign up for our weekly nutrition and health tips.

Bee Pollen Allergy

Many of us realize and appreciate the ?sting? of a bee pollen allergy. Bee pollen allergy reactions can be extremely severe in some to very mild in others. In such severe cases of bee pollen allergy, anaphylactic shock has occurred. Since you are reading a text regarding a bee pollen allergy, one can naturally assume that you are wondering if you can consume this or any bee pollen product. The answer is quite simple. It?s just a matter of common sense.

Bee Pollen Allergy and You

In dealing with a bee pollen allergy you have likely suffered from rashes, hives, swelling of throat and even difficulty breathing. As mentioned earlier, you may have even suffered from anaphylactic shock if you have a terrible allergy and suffered throat and mouth swelling closed to the point of not being able to breath at all. If any of this describes your situation and your bee pollen allergy, do not attempt to take any product with bee pollen in it. If you are allergic to bee stings also do not take this product.

Always talk to a professional medical doctor before proceeding with any supplement therapy you wish to add to your diet, bee pollen also contains allergens which can be extremely harmful to individuals suffering from asthma.

No Bee Pollen Allergy?

If you have never suffered from an allergic reaction from bee pollen in the past but still may be afraid that you may be allergic, there are small dosages available to introduce it to your system to experiment with the effects you experience. It is suggested that you purchase bee pollen granules, as they are the smallest and most raw form available. One granule of bee pollen contains every known nutrient and vitamin that is capable of sustaining human life so the myth of bigger the better, is not always necessarily accurate.

To check your bee pollen allergy, you should begin the bee pollen granules by taking only three granules at a time for three days. If no reaction is present in that time, increase the granules to only six granules. Carry on this pattern until you have reached a teaspoon full per day. If this is successful and you have displayed no allergic symptoms, it is possible that you do not have a bee pollen allergy.

The product we personally use, located in the pristine source of New Zealand, is the most natural bee pollen source we have come across - http://www.bee-health-product.com

We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results. We have achieved a general sense of well being and new improved energy levels.

We highly recommend you check out our bee pollen supplement of choice for further information.

John Gibb runs a series of health websites. Check out our Bee supplement guide, for more information on bee pollen.

Bee Pollen and Allergy

Bee pollen and allergy are a well-discussed package and are synonymous with aiding in the treatment of allergies. In much the same way as an allergy shot helps for the allergy sufferer, bee pollen and allergy work in the same vein. By introducing the allergen in small amounts it better prepares the body for the next time it is introduced. This causes the body to stop producing, or to slow down production of the histamine that causes the allergic reaction.

Bee pollen and allergy works by desensitization as stated above, it is like how a vaccine may work. By allowing the allergen to be shown to the body, it causes the body to produce antibodies that will cancel out the effects of the offensive substance next time it is introduced into the body. It can also strengthen the respiratory system by providing protein that can aid the body build a natural defense and build a shield against future allergic reactions. That is how bee pollen and allergy work.

Studies of Bee Pollen and Allergy

Bee pollen and allergy have been tested in many clinical tests as well as individual company based tests and analysis. In one study a doctor by the name of Dr. Leo Conway, M.D. treated a number of his patients who suffered from allergies with bee pollen. Of these patients, it is imperative to note that none of the allergy sufferers were allergic to bee pollen however, some were allergic to flower pollen and other pollens.

The patients that came from various backgrounds and held various lifestyles all displayed the same results. Those patients conclusively showed that no matter where they lived and regardless of their diets, they remained free from allergy symptoms.

It is important to note that while some patients with asthma have historically benefited from bee pollen and allergy therapy, it is wise to note that bee pollen does contain some allergens, which may worsen asthma.

Always consult a medical professional before starting any vitamin or nutrient regime and no exception should be made when beginning a suitable bee therapy program.

The product we personally use, located in the pristine source of New Zealand, is the most natural bee pollen source we have come across - http://www.bee-health-product.com

We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results. We have achieved a general sense of well being and new improved energy levels.

We highly recommend you check out our bee pollen supplement of choice for further information.

