Thursday, October 30, 2008

How Food Allergy Can Kill Or Save You

How Food Allergy Can Kill Or Save You
By Robert Thatcher

Allergies may seem quite a nuisance but few know that it is actually an attempt by our body to save our life! Allergies are our immune systems response to food allergens that can harm the body. People can be allergic to a whole lot of things, a wide range of things in fact, from pollens to cheese, to dust. Reactions are also wide range. Some only exhibit skin reactions such as rashes and itchiness while others report on physiological reactions such as nausea and breathing difficulties.

Allergic reactions are actually caused by our bodies attempt to neutralize the foreign substance through antibodies. This process releases a substance called histamine, which in turn causes the allergic reactions.

One of the most common types of allergy is food allergy. There are, in fact, millions of people who suffer from this ailment. In addition to being largely inconvenient, food allergy can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, finding out what food you are allergic to can only be done through the process of hits and misses. There is no clear cut procedure or diagnostic test that can tell you outright to what food you are allergic to. And like the diagnostic process, there is also no clear-cut procedure on how to treat food allergens. Although there are medicines that will help ease the symptoms and physiological reactions brought on by the allergens, there are no drugs that can completely get rid of the allergy.

Often, food allergens only cause mild symptoms such as itchiness, appearance of rashes that spread all over the body, itchy eyes and runny nose, bouts of sneezing and coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and earaches. While these symptoms can cause you a days work at the office, they are not exactly dangerous to your health. There are allergic reactions though that are so severe that it will impede your breathing. This occurs when the mouth, throat and the bronchial tubes swell so much that your breathing area gets blocked. This condition can be accompanied by rashes in the body and a really swollen face.

What is really difficult about dealing with food allergy is that you do not know just how much can you take and how your body will react when it ingests a certain amount. In addition to taking care not to ingest the type of food that you are allergic with, it is also good to determine early on if too much of the food allergen can cause your death.

Here are some of the common food allergens. Take a look and see if the food you are allergic on threatens your life

Peanuts is perhaps the most dangerous of the lot, not because of the bodily reactions that it can cause but because peanuts are often used as hidden ingredients in a lot of food mixtures. Because of this, people who are allergic to it are often caught unaware.

Another food used as hidden ingredients in so many food mixtures is soy. People should be really careful in eating foods that they are not familiar with especially if they know that their reactions to these foods are severe.

Fish and shellfish can cause severe reactions in some people including difficulty in breathing and nausea.

Milk allergies are also quite common. It involves an allergic reaction to casein, lactalbumin and lactoglobulins, which are all proteins found in milk. Allergic reactions to milk can range from something as mild as rashes to severe cases such as wheezing, asthma, rhinitis, pneumonia and anaphylaxis.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides allergy resources on http://www.your-allergy-resources.info

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Friday, October 17, 2008

How to Arrange Food Allergy Testing

How to Arrange Food Allergy Testing
By Elizabeth Harfleet

If you have a food allergy it is essential that you identify it as soon as possible so that you can avoid problem foods.

Food allergy testing is the only way to identify a food allergy. Once you are aware of your food allergies, you can ensure that you do not eat the foods which are harmful to your body.

If you are allergic to certain foods your immune system releases large doses of chemicals when they are eaten to protect your body from them. The problem is that these chemicals produce a variety of symptoms that can be severe and sometimes, life threatening.

Food allergies can be identified by carrying out food allergy testing. However, there are only 90 NHS allergy clinics in the UK. This means that if you want food allergy testing on the NHS , you might have to wait a long time. Therefore, you might want to arrange food allergy testing privately. If so, you have two main options:

Food Allergy Skin Prick Test

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Itchy Dog: is it an Allergy?

The Itchy Dog: is it an Allergy?
By David Brooks

Scratching is a very common symptom in dogs, and you as an owner should aim to nip it in the bud early before self trauma causes secondary injuries to your dog. However, before wondering whether your dog could have an allergy, you must rule out the common parasitic (fleas and mites), bacterial (hot spots) and fungal (ringworm and yeast) infections. See my article Is your Dog Scratching to explore these in greater detail.

