Allergy Relief Resource and Guide

When I think of soy I don’t think that it is a common type of food ingredient. I typically associate it with Chinese food and soy sauce so I thought a soy allergy shouldn’t be that big a concern. Unfortunately for those that have a soy allergy it is contained in more foods than I thought.

When a person develops a food allergy like a soy allergy the immune system malfunctions and identifies a type of food as a potentially harmful substance to the body. The immune system responds by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin (IgE’s) that create histamines to help protect the body from these “harmful” substances. The result is symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, hives and itching, wheezing and gastrointestinal problems. Some people will have an intolerance to certain types of food instead of an actual food allergy. While this condition may include similar symptoms to a food allergy as far as a stomach upset and pain, the immune system is not involved. Food allergies can be a reaction to nearly any type of food, but the most common triggers are milk, eggs, fish, and legumes which can include soy products.

So Where is Soy Found?

Soy can be used as an ingredient in many foods that you would never consider. Some of these are:

• Ice Cream
• Tofu
• Vegetable Broth
• Vegetable Protein
• Salad Dressings
• Vegetable Oil
• Mayonnaise
• Margarine…

Since soybeans are a legume, if you suffer from a soy allergy, you may also have a reaction to related foods like beans, peas and peanuts as well. The symptoms of soy allergies can run the spectrum. Some reactions to these products will be mild and include itching, wheezing or diarrhea. There are many other symptoms that can appear as well, and some can become quite severe.

Can a Soy Allergy be Prevented?

While food allergies affect a small percentage of the population, the number can still translate into millions of people in this country who suffer from some type of food allergies. Statistics show that the percentage of the population who is diagnosed with a soy allergy is at about .5%. Often this type of allergy is found in children, and many times it is not detected until the second or third exposure to the food.

There are some ways to cut down on the chances of developing a soy allergy. Doctors recommend that mothers nurse their babies for at least the first six months of life. It is also a good idea to wait until your child is at least six months old before offering any solid foods. This will not only reduce the risk of an infant soy allergy, but may cut down on the incidence of other food allergies throughout life as well.

A soy allergy is a potentially dangerous condition and should be definitively diagnosed by your doctor and allergist. You should also see a dietician whenever a food allergy is involved. They can help you not only avoid the food involved but also lead you toward choices that can replace some of those cravings a soy allergy can deprive you of.

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When most people think of mold they think of the mold in damp basements or the mold and mildew associated with bathroom cleaning products. A mold allergy in that case would have been thought of to result from somehow touching the mold. The reality is that a mold allergy is typically triggered by the mold spores that become airborne at certain times.

There are a number of triggers that can cause seasonal allergic rhinitis. Most of these identified allergens are airborne. Typically they include the pollen that is blown about from trees, plants and grasses. Another type of airborne allergen, mold spores, is the seasonal culprit that causes mold allergies.

This type of allergy is generally found from spring to early fall, with a peak in the late summer months, although other types of mold can cause symptoms almost year-round. The allergens that cause mold allergies are generally found in humid climates, and moist areas like rotted logs and compost piles. They can also be found indoors in damp basements or closets, or even lurking in your shower stall. Fresh food storage areas are also a popular hangout for mold spores, as well as house plants and certain pieces of furniture.

How are Mold Allergies Triggered?

If you suffer from a mold allergy, your immune system has incorrectly identified mold spores as a threat. The response of your immune system is to produce antibodies called immunoglobulin that will create chemicals that will fight off these potentially damaging substances. The result is the typical symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and itching. In the case of a mold allergy, the mold spores are airborne and inhaled into the body through the nose. This is why nasal congestion and coughs are common complaints of mold allergy sufferers. The amount and severity of symptoms from a mold allergy will depend on the amount of the allergen and the ability of the air currents to spread the spores. The weather can affect these patterns making mold counts somewhat ineffective in determining the severity of your exposure.

Treatment of Mold Allergies

A mold allergy remedy is usually one that is good for treating rhinitis. Because mold allergies are airborne, they usually result in the symptoms of rhinitis, which will include nasal congestion, watery eyes and coughing. The best treatment for rhinitis is generally an over-the-counter antihistamine, decongestant or nasal spray to treat the inflammation and congestion. If over-the-counter medications are not effective in treating your mold allergy symptoms, you should see your doctor for possible prescription relief for your mold allergy.

There are a number of medicines that your doctor can recommend to treat your mold allergies through the use of prescription antihistamines and steroidal nasal sprays that will reduce the inflammation in your sinus passages. Allergies to molds and other airborne allergens can cause seasonal or even year-round rhinitis.