John Gibb runs a series of health websites. Check out our Bee supplement guide, for more information on bee pollen.

Our Guide To Bee Pollen Allergy Treatment

Bee pollen has many uses and bee pollen allergy treatment has been known to be one of the benefits to taking bee pollen. Until one really understands and appreciates what bee pollen is, it is difficult to understand how bee pollen allergy treatment works.

What is Bee Pollen and Bee Pollen Allergy Treatment

Bee pollen allergy treatment, as mentioned above, will be more discussed later on due to the nature of the order of descent. Much like the old clich?, what came first the chicken or the egg, the case of what came first the bee pollen or the bee pollen allergy treatment, it is easy to assume it was likely the bee pollen.

Bee pollen allergy treatment has been consistently handed down through the ages by medicine men and traditional medical professionals to treat allergy sufferers and their afflictions. Bee pollen allergy treatment is called desensitization and was first founded at the turn of the century in London, England. The treatment consists of introducing small amounts of the allergen into the individual to stimulate the immune system. This in turn causes antibodies that will help to stop the body from making histamine that is responsible for the allergic reaction. It is similar to a vaccination for small pox or measles.

It is based on the principle that the introduction of said allergen will help to cancel out the devastating effects the next time that same allergen is introduced in bee pollen allergy treatment.

The potential in these findings and experiments are absolutely limitless in what bee pollen can do for the human body. Hay fever and pollen induced asthma have shown remarkable improvement when put on a bee pollen allergy treatment. It has also been shown to aid in the treatment of bronchitis, ulcers, migraine headaches and urinary disorders.

Purchasing Bee Pollen Allergy Treatment

Finding a reliable source to buy your bee pollen allergy treatment from is the first step to take after discerning which is the suitable treatment for you. Please ensure that you research your supplier and find out how they handle, store and harvest their bee pollen. It is of the utmost importance that you obtain high-grade products as some of the cheaper products contain toxins and even traces of heavy metals.

Remember, just because it is on your local grocery/health food store shelf; do not just assume that it is safe for human consumption.

The product we personally use, located in the pristine source of New Zealand, is the most natural bee pollen source we have come across - http://www.bee-health-product.com

We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results. We have achieved a general sense of well being and new improved energy levels.

We highly recommend you check out our bee pollen supplement of choice for further information.

John Gibb runs a series of health websites. Check out our Bee supplement guide, for more information on bee pollen.

Allergy Treatment: Help Your Thymus, Help Yourself

An allergy refers to the adverse reaction of the body???s immune system to certain allergens such as dust, pollen, certain foods, and fur. Another way to describe allergy is the abnormal reaction to a normal substance. The immune system defends the body from harmful organisms. When the immune system is protecting body from all kinds of infections, the inflammation, soreness, and running nose are a small price to pay for optimum health. However, when the same distressing symptoms and hypersensitivity are due to everyday things not harmful to our health, then allergy treatment should be found. The key to the immune system, cause of allergy symptoms, and so to allergy treatment, is the thymus.

The thymus is a grayish organ located in the upper interior portion of the chest cavity, just below the neck and plays an important role in controlling the immune system. People with under-active thymus are more likely to fall ill and get common, chronic and prolonged infections. The role of the thymus in allergy treatment is therefore crucial. But to find relief from allergy symptoms, the answer lies not in tinkering with this delicate part of the body, but supplementing thymus hormone in the body.

More About the Thymus in Allergy Treatment

A healthy thymus ensures a healthy immune system, less prone to different allergy symptoms. This is because the main function of the thymus gland is to produce white blood cells, which are important in developing cell based immunity and are responsible for protecting the body from infection, yeast, viruses, parasites, fungi, and even cancer. Inflammation and other allergy symptoms are the body???s last line of defense from attack. Therefore, with a thymus deficiency we have fewer white blood cells, and fewer white blood cells mean our body is more prone to allergy symptoms.

However, supplementation of thymus hormone helps in allergy treatment and relief from symptoms in many other ways.

Produce Immunocompetent T-cells.

