Monday, May 12, 2008

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.

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Friday, May 9, 2008

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.

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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.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

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.

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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Natural Remedies For Your Mold Allergy

Whether you have a mold allergy, gluten allergy, or any other type of allergy the time has come to learn about natural allergy treatments that will boots your immune system and adrenal system.

Most people treat the symptoms with a quick fix 12 hour relief and forget all about the reason they are suffering from allergies. Alternative treatments don?t treat symptoms they treat the underling causes which means over time you will see your allergy diminish and you?ve got to admit getting rid of that mold allergy would be really nice.

When one focuses on the nutritional supplements that will strengthen the body it can be a very personal prescription because each of us have different issues going on in our body that are making our immune system week and that applies whether you are dealing with your mold allergy or an allergy to your pet.

The object is to make your body healthy so it the signals are no longer mixed and it is able to help your body fend off those allergens. Herbs, nutrients, and natural decongestants and antihistamines can all work together. Additionally other supplements and herbs can help reduce the amount of inflammation which is part of allergies.

Your treatment for your mold allergy needs to be personal. Of course one of the things you will want to do is ensure that any mold in your own home has been killed. Your allergy program should be designed to strengthen your immune system and one of the simplest and cheapest ways to do that is with Vitamin C. It also neutralizes histamines giving you some relief from your allergy.

Let?s have a look at what relief you can get for your mold allergy and other allergies as well.

1. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and will improve adrenal function. Take up to 5000mg daily. Increase in 500mg increments and stop when the bowel is no longer tolerating it.

2. Vitamin B5 helps deal with stress and improve adrenal function. Take up to 1000 mg a day and split into two doses.

3. COQ10 is powerful boosting the immune system, reducing histamines, and improving heart health. Take 100mg two times a day.

4. Vitamin A is an anti inflammatory and immune booster. Take 10,000 IU twice daily.

5. Vitamin B12 reduces inflammation. Take 1000mcg in the morning.

6. Pantethine produced Coenzyme A and reduces stress. Take 300mg three times a day with your meals.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids will reduce allergic reactions. Take 1000mg daily.

8. Vitamin E & Selenium are immune boosters. Take 400IU of Vitamin E per day & 50mcg of selenium.

9. Magnesium relieves bronchospasms. Take 400mg daily.

10. A full spectrum digestive enzyme will enhance digestion of nutrients. Take with each meal.

There are also many herbs that can help. Remember although natural herbs are still medicines so you need to check with your doctor before taking any herb if you have a medical condition. There are herbs that will boost your immune system and there are herbs that are natural antihistamines or decongestants to help deal with your mold allergy.

1. Burdock will help clear congestion and is also good for colds.

2. Marshmallow root will help your body move mucus out.

3. Goldenseal Root will soothe inflamed membranes and it is also antibacterial.

4. Capsicum stimulates circulation and helps fight infection in the respiratory system.

That?s only a handful of natural remedies for your mold allergy. Why not get to the bottom of it?

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

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Monday, March 17, 2008

Food Allergy Symptoms

Food allergy symptoms can be quite uncommon. You might not believe this but only 1 out of 70 adults suffer from true food allergies. Food poisoning or even food intolerance is sometimes mistaken for a food allergy because of the similarities in symptoms. If you are unsure if you are allergic to a particular food, you should learn to decipher what classic food allergy is.

Mostly affecting children, food allergy is an illness where the body's immune system defends itself from a substance that it considers to be harmful. The allergic reaction experienced is the sign that the body is trying to overcome the allergy-causing substance. Doctors usually run test to determine and confirm your food allergies. They might even ask you questions regarding your family's general health since food allergy is thought to be partly hereditary. If your doctor finds a history of eczema, hay fever or asthma, then you have a higher risk of having a food allergy.

A true allergic reaction usually starts with swelling and itching in the throat, tongue and mouth. Other food allergy symptoms include skin reactions, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, runny nose and sore, red and itchy eyes. An allergic reaction could begin the moment you ingest the food you are allergic to. The symptoms, however, could take longer to develop, sometimes even several hours. An anaphylactic shock is the worst possible allergic reaction. It could cause severe swelling, unconsciousness, lowering of the blood pressure and breathing difficulties. If not given proper medical attention, it could possibly lead to death. As you can see, it's important to deal with food allergy symptoms right away.

