By: Bailey Harris

If you or anyone close to you suffers from food allergies, you know they can be life threatening and very scary to deal with. That being said, managing food allergies often requires a lot of dedication and awareness. Fortunately there are some things you can do to make managing food allergies easier. If you are affected by food allergies, the following tips can help better manage them.

1. Label Everything at Home

A very good tip for managing food allergies is to label all food items in your home that could pose a threat to the allergic individual. By clearly marking foods that may be unsafe, both you and your family will know to use extreme caution when handling them. It will also tell the affected person to steer clear of any foods that could trigger an allergic reaction. You can keep unsafe foods in a completely different area too, as this will avoid any cross-contamination or accidental contact.

2. Wash, Wash, Wash

Another way to manage food allergies is to always wash your hands and anything that has come in contact with unsafe foods. This is because even the tiniest amount of allergens can trigger a horrible allergic reaction in certain individuals. If you or someone in your home has eaten a food that someone else is allergic to, take the time to scrub your hands and any surfaces that could potentially harbor that food. Keeping everyone alert and dedicated to the situation will definitely reduce the chances of a reaction.

3. Be Cautious While Preparing Food

Cross-contamination is one of the biggest problems for allergic people. This is why you must use extreme caution while preparing food in your home. Make sure no unsafe food comes in contact with other food. Avoid reusing utensils, plates, cutting boards, or anything else that has come in contact with any unsafe foods. Wash everything in warm, soapy water before continuing to prepare food for anyone with allergies.

4. Keep a Designated Seat at the Table

If you or someone in your family has food allergies, perhaps you should think about keeping a designated seat at the table for you or the other person. Do not allow anyone else to sit there. This will greatly reduce the risk of accidental contact and/or cross-contamination from other people’s foods.

5. Be Prepared

You should always be prepared in case an allergic reaction takes place. Keep antihistamines and injectable epinephrine pens in every room of your home so they are always readily available. Make sure you carry the medications with you at all times as well. Keep them in your car and in your purse or pocket so you are always prepared should an emergency occur.

6. Use Caution at Restaurants

If you and your family are dining out at a restaurant, always use extreme caution. Upon arrival, ask to speak with the manager regarding the practices of the restaurant. Find out how they prepare their food to avoid cross-contamination and stress how dangerous you or your family member’s allergies can be. Make sure they can assure you that extreme caution will be used to prepare your food and if not, you should find a new restaurant immediately.

7. Raise Awareness

One of the best ways to manage food allergies is to raise awareness and keep everyone around you informed of the situation. Be sure to inform any new people in your life of the severity of you or your family member’s allergic reactions. If people are made aware, there will be much less risk of emergencies.

All of these tips can help keep food allergies at bay. Be sure to always follow them and food allergies should be much more manageable for you or someone you know.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for InsuranceQuotes.org.

Conquer the Dust

Dust is a major problem for individuals with asthma, so put dusting at the top of your chore list and do it on a weekly basis. Use a damp cloth to remove surface dust from furniture and knick-knacks, and buy a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum cleaner to remove dust from your carpets and upholsteries. Anyone with asthma should not be present while you’re dusting, so wait until they are out of the house before doing it. If you have asthma, get someone else in your family to take over so that you can get some relief.

Dust Mite Prevention

Like dust, dust mites can cause some serious asthma flare-ups, so get rid of them by enclosing all pillows and mattresses in protective coverings, and washing all bedding once a week. Sheets and pillowcases should be washed in hot water using a mild, detergent free of dyes and fragrance. Comforters and blankets that aren’t washed as frequently should be aired out for several hours in the sunshine. Stuffed animals are prime spots for dust mites–you can get rid of them by placing the stuffed animals in the freezer for a full day each week. If possible, keep the number of stuffed animals to a minimum to aid in prevention. Vacuuming carpets and rugs in the bedrooms will also be helpful in getting rid of those nasty dust mites, so tackle that task regularly, too.