As can be seen by the above a mold allergy can be treated like most airborne allergies. Being aware that you can have this type of allergy and confirming it with your allergist are the first steps in managing your symptoms. Allergy relief may just be a trip to the pharmacy away.

If you are a glass is half full person you may think that a yeast allergy is the greatest thing since sliced bread, please forgive the pun. If you are not that type of person you might not be happy with your food choices. It might not matter that the low carb diet brought about by a yeast allergy can lead to a smaller waistline.

Most people love their bread, though it’s not always good for their waist lines. Carbs are everywhere and they are particularly tempting for those on a low carb diet. You never realize how many carbs you eat until you are forced to eliminate them from your diet. What would happen if you couldn’t eat bread because of an allergy? That’s right, there are people with a yeast allergy, who can’t eat or drink anything with yeast as an ingredient. You may not realize it, but many things are made out of yeast. And, depending on the severity of your yeast allergy, you may not be able to enjoy bread, beer or any other yeast oriented products ever again.

Yeast can be broken down into 2 categories, baking yeast and brewers yeast. Baking yeast is used to aid in the cooking of baked goods like bread, cookies and cakes. Brewers yeast is used in the making of beer but is also known to be used in supplements. An allergy to brewers yeast would be very tough for a beer lover.

A yeast allergy for carb lovers can be devastating. As with many allergies some people go through life feeling the discomfort of allergies but not knowing that they have them. They don’t realize that they are causing themselves the discomfort by not identifying their yeast allergies. If your allergist tests you and confirms your yeast allergy you will then have to deal with the reality of having to manage your allergy in a world full of foods that contain yeast.

If your allergy isn’t that severe, you may be able to get by eating only certain foods with very little yeast in them. There are also some supplements and medicines that you can take to alleviate the symptoms of yeast allergy or at least lessen them. With these you may be able to enjoy your favorite foods without fear of a yeast allergy attack. Symptoms of a yeast allergy can include:

• fatigue
• constipation
• diarrhea
• depression
• dizziness
• muscle and joint pain

These are just a few of the symptoms that have been associated with a yeast allergy. If your allergy is severe it is highly likely that will have to give up yeast products altogether.

So your best bet is to look at the bright side. Yeast allergies can force you to change your diet for the good. A low carb diet has already been shown to help you shed unwanted pounds. Make sure to check with both your allergist and dietician about your allergy. They can provide you with the balanced plan to not only eat right but avoid those yeast allergy attacks that could have been plaguing you for years.

If you have allergies and haven’t considered using an allergy supplement you may be missing out on something that can help you better manage your allergies. Anyone who has experienced the discomfort and pain of an allergic reaction knows how crippling allergies can be. Nowadays vitamin supplements are taken for anything from calcium to help your bones stay stronger to garlic which is supposed to help your immune system so why not an allergy supplement or combination of supplements to help manage your allergies?

What is an Allergy Supplement?

The kinds of allergy supplements that are available vary, depending on what type of allergy you suffer from. For example, if you are allergic to milk, or dairy products, you may simply be able to take a lactose intolerance pill and that would be considered an allergy supplement. An allergy supplement is any product or substance that contributes to alleviating, or stopping, any attack or symptoms brought on by an allergic reaction. Your allergist can explain further. You may even be able to get some guidance at your closest nutrition store like a GNC.

Testing is the Key

When an allergist tests you for allergies, they attempt to determine exactly what substance you are allergic to. That isn’t as easy as it sounds. For instance, if you are constantly sneezing in your own house, you are obviously allergic to something, but what could it be? Could it be the cat, or maybe the dog, or what about the pollen that’s suddenly so abundant in the air? Could it be any of these things? Your allergist can’t recommend anything if they don’t know what you are allergic to specifically. Your vitamin store clerk won’t be able to help you either without that information. Be sure to ask about allergies to the vitamins themselves. I have heard that some people can have allergies to vitamin b and even c and e but on the flip side I have also heard that there are vitamins to prevent dust mite allergies.

An allergy supplement should be considered another tool in your arsenal of weapons in the treatment of your allergies. Your allergist and doctor should be your most trusted source for guidance since they should know more. However you should not let the burden fall totally on them. You are the one who has to live with these allergies every day. Know your allergy and know what allergy supplements are known to help. I have even noticed online vendors selling “allergy packs” and “digestion packs” that include supplements that are known to help specific conditions. Of course, your should consult your doctor before you use any allergy supplement.