Just as allergies have become more common in children these days compared to several generations ago, veterinarians are seeing far more allergies in pets too. It is difficult to explain this phenomenon, theories range from alterations in the content of pet foods to the use of modern day household cleaning products or simply genetic evolution. One thing is certain, whatever the cause, allergic dogs benefit hugely from avoiding the offending allergen or, if that is impossible, appropriate treatment to minimize the itchiness.

Lets start with the presenting signs of an allergy in dogs. Itchiness can manifest itself not only as obvious scratching at the neck and flanks, but also as face rubbing, foot licking or chewing and over grooming. Foot licking, for example, is often perceived by owners as normal, when in fact the dog is responding to itchy feet in the only way it can, by licking them. The skin between the toes may turn red and sore due to the compulsive licking, and in white dogs such as West Highland White Terriers and Bichon Frises, the fur is stained brown by saliva.

Ear infections are another common sign of an underlying allergy. Though general waxiness, hair in the ear canals, lack of ventilation, bacteria and yeast may trigger the infection, an underlying allergy is often the root cause of the itchiness. If your dog gets recurrent ear infections, by eliminating an underlying allergy you may prevent your dog from going over the itchiness threshold and developing full blown ear infections.

So, what are the common allergies in dogs?

For convenience they are best separated into 4 categories.

1) Flea bite hypersensitivity
2) Adverse food reaction
3) Atopic dermatitis
4) Contact dermatitis

Flea bite hypersensitivity is relatively straight forward to cure. It is a simple case of eliminating every single flea on the dog and, crucially, in his/her environment. The itchiness is caused by an allergic reaction to the flea saliva, and so even a solitary flea can trigger a scratching frenzy. To rule out flea bite hypersensitivity, all animals in the house (dogs and cats) should be treated with a reputable veterinary spot on medication monthly without fail, and the house should be thoroughly sprayed with an insecticidal spray.

Adverse food reactions are more difficult to treat as it can be difficult to isolate the precise ingredient responsible for causing itchiness in your dog. Not only that, treating adverse food reactions requires owners to be exceptionally disciplined and motivated in preventing their pet having even a single treat unless the exact ingredients are known to be safe.

There are two ways of diagnosing an adverse food reaction (also known as a food allergy). For those readers for whom cost is not an issue, a blood test can be done to measure for ingredient specific antibodies in the bloodstream. The blood test is quite costly, and if combined with a blood test for environmental allergens is usually upwards of $400 (?200). The company performing the blood test then provides a list of ingredients (chicken, beef, pork, rice, wheat etc) and a score next to them, suggesting which ingredients are best avoided. The owner then picks a commercial diet which does not include any of these ingredients, or indeed a special home cooked diet. The second way to diagnose an adverse food reaction is to conduct a dietary trial. This involves picking a very bland hypoallergenic diet and feeding your dog exclusively that for at least a month, preferably 6 weeks. The author usually suggests turkey and rice, as less dogs are allergic to turkey than chicken. Of course if your dog happened to be allergic to rice or turkey, which is rare but nevertheless possible, you would be none the wiser as the itchiness would continue and you would assume you had ruled out a food allergy having done the turkey and rice dietary trial. Remember if you are doing one of these trials, then your dog must not be given any treats, especially not pigs ears, chews, boneos, dental sticks or any rawhide products. Literally nothing must be swallowed other than turkey and rice (and water!) for the entire trial period.

If you have ruled out flea bite hypersensitivity and ruled out an adverse food reaction, the next step is to consider an environmental allergy, also known as atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually begin between 1 and 3 years of age, though any age is possible. The itchiness is often seasonal, which is consistent with a pollen allergy, though some dogs are itchy all year round. There are certain breeds which are predisposed to this condition: Boxers, Bull Terriers, Dalmations, English Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Shar Peis, Shih Tzus and West Highland White Terriers being the most commonly affected. Diagnosis is usually made based on the history and ruling out all the other causes of itchiness, and many vets will treat the condition on these presumptions. However, definitive diagnosis can be achieved via a panel of injections into a patch of skin, or blood tests. Neither of these are particularly effective and generally not performed unless the owner is prepared to attempt a desensitization programme. This involves a long term course of injections given by your vet on, say, a monthly basis to desensitize your dog to the offending allergen, and so make the allergic reaction much smaller when he/she does come into contact with it.