Clean Up After Pets

If you have pets inside your home, bathe them regularly and make sure you clean up after them on a daily basis. Keep them out of the bedrooms if you can–at least out rooms where those with asthma sleep. Vacuum more frequently than you would if you didn’t have animals, wipe up any accidents right away, and clean and change cat litter often. If you don’t have a pet but are thinking about getting one, do some research first. Find out which type of animal and breed would be the most suitable if you or someone in your home has asthma.

Keep Moisture Out

Excess moisture in the home can be very dangerous to anyone, and if you have asthma it’s even more important that you maintain control over it at all times. Moisture causes mold–and once you have it, it can be a pain to get rid of. Make sure exhaust fans in the kitchen and in the bathrooms are in good working order, and if you don’t have them–look into getting them. Use a dehumidifier to get rid of moisture in a damp basement, and consider having someone give your basement an overall inspection so that any problem areas can be taken care of. Cracks in the foundation can allow water to come in during a rainstorm or flood–so if there are any, they should be properly sealed so that you eliminate that risk. If you have do get water inside the home, pull up rugs and carpets immediately. Allowing them to sit will create the perfect environment for mold to grow. If you suspect that you have a mold problem already, enlist the help of a professional to find out what you can do to conquer the problem once and for all.

Eliminate Clutter

The more things you have in your house, the more challenging it is to dust and clean around them. Reduce clutter by regularly getting rid of things you no longer want or use, and by keeping tabs on what comes in so that your home doesn’t fill up with “stuff.” Organize what you do have and you’ll find that cleaning in general becomes a much easier job.

Consult With Your Doctor

Discuss with your doctor what other things you can do to make your home more asthma friendly. He or she can help you come up with a plan of attack that will help keep asthma symptoms at bay.

Asthma-proofing your home as much as you can will reduce the number of missed days from work or school, cut-down on the number of doctor visits you make each year, and improve symptoms in general so that you can stay on top of your condition. The health of you and your loved ones should be a top priority. Make life with asthma easier by implementing these asthma friendly tips and suggestions today.

About the Author:

Written by Casey Lynch. Casey writes about home, health, cheap home insurance, and related home topics for HomeInsurance.org.

There are many areas that you can focus on to convert your lifestyle to a natural way of life. In this article I am going to concentrate on health.

These are easy steps to get you on your way.

Detoxification to Cleanse the Body

Detoxification of the colon is gaining in popularity, mainly because we have all seen by now how our diets and the environment can abuse our system. So, the search is on to find the right product or method to cleanse the colon of harmful waste.

I found that there are three reliable methods to help the body rid itself of unnecessary, and at times, harmful waste just sitting there. These methods include colon hydrotherapy, natural minerals or supplements, and diet.

Colon hydrotherapy is a method performed by a certified, or licensed professional. Water is thrust into the colon, and the waste escapes through a secure sewage line.

All natural detoxifiers, such as Zeolite, are often a powdered mineral supplement, created to support and encourage good health, while acting as a subtle detoxifier. When reading the Zeolite reviews, I discovered that it’s a product that is well liked by those who prefer a more natural way to detox.

There are many detoxification diets you could also try. They typically consist of some fasting, juicing, and limitations of specific foods. Here is a partial list of foods to avoid during you detox period:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Wheat
• Sweeteners

As I stated above, this is just a partial list. Also, there are several diets you could choose from, so you might want to search to see which would work best for you.

Alternative Pain Treatments

It seems like everyone you talk to these days has a bad back, neck, or arthritis somewhere in their body. However, there is also an epidemic of pain medication addiction as well. Even if you don’t have the desire to go all natural in the rest of your life, this is one area to consider using alternative methods, to avoid the possibility of addiction.

Heat packs and infrared lighting have both been known to help with pain. There are handheld units that you can easily use at home, rather than being inconvenienced by having to run to the doctor’s all the time.

