What is Allergy?

There are hundreds of websites which explain what is Allergy.  In my opinion everyone is allergic to something or the other. Instead of discussing about what is allergy or who allergic is, let us understand Allergic Tendency. Allergic tendency is the reaction of our body to some thing which is otherwise not dangerous like viruses or bacteria. However allergic reactions can be dangerous.

All of us have allergic tendency of varying degree for some thing or the other. Our body has three systems which are prone to allergies.

Respiratory System: This includes nose, throat, wind pipes, lungs and other organs very close to them like eyes and ears, show reaction to allergens. Some allergens like Dust mites, Pollen grains, Fumes, Vehicle exhaust etc., cause allergic reaction of this system.

Digestive System: This includes food pipe, stomach and intestines, show allergic reaction to certain foods. Diarrhea, bloating, stomach muscle cramps etc. are some times because of allergies.

Finally Skin Allergies: This includes hives, eczema, rashes, itching of skin due to exposure to some allergens. So our body exhibits allergic reaction of one of the above systems in varying degree when exposed to allergens.

So why worry about this. Let us manage this. Better management of allergy is like cure. 

Recipe:

Recipe for Allergies are  

• Allergy tests
• Natural Remedies
• Nutrition and dietary supplements
• Life style.

Other links on this page helps you to manage your allergies better and eventually you can cure them.

Allergy Tests:
There are two types of Allergy tests, Skin tests and Blood test to determine what substance or allergen may prove the allergy. Skin tests will prove the allergy very quick and are generally reliable. They are less expensive than blood tests
There are three types of skin tests               eczema treatment

Skin Prick test: A needle containing suspected allergen is pricked or scratched on the skin to asses any reaction. If the skin develops a rash area around that, it usually means the person is allergic to that.

Intradermal test: Intra dermal test is done to a person when skin prick test fail to prove an allergen causing allergy to a person but still is a suspect. A small amount of allergen is injected to skin to asses the reaction.

Skin Patch test: This test is done to determine whether a substance is causing allergy on contact. Some metals, plants an contact cause allergic reactions. During this test the suspect material solution is placed on a pad and that is taped on the skin for 2 to 3 days to find any reaction on the body.

Blood tests: The allergy blood test done most common for people with allergy is called radioallergosorbent testing (RAST). It is used to measure the blood level of a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE that the body may produce in response to particular allergens. IgE levels are often higher in people who have allergies . RAST may be used for people who cannot have skin tests, such as people who are on medications that the doctor may not be ready to discontinue for a week to conduct skin tests, that make the results of skin tests less accurate.
Other allergy testing methods, such as an immunoassay capture test (ImmunoCAP, UniCAP, or Pharmacia CAP), can be used by your GP to get  information on allergic tendency of a person.

Natural Remedies:
Natural Remedies include Homeopathic medicine, Herbal Medicines and breathing techniques.

Homeopathy:

Ayurveda:
Herbal Medicine is traditional medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts for the treatment of allergic medical conditions. The use of herbs to treat Allergy is almost universal among native people. A number of traditions have come to dominate the practice of herbal medicine for allergies in the west at the end of the twentieth century. It includes the Western herbal tradition based on Greek, Roman and medieval sources, the Ayurvedic tradition of India and the Chinese herbal medicine.
Breathing techniques are very useful for the allergies related to respiratory system.

Yoga:                                                                         
Yoga has a good effect on the immune system of the body. With the practice, the overall health and general resistance for allergens in respiratory passages is improved, thus tolerance to infection is increased. Yoga is also a great and effective stress management technique. It helps you relax and control your mind and emotions, consequently facilitating in the control of your allergic reaction. Nonetheless, Yoga helps only in the management of allergies and should not be treated as the sole cure. Medical attention is still needed along with Yoga.
Practice Yoga under the guidance of  a good yoga Teacher.

Buteyco:
The Buteyko method is a drug-free breath control technique developed by a Russian doctor, Professor Buteyko.