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by your dog coming into contact with a chemical that is an irritant. It therefore only tends to affect the stomach, groin and feet of the dog, and is characterized by reddening and drying of the skin in these areas. It can also be seen when owners shampoo their dogs with a product that is not intended for use in dogs. Contact dermatitis is rare, but easily ruled out by careful use of cleaning products around the household. Just think, did the itchiness coincide with the introduction of a new carpet cleaner, washing powder or fabric softener?

By far the best treatment for any allergy is avoidance of the cause. By careful investigation and following the steps above this is often possible, especially for flea bite hypersensitivity, adverse food reactions and contact dermatitis. If avoidance is impossible though, as is the case for many cases of atopic dermatitis, then seasonal or lifelong treatment may be indicated. Steroids are very effective at stopping itchiness caused by allergies, but long term use can lead to undesirable side effects, such as adrenal gland disease. Long term steroid use should only be used as a last resort, when other medications have been tried and failed. These other medications include antihistamines, essential fatty acids and medicated shampoos.

Dr David Brooks is part of the online veterinary team at WhyDoesMyPet.com. Veterinarians, Vet Technicians, Nurses, Trainers, Behaviorists, Breeders and Pet Enthusiasts are here to answer your pet questions and concerns...Our dedicated community of caring experts are waiting to offer you advice, second opinions and support.

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Monday, October 13, 2008

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Dogs For Allergy Sufferers

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds - Dogs For Allergy Sufferers
By Jessica Grace

Loose skin flakes, known as dander, is what causes the allergic reaction to dogs for some people. Most people think it is the loose hair which they are reacting to, but it is actually the dander. There is a solution - a hypoallergenic dog. A dog with minimal dander which won't cause an allergic reaction in people who usually have allergies to dogs.

There's no such thing as 100% hypoallergenic dog, because all dogs release some dander. However, the following breeds listed shed very lightly and also release much less dander from their skin than other breeds:

  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Bichon Frise
  • Chinese Crested
  • Maltese
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Poodle (toy, miniature and standard)
  • Schnauzer (miniature, standard and giant)
  • Xoloitzcuintli
  • These breeds will probably not trigger an allergic reaction. The Chinese Crested hairless variety and the Xoloitzcuintli both have no hair. As well as being the most hypoallergenic of all dog breeds, these dogs make very efficient hot water bottles.

    Once you decide which of these dogs suits you, spend some time around the breed you've chosen to see whether you react. Spend a few hours in the home of the breeder, handling the dog and being in it's environment to see if you still have an allergic reaction. Chances are you won't.

    Keep in mind that some people react to dog saliva when they are licked by a dog. Unfortunately, if you're allergic to dog saliva these breeds may not help you, because although they don't shed much dander, they will still lick.

    For more information on hypoallergenic http://www.justdogbreeds.com

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    Friday, October 10, 2008

    Allergy Immunology

    Allergy Immunology
    By Harry Rai

    Allergy Treatment with Antihistamines and Decongestants

    Allergy treatment with antihistamines and decongestants are common ways to control the symptoms of this problem. At best, allergies can be annoying and reduce the quality of life of the person suffering the allergic reaction. At worst, allergies can be life-threatening. For common, seasonal allergies, many people use antihistamines and decongestants to get through the allergy season but they may not know very much about the medication they are consuming.

    Of course, the best way to control allergy symptoms is to avoid contact with the offending allergen. This may not always be possible especially if your seasonal allergy symptoms are triggered by blooming plants. It is difficult to avoid going outdoor entirely during allergy season which can span the spring, summer and well into fall, depending on what allergens trigger your symptoms.

    Antihistamines are effective treatment for allergy symptoms. They can be obtained over the counter or as prescription medication. Unfortunately, almost all over the counter antihistamines have a sedating effect but many of the prescription antihistamines do not have a sedating side effect. These medications work by countering the reaction by blocking histamine in the body. They work best if taken before the encounter with the offending allergen. For example, if you are allergic to blooming flowers and must attend a wedding, you should take an antihistamine before attending the event rather than after. This can prevent many of the symptoms from appearing.

