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Understanding Allergies page 1 page one | two | three----------------------------- Introduction: People who eat poor diets can suffer from self-induced food sensitivities. Such people are not basically allergic, but are suffering from a build-up of artificial additives and/or a lack of essential nutrients. The diets that some people eat are nothing short of appalling, often involving many processed foods laden with chemical additives. The human body is a machine (albeit a very complex one), and a diet of chemicals was never intended to fuel it. Changing to a healthy diet will redress the balance. A good basis for a diet for humans is water, meat, fish, pulses, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. On this, most human bodies would function well. Those who take an excessive amount of any one food or drink and suffer chronic illness, in many cases need look no further for the source of their illness. This information is not primarily for people in the above categories but for those who, through no fault of their own, have become ill and are looking for a cause rather than a drug to suppress their symptoms. It is essential that anyone who has any doubts or problems at all should consult their own doctor or a doctor or consultant experienced in environmental illness. So far as the latter is concerned, it is advisable to enquire as to their likely fees prior to making an appointment. Gradually, doctors are becoming more interested in the study of the ability of the human being to adapt to the environment. As more and more chemicals are introduced annually, our powers of adaptation are weakening; this fact is now beginning to be recognised. Until major steps are taken, you, the individual, can take certain measures to help yourself. No-one knows what the long term effects will be but, in the short term, there are some people who are unable to tolerate some of these chemicals (either in the air they breathe, or the food they eat), which act as toxins upon their body chemistries. In addition to this, certain people have allergies or intolerances to so-called pure foods. The most vulnerable are the young, the old and those who, through their inherited genes, are susceptible to developing allergies ALLERGIES [back to the menu] Allergic reactions can be produced by any of the following: - Things which come into contact with your body (e.g. cosmetics, clothing, bedding, injections, bee stings). Things you eat or drink (this includes medicines, the vast majority of which contain artificial colourings and preservatives). Things you inhale (these can be natural things, e.g. pollens, house dust etc. or man-made things, e.g. petrol fumes, cigarette smoke etc). The most common form of hypersensitivity is that caused by a build- up of regular exposure to an allergen. Regarding food and drink, an addictive factor is sometimes involved. Not all food sensitivities are caused by allergic reactions. These can result from: The toxic content of the food, e.g. caffeine in coffee, tea and chocolate. The deficiency of an enzyme, e.g. lactase deficiency, leading to the inability to digest foods containing lactose, such as cows' milk. From the point of view of the sufferer, the need to eliminate the offending foods, and the means of doing so remain the same. Anyone may develop allergies at any age. Although they are more common in women than men by the ratio of 3:2, men can suffer just as badly. It is basically a stress disease, and it can be induced or aggravated by any of the following: Imbalance of hormones (hence the prevalence of women sufferers with their complicated hormone controlled menstrual cycle), e.g. childbirth, menopause, hysterectomy. Taking the Pill. Oral contraceptives are steroids. Infection, such as a dose of 'flu. Prolonged environmental or circumstantial stress. Shock -bereavements, accidents etc. Nutritional inadequacy of minerals and vitamins. Repeated doses of antibiotics or other drugs. Exposure to chemicals. Smoking. In other words, if you are in a generally low state for whatever reason, you are more susceptible than you otherwise would be. Coming to terms with the stress will be as important in your recovery as discovering the allergens and building up your immune system. VITAMIN THERAPY [back to the menu] The two most important factors in stabilising this condition are discovering and avoiding your allergens, and building up your resistance. As your allergic threshold goes hand in hand with your general state of health, the answer is to reach your full health potential. Many allergic people have found it beneficial to take high daily doses of vitamins (never, of course, exceeding the recommended dose). The B vitamins are particularly helpful in alleviating stress, and vitamin C helps the adrenal gland to produce cortisol - a natural steroid hormone - which counteracts the histamine released in an allergic reaction. This approach is known as mega-vitamin, orthomolecular or nutritional therapy. As you build up your strength, so your reactions lessen, and this continues until you can be said to be stabilised. With care, common sense and reasonably good luck, the status quo can be