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To make matters worse, there wasn’t much information available back then for one to ascertain what the symptoms were for. Well, it’s still hard today to figure out what our children are having an allergic reaction to.

Therefore the question on a lot of minds is – Can we outgrow nut allergies? – Yes, it certainly is possible for us to outgrow nut allergies, but it is also a very rare thing. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that only about 9% of individuals with severe allergic reactions to nuts ever outgrow it.

This outgrow is not 100% guaranteed, and therefore those affected always have to be cautious anytime they come into contact with foods containing nuts. The outgrown reaction could resurface at anytime, and cause a life-threatening situation.

This same study also found that children who are allergic to multiple tree nuts are unlikely to outgrow their allergy. The recommendations are that children should periodically be re-evaluated to assess whether they had developed a tolerance.

Since tree nut allergies were previously thought to last a lifetime, few patients underwent a re-evaluation to determine if their allergy still existed. Most patients were told to avoid tree nuts and peanuts and were prescribed epinephrine in case something should happen.

It is also possible to develop this allergy as an adult. If you experience difficulty whenever you eat nuts or peanuts, discontinue the use of them, contact your doctor immediately so that he can determine if you have a problem.

You should never fool around with nut allergies. It is one of the most severe type of allergy and should not be ignored.

By: Abby Haukongo

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The benefits of omega 3 essential fatty acids are now becoming firmly established. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the 2 most important Omega 3 fatty acids are primarily found in fish oil. Allergies are now considered to be one of the health conditions that may benefit from an increased intake of essential Omega 3 fats found in oil from fish.

Allergies, in many cases, are an inflammatory condition and it is well known that the essential fats known as Omega 3 fatty acids are excellent anti-inflammatories. Asthma and hayfever are fine examples. Asthma for example, manifests itself in a restriction of the airway which is an inflammatory problem. Therefore it would seem that anything that helps reduce inflammation would be of benefit.

It would now seem from studies that there is a fish oil allergies link. Using fish oil for allergies, it would seem, can have some beneficial effects.

Which allergies are most benefited by an increased intake of omega 3 fats is still primarily unknown and much work needs to be done. However there is preliminary evidence that hayfever and asthma as well as possibly some food allergies may well be reduced in intensity by increasing the intake of Omega3 fats.

This is not to say that if you suffer from allergies you can cure your condition by taking omega 3 supplements. There are excellent diagnoses and treatments for many allergies and these should be pursued as normal. However there is growing evidence that an increase in supplementation of the diet with omega 3 fatty acids found primarily in fish oil can be useful as an overall part of an allergy strategy.

It is important to discover the cause of the allergy. For instance fish itself can cause allergies and so if the sufferer has food allergies then this needs to be investigated before any regime of Omega 3 supplementation is undertaken.

There is clear evidence that the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids extend to a wide range of health conditions, including some which can potentially cause death. This includes heart attacks and strokes and for this reason the American Heart Association recommends a minimum intake of fish oil for each of us every week. The easiest and most cost-effective way to make this happen is through taking top quality Omega 3 capsules.

It’s important that more studies be undertaken to establish the link between fish oil and allergies however it is very clear that using fish oil for health generally is extremely beneficial. If it proves in the future that there is an omega 3 allergies link them this is one more health benefit from Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplementation.

If you have allergies you may well benefit from daily Omega 3 supplementation as part of an overall allergy strategy. Regardless of this there are powerful health reasons to add daily fish oil capsules to your diet.

The sales of omega 3 supplements have exploded faster than any other dietary supplement in history, and for good reason. With such mainstream organizations as the American Heart Association now telling us to increase our intake of omega 3 fatty acids it is quite clear, given the fact that 90 percent of the US population is deficient in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, that each and every one of us should be at pains to increase our daily intake of essential fats.

Allergies may be just one of the many health conditions that respond positively to daily Omega3 supplementation. Whether or not your allergies respond positively or not there is clear evidence that a wide range of other health reasons you should be taking fish oil supplements.

Visit my website to find out how to compare the different Omega3 supplements available to find those offering the best value.