    Allergy symptoms can cause the lining of the nose, sinuses, lungs and even the ears to swell and become stuffy. This can be quite a miserable feeling for the allergy sufferer and the nasal drainage can be even more annoying. The use of decongestants can relieve some of this stuffiness and make it easier for the person with allergies to breathe freely. Decongestants can be taken only when symptoms are present and can be taken with antihistamines. Some decongestants tend to have a stimulating effect and can raise blood pressure. People who have high blood pressure already must be careful when taking these medications.

    Allergy treatment with antihistamines and decongestants can be quite effective, however, these medication have the potential to interact with other medications taken for other medical problems. If you take other prescription medication, you should always consult your doctor before taking any over the counter antihistamine or decongestant medications. If you have other health problems, you should also talk to your doctor to be sure what allergy medications are safe for you. We keep updating allergy immunology blog, please come back to allergy immunology

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    Wednesday, October 8, 2008

    How to Ease Your Allergies: Quick Relief for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers!

    How to Ease Your Allergies: Quick Relief for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers!
    By Adam Asar

    You may be one of the masses who dont even realize that you have allergies! According to studies, there are about 17 out of every 100 Americans that are allergic, or hypersensitive, to some substances which are known to cause unusual reactions.

    What are allergies? According to Wikipedia, an allergy is a condition of hypersensitivity to a substance (an allergen) considered harmless to most people. Hmmm, most people? In fact, 50 million Americans are estimated to have allergies.

    There is no clear apparent medical reason why people contract allergies, but one thing remains clear: the condition is indiscriminate in its coverage and may affect us regardless of age, gender, or race. Commonly, however, the allergy manifests in our infancy or childhood, although some symptoms may appear at any age or may reappear after any period of apparent inactivity.

    Most allergies are largely insignificant and may be dealt with by simple lifestyle choices; however, there is a possibility of them either adversely affecting our daily life, or perhaps life-threatening conditions.

    As of this writing, if you run a Google search on the word allergy you will receive over 32 million results. Sure, some of those are duplicates but thats a pretty substantial number. And that doesnt include other simple search terms.

    The bottom line here is that those 50 million Americans already know they have an allergy. That doesnt include all the people who are under the misconception that their suffering is not just a simple cold!

    How would you know if you have an allergy?

    Below are the most common types of allergies.

    - Food Allergies - ignited by certain food types

    - Anaphylaxis - triggered by drugs, food, or insect stings

    - Respiratory Allergies - triggered by allergens which are airborn

    - Contact Allergies - triggered by skin-affecting allergens

    - Insect Sting Allergies - triggered by insect venom

    Mild Symptoms:

    - Tingling, itching, or swelling of your mouth, tongue, lips, or throat

    - Tightness feeling in your throat

    - Difficulty speaking or swallowing

    - Nausea

    - Indigestion and abdominal cramps

    - Vomiting and diarrhea

    - Skin rashes

    - Coughing, congestion, wheezing, or sneezing

    - Runny, stuffy, or itchy nose

    Severe Symptoms:

    - Breathing difficulties

    - Sweating, dizziness, and faintness

    - Rapid or sudden heart rate increase

    - Sudden inability or hoarseness to speak

    - Extreme and sudden facial itching and swelling

    - Anaphylaxis

    What Causes Allergies?

    The immune system of a person with an allergy tries to combat allergens. It looks upon the small driftwood of everyday life house dust, pollen, animal dander, and mold as outsiders that are sure to do some dreadful damage.

    In order to recognize and capture these strangers, it is important that people know who the culprits are. They should try to educate themselves on how allergies work and what causes them because these are the only means to find the solution to the problem.

    Basically, allergies are agitated reactions of the immune system to certain foreign substances to the human body. These stuffs are known as allergens.

    Allergens are then classified into four categories based on where they have come from. By knowing these four classifications of allergens, an individual could identify where he is allergic.

    Normally, if a person is having persistent allergic symptoms, but he cannot isolate the allergen, it is a good idea to see an allergist, get tested, and find out what the allergens are. In this way, people can easily find out what causes their allergy and resolve the problem.

    Who is at risk for allergies?