According to this method our breathing is primarily controlled by carbon dioxide, not oxygen. Without sufficient carbon dioxide in the bronchioles, we can't absorb enough oxygen. This is the state that asthmatics are in during an attack. Because they overbreathe, there is insufficient carbon dioxide in the bronchioles, which react by contracting  i.e.,  bronchoconstriction, getting inflamed and secreting mucous: all these mechanisms are an attempt to conserve carbon dioxide. If enough carbon dioxide can be conserved, the bronchioles will eventually open and the constriction/inflammation/mucous production will cease. The asthma attack is then over because enough carbon dioxide has built up in the bronchioles, allowing the diffusion of sufficient oxygen into the blood.

According to Buteyko , asthmatics over-breathe, so causing and aggravating asthma attacks. This mechanism is held as the fundamental cause of asthma.
Learn Buteyko technique in a good institute.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements:                              

People with allergic tendency  can take in their diet a few simple, specific supplements to have a strong and vital immune system during winter months when cold and flu predominate. They should include the following in their diet

Omega-3 fatty Acid

Vitamin E

Vitamin A

Zinc

Vitamin C

Colostrums

Copper

Omega-3 fatty acid:

An omega-3 fat supplement in the form of fish oil capsules, DHA from algae (Neuromins), or cod liver oil will establish healthy cell membranes that prevent inflammation and resist toxins and attack by pathogens.

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is essential for the growth and repair of body tissues, and for efficient digestion of protein. Vitamin A promotes good eyesight, strong bones and teeth, and a vital immune system. White blood cells, T-lymphocytes, and every cell in the important mucosal barriers of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts require vitamin A.

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory effects and increases resistance to infection. Use only natural vitamin E  not the synthetic form. A mixed  form of vitamin E is best as it contains the gamma as well as the alpha forms.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant activity, and antibiotic qualities. A daily supplement of vitamin C during the winter months will strengthen the immune system .

Zinc:

Zinc prevents infections, and acts as a cofactor in many enzyme reactions, including the creation of antioxidants. 

Copper:

If zinc supplement  is continued over a prolonged period of time, it should be given in conjunction with copper in a ratio of ten to one to prevent copper deficiency.

Colostrums: 

Bovine colostrums supplements are available in online stores. This is very good for people who get frequent sinusitis, tonsillitis or ear infections

Dosage:                                                                               

Life Style:

A good life style means having control over following thing  

Physical activities

Mental activities

Eating habits

Sex

Rest/Sleep

Good Physical Activities: Good physical activities are following

Walk At least 3 Kilometer per day

Don’t use Elevators.

Walk to market instead of driving

Do household works like vacuuming, washing ,vehicle washing, cleaning bathrooms. They all burn our calories .

Try alternate activities like running, skipping, cycling. Types of activities are many.

Dance whenever you feel happy at home. It burns 300 calories per hour!

Do exercise regularly. There is no substitute for this.

Good Eating Habits:  A good eating habit starts with knowing how many calories one gets for what all  we eat normally.  Make a list of food we eat and quantify them. Consult a dietician for fixing the routine for taking food. Get a list of food and their calories we require for our daily requirement to do normal activities. Make a list of food and time table for what you should eat to meet the daily requirement. Your dietician will help you in deciding what all you should eat and how much and when. Follow the routine strictly. List all the fruits and vegetables you like and their season. Also note how many calories you get for a serving of each fruit/vegetable. Every meal a person take should consists of 55 percent carbohydrates, 35 percent proteins and 15 percent fats.

Good Mental Activities: Go spiritual. Visit a place of worship once a week. Spend some time (5-10 minutes) praying god as soon as you take a bath every morning. Read good books. You know reading burns more calories than watching TV Programs! Be happy; let us be proud of our achievements. Celebrate your children accomplishments even if it is very small. Do not compare yourself or any member of your family with others. Everyone is like different flower; unique. Be positive; never think negative. Learn to practice yoga or any breathing technique. Take time out of routine activities.

Sex: Sex is very important for human well being. Have good and safe sex. Don’t look at sex surveys to decide your routine! Set a routine once or twice a month which is enjoyable. Plan and schedule for it else your kids may spoil the program.!!!

Sleep/Rest: You require at least 7-8 hours of sleep and rest a day. Plan your activities so that you can have good rest. Have a good set of cot, bed and pillows. Check your bed room ambience. Check on noise and light pollutions that may be spoiling your sleep/rest.  Check on allergens in your room and bath room that may be giving trouble to you.  

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