By: Peter Leigh

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If you are not familiar with dust mites, these are microscopic bugs living in your home, feeding off the unseen cells of dead skin and pet dander. Though you may not see them, they are present on surfaces throughout the home, and are especially troublesome in an infested mattress.

The bug’s waste material causes many people to develop a dust mite allergy, which includes sneezing, itching, congestion and runny noses. Asthmatics have it even worse, as a reaction to dust mites can exacerbate their condition.

Reducing the Infestation

These tiny bugs are attracted to dust-filled pockets of humidity and warmth; such as where you sleep, but also in the cozy furniture in living rooms. While completely eradicating these pests may not be possible, a thorough and regular cleaning can help reduce the number of mites in the home.

Once a top to bottom cleaning is finished, it is important to seal any potential hideouts for these bugs, starting with the mattress and bed linens. This is the most common area of concentration, so wash bedding weekly in hot water. To discourage dust mites, cover the mattress and pillows in hypo-allergenic, dust-proof covers, and wash these regularly as well. Temperature is important in order to kill the mites in the wash.

The next area to look at is living room furniture and rugs, as well as carpeted areas of your home. If these areas seem to be a problem for you, remove the cushion covers and wrap the inner foam in dust-proof covers, washing all removable pieces in the same manner as the bedding.

For area rugs, consider steam cleaning, or dry cleaning if necessary. If the bedroom area is carpeted, look into replacing it with tile or wood floors to decrease dust mite living space. Since not everyone can simply tear out the carpet, the other option is to hire a professional carpet cleaning company once a month, or rent a steam cleaner and do it yourself.

Common Allergy Symptoms and Prevention

Some people develop an outright allergy to dust mites, making it miserable for them to be in their homes when there is an infestation. This hypersensitivity can cause asthmatic symptoms and even aggravate skin problems like eczema.

Unfortunately, the excretions from these critters can be left everywhere, flying into the air and causing reactions in sensitive people much like pollen. These reactions are made worse by typical pollutants such as cigarette or other tobacco smoke, fireplace or cooking smoke, and fumes from gasoline.

Working to prevent reactions means taking the cleaning precautions above, and sealing every possible surface with a cover designed to repel dust. Eliminate carpeted areas where possible, and air out the house to create an unfriendly environment for the mites.

Once you have spoken to a medical professional and determined the problem to be dust mites, more changes in the home can be made to prevent infestations. These include thoroughly cleaning dusty surfaces with a moist cloth, using washable rugs, and buying furniture with more air flow underneath it.

Eliminate fabric where you can; if you have fabric curtains, consider replacing them with plastic or wooden blinds. Replace bedding and blankets made from synthetics or natural cotton, and always avoid wool, as it creates the perfect place for mites to settle.

By: Bryce Waylon

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We live in a highly populated, polluted and industrialized world. It is quite true that while industrialization has brought about a great deal of by products and conditions that may not be as salutary or beneficial. The modern world is also quite a consumerist world, where one’s success if often determined and gauged by the abundance of things that they possess. But the human body is quite discerning and may bring up unexpected reactions to contact with or ingestion of certain external or foreign substances that do not go down so well with the human constitution. For instance, there are a lot of people who are allergic to certain kinds of food, including prawns and fish, nuts and egg. Some other people also have very pronounced metal allergy symptoms which show up in mild or severe forms the moment the person comes in contact with the particular metal that the person is sensitive towards or allergic to. This has become such a common phenomenon that one does not really get very perturbed on seeing the symptoms of such allergies.

Gold is one of the most alluring and attractive metals that is used widely in fashioning various kinds of jewelry. Since it glitters and is a repository of value, being scarce in supply, and hence is widely sought after around the world. But there are instances where gold is mixed or rather amalgamated with some portion of nickel, which creates a condition of metal allergy affliction. It is rather rare and quite unlikely that pure gold would cause any bodily reactions, rather it is the nickel part of the jewelry that is at fault in terms of the allergy. In fact it has been observed empirically that most of the allergic reactions that take place around the world are associated with nickel in some form or the other. It has also been seen that since most forms of jewelry are worn by women, the extent of allergic condition is prevalent more in the case of womenfolk, who warn various kinds of chains, bracelets, amulets or earrings that are metallic in nature.