Some people think they have a sugar allergy. Confirming this type of allergy can be devastating since so many foods contain some form of sugar. It is almost as tragic as a caffeine allergy for those who can not function without that first cup of coffee in the morning. Food allergies can be confused with food intolerance so it is important to know which you have. Some of the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction can occur but there is a good chance they are caused by an intolerance of refined sugar.

For many generations, parents believed that too much sugar caused their children to be hyperactive. While science has found no link between an over active child and the amount of sugar they eat, they have determined that too much sugar is never good for children. Reasons for less sugar consumption include increased risk of cavities, obesity and the possibility of developing an intolerance for sugar.

An intolerance to sugar has been shown to cause a resistance to insulin as well as rapid weight gain if ingested in too large a quantity. It can also lead to fatigue, joint pain, forgetfulness and confusion. The thinking process may also be affected by reducing neurotransmitters leading some people to think that a true sugar allergy has caused this reaction.

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Restlessness and inattention may be signs of a sugar intolerance, often confused as a sugar allergy. This is especially true for school-age children but while sugar intake will need to be monitored, it is not considered a true sugar allergy. When the body develops an allergy to a certain food, it is confusing that food with an allergen. The immune system responds to attempt to eliminate the threat. While many foods cause an allergic reaction in many people, studies have not supported the confirmation of sugar allergy.

Many allergic symptoms may appear in a person with an intolerance to refined sugar. They should therefore stay away from it in all forms. Elimination diets are usually needed and recommended for determining whether you are truly allergic or intolerant. If you believe that it is sugar, eliminate all forms of added sugar for a period of time, at least one week Keep track of what forms of sugar are ingested. If you find that your symptoms are less then you know you are on the right path to pinpointing your intolerance.

Since sugar is such a common ingredient it is important to keep a diary of all the foods you eat and to note the ingredients. An elimination diet can be pretty tricky for someone who has a sugar allergy or an intolerance to sugar. You definitely need the guidance a professional like an allergist or at the very least your primary care physician. With the proper testing and tracking of what you eat you may also be able to find substitutes like brown sugar and natural sweeteners that you may have less a reaction to.

Are you one of those people that loves to clean in bursts? A dust allergy may cause you to adapt a new strategy. Instead of waiting until spring cleaning to do a major clean up you should consider taking out the feather duster more often. If you find yourself sneezing and wheezing and you can’t figure out why, you might just have a dust allergy. A dust allergy occurs when dust enters your system. You can either breath it in from the air or you might come in direct contact with it.

There’s little you can do about a dust allergy, except for cleaning the dust in your house with a feather duster. Just make sure that when you are cleaning the dust in your house that you don’t spread it around. Clean it softly so that you contain it as much as possible. If you or someone in your house has a dust allergy you don’t need to stir the dust up since it will just cause more problems.

Dust is Everywhere

Even if you don’t have a dust allergy you might be amazed at the amount of dust that can accumulate in a matter of days. You may even be someone who already cleans regularly yet the dust always seem to appear. Dust can accumulate in any space that’s not cleaned on a regular basis and this can sometimes mean daily.

Common Places Where Dust is Found:

• Television
• Bookshelves
• Computers
• Tables
• Under Beds
• Behind Doors…

A dust allergy can make someone crazy because the job of cleaning the dust never seems to end. Dust is comprised of everything from dead skin cells to dirt to anything else that can accumulate in areas that aren’t cleaned regularly.

To maximize the cleaning of dust, and to alleviate the bad affects of your dust allergy, make sure, when you do clean your house, that you use a feather duster and go slow. Get all the areas that you might frequent, so that you can prevent breathing in the dust that makes you sneeze, cough, wheeze, or whatever else it makes you do.

Vacuum cleaners are a great option. You can get a small vacuum cleaner that will also help you suck up the dust without spreading it around. The benefit of a vacuum cleaner is that you collect the dust in a bag, or whatever kind of receptacle the vacuum uses, and then you can just throw it away and replace it when you’re done. Unlike a feather duster, a vacuum has less of a chance of spreading the dust all around your house. Air purifiers are also good at keeping the amounts of dust down and furthermore help remove other allergens from the air as well.

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If you have a dust allergy you should of course consult with an allergist. I have heard that they might have vitamins to prevent dust mite allergies. Until they come up with a cure for dust allergies regular cleaning is your best bet to help avoid and manage your dust allergy. Regular cleaning may be a pain but on the good side it will help you avoid that huge spring cleaning project.