Thursday, August 12, 2010

"Every season can be an allergic season depending on what you're allegic to

Allergy is an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system to a substance that is normally harmful. The immune system is a highly complex defense mechanism that helps us to fight infections.


Typical allergic responses are:-
Nasal congestion
Coughing
Wheezing
Itching
Shortness of breathe
Headache
Fatigue
Hives & other skin rashes.
     Almost any substance can cause an allergic reaction in someone, somewhere in the world, but most common allergens are pollen, dust, certain metals (especially nickel), some cosmetics, lanolin, dust mites, animal hair, insect venom, some common drugs (such as penicillin & aspirin), some food additives (such as benzoic acid & sulfur dioxide), animal dander & chemical found in soaps, washing powder, cleansing supplies, and many other chemicals. Many people allergic to mold, which are microscopic organism, neither animal nor insect. Molds are throughout the house- under the sink & in bathroom, basement, refrigerator, and other damp, dark place. They also flourish in the air, in soil, on dead leaves & on other organic material.
     Foods also can provoke allergic reactions. Some of most common allergenic foods in adults are shrimp, lobster, crab, shellfish, fish eggs, peanuts, walnuts. In children, eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts etc.
     There is difference between food allergies & food intolerances. A person with food intolerance is unable to digest & process that food correctly. Many people have gas, bloating, or other unpleasant reactions to something they eat. A food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system generates an antibody response to ingested food. Now food intolerances can lead to allergies if it enters into blood stream.
     When someone has food allergy, the immune system responds inappropriately. First an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced that is circulated in the blood, & the it attaches to the surface of mast cells. Mast cells are found in all body tissues, so when food is eaten protein react with specific IgE on mast cells to trigger the release of chemicals, such as Histamine, It’s this chemical that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. So according to which part of mast cells get involved it produces respective symptoms.
    According to the Ayurveda system, some allergies responses are created by the presence of ama, or toxins in the system that are by product of improperly digested food. Also the concept of SATMYA ( wholesome)/ASATMYA( Unwholesome) food etc is necessary to consider.
    The Ayurvedic herbs Picrorrhiza kurrooa, Phyllanthus acidus, are suggested for cooling & cleaning the blood, & helping the liver to detoxify the ama. Also different herbs are used for allergies depend upon predominance of biological humors. As triphala, neem, Tinospora cordifolia,turmeric,basil, clove, camphor, coriander, Trikatu also different herbal formulations are used involvement of system.Keep rotating diet which will guide in self-allergy test.
    “The only definitive test for food allergy is whether a person can consume that food without an adverse reaction."

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