Acupuncture is gaining respect, even within the medical field as an alternative treatment for pain. Even though it looks painful when you see it done, it’s not. It’s actually a comfortable process.

Another alternative method is hypnosis. There are many afflictions treated with hypnosis such as smoking, weight loss, and even pain. I know of someone who found significant relief.

Alternative medicine and treatment is just like traditional medicine. Make sure you are working with someone, or something, that is reliable and reputable. Ask for references, and look for reviews online.

Natural Skin Care Products

As we age, the first place we notice our age is our face. I have had a couple mornings when I’m wondering who that person is looking back at me, only to realize that my skin is no longer the skin I had in my teens.

It doesn’t matter how old we are, skin care is important, if we want to keep it looking and feeling its best. I have actually had days when my face hurt, because it was so dry. So, I definitely know the need for skin care.

When going natural, skin care is probably the easiest to change. Natural products have been known to be wonderful for the skin for decade. I remember putting mayonnaise on my face once, to give it moisture. It worked, but I didn’t like the smell while it sat.

However, there are several natural products on the market now, including anti-aging skin care products. Just look around for which products will work well for your skin, and your budget, and remember, it’s never too early to start.

Eating Organic

Organic foods are produced with methods that do not use any synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizers. They are also produced without irradiation, or chemical food additives. In other words, it’s free of chemicals and unnatural products of any kind.

I have noticed the organic food section at the market continues to expand. The reason why is because more and more people are introducing organic foods into their diet. Perhaps it’s just a little at a time, and working their way up to an all natural diet. Either way, the evidence is the amount being sold.

In Closing

I hope I have shared some information to help you in your quest to convert to a more natural and healthy lifestyle. This is a limited list of things you can do, but it’s a start. Good luck!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer, who through her articles, provides valuable tips and advice for her readers, often on how to save money, or ways make our lives easier. Melissa is in her early 30’s, married with 2 young children, living in Austin Texas. She loves to search the internet for new ideas and deals, and just recently discovered Twitter.

The sneezing, coughing, headaches, runny nose, itchy eyes, and irritability are nothing I ever wanted to pass along. But, unfortunately, I did.

It’s bad enough for adults, who can understand exactly what it is that is happening, but with an infant it can lead to more irritability.

The concern you have is reasonable. As an adult, you can use most hay fever treatments. However, your infant cannot.

I read a quote that made me realize that I need to do some research on my own. That quote is “Medicine to produce health must examine disease; and music, to create harmony must investigate discord”. – Plutarch

I am going to share what I found. These ideas work for anyone, even those who do not have allergies.

Bedding

When you are preparing the nursery, think about using crib sheets and blankets made of organic cotton. Traditional cotton has been processed with chemicals, and can be harmful. Think about how often your little baby will be in that crib.

Also, hypoallergenic mattresses are available, and work well in creating a healthy atmosphere.

I like to use air purifiers in our bedrooms, because that is where we spend a lot of time, just breathing…breathing in air. So, you want it to be fresh and clean. It also doubles as a ‘white noise’ maker, which is great for napping during the day. When using these, I found I didn’t have to be quiet while they napped.

Organic Baby Food

Of course it will be a while before your infant will eat solids, but knowing what you want to do ahead of that time is a good idea, so you can prepare. I remember the first time I thought I should try solids with my youngest. I thought it would help with sleeping through the night better, after a couple rough nights, but I didn’t have any in the house.

I don’t think anyone could reasonably argue that organic food tends to be healthier, because there are no chemicals, or synthetic pesticides used on them.

Organic baby foods can either be bought from the store, or you can put your apron on and make your own. I prefer to make my own, so I have even more control over what goes into my child’s mouth. There are many websites with recipes, and instructions to help you with this.

If you are undecided if you want to go with organic foods, consider that a baby eats more fruits and vegetables than an adult does, as far as percentage of food intake. And, non-organic fruits and vegetables are sprayed with fertilizers and pesticides.