Thymus plays a great role in allergy treatment and symptom relief by developing immature T-cells into immunocompetent T-cells, which are present in the cellular immune system of the body and are responsible for identifying the foreign substances in body and destroying them. Put simply, it is the thymus that allows our ???cadet white cells??? to graduate from military college into a fighting fit allergy treatment crack squad.

Allergies can be treated by the desensitization method, in which extremely small doses of allergens are given to the allergy patients to stimulate their immune system so that the thymus reacts immediately and create new T-suppressor cells. The T cells secrete a substance to attack the protein of foreign cells and helps in allergy treatment besides maintaining cellular immunity.

Regulate the Immune system

The thymus releases many hormones such as thymopoeitin, thymosin, and serum thymic factor that regulate many immune functions that are helpful in allergy treatment. Thymosin is responsible for the development of antibodies, particularly T lymphocytes (T cells) to provide effective treatment and relief from allergy symptoms. Thymus gland hormones can also increase the key immune signals called lymphokines and increase interferon, interleukin 2 (IL2), and other hormones that are responsible for the production of white blood cells that fight germs, infections, and allergies.

Thymus hormones have the capability of increasing disease fighting antibodies balancing and boosting the immune system. They can also be an effective allergy treatment. In a clinical trial conducted on 130 patients suffering from various diseases showed that oral pharmaceutical thymus extract (derived from the thymus gland of calves) reduced the rate of infection. A number of thymus extract preparations are available and may even stimulate correct thymus function, meaning allergy treatment needn???t be a long-term thing.

Help your body help yourself by taking care of your thymus, and feel allergy symptoms disappear.

vitamin support for Allergies treatments Allergies Allergy symptoms

Your Guide To Cat Allergy Symptoms

My sister recently lost her cat Topaz. She had been a long time member of our extended family. As much as my kids loved her they experienced cat allergy symptoms whenever they went to visit their aunt. Both my children have mild asthma which typically means they are going to be allergic to cats. My sister actually has asthma herself but she loved Topaz enough to manage through her cat allergy symptoms.

You don't necessarily need to see an allergist to determine whether you are allergic to cats. The allergic reaction is usually immediate upon entering a room with a cat or cats. So it doesn't take much to put the dots together. Can you get rid of your cat allergy symptoms without getting rid of your feline friend? First we need to identify your symptoms.

Common Cat Allergy Symptoms

*Uncontrollable Sneezing
*Watery Eyes
*Wheezing
*Hives
*Eczema

An allergy to cats is caused by contact with the dander and the saliva that are in the air. They may also be on surfaces where you sit or sleep or even in the carpets around your house. Cats lick their fur when they are cleaning themselves and when that happens they deposit a protein on their fur that is the actual allergen. Cat allergy symptoms can be experienced in areas where you might not expect. Due to the nature of the allergen it can stick to clothes and hands and can therefore appear in the office or other places where cats are not allowed.

You can attempt to treat your symptoms with medications but for cat allergies it is best to consult with a doctor. Antihistamine medications and allergy eye drops may help. If your cat allergy symptoms can not be managed it may be time to consider giving your cat away. This is a last option but may be your only resort particularly if anyone in the family suffers from asthma. Their symptoms, like wheezing, are more serious and therefore be the bigger priority.

If your cat allergy symptoms are mild or moderate and you can't imagine finding a new home for your feline family member here are some tips that may minimize your allergic reactions.

1. Get an air purifier with a HEPA filter
2. Keep your cat out of your bedroom where you spend the most time
3. Try to contain your cat to certain areas of the house
4. Vacuum your carpets with HEPA Vacuum Cleaner at least 2 times a week
5. Wash your hands after touching your cat

Cat allergy symptoms can come between you and your cat but if you really care about him you can do everything possible to manage your symptoms. Please keep in mind that new treatments are always being researched and keeping up to date on these may help you find the ultimate cure.

Marilyn Franklin writes for AllergyFiles.com where you can find more info on cat allergies.