Metal allergy causes certain rashes as well as itchiness and swollenness in the body which can cause real discomfort to individuals. These reactions can also be caused by consuming certain food types that are rich in nickel, which though it falls in the realm of food allergy, is actually caused by the metal content in the food. It has been seen that the amount of nickel that is present in legumes like wheat, as well as in team chocolate and also canned stuff is enough to cause mild to severe allergic reactions. In the mild form, the allergy may be manageable and may not require too much attention, except for total avoidance of such foods or contact with metallic jewelry that causes such reaction. On the other hand, if the metal allergy is acute and causes severe harm, it would need urgent medical attention that is imperative to save lives and prevent death.

When it comes to testing for metal allergy, doctors can place certain specific substances on the area which is infected with the rash, swelling or inflammation and then see the specific reaction that it has. Based on this, diagnosis is made and the allergy is suitably treated. In most cases some ointments and creams are applied to the infected area with the objective of bringing about a calming or soothing effect to the area and helping the healing process to get hastened. In most cases, once an allergy to a metal is discovered, one cannot do much apart from totally avoiding contact with the metal as well as ingestion of foods that contain traces of the metal in natural form.

By: Sally Hudson

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Those people who do not have any food allergies are free to eat what they please and do not have to live in fear that their next meal might be their last. This however is not the case for those people who do have allergies to certain foods. People with food allergies constantly struggle with knowing whether or not the food that they are about to eat is going to make them sick or even lead to their death. This fear is made worse when they eat out at restaurants. At restaurants they have little control over the preparation of the food they are about to eat. In some cases servers are not sure how to correctly convey the allergy related preparation instructions to the person cooking the food. Also, in many instances the person cooking the food does not have the proper allergen awareness training to prepare the food in a manner that is safe for the person with the food allergy to eat. It is a very dangerous game that restaurants knowingly or unknowingly are taking part in. Granted it is the responsibility of the person with food allergies to inform the restaurant that they do indeed have a food allergy but that is in no way guaranteeing that the food they are about to eat is safe.

One state however has decided to get smart about food allergies and has passed a law aimed at keeping those people with food allergies safe when they eat out. Massachusetts recently passed M.G.L. c. 140, which requires all restaurants to have a person on staff that has been certified as a food protection manager. This regulation is aimed at educating food preparation staff of the dangers of food allergies and how to make sure that food being prepared for a person with food allergies is safe for them to eat. The law also states that the training needs to be completed by February 1, 2011. Those who do end up taking the training will be certified for five years. After the five year time period the food protection manager will have to take the course over again so that they can become re-certified.

But this raises the question of how people in the food service industry are supposed to go about getting certified as food protection managers? The state of Massachusetts has approved only three vendors to provide the food allergen awareness training. These vendors either provide the required training via a video and certification process or through a classroom training course and certification process. The courses are designed to provide food service workers with information about various food allergies and celiac disease related food intolerance. It also includes information on celiac disease, crucial food allergens, and the types of allergic reactions people can experience due to food. Lastly, the course informs food service workers on how to educate patrons about food allergies and what they should do if someone does end up having an allergic reaction while in their establishment. Overall the food allergen certification process is designed to make it much safer for those with food allergies to eat in restaurants in Massachusetts.

Out of the three vendors providing the food allergen certification training I have found that CompuWorks provides the easiest and best option for completing the training. Their training consists of a video that can be easily watched from any computer and at the successful completion of the course they provide you with the ability of instantly printing your certificate. Some of the other vendors do not provide this convenience and make you wait up to 10 days to receive your completion certificate. When it comes to proving compliance it is much better to choose the option that offers instant proof as opposed to having to wait and rely on the mail for delivery.