maintained. All vitamins and trace minerals are invaluable for building up health if they can be tolerated, but it must be remembered that hypersensitive people may be adversely affected, either by the vitamins themselves, or by any of the other ingredients used in their preparation. Food allergic people are often deficient in magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc. A good multi-mineral will contain these. One firm which caters especially for allergy sufferers and those on special diets is: - General Nutrition Centres Weyvern House Weyvern Park Old Portsmouth Road Peasmarsh Guildford GU3 1NA Tel: 08456 013248 Website: www.gnc.co.uk It produces supplements suitable for children as well as adults. Its products can be obtained direct from the above address, from some health food shops and certain chemists. Expert advice can be given and the name of your local stockist supplied on request. COMMON FOOD ALLERGENS [back to the menu] Bearing in mind that anybody can be allergic to anything, and that no two people are the same, here is a list of those things which, in general terms, have proved to be amongst the worst offenders: Alcohol Tea Coffee Milk/milk products Cheese Eggs Pork Chocolate Sugar Artificial sweeteners Grains (particularly wheat and corn) Yeast Citrus fruit and grapes Peas, beans and tomatoes Peanuts and nuts Herbs and spices Artificial colourings Preservatives Monosodium glutamate Other additives (stabilisers, emulsifiers, anti-oxidants) Toothpaste (additive-free toothpaste can be obtained from health food shops) Medicines (the majority of which contain artificial colourings and preservatives) COMMON INHALANT ALLERGENS [back to the menu]
When a single substance is sufficiently toxic to the individual (whether this is classified as a toxin or an allergen is immaterial), or when a number of lesser allergens combine together in sufficient number, inevitably the body chemistry will suffer and symptoms appear. Doctors have now started talking in terms of "chemical overload". The introduction of North Sea gas has been a major contributor to increased allergic reactions. This is not due to the gas itself, which is odourless, but to the addition of a mercaptan to make it smell. Many household materials may be a source of chemical pollution. These include cleaning and decorating materials, DIY products, carpets and furnishings. Some furnishings (such as those made from chipboard) contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is also found in air fresheners which, in addition, contain chemical perfumes to which many people react. In fact, it is advisable to replace all perfumed products with non-perfumed ones. Ecover cleaning materials are made from natural ingredients and are perfume free. For a wider range of natural, environmentally friendly products contact: The Healthy House Cold Harbour Ruscombe Stroud Gloucestershire GL6 6DA Tel: 01453 752216 Website: www.healthy-house.co.uk Household paint is another product which can cause problems. Paint manufacturers are working towards non-toxicity and some gloss paints are water, rather than oil, based which are less likely to cause allergic reactions. For paints containing only natural, raw materials, contact: AURO Organic Paint Supplies Ltd Unit 1, Goldstones Farm Saffron Walden Essex CB10 2LZ Tel: 01799 543077 Website: www.auroorganic.co.uk All perfumed toiletries may be sources of allergy to chemically sensitive people. Aerosol sprays of any product should be avoided, because droplets remain in the air for some time and are inevitably inhaled. Boots the Chemist does a range of hypo-allergenic toiletries. Alternatively, hypo-allergenic toiletries can be obtained from: Queen Cosmetics Limited PO Box 52 East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 4YE Tel: 01342 312739 website: www.queencos.co.uk Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) [back to the menu] People suffering from MCS very often have the major disadvantage of not being believed. It is an undisputed fact, however, that as more and more chemicals are introduced into our environment, more and more people are becoming sensitised to them. So how do you cope as an MCS sufferer? There are no easy answers. The following are suggestions to ease your problem, bearing in mind that all allergies work on a build up basis. Just as you may have spiralled downwards, so you have it in your power to spiral upwards once again. Your allergy threshold goes hand in hand with the state of your immune system; therefore your most important first step is to build up your immune system. The best way to do this is to take high doses of vitamin and mineral supplements (never exceeding the stated dose). Your local health food shop manager will be able to advise you on combinations specifically designed to boost the immune system. Try your best to avoid all known allergens, food and otherwise. Be particularly vigilant when you are suffering from any seasonal allergies. Do not hesitate to use any medications which may alleviate the symptoms of your seasonal allergy. Remember that vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. Keep your home environmentally safe, using only natural products. Do not allow