Foods that cause allergy include peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts and fish. Some children develop allergies to cow's milk, soya, eggs, wheat and seafood. If you have an allergy to a particular food, you could also have a reaction to other allergy-causing food. This is called cross-reactivity. Your dietician and physician could help you identify which foods to avoid and prevent allergic reactions.

If you are still unsure if you have a food allergy, you should consult a doctor specializing on allergies. You would be asked questions pertaining to the symptoms you experience after eating a certain food, amount of the particular food you ate, preparation and storage of the food, medication you took to relieve the symptoms and effectivity of the medication. All these can help diagnose your food allergy.

It is very important that you see a food allergy specialist. You must never, under any circumstances, try to determine the food you are allergic to on your own. You must remember that allergic reactions can be severe and you might be putting yourself in a very dangerous situation. If you're allergic to something and you tamper with it, your body can react in bad ways.

Skin prick tests are sometimes used to diagnose a food allergy. A small amount of food extract is injected on the skin surface. An allergic reaction to that food extract will result to swelling and redness of the injection site. Sometimes, a false positive reaction is observed from a skin prick test. It would be wise to perform other tests, like a blood test for instance, to confirm food allergy and complete diagnosis.

Article provided by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - a site dedicated to different health related articles. Read more about the Food Allergy Symptoms

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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Effective Allergy Relief

Your nose is running, your eyes are itchy and watery and you just want to crawl out of your skin. What you wouldn?t do for effective allergy relief.

There are many different types of allergies and just as many different types of allergy relief products some more effective than others. You?ve probably tried a few over the years and probably had mixed results.

The big problem is not only finding effective allergy relief but also not going broke in the process. It?s not unusual to get soaked a $20 bill for maybe a dozen antihistamine time release pills. That?s expensive.!

You might be surprised to discover that your allergies are because you are actually suffering from food allergies with gluten sensitivity being the most common. We understand if you find it hard to make the leap from grains to allergies but natural medicine has scientifically documented and clinically proven that gluten sensitivity is responsible for many problems other than allergies ? IBS, Fibromyalgia, Child hood ear infections which are so commonly treated with antibiotics and tubes, sinusitis, migraines, Celiac disease, arthritis, and asthma.

Another underlying reason for allergies is an immune system that is misfiring and you might be surprised to discover that the number one reason that your immune system is not up to par is toxicity in the body. A good detoxification program and a good immune boosting program and you might be surprised to see your allergies disappear.

According to NIAID one in ten Americans suffers from hay fever and is search of effective allergy relief. The numbers are climbing and the seriousness of the allergies are also climbing. In fact more and more children are being faced with life threatening allergies such as the peanut allergy that is plaguing the country. In fact according to JACI and AAAAI in just five years from 1997 to 2002 it has doubled.

Stop and think back 20 years, heck 10 years what do you recall about peanut allergies? Didn?t hear about them much did you? Ever wondered why? Is it because we are using peanuts in everything which is over stimulating the body?s reaction? Is it because our bodies have become so toxic? It?s not just peanuts but the effective allergy relief for peanuts is generally an EPI Pen after all this is a serious allergy.

These days all of seem to suffer from some type of allergy that we are seeking effective allergy relief for. It seems everything causes allergies these days and I do mean everything ? trees, weeds, grasses, pollens, dust, pets, dander, dust mites, foods, gluten, chemicals found in cleaning products, bleach, and well the list could go on and on.

So instead of looking for an effective allergy relief you might want to delve a little deeper and try to figure out what?s changed so much in such a short period of time. Let?s see the trees, grasses, even the dust mites are probably the same as they were a decade ago but what has changed a lot is our exposure to toxins and when our body itself needs to be detoxified we can begin to develop allergies to just about anything.

So besides looking for a temporary effective allergy relief maybe the time has come to dig deeper and find out just what is going on.

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.

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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Do You Have A Dog Allergy?

Runny nose, watery eyes? Sneezing all the time? Do you have a dog allergy? Maybe your best friend is what?s got your allergies going. After all there really is no dog breed that is truly non allergenic because they all produced dander, urine, and saliva.

Some dogs are less likely to cause allergies because they have less dander. There is a misconception that it is the fur that causes the allergies so the heavier the dog sheds the more likely you are to suffer. This is not the case. It is all about the dander. That is what actually causes the dog allergy.

Urine is generally more of a problem with cats than dogs because dogs go outside. And all dogs salivate. The pet hair becomes a problem when it collects other common allergens such as dust, pollen, dander causing a dog allergy.