    Among all known diseases, allergies are placed among the most universally manifesting diseases among humans. It does not discriminate among the individuals to be infected. People of all ages, gender, culture, nationality and skin color have equal chances of developing them.

    Through the study of allergies and allergic attacks, it is apparent that some individuals have a higher probability of acquiring an allergic condition compared to other individuals exposed to the same particle.

    Each age level is particularly prone to a certain allergen. This fact should provide you with an idea on how you can at least minimize, if not perfectly avoid, the attack of allergy. Research shows that 7 to 8 out of 10 newly born infants have a large predisposition in acquiring hypersensitivity to anything in their surroundings. Moreover, 1 out of 7 American adults suffer from at least one type of allergic condition.

    Some even develop allergic reactions among substances used in clothing such as color dyes and bleaching chemical agent (contact dermatitis) and other forms of medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics (drug hypersensitivity).

    Some young adults who have experienced lesser attacks or were not put into any allergic state earlier in their life are apt to develop such condition should adequate trigger attacks (allergen particles) are present.

    What are seasonal allergies?

    Seasonal allergies are one type of allergic rhinitis. If you recall our chapter on allergic rhinitis you know that it is a type of allergy where breathing in an allergen becomes the source of an inflammatory reaction in the membranes of the nose. With this seasonal allergy, inflammation happens only during a particular period. This is most likely caused by molds, pollens, or other substances that are in the air during specific seasons.

    What treatments are available for different types of allergies?Allergies affect almost everyone since almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction. These reactions are caused by the immune system over-reacting to an allergen or the substance that causes the allergy. These reactions range from violent sneezing to itchy hives or in a more serious form, breathing difficulties.

    To address these reactions, the first line of defense is avoiding allergens that cause these allergic symptoms. Minimizing your exposure to allergens will translate less episodes of sneezing, coughing and itching.

    But since avoidance isnt possible at all times, your doctor can prescribe allergy medications and treatments, the correct kind and combination of which depends on the kind of symptoms you exhibit. Allergy medications come in pill, liquid, spray, eye drop and topical forms. Some can be bought over-the-counter while others require prescriptions.

    Always remember though that in taking medications whether OTC (over-the-counter) doctor-prescribed, consult with your doctor and inform him/her of your medical history before starting any allergy treatments.

    Antihistamines

    Histamines are chemicals released by the immune system as part of the reaction to an allergen. This substance is responsible for the inflammation or swelling of nasal passage, the skin or any other part affected by an allergy. As the name suggests, antihistamines prevent histamines to cause such reactions reducing redness, swelling, hives and watery eyes. They are prescribed in the form of liquids, sprays, pills and drops.Corticosteroids

    With the exception of some OTC creams, corticosteroids require a doctors prescription. Forms of corticosteroids include:

    - Eye drops relieve symptomatic itching and redness of the eyes due to hay fever. Contra-indications include eye infections, glaucoma, and pregnancy. So if any of these apply to you, avoid using corticosteroid eye drops. Contact lens users are also more susceptible to eye infections when using these eye drops.

    -Nasal sprays

    Since it is administered directly to the affected area, nasal sprays are the preferred treatment for hay fever or allergic rhinitis to relieve stuffiness, runny nose and sneezing. However, relief may take time to set in and in some cases, only after regular use. Some of the side effects are an unpleasant taste, irritation that may cause nose bleeding especially during the winter months.

    - Creams that come in varying strengths of dosages are good for itching and scaling skin. However, be cautious of continued use as they can sometimes cause skin irritation.

    - Oral corticosteroids are prescribed for short periods to address more acute forms of allergic symptoms. But the long-term use of such has been known to cause side effects like cataracts and osteoporosis so prescription is regulated. Leukotriene modifiers

    These medicines work similarly to antihistamines in that they block the substances released by your immune system to aggravate allergic reactions. Leukotriene modifiers have been proven to treating allergic asthma and rhinitis.

    Injectible epinephrine

    Anaphylactic shock is a violent allergic reaction that affects key body functions such as the respiratory and cardiovascular system. This kind of reaction is similar to throwing a monkey wrench into a machine that puts the system in jeopardy. The danger of that kind of reaction is therefore very high.