Allergy Drops ? Another Treatment Option For Allergies

Allergies can interfere with even the most commonplace of daily events; for those who suffer from allergies, even leaving their house during certain times of year can prove nearly impossible. For sufferers, finding effective, long-lasting allergy relief can mean a significant difference in their life. And while many have found great success with oral medications and allergy shots, there is an alternative treatment option that comes with its own benefits ? allergy drops.

Allergies are the result of the body?s immune system malfunctioning. When the body is introduced to something that it considers a threat, it reacts accordingly in an effort to rid the body of the toxin. With allergies, the immune system reacts to otherwise benign substances as if they are a threat ? pollen, cat dander, nuts, or any other number of elements. To fight what it considers to be trespassers, the immune system releases the chemical histamine that results in the common symptoms of allergies ? runny nose, congestion, coughing, wheezing, watery and itchy eyes, etc. In many cases, avoiding the allergy trigger or combating the symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medication can make a world of difference for the allergy sufferer. But for those who suffer more intense symptoms or are exposed to their allergens on a daily basis, allergy shots have been the effective treatment of choice. But research has shown that allergy drops can be just as effective ? and far more convenient ? than allergy shots.

Allergy shots are often given once a week and must be injected in a doctor?s office. Further, there is time associated with this visit as the patient is often injected with extremely diluted allergens. The patient must then wait ? often at least thirty minutes ? before being able to leave the doctor?s office as the doctor must first ensure that the patient is not having any negative reactions. This inconvenience of visiting the doctor - and the discomfort of the injection itself - often causes patients to shy away from pursuing the treatment.

With allergy drops there are no painful injections ? simply a drop put under the tongue. This procedure is something that the patient can do themselves at home; doctor visits are reduced to just a few times a year in order for the doctor to follow the progress of the patient. For children who suffer from allergies, the allergy drops can be enormously beneficial allowing them to receive the necessary treatment without having to get a shot once a week.

Allergy drops are but one alternative to the management of allergies on an ongoing basis. For allergy sufferers, they can make a world of difference in keeping symptoms at bay and maximizing comfort levels.

For easy to understand, in depth information about allergy drops visit our ezGuide 2 Allergy.

Allergy Relief - What Can You Do?

Just about everyone around you has suffered from some type of allergy at some time and who wants to be running to the doctor all the time? Wouldn?t you rather deal with it naturally and/or find the underlying cause and de4al with it whenever possible.

Allergy relief does not have to be complex or worrisome because of the harsh chemicals. You also must remember that most modern medicine cures do no more than mask your symptoms.

The reason behind all allergies is the malfunctioning of the immune system so would it not make sense to use natural products to re-start the immune system. That means you would actually fix the problem and not mask it with over the counter or prescription drugs that only dealt with the symptoms providing allergy relief.

Allergy relief certainly makes us feel better on the outside but the trouble is nothing has really changed. That?s why even though you might use the relief it is critical that you dig deeper.

It?s really easy to get allergy relief from popping a pill but did you ever stop to think what the chemicals in those pills do to you. For example anyone with heart disease, heart failure, ore even high blood pressure is not suppose to use them. That?s because the main ingredient can cause the heart to race and blood pressure to go up making this allergy relief deadly to the user. So even if you are healthy as a horse excluding your allergies you could put yourself in a life or death situation.

Now think about this for a moment. You are going to take a medication that will give you allergy relief but it can be hazardous to your health and in between time it will do nothing to actually resolve the problem with the immune system.

There are many natural supplements that can help boost the immune system and support the adrenal system. There are several of the vitamins, especially the B?s, CoQ10, Grape seed, and Magnesium. You get anti-inflammatory qualities, immune boosters, and reduces stress to the body. Quercitin can actually help neutralize histamine which is an excellent allergy relief.

There are many reasons why the immune system suddenly goes crazy and there are some interesting theories as to why allergies are on the rise. Natural medicine believes much of it has to do with our overly stressful lives and our bodies that are no longer in balance. This means that if we were able to bring our body back into balance we wouldn?t? be looking for allergy relief because we wouldn?t have the allergies we have right now.