By: Clark D Anderson

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Spring means many different things, to many different people. For individuals who live with seasonal outdoor allergies, it means finding a way to cope with months of discomfort every time they step outside. Each year, millions of allergy sufferers instinctively reach for over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs as their first line of defense. Unfortunately, not all users take the time to read and fully understand the potential side effects of these chemicals.

Allergy medications work by suppressing the immune system to prevent the release of a substance called histamine. Under certain circumstances, haphazardly taking these medications could pose a significant health threat to individuals with a compromised immune system. Surprisingly, very few people are even aware that there are natural compounds available to help support healthy histamine and immune system response. Let’s review four of the most promising.

Quercetin

During an allergy attack, white blood cells produce billions of molecules that scour the body in search of mast cells. Once they have been located, the two types combine to form one cell. Once this merger has occurred, they newly formed cells gradually begin to secrete histamine. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that works by stabilizing mast cells, thus preventing them from releasing excess histamine into the bloodstream. It is histamine that promotes the sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms associated with allergies. Stabilizing the cells that produce histamine has a powerful effect on how much histamine circulates throughout the body. Nutritionists recommend taking Quercetin with Bromelain, to help increase efficacy.

Probiotics

Many people fail to realize that the human digestive tract plays an important role in allergies. In 2003, the Kirin Research Group in Japan discovered a particular strain of Lactobacillus, named Lactobacillus KW. According to Kirin researchers, this unique bacterium could be helpful in preventing the onset of some common allergies, including hay fever. This was evidenced in studies using animal models, where a marked reduction in allergy symptoms was reported. More impressive, studies conducted on humans with hay fever showed that adding Lactobacillus KW significantly reduced the frequency and severity of allergy symptoms. This is an indication that probiotics may be helpful in modulating immune response to allergic triggers.

Omega- 3

Researchers are constantly finding potential new health benefits associated with the consumption of omega-3 essential fatty acids, found in fish and flax oils. One study that may be of great interest to allergy sufferers took place in 2003. This study examined the effect of fatty acids in 334 individuals who suffered from hay fever. At the conclusion of this study, researchers determined that there appears to be link between high oleic acid (omega-9) levels and hay fever. Interestingly, they were also able to determine that people who consumed little to no omega-3 fatty acids reported the worst symptoms. This is just another reason that we, as health-seeking consumers, need to remain keenly aware of maintaining adequate omega-3 intake.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to increase the body’s production of the important antioxidant, glutathione. To date, there’s no evidence that it can completely eliminate allergy attacks, however it does appear to create an environment that is unfavorable to their proliferation. Within the body, glutathione is heavily involved in the protection of cells, oxidative cellular defenses, and a number of immune-related activities. Research has shown that glutathione also helps stabilize the lung’s response to inflammation in asthma models, while increasing the body’s production of T-cells involved in immune response. Ultimately, researchers believe that NAC might help the body naturally reduce the inflammatory response that leads to heightened allergy symptoms.

If you are one of the millions of individuals who enjoy spring and summer with some trepidation, relief might be closer than you think. The nutritional sciences are constantly discovering new ways to improve the quality of life without drugs and synthetic chemicals. A skilled, certified nutritionist can be very helping you in understanding what may be best for you.

References

Kimata M, Inagaki N, et al. Effects of luteolin and other flavonoids on IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Planta Med. 2000 Feb;66(1):25-9.

National Institutes of Health (NIH). Available at [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/] druginfo/uspdi/202060.html, Accessed 4-2-2006

New Bacteria to Fight Allergy Symptoms. Online resource, information obtained from nutraingredients.com Nov 2003. Accessed 4-2-2006

Blesa S, Cortijo J, et al. Oral N-acetylcysteine attenuates the rat pulmonary inflammatory response to antigen. Eur Respir J . 2003 Mar;21(3):394-400.

Witschi A, Reddy S, et al. The systemic availability of oral glutathione. Eur J Clin Pharmacol . 1992;43(6):667 – 9.

Nagle G. The influence of the dietary intake of fatty acids and antioxidants on hay fever in adults. Allergy 2003; 58(12): 1277-84

By: Jayson Kroner

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