|
AllergiesAn allergic reaction occurs when the immune system misinterprets a normally nontoxic substance, such as grass, pollen, a detergent, or a certain food, as a harmful invader. The immune system then responds to this perceived threat, called an allergen, by releasing substances called histamines. Histamines produce a wide range of bodily reactions, including respiratory and nasal congestion, increased mucus production, skin rashes and welts, and headache. In the case of an actually threat to the body, in the form of, say, a flu virus, these reactions would form an important line of defense against the invader, helping to trap it and expel it, and encouraging you to rest and recover. But during the false alarm of an allergic response, the body overreacts to a harmless agent. Most allergens are found either in the environment or in food. Environmental allergens include pollen (reactions to pollen are often called hay fever), mold, animal dander, dust, feathers, insect venom, certain cosmetics and household products, and metals. When the environmental allergens are removed or make their seasonal disappearance, the body returns to normal. If the allergens are not removed, the immune system will continue its artificially high state of alert. In these cases, the allergic response can develop into chronic allergic rhinitis, in which the nasal passages remain persistently inflamed. Why some people develop allergies to certain substances and others does not remain unclear. It does seem that certain allergic responses, such as hay fever, have a genetic basis. An excess accumulation of mucus in the body, which attracts and stores the irritant, also contributes to or causes allergic responses. In addition, stress and a generally depressed immune system may contribute to the severity of the allergies. ** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.
Allergic responses can produce any one or a combination of several of the following symptoms:
TREATMENT Diet If you have allergies, dietary therapy should include strategies for mucus reduction, elimination of allergenic pathogens, and general immune support. Recommended Food Base your diet on non-mucus-forming foods: whole grains (although gluten sensitivity is common), fresh vegetables and fruits, cold-pressed oils, and raw seeds and nuts. (Many people with environmental allergies also have reactions to nuts, so monitor your reactions carefully.) To keep your immune system healthy, make sure to get enough lean protein. Seafood and tofu are good sources that don’t encourage mucus production. Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to thin mucus secretions. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can reduce inflammation. Take 2 tablespoons every day.
Eliminating foods that cause mucus should be a priority for any allergy sufferer. Mucus-forming foods include all dairy products, fried and processed foods, refined flours, chocolate, and eggs. The immune response stresses your digestive system, so place as few additional burdens on it as possible. Cut down on bad fats and oils (saturated, hydrogenated, or those containing trans-fatty acids)—as well as the refined flour and the processed foods mentioned earlier—and increase your intake of fiber, especially from raw vegetables. Many people with environmental allergies also suffer from food allergies. Follow an elimination diet to ensure that certain foods aren’t making your environmental allergies worse. Wheat is the unsuspected culprit behind many allergies, including those that seem to be triggered by environmental allergens. Try eliminating wheat during the seasons that usually coincide with your allergic responses. Detoxification Green drinks are good for flushing out mucus and toxins. Drink one daily, whether you’re fasting or not. Other Recommendations
|
©2007
LifeSource Nutrition • P.O. Box 7336 • Beaverton,
OR 97007 • Toll Free - US: 800-567-8122 |