Also, studies are out that show organic foods tend to be higher in nutritional levels than non-organic foods. Regardless, I knew I didn’t want pesticides going into my little bundle of joy.

There is also the consideration of food allergies. I know that when I was switching to solid food for my children, the pediatrician wanted me to try one new item at a time, for about 3 days in a row. That way, if there was a reaction, we immediately knew what it is.

But, that put enough fear in me to realize that I wanted to avoid all common allergies for a long time. I didn’t want to chance it with them, because as I mentioned earlier, an infant cannot typically use allergic rhinitis remedies, as an adult can.

Toys for the Toy Chest

The last area I want to share with you is toys.

Many toys, even for infants, have some toxins and chemicals within them, through either the plastic parts or the paints. These are the same items that will eventually find their way to your child’s mouth, which is like a magnet for all things.

This is why I thought it was important to stock our kid’s toy chest with organic toys. If you are not sure what types of toys would be available in a non-organic form, take a look:

·         Rattles
·         Teething toys
·         Bath toys
·         Building blocks
·         Sand box toys
·         Car
·         Crayons
·         Chalk
·         Dolls
·         Puppets

When I first started looking into organic, I was surprised at how many toys you can get that are free of chemicals and toxins. If you search on the Internet, you will see these, as well as where you can find them.

I certainly hope I was able to help you with your decision, and give you some ideas to make it an easier choice for you and your new baby.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Living in Texas, Melissa Cameron enjoys her career as a freelance writer. The topics she often writes about are those that have helped her family, such as allergies and saving money. She and her husband are the proud parents of two young children. When she is not working, or playing with the family, she is searching for new ideas to share.

Erase therapy, using the GEO1320 system allows you to bring quick and lasting relief to a whole new patient base of people who suffer from allergies and hypersensitivities to foods, environmental substances or stimuli.

An allergy or sensitivity is an abnormal or inappropriate reaction to a generally harmless substance or stimuli. Erase therapy does not diagnose or treat allergies. It treats the symptoms. The objective of the treatment is to eliminate the abnormal reaction or to significantly reduce its intensity, frequency and longevity.

One aspect of Erase Therapy is based on positive conditioning or positive association. By exposing the patient to a safe level of the allergen via a computerized signal while strengthening all the major organ systems simultaneously the body associates the positive stimulus with the allergen and no longer perceives it as harmful.

Any disease, disorder or dysfunction including allergies puts out its own subtle, distorted energy pattern or energy field. There are disharmonious frequencies inside the field associated with the body’s reaction to allergens. The Erase Therapy also treats the body’s reaction to allergens by putting out harmonious frequencies to eliminate the bio field distortions.

Observation teaches us that by removing these bio field distortions or negative patterns a rapid restoration of the body’s stasis with respect to allergy symptoms can occur. Though it appears that this is the result in a large percentage of the cases the mechanism is unknown.

This portion of the therapy is performed to harmonize and restore bio energetic dysfunction and typically takes only one or two minutes while the patient watches the computer screen and listens to the tones.

So the treatment session to desensitize the body and destroy the disruptive bio field only takes minutes and more often than not, if the patient is not severely immune deficient one treatment can bring long lasting relief from symptoms associated with one allergen or one whole group of closely related allergens.

What they offer is a Neurological Response Generating Therapy, or a therapy that identifies specific elements that cause stress on the nervous system. Then, through the use of a corrective laser they are able to completely eliminate the nervous system triggers that cause numerous acute and chronic conditions such as allergies.

The process is rather simple and completely painless. At the first visit you’ll undergo a detailed evaluation that aims to identify your base line. They use biofeedback to analyze your current energy level and then begin to expose the body to various elements. As your body responds they compare the energy level to parameters gathered over years of research. Any markers outside these parameters are possible stressors to the immune system.