The problem goes even deeper than what you are allergic to. You see people with allergies have an immune system that is super sensitive so it reacts to things that are harmless like pet dander. A dog allergy can cause wheezing, fatigue, coughing, headache, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and in some cases asthma attacks. It can happen as quickly as five minute or be a delayed reaction occurring much later. And some people are allergic to only certain breeds.

There are also skin care products that you can use on your dog to reduce the amount of dander your dog produces. And there are some breeds that just by nature produce less dander so they can be a good choice for anyone with a dog allergy.

There are several things you can do to help reduce your dog allergy. For starters you can choose a natural product to help boost your immune system. You might also consider doing a detox to remove toxins from the body. Over the years our bodies build up large amounts of toxins which affect our immune system and can play a role in it short circuiting.

A dog allergy is just one of the allergies you might be suffering with that are environmental. Keep the dog dander to a minimal in your home. Run a HEPA filter in each room and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuum at least once a day and don?t forget to vacuum in the vents where hair, dander, and dust gather. Also vacuum the furniture. HEPA filters make a huge difference.
Keep the dogs out of the bedroom. If you don?t want to close the door then install a baby gate to keep them out. Consider removing carpets and installing flooring. It reduces all kinds of allergies and is a known asthma reducer in children.

Bathe your dog at least once a week and wash dogging bedding and toys once a week. Spray areas where the dogs spend time with an anti allergen spray which helps deactivate allergens. Keep dust to a minimal.

You can also receive immunotherapy allergy shots if testing showed a pet allergy to begin with although it?s not as effective as they would like to see it. You can also use over the counter medications to reduce symptoms and of course there are some excellent natural products that are worth trying if you have a dog allergy.

A dog allergy can develop out of nowhere. Or it can be something you have lived with for years that got worse over the years. Whatever the reason you now suffer with a dog allergy you can reduce the effects of that allergy using natural products and these tips.

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

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Monday, March 10, 2008

Dealing With A Wheat Allergy

Foods that contain wheat are everywhere ? after all they are a staple in the American diet. But both the protein and the gluten in the wheat are a common allergen. Dealing with a wheat allergy can be frustrating.

If you have a wheat allergy of course the most logical thing is to avoid wheat products to prevent the allergic reaction. This includes cereals, baked goods, chocolate, pancake mixes, waffle mixes, pies, cookies, processed meats, breaded meats, some casseroles, pastas, some salad dressings, soups, alcoholic beverages, and the list could go on and on. Let?s face it wheat really is everywhere.

Symptoms of wheat allergy include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin disorders, eczema, dermatitis, respiratory infections including asthma, hypertension, headache, and even anaphylactic shock. Great you know what the problem is and you are doing your best to avoid wheat but it?s in the most unexpected places and you do occasionally mess up.

Besides avoiding wheat there are other things you should do to treat your wheat allergy. There are medications that can help depending on what your symptoms are. Stomach related issues can be dealt with either with OTC or prescription drugs. Immunotherapy can inject small amounts of wheat into your body with the theory that over several years your body will learn to tolerate wheat and the allergy will disappear.

Has anyone noticed that allergies are on the rise? Stats are certainly indicating this. Think back 10 years ago ? do you recall the press that wheat allergies were getting. I?m betting you don?t and yet today it seems like just about every other person has some type of allergy with wheat and wheat products being right on top. Why is that?

Modern life is hard on our bodies. We are exposed to high levels of toxins and stress which take their toll on our body, on our immune system, and on our adrenal system. Allergies are our body?s immune system misfiring and that?s exactly what happens with a wheat allergy. So what needs to happen is we need to bring our body back to optimum health.

We can remove wheat from our diet if we have a wheat allergy but the problem is when the body is out of sync the allergy list just keeps growing and growing so a smart choice would be to nourish the body with vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

For example in the case of a wheat allergy adrenal support and immune support are both very important and herbs such as goldenseal, licorice, marshmallow, and Echinacea can help boost the adrenals and the immune system.
You should also be sure that your vitamin supplements are giving you the most benefit. For example Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and will improve adrenal function. Take up to 5000mg daily. Increase in 500mg increments and stop when the bowel is no longer tolerating it. COQ10 is powerful boosting the immune system, reducing histamines, and improving heart health. Take 100mg two times a day. Vitamin B5 helps deal with stress and improve adrenal function. Take up to 1000 mg a day and split into two doses.
Dealing with a wheat allergy needs you to go beyond treating symptoms and get to the root of the problem. Only then will you be healthy and feel alive.

