Allergies
An allergy is caused by the body’s defence system when defending itself from allergens which are substances within the environment taken into the body causing it to become over sensitive. When harmless substances, like pollen, dust, pet hairs, or certain foods are thought to be foreign by our bodies the antibodies in the blood -Which protects us from germs – could react to them, by releasing chemicals which cause the symptoms of the allergy.
Symptoms include
“Sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose, itchy, red, watering eyes, wheezing, chest tightness, a raised, itchy, red rash, swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face, tummy pain, feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea, dry, red and cracked skin” says the UK National Health Service.(1)
Causes
Animal Allergies
Most animals with fur can be problematic for those that suffer from animal allergies, but it isn’t always the fur that causes the allergies it is the tiny skin particles referred to as dander. Symptoms of animal allergies can include rashes, itching, runny noses, watery eyes and finding it hard to breathe. It may be wise to avoid the type of animals you are allergic to. Certain supplements can help to restrict the reaction, after a period the allergy may subside because you may build up a resistance to the allergen and you can then enjoy the company of your pet without the worry of your immune system reacting to it. However, Although its worth noting that you may only build a resistance to your own animal’s fur and dander but may still respond to other peoples.
Asthma
Is a condition that is affected by an external trigger which can cause inflammation and constriction of airways in the lungs. While this is happening small muscles in these airways contract, restricting them even more. Which may cause a cough, a tight chest or wheezing or all three which then makes it hard to breathe. Asthma may be affected by several triggers like pollution, over-exertion, changes in air temperature or certain food allergies mainly dairy and wheat. If the digestive tract reacts to a food, it can cause other areas of mucous membrane to respond too. Asthmatics sometimes also suffer from eczema. When one is bad the other fades and vice versa.
Eczema and dermatitis
Allergy may play a part in eczema and dermatitis. Eczema and dermatitis both mean skin inflammation, Eczema is a very itchy inflammatory disease of the skin. It usually appears on the face, wrists and insides of elbows and knees. Although anybody can suffer from it, it seems more in infants, but it disappears in half of these by the time they reach 18 months old. It is more linked to asthma. Stress, lack of essential fatty acids, and food intolerances are the most prominent culprits of causing eczema.
other types of eczema and dermatitis include
Atopic eczema
This could be caused by outside contributors mixed with an inherited sensitive skin. Usually, It is rare for adults to suffer from this type of eczema, it generally only occurs in children within the first two years of age. This type of eczema is usually found on the face, scalp and nappy area, as the child grows eczema can spread to other areas like the neck, hands, feet arms and legs.
Contact Dermatitis
Has symptoms similar to eczema but is caused by touching household cleaners but also certain costume jewellery or even by certain makeup or cosmetics.
Suggested supplements that may help
- Evening Primrose oil
- Vitamin A
Hay fever (Rhinitis)
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen or spores in the air from trees, grasses or moulds. The medical term for hay fever is rhinitis or seasonal rhinitis, and it is one of the most common allergies known.
Perennial Rhinitis
Rhinitis which is not caused by pollen can be caused by dust, dust mites, animal fur and hair. This type of Rhinitis may occur throughout the whole year.
The symptoms most usually experience are watery, itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing re caused by the body’s reaction to pollen, dust or dust mites. To wash away the allergen your eyes water and the running nose and sneezing help to get rid of the foreign germs. Certain supplements may help to reduce the symptoms these may include.
- Nelsons Pollenna for instant relief
- Bee pollen take this four weeks before hay fever season
- Quercitin
- Vitamin C & Pantothenic Acid (B5) possible antihistamine properties;
- Nettle tea by putting the tea bags over your eyes
- Soya Products.
migraines
It is a headache but frequently only on one side, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite can come with having a migraine. Dizziness and flashing lights in front of the eyes are present in some cases. Foods that may trigger migraines include chocolate, alcohol – but especially, red wine, cheese, citrus fruits, dairy products, coffee, tea, monosodium glutamate and shellfish. Factors other than allergy may cause a migraine, and these should not be forgotten about. According to Migraine Action, some include
- Intense throbbing headache, often on one side of the head only;
- Nausea and vomiting. You may also experience diarrhoea;
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smells(2)
Supplements that may help
- Feverfew
Urticaria (Hives)
Is a skin condition. It can usually be identified by intense itchy raised marks on the skin. They may only last a few days but may last for longer. The main causes of urticaria are reactions to pollens, animal dander, house dust, shellfish or strawberries.
Supplements that may help
- Nettle,
- Aloe Vera Gel
Antibodies like Histamine are produced in our bodies to protect us from outside foreign body’s like pollen and dust, but sometimes when we are allergic to the foreigners, our body gets too eager to defend and triggers a response which isn’t necessarily needed. An allergic reaction can take many forms. Sufferers may find it hard to breathe as in an asthma attack, have an upset stomach, diarrhoea, migraine, eczema and urticaria.
If you suffer from an allergy, you may want to discuss your diet with the Doctor to distinguish which foods may be playing a role in the condition. It even may be worth considering taking an intolerance test to see whether any intolerances do exist
Supplements that may help to relieve allergies
- Aloe Vera Gel may help soothe redness and promotes healing
- Quercetin could have antihistamine properties. This may be of benefit to an allergy-related condition as it will control histamine release.
- Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system
- Vitamin B5 may be working with Vitamin C to reduce allergic symptoms
Supplements that may help to prevent allergies
Evening Primrose Oil may help to promote healthy skin. People with Eczema may have low levels of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in their body. GL7 may be needed to maintain the oil secretions of the skin. However, EPO could help most allergy-related conditions by controlling the allergic response of the body. It might have an anti-inflammatory and immune system strengthening effect.
Vitamin B Complex B2 and B3 contribute to the maintenance of healthy skin
Zinc helps with the support of healthy skin and metabolism of fatty acids and vitamin A. it may also help with the absorption of EPO and vitamin A, in the body.
Vitamin E helps to protect cells from oxidative stress. So it might be helpful for asthma treatment.
Magnesium contributes to muscle function so may help to relax bronchial muscles to make breathing easier for asthmatics.
- Vitamin A – contributes to the normal function of the immune system and may be helpful in maintaining healthy mucous membranes, e.g. nose, throat, stomach so making them less vulnerable to irritation by potential allergens
Complementary supplements
- Multivitamins may help with the absorption of Evening Primrose Oil. Those with higher levels of Vitamin A may be more beneficial because Vitamin A may help to maintain healthy skin and immune system/li>
- Pycnogenol may help to reduce allergic responses
- Rutin may act as a mild antihistamine
- MSM may help to relieve some symptoms of allergies like mucus discharge, itching and inflammation
Recommended lifestyle changes
- Many studies have indicated that food intolerances play an essential role in many conditions classed as allergy related.
- Food that often causes a quick reaction include eggs, fish, nuts and peanuts, while milk, chocolate, wheat, citrus and food colourings are often associated with a delayed onset.
- The main foods causing intolerances are dairy and wheat, but any food could cause a problem.
Resources:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/symptoms/
- http://www.migraine.org.uk/information/what-is-migraine/