    Immunotherapy

    If your condition doesnt see improvement in spite of medications or if taking them will incur adverse side effects, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, which is the process of training your immune system not to react to substances that used to cause allergies for you. This can take as long as three to five years to finish. It is done by introducing extracts of the allergen into your body through a series of regulated injections. The goal is to make your body desensitized to the substance, which will eliminating or decrease your need to take medicines.

    This method is especially effective for people allergic to substances that are found everywhere and cannot be avoided (such as dust and pollen). The procedure is also helpful in arresting the development of asthma in children.

    Natural Remedies

    A lot of people nowadays turn to a holistic health lifestyle and rally for natural remedies like homeopathy or herbs to recover from certain illnesses. Natural remedies or alternative medicine encompasses a number of non-traditional ways for a healthier lifestyle.

    Some of these natural remedies are:

    1. Apitherapy

    Apitherapy is one of the natural remedies which makes use of bee products to help someone recover from a certain illness or condition. There are about 500 diseases that Apitherapy can heal.

    2. Applied Kinesiology

    Applied kinesiology can pinpoint body dysfunctions by identifying weak muscles.

    3. Aromatherapy

    Aromatherapy is the science of using essential plant oils for the betterment of one's well-being.

    The most common carrier oils are: sweet almond, olive, avocado, borage, apricot kernel, cocoa butter, sunflower, evening primrose, peanut, grape seed, hazelnut, sesame, jojoba, kukui, macadamia nut, pecan, rose hip, and shea butter.

    4. Ayurveda

    Considered the oldest health care system in the world that originated from India, Ayurveda stems from three biological principles: Vata which is the regulation of movement, Pitta for regulation of metabolism and Kapha for structure.

    5. Biofeedback

    Biofeedback is one of the natural remedies that use the body's signals for the improvement of health.

    6. Bodywork

    Bodywork employs deep tissue massage, balance of energy and movement awareness to improve one's health. It does not necessarily involve body touch but it takes care of the body's healing response.

    7. Buteyko

    One of the natural remedies to watch out for is buteyko which involves breathing exercises to help asthmatic people.

    8. Chinese Medicine

    Chinese medicine has always been known as one of the most popular natural remedies. Chinese Medicine is rooted from the Taoist belief the law of Yin and Yang. The person will experience less illness if the Yin and Yang is well-balanced. Chinese medicine is famous for its herbs like the Ren Shen, Dang Gui, Dan Shen, Mu Li, Du Huo and Fang Feng.One cannot talk about Chinese medicine without mentioning acupuncture. Acupuncture is able to diagnose the illness by the flow of Qi (energy).

    9. Color Therapy

    Color Therapy uses the spectrum to enhance the energy center or Chakra of the body and also improve the body's healing process.

    10. Flower Essences

    Dr. Edward Bach discovered in 1930 that flowers contain energy that can put human discord to an equilibrium.

    11. Gemstone Therapy

    There is such a thing as a healing gemstone that can alleviate ill body conditions. A gemologist must be consulted as synthetic gems are useless.

    12. Herbology

    Natural remedies are immediately associated with herbs. Herbs are classified into aromatic, astringent, bitter, mucilaginous and nutritive. Proven to improve health, herbs are great sources of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A can be found in alfalfa, saw palmetto and dock, whereas bee pollen, juniper berry and peppermint are rich in Vitamin C. For one's calcium fix, there's aloe vera and fennel seed.

    13. Homeopathy

    Homeopathy involves the use of active ingredients in small doses together with natural substances for a healthier balance.

    15. Iridology

    Iridology is diagnosing through the irises, as they are human parts that show signs of physical and mental illnesses.

    16. Macrobiotics

    Macrobiotics is achieving over-all wellness by changing one's lifestyle, diet and attitude. It comes from the words macro which means great, and bios which means life.

    17. Meditation

    What can be more natural than just looking for a quiet spot and muse deeply on series of subjects that will eventually lead to enlightenment? Stress is dramatically reduced and the body is recharged by deeply meditating.

    18. Music Therapy

    Music is language of the soul, so it is not surprising that there is such a thing as music therapy. So far, music therapy has incurred differences and benefits to people who practiced it. This is a fortified healthcare profession that is designed to do the following: promote well-being, express emotions, manage and combat stress, improve memory and alleviate aches and pains.