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

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Sunday, February 3, 2008

Dust Mite Allergy - How To Minimise Exposure

If you suffer from asthma or similar breathing difficulties you will undoubtedly be very sensitive to the quality of the air around you. Whilst you cannot personally do much to influence the quality of the air outside your home, inside is a very different matter.

Household dust is largely made up of dead skin particles shed by we humans and our pets, all of which make a tasty feast for the dust mite. It is the dust mite?s function in life to chomp his way through this debris and prevent us from drowning in our own filth.

This beastly little chap is too small to be seen with the naked eye ? he along with 5,000 of his minute friends could comfortably sit on the head of a pin, and they congregate wherever there is food for them. The most hospitable places in our homes are in our beds, upholstery and carpets as all of these harbour dust.

Whilst we largely live in harmony with dust mites, inevitably, as with all animals, what goes in one end comes out again the other end, albeit in a different form. It is the excretia of the dust mite that creates allergies in some of us.

If you have difficulty breathing at night, or frequently wake up with that ?bunged up? feeling, your bedding is undoubtedly in need of a spring clean. So put a fresh filter in your vacuum cleaner and get to work on your mattress and when you?ve thoroughly vacuumed the top, turn it over and do the other side as well. If you have a box spring base you will also need to vacuum that . Do the same with your pillows, but if they are more than a few years old, replace them with new ones. Dry clean blankets and/or duvets or, if they?re washable put them on a minimum of 60oC cycle (anything less and the little blighters will survive!).

For most of us this exercise, carried out approximately twice a year, will make enough of a difference to return us to rested sleep filled nights. However, for those who are hypersensitive, suffering from asthma and/or hay fever, more drastic measures may be necessary to keep household dust to a minimum.

On a regular basis (at least twice a week) it will be necessary to

? damp wipe all surfaces to remove the dust, (rather than push it around to resettle somewhere else), ? vacuum, rather than sweep, all floors. ? keep your bedroom and bedding well aired - dust mites thrive in high humidity

It?s also a good idea to:

? vacuum upholstery with the same thoroughness you used on your mattress
? use zippered plastic covers for your mattress and pillows to prevent dust penetration
? keep pets out of the bedroom, regularly wash their bedding on a hot cycle and frequently vacuum the areas where they predominantly live
? remove carpets and replace with hard flooring.

Unfortunately it is impossible to eliminate dust mites from our homes, but the above measures should make living with them more comfortable.

The author has for the last 13 years run a domestic cleaning agency www.selclene.co.uk providing regular cleaners to private homes in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. In response to the increasing demand for spring cleans, pre and post house move cleans etc she has started another cleaning business www.rainbowcleaners.co.uk

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

Guide To Allergy Symptom

In this brief article, we will define an allergy symptom and discuss some specific systems and what they mean to you as an allergy sufferer. An allergy symptom is any symptom associated with allergies such as a running nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, itchy skin, and more. We will go into some detail about where a symptom comes from and why they appear as well as a brief discussion about how to cure those symptoms if time permits.

What are some of the symptoms?

Some of the most common allergy symptoms occur for the seasonal allergies such as hay fever and include the itchy watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing aspects of allergenic symptoms. Other cases of allergies feature more serious symptoms that can be more harmful and troublesome such as absentmindedness, dizziness, trouble swallowing, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, vertigo, vomiting, and other serious cases of health issues that may spring from how the body deals with the allergen itself.

Airborne allergies are, however, the most common form of allergies and tend to feature the most common form of an allergy symptom as well. Most of these symptoms are related to the sinuses as the hay fever and other allergies like hay fever tend to affect those systems of the body. Sneezing, a clogged and runny nose, itchiness in the eyes and throat, coughing, postnasal drip, and swollen eyes (a symptom called "conjunctivitis") are all parts of the airborne allergy symptom repertoire.

Why do these symptoms occur?

Most times, the allergic reaction is coupled with a portion of the allergen. In other words, if the allergen is known for entering the lungs it will likely attack portions of the body related to the lungs and to breathing. An airborne allergy, thus, will likely attach itself to the breathing apparatus and my cause coughing or the nose to run because of the way it affects the system directly. There are other reasons for this that scientists studying allergy immunology are aware of, but the basics of most allergies are that they are "system attackers" in general.

How are the symptoms cured?

An allergy symptom can be cured in a number of ways depending on the actual system it affects and how drastically the body is affected. Many people can simply take, for example, an antihistamine for a hay fever type allergy and go about their day while others simply will not respond to the antihistamine. It is essentially a matter of the biological makeup of the allergy sufferer in terms of how they react to certain medications and how much medication is needed to cure the allergy symptom.