If you take a minute to think about it ? it makes more sense than any other explanation we?ve had. Not only are our lives stressed because we are so busy but our body?s systems are stressed because of toxins we ingest through our mouth, respiratory, and skin. That places a great deal of stress on organs and glands. And because our food chain lacks so many nutrients that it once had we are not able to refuel our body the same way we use to. And that?s why before running out and buying some allergy relief you might also consider bring your body back into balance.

So you see allergy relief will only address the symptoms. Why not get to the bottom of the problem instead?

Get all the latest information about Allergies from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our Allergy Relief pages.

Types Of Allergy Medication

If you have done everything you can think of to avoid the allergens but you still continue to have problems the time has come for you to explore the different types of allergy medication.

There is allergy medication that can be bought over the counter, there is prescription medication, and let?s not forget that there is natural supplements that can boost the immune system and help to bring the body back into balance.

Antihistamines are one of the most popular allergy medication choices. Antihistamines counter the effects of histamine which is what is released when you are having an allergic reaction. They are sometime combined with decongestants. Popular over the counter choices includes Benadryl, Actifed, Tavist-D, Triaminic, and Drixoral. Prescription medicines include Allegra, Zyrtec, and Clarinex.

Decongestants are the right choice if you have stuffy nose. You might consider the oral or nasal spray for optimum relief. Decongestant allergy medication is even found in eye drops. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels which then reduces swelling. You need to make sure you don?t use them too long and then get hit with what is called the rebound effect.

Corticosteroids are an ant-inflammatory allergy medication that is used to treat swelling and itching that are a result of an allergy disorder. Nasal sprays are the most common use including Flonase, Nasonex, and Nasalide.

Cromolyn Sodium and Nedocromil Sodium are also an anti inflammatory allergy medication and it is usually in a nasal spray which can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. It prevents the release of histamine. It is available in both over the counter and prescription strength.

Epinephrine is the big guns that are used for emergency treatments in cases where anaphylaxis is occurring. It is usually administered with what is called an Epi Pen. This pen lets you self inject your epinephrine

Natural allergy medication uses nutritional supplements to strengthen the body. The use of higher amounts of various nutrients help support the body function.
To boost the immune system take CoQ10, Vitamin B12, grape seed, and AHCC. To improve adrenal function take B5, and to reduce inflammation you need Vitamin A.

Allergy medication can be taken once a day, ever four hour or as ordered b your doctor. Much depends on the medicine strength, the seriousness of the allergy what he or she is trying to accomplish.

You might find yourself in serious condition without even thinking about it. You won?t be alone if you don?t realize the seriousness of a peanut alley or any other medication that is like the epi pen used for allergy medication treatment in serious cases.

There are so many different medications to choose from. What?s really important is that no matter what allergy you have the allergy medication is going to be expensive. They all are. So be prepared to dig deep into your wallet.

You should always consider natural supplements before trying any other medications. You might also consider mixing natural with either a prescription or an over the counter drug that will treat the symptoms while your natural works to restore your body?s health and wellness.

Your allergy medication will make you feel better but do work to treat the real cause of your allergy.

Get all the latest information about Allergies from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our allergy medication pages.

Exploring The Candida Albacans Allergy Link

There number of reasons, and many theories as to why Candida Albacans multiples and overgrows in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this article we are going to explore the Candida Albacans allergy connection, and explain how they can be linked.

Did you know that over 90% of the population are allergic to candida? This would seem to be contradictory when we have been led to believe that everyone has at least a small amount of candida either in or on them.

This is because the immune system has different levels of response to problems. For candida it is considered as relatively low risk and so there is a delayed hypersensitivity to it. This is quite usual and it normally it is sufficient to keep a yeast infection in check.

However, for various reasons, sometimes the immune response becomes more sensitive to the candida, and in some people, around 10% of the population, they have an naturally increased allergic reaction to candida, which can cause eczema, chronic vaginitis, hives, asthma, abdominal pains and cramps and diarrhea.

In extreme cases, the reaction to candida can cause other auto-immune conditions like celiac disease, thyroiditis and even rheumatoid arthritis.