    19. Naturopathy

    Naturopathic medicine's principles are based on the belief that natural balances make up for a well-balanced internal chemistry.With those effective natural remedies, it is no wonder a lot of people have started employing each one of them in times of sickness. Most go for natural remedies just to maintain their healthy bodies.

    Avoiding Allergic Reactions

    Most allergens attack and trigger allergic reaction if they find themselves on the skin or inside the eye. Allergic reactions can happen through inhalation, ingestion or injectionand, as discussed previously, allergies can be seasonal as with the case of the hay fever or it can be drug or dust-induced and food-related.

    The production of an antibody called immunoglobulin happens upon the first exposure to an allergen. This immunoglobulin or (IgE) attaches itself to basophiles, a type of white blood cell and mast cells. The initial exposure may have a person extrasensitive to allergen but the symptoms may not be there. Subsequent exposures can eventually lead to more reactions and tissue irritations. Reactions can be mild or severe.Avoiding an allergy simply translates to one commonsense fact: avoid the allergen. This means the person has to discontinue using a drug, have the dust removed, put the pet outdoors, install effective air filters and simply avoid eating a particular food. If the allergy is severe, the person may consider moving out and finding a place that does not contain the allergen.

    Here are more ways to prevent an allergic reaction:

    1. Ask the doctor for an allergy kit.

    An allergy kit is used for severe allergic reactions, also called anaphylaxis. The kit must have the following: how-tos on using the kit, sterilized cotton swabs for cleansing the skin before and after the injection, Epinephrine which comes in a syringe and some Antihistamine tablets.

    Remember that the medications inside an allergy kit may lose their efficacy if exposed to direct sunlight or high temperature. The patient must watch out for the color of Epinephrine. It must be clear. Once it turns pinkish brown, it must be thrown away.

    2. You must wear a medical ID tag if you are susceptible to serious reaction so other people are alerted your allergy.

    3. There must be a thorough discussion on allergy shots or immunotherapy with the doctor.

    Allergy shots can reduce or totally ward off one's sensitivity to an allergen. These shots are for the following allergies:

    1. Pollen (trees, grasses and even ragweed)

    2. Dust motes and cockroaches.

    3. Dander from dogs and cats

    4. Fungus

    5. Insect venom (from bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and fire ants)

    6. Medications

    As children are more susceptible to allergic reactions, the parent must exert extra effort to keep any allergic reaction at bay. Schools are often considered breeding ground for allergens so the parent and school administrators must work hand in hand. The home must also be allergen-proof so the children can go about freely.

    Allergic reactions are dangerous and fatal, if left untreated or if the person is more susceptible than usual. It is mandatory that preventive measures must be carried out to avoid the severe symptoms. For more information on allergic reactions, one must ask the family doctor.

    Properly diagnosed and treated, allergies need not affect your life in any significant manner.

    Adam Asar manages http://www.quranichealing.com for spiritual healing driven from the Holy book of Quran. He speaks three languages. Adam's sincere desire is to share the peace and love embodied in the (Holy) Quran teachings.

    Adam is also the founder of http://www.howto101.info

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    Monday, October 6, 2008

    Allergy Free Dogs They're Nothing to Sneeze At!

    Allergy Free Dogs - They're Nothing to Sneeze At!
    By Richard Livitski

    Allergy free dogs are a great solution for would be dog owners that have allergies. Many dog lovers that thought they would never be able to own a dog because of the uncontrollable symptoms to pet dander, may not have considered a hypoallergenic dog. A small number of dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they do not cause allergic reactions, either because they shed only small amounts of hair or because their dog dander is not allergy producing.

    Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog or a non-shedding dog, a common misconception by some owners with allergy problems that purchase dogs believing they will be cured of dog dander issues.

    Although the amount of allergy producing dander will be reduced with a hypoallergenic dog, owners still need to go through a regular routine to ensure that pet dander from pet hair is removed from their environment. It is important to recognize that it isnt the pet hair itself causing the allergic reaction, but the dander that comes off when the dog shedding occurs. Dogs that make little to no dander are the dogs that are considered hypoallergenic dogs and will be best suited for a home with someone who is allergy sensitive.

