Allergies
| Published: 25th April 2007 12:04 |
Allergy - Proof! National Allergy Week 21st - 25th May 2007
Living with an allergy can be cruel. Not only do you have to cope with an onslaught of symptoms, but with multiple triggers lurking on each corner, life can become a daily obstacle course. With over a third of the population now suffering, cases are not the isolated incidences they were 30 years ago.
Although allergies may not sound much, they can be hugely disruptive and in severe cases could even be fatal. They are also on the rise, so what can be done about them?
Food Allergy - The most common food allergens are peanuts, shellfish, milk, wheat, fish and soya. Fruit allergens particularly from kiwi fruit are also a growing problem. Symptoms can range from anaphylaxis to asthma and eczema.
Probiotics such as acidophilus may improve digestion. Dietary changes are also important and, depending on your particular allergy, gluten free products may help.
Asthma - This is caused by the narrowing of the airways in the lungs, asthma is characterized by breathing problems, wheezing, shortness of breath and a tightening in the chest. Its triggered by allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or mould and irritations like pollution, stress or changes in temperature.
A low fat, low salt and high fibre diet may benefit an asthma sufferer. Foods such as fruit, fish, soya beans or fresh vegetables are valuable sources of antioxidant vitamins and minerals essential for the body's defence mechanism. A good intake of vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium and selenium would also be beneficial.
Allergic Rhinitis - There are two types of allergic rhinitis, one is seasonal triggered by a reaction to an airborne allergen such as pollen or mould. This is more commonly known as hay fever. The other type is perennial rhinitis and this is a year round affliction. Sufferers are allergic to certain indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches or mould.
Avoiding dairy products, caffeine drinks and alcohol entirely throughout the hayfever season will help symptoms, as well as making sure you have an adequate intake of vitamin C to help support the immune system and combat triggers.
Allergy eczema - The symptoms of eczema consist of dry, hot and itchy skin. In severe cases, the skin can break and bleed. Atopic eczema is triggered by allergens such as dust mites, mould, pollen and particular foods. Other causes include changes in humidity and temperature.
Avoiding wheat and diary products may be a good start as these are particularly suspect. Herbal remedies such as calendula, liquorice and chamomile focus on the inflammation and supporting the immune system.