Masni Rizal Mansor provide tips and review on allergy symptom, allergy test and allergy testing.

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

How To Fight Allergy Headache And Get Headache Relief?

Headache itself is no ordinary suffering for you and to have an adjective before it, like allergy is a double tragedy! A long term plan and a strict disciplined life with reference to all your activities is needed to combat allergy headache. Slightest mistake on your part in breaking the discipline will give you lots of sufferings. It will take some time for you to decide what you are actually allergic to, and your body will not accept anything beyond, once you draw the dividing line!

Please remember, allergy shots will not give you permanent cure, and you very well know it. In a moment of desperation, just to get rid of the suffering any how, for the time being, such shots are the accepted mode. After all, what are these allergy shots? They do not contain any magic potion. They actually contain a very small amount of the stuff that you are allergic to.

The question again is- what you are allergic to? It may be dust, sawdust, smoke or any other fine particles! It may be any type of food. It is better you have a detailed discussion with your doctor and he will help you figure out what foods and climatic conditions are detrimental to your system.

These are hard times of pollution. Don't think that you are indoors and you are safe from allergy headache. There are many indoor pollutants that may be causing your headache, unknowingly! You may catch allergy just when you start the desert cooler?an invisible cloud of dust has entered your system through nostrils! There are many air-borne, invisible substances, through which you may suffer from allergy headache.

You go for a morning walk, with the hope of filling your lungs with fresh oxygen! A truck passes across you and the emission of carbon dioxide has irritated you. By the time you return home, you already have the headache. The stench from the passing garbage truck may cause you serious problems of allergy. Similarly if you pass across an industrial area, second hand smoke, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, the flying ash, chemical discharge from the factories, may all initiate allergy headache to you.

Developing enough resistance power in your inner system is only the permanent cure for your allergy headache! With proper disposition on all fronts, and with utmost care, allergy headache can definitely be beaten!
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Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Do You Get Relief From Popular Used Allergy Cures?

With the terrible discomfort and extreme misery that victims go through each time they have allergies, there are now more people daily looking for allergic cures to relieve the symptoms they feel. However, the most important point to note here is that one needs to first determine the causes of his or her symptoms, before knowing how to address the allergy problems. In other words... first things first.

Pet, mold, dander, dust and other outdoor elements which include pollen are some of the most popular and common causes. As soon as one is able to identify what causes his or her symptoms, it becomes much easier to find allergy cures that can work very well. Over the counter medications have worked for many people. For others, they only get relief after visiting specialists. Sadly, there are still other people who don't find any relief at all.

For this last category of people who don't find any relief from these popularly used allergy cures, they can try homeopathy as a viable alternative. Homeopathy is an approach to medicine and health that is all-natural. Though it has controversy and arguments surrounding it, it is used widely today. Among the arguments are those that insist it is a hoax and can't provide any allergy cures. Others however are vehement about the efficacy and the instant relief they got from their allergic symptoms using these homeopathic remedies.

Headaches, colds and even congestion are some of the symptoms that plague victims. What makes it very devastating for victims is that these symptoms usually don't end there. They often develop into other more serious conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Victims who suffer from such terrible symptoms everyday, the desire to find allergy cures is as precious to them as water to a man dying of thirst.

The medical community continues to use traditional methods to treat allergic symptoms. These methods include painful shots - these are medications that makes leaves the victims worse off and miserable. Imagine how terrible victims feel when their allergy symptoms get worse with such traditional methods, instead of getting allergy cures. More and more victims now want solutions that won't involve such painful shots or surgery that only make their conditions worse.

Homeopathy, unlike traditional methods, seem to provide better solutions because it addresses the substance that cause the allergic reactions in the first place - thus suggesting that the allergy cure should be targeted towards these causes. The substances in homeopathy are diluted and the patients take them into the body little by little. This way the body would get the antibodies it needs to fight the abrasive substances effectively. Because it is introduced into the body in small doses, it doesn't produce an allergic reaction, but can help the body prepare a defense.

This method is very similar to the principle behind how vaccines work. Vaccines are used to inject patients with little doses of certain virus or dangerous substances so that their immune systems can familiarize with the virus and learn how to fight the virus off in the future. This is just how homeopathy works. So, if we use vaccines and they work, then it is worth giving homeopathy a try too.
 Jenny Riley allergy cures about vitamins

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