anyone into your home who is wearing perfume, aftershave or other scented toiletries. Ban all smokers. Wear a mask if outdoor pollution is a problem. Simple medical masks can be obtained from Boots and other chemists, specifically designed ones from Healthy House. Alternatively, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth. Try to avoid going outdoors at the busiest times. Turn off all car vents and close all windows when in a traffic jam. Buy an air purifier or an ioniser (Healthy House). Open windows only when pollution is at its lowest. If gas is a problem, see if you can get your boiler moved or, if you are severely gas sensitive, you may need to consider going all electric. If you are able to get out and about, a sauna is the best way to detoxify yourself. Climate Sensitivity to climate must also be taken into account. Everyone differs, and the range of ability to tolerate climatic changes differs too. Mountain air will be beneficial to all allergy sufferers, especially those with breathing problems or chemical sensitivities. Some people have to avoid damp climates, especially those with asthmatic/ bronchial/arthritic problems; others will be affected by cold north winds and so on. The majority of sufferers will be better in warm, sunny climates. A few are positively sun-sensitive and their reactions will vary from individual to individual. Some people who have a dry eczematous skin will find it clears completely in warm sunshine. Some drugs can cause a sensitivity to sunlight to develop. SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY [back to the menu] Symptoms of allergy are limitless, and can affect any part of the body. They can cause a wide variety of distressing physical and psychological symptoms and, in many cases, both. They can mimic symptoms of other illnesses. Many doctors working in this field believe certain degenerative diseases to be allergy-induced and, indeed, have had some success in stabilising such diseases. It is impossible to list all the symptoms which can be caused by allergic reactions or intolerances. Amongst those of which people complain are: Abdominal pain, catarrh, rhinitis, wheezing, exhaustion, swelling, visual disturbances, weeping or itching eyes, running nose, sneezing, sinusitis, earache, ringing in the ears, sore throat, coughs, hoarseness, asthma, bronchitis and other breathing difficulties, abnormal pulse rate, abnormal heartbeat, palpitations, chest pains, nausea, faintness, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, urticaria, cramps, convulsions, pins and needles, numbness, abnormal menstruation, eczema, other skin complaints, mouth ulcers, aching or painful joints or muscles, arthritis, psoriasis, backache, pruritus, water retention, dark puffy circles under the eyes, debility, drowsiness, a feeling of being drugged, sweating unrelated to exercise, frequent urination or bed- wetting, vaginal discharge, lack of libido, mental confusion, irritability or aggressiveness, depression, crying, shaking, nightmares, hyperactivity, learning difficulties, inability to concentrate, nervousness, anxiety, lack of confidence, fears, clumsiness, food addictions, raised blood pressure, obesity, migraine, headaches, epilepsy, agoraphobia and insomnia (people who suffer from insomnia should consider whether it might not be caused by taking daily stimulants, e.g. coffee, tea, chocolate). (Bear in mind these symptoms can have causes other than allergy.) Hayfever [back to the menu] The most common allergy is grass-pollen-induced hayfever, for which the following measures are recommended: Start taking anti-histamine tablets from 1st June, or earlier if necessary. It is better to choose one which does not cause drowsiness. Some people prefer to take homoeopathic remedies such as Sabadilla 6. Use Rynacrom (for nasal symptoms) and Opticrom (for eye symptoms) immediately symptoms start. These have to be prescribed by your doctor. They are very effective and have a good safety record. Take at least 1 gram of vitamin C daily. Up to three grams daily may be taken in three separate doses when symptoms are severe. Vitamin C is a natural anti-histamine. Buy one free from artificial additives. Build up your allergy tolerance level with daily doses of additive-free multi-vitamins and minerals (vitamin C is effective in controlling cold symptoms, as is zinc). Avoid all known allergens, both food and inhalants, as contact with these will make your hayfever worse by lowering your resistance. Get plenty of rest. You need more than usual because having constant hayfever is very exhausting. Buy an ioniser. You can buy them from Boots the Chemist, or Healthy House. They remove the stale positive ions in the atmosphere, and replace them with the healthy negative ones. Severe sufferers may wish to invest in an air purifier. Healthy House offer a range of these. They do not come cheap. By following this regime, you will find your hayfever much improved, and some people will find it disappears altogether. It has been devised for use in the grass pollen season, but can be adapted for alleviating any other seasonal hayfever. © Food & Chemical Allergy Association
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