    What Causes Dog Allergies...

    As previously noted, it is not the actual dog or even the hair of the dog, but the dander that flakes off the skin and causes allergies. Unfortunately, this dander can easily be carried throughout the house when it attaches to the hair of the dog, falls onto the floor, couches or beds of a home, causing potential allergens to be spread throughout the home.

    Keep in mind that many humans with allergies will make the mistake of buying a hairless dog or a short-haired dog thinking they will produce less allergens than a long-haired breed. This is not always the case. In fact, some medium to long-haired dogs produce little to no dander, while other short haired dogs produce a lot of dander. Remember that all dogs produce dander, it is just that some produce a great deal less than others.

    Tips for Reducing Pet Allergens...

    1. Purchase a high suction vacuum that can quickly and effectively remove almost all pet dander from the home. Use this on a daily to weekly basis as needed.

    2. Find a large air purifier that can be used in the main areas of the house. Keep the air purifier running at all times in order to effectively reduce dander. Remember to clean the purifier on a regular basis as well.

    3. Brush your pet 2-3 times a day. Give dogs a bath at least once a week to remove excess dander. Do this outside so that dander will not collect in part of the home.

    4. Limit dog access to your sleeping and sitting areas. Regularly wash sheets, curtains, pillow covers, table clothes and any other removable upholstery covers.

    A List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds...

    Afghan Hound

    American Hairless Terrier

    Basenji

    Bedlington Terrier

    Bichon Frise

    Border Terrier

    Chinese Crested Dog

    German Shorthaired Pointer

    Greyhound

    Italian Greyhound

    Irish Water Spaniel

    King Blue Terrier

    Lhasa Apso

    Maltese

    Mexican Hairless

    Peruvian Ina

    Poodles (all)

    Portuguese Water Dog

    Schnauzers (all)

    Shih Tzu

    Yorkshire Terrier

    Wheaten Terrier

    Whippet

    Also, if you have allergies and are considering the purchase of a allergy free dog, it might be wise to spend as much time as possible around the dog beforehand to see how you will react. By doing so, it might save you, and the dog, from the emotional turmoil of having to give up your new friend if you find your allergenic reactions too strong.

    When Richard Livitski isn't busy running around after his own dogs, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as grooming, training, and dog care tips can be found.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RichardLivitski
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    Wednesday, October 1, 2008

    Bee Pollen Dog Allergy

    Bee Pollen Dog Allergy
    By John Gibb

    When speaking of bee pollen dog allergy it sort of makes you wonder why a dog would be taking bee pollen in the first place right? Dogs have been shown to highly benefit from the health advantages to adding bee pollen to the diet. Our canine friends are no exception to the rules.

    However a bee pollen dog allergy can be a very serious thing. Dogs can suffer allergies much the same as a human being would. Bee pollen dog allergy can range from very severe to extremely mild and generally goes unnoticed. Although it is rare, some canines have been known to suffer anaphylactic shock and it can be life threatening.

    Anaphylactic shock occurs when the body produces too much histamine to the point of swelling the throat and breathing passage closed. If your dog has ever suffered from this type of reaction from a bee sting or any type of bee pollen product, your dog likely has a serious bee pollen dog allergy and should not be fed any type of pollen products at all.

    Aside from bee pollen dog allergy there is the little known fact that this miracle substance made by another creature of the animal kingdom can be beneficial in the treatment and overall health of the dog. As it does in human, bee pollen adds essential nutrients to the diet that cannot normally be made in the system such as vitamin C, and therefore helps with overall maintenance of general health. Bee pollen dog allergy is not something that is commonly found in fish or small houseflies.

    It is essential that in order to treat bee pollen dog allergy that you recognize the signs of bee pollen dog allergy. Some of the signs can include noticing the dog having difficulty breathing and could be even throwing up.

    It is often difficult to tell if dogs experience skin rash or hives but if you can identify those, you should immediately cease giving the dog any kind of bee pollen treatment. Excessive itchiness noticeable on the dog or swollen skin, which again can be hard to identify can be a sign that your dog is suffering from bee pollen dog 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.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JohnGibb
    http://EzineArticles.com/?Bee-Pollen-Dog-Allergy&id=457416