In a study published in the Lancet, it was shown that candida contains protein called HWP-1 which is has a gluten like structure, and so a candida infection in the gut can cause an immune reaction to HWP-1, which can cause an allergic reaction to all gluten. Which of course means that wheat and grain product would cause an allergic reaction and potentially Celiac Disease in some.

If this is the case, then a wheat product free diet may not be sufficient to relieve the symptoms for a celiac patient, as the underlying problem is not the food they are eating, but an overactive immune response to the candida in the GI tract.

A solution to this problem would be to adopt a wheat free diet, along with the proper antifungal treatment to bring the candida levels back under control.

Some other studies have referred to even more nefarious impacts that candida may have on the body. There is some evidence to suggest that it can act as a sensitizing agent, making the host more receptive to allergens like mold, dust and pollen.

Killing off a yeast overgrowth in the gut can be done carried out in a number of ways, but the most obvious and natural one is to starve the yeast, and boost the levels of friendly bacteria in the gut to regain balance.

This is generally managed through the adoption of an anti candia diet, which reduces the intake of sugar, yeast and diary based products and also reduces the amount of processed foods in the diet. Starving the yeast, supplementing the diet with foods or preparations rich in probiotics can help replenish the gut with the required levels of healthy friendly bacteria.

Continue reading to discover natural methods to combat candida yeast infections by signing up for our free newsletter.

We have only touched on one element of the Candida Albacans allergy link in this article, but it is clear that if you spot signs of a candida infection, you should seek to get a diagnosis from you doctor prior to further complications arising.

Grab your free copy of Jane Symms' brand new Candida & Yeast Infection Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about the candidia albacans allergy connection.

Your Allergy Testing Map

It is helpful to know about your allergy testing options before you go to the doctor. The type of allergy testing depends on what you suspect you are allergic to and the severity of your reaction. Some tests work better than others depending on your case. Your allergy testing map ends at 3 different destinations.

The 3 type of tests are:

*Scratch Tests
*Elimination Diets
*Blood Tests

Scratch tests are the most common form of allergy testing conducted today. The results can be seen as quickly as twenty minutes. The actual test is conducted by placing a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the surface of the skin, usually along the spine or on the upper arm. The patient is then scratched or pricked on the same area allowing some of the substance to penetrate the skin. The area is then observed to see whether the patient has an allergic reaction such as swelling, redness or itching. This method of allergy testing is quick and can cover quite a range of possible allergens. That is why it is particularly good when you don't know what your allergies are. The test works well for insect bites, airborne allergens like pollen and food allergies as well.

Specific food allergies can be tested by using a different form of allergy testing that puts a patient on an elimination diet. For a period of several weeks the range of foods suspected of causing the allergy are eliminated from the patients diet. Then each food is then reintroduced individually to see whether the allergy symptoms come back. Of course, this method of allergy testing is better for mild food allergies. If you get severe allergic reactions bordering on anaphylactic shock then you should skip this test and the scratch tests and immediately go to your next option.

The last form of allergy testing on our list is a RAST(radioallergosorbent test) which most people just classify as a blood test. Blood is drawn from the patient and is then sent to a lab for testing. The blood is examined for the presence of immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies. The presence of these antibodies indicates whether the body's immune system is causing the body to have an allergic reaction. Elevated levels of these IgE's can tell your doctor whether you are allergic to certain types of allergens. This type of allergy testing has been known to not be as precise or accurate as other methods.

The last type of test that is provocation or challenge tests. This is where a doctor exposes you directly to what you think you are allergic to so that your reaction can be monitored. This can be very dangerous so definitely don't try this at home. Your reaction may be more severe than you think. This type of allergy testing is of course not that common.

In conclusion you should be prepared when you go in for your testing. The doctor will ask you for a thorough medical history and depending on the testing involved may ask you to stop taking any sort of medicine you have been taking to treat the symptoms of your allergies. This will make the allergy testing more effective.
Marilyn Franklin is a writer for AllergyFiles.com where you can also find information on allergy medicine.