The next component is your actual treatment and may be completed on the same day as your first visit or scheduled for another day depending on your specific circumstances. During this session a corrective laser is used to transfer energy impulses through the head, hands and feet. This serves as a direct stimulus to the central nervous system and outlines a normal parameter of response.

How Does this Eliminate Allergies?

An allergy is merely an overreaction by your body’s immune response and is typically a chronic condition. Equally it as a whole body reaction, upsetting the energy levels throughout the central nervous system. To best sum up how our body’s work I want to quote Dr. Allison’s site, FranklinAllergiCare.com as he breaks it down into three components:

“Energy and the Immune System

The human body is comprised of three components:

1. Structure: The cells and the organs, bones, muscle, skin layers, blood vessels, nerves and other physical structures that they form.
2. Liquid: The intra and inter-cellular liquids that play important roles in the generation of electrical energy.
3. Electrical charge: The charge responsible for activating the body and its structures. It is called the “life-force”, life energy, spirit or electromagnetism. The Chinese refer to this as “chi”.

Of the three components, the last – electrical charge is least understood, since its presence is not immediately obvious to the naked eye. Electrical energy is detected only in a roundabout way, because it is most obvious when it is absent. If there is partial absence of energy in the body, weakness or disease invades. When there is total absence of vital energy, there is death.”

The corrective laser used during treatment sessions re-establish appropriate energy levels to the central nervous system. The end result is a more balanced immune response and the elimination of hyper sensitivity! You can learn more about laser therapy for allergies by watching the video below and exploring Dr. Allison’s site at FranklinAllergiCare.com.

In this video Dr. Ada Gonzalez talks about a natural remedy that is a unique and effective way to treat allergies.

Dr. Gonzalez: More than half of all Americans now test positive for allergens and allergies are among the most common complaints I see in my practice. In particular I have seen a tremendous rise in the number of children and now even infants brought in for the treatment of allergies.

An allergy is an excessive inflammatory response to a substance whether it’s pollen, specific foods,  animal dander or certain chemicals. To recover from allergies and to keep them from coming back it’s important to address the underlying issues.

In my practice I have seen great results with therapeutic gemstones. An easy and effective way to work with gemstones is to wear them around your neck so you can experience their healing elements on an ongoing basis.

Carnelian’s Revitalizing Effects

One of the gems I recommend most often for allergies is carnelian. Carnelian is particularly revitalizing and nourishing to the immune system. A common allergic reaction is congestion and inflammation in the area of the body and carnelian’s energy can help relieve these unpleasant symptoms.

As the immune system reacts repeatedly to allergens over days, weeks or years the immune system often becomes even more sensitive and then the allergic reaction worsens. Carnelian’s revitalizing effect on the immune system helps the body detoxify and over time reduce sensitivity.

One woman had springtime pollen allergies. Her eyes and throat burned and she felt flu like symptoms. One year she decided to try carnelian and wore it for the month of April. For the first time in years she said she was able to go outside and enjoy the beautiful spring because her allergy symptoms were greatly reduced.

Bloodstones Calming Effects

Now let’s talk about bloodstone. The energy of a therapeutic quality bloodstone necklace is incredibly soothing and produces quick effects. Since an allergy is an immune over-reaction in order to resolve allergies the immune system must be calmer and react only when it’s necessary and healthy to do so.

Bloodstones strengthen and normalize the immune system so it becomes more alert and responsive to the body’s real needs rather than over-reacting. I’ve seen phenomenal results for people using bloodstones for allergies. One person commented that within 24 hours of putting on a therapeutic bloodstone necklace he went from constant discomfort with his allergies to no discomfort at all.

A physician recently tried bloodstone for himself and after wearing bloodstone for several months he realized that his long standing allergy to cats had vanished. He was pleased to realize that the effects were lasting and now even when he is not wearing the bloodstone he doesn’t have symptoms when he is around cats. So bloodstone is truly a remarkable tool.

Emerald’s Healing Effects

Finally I want to mention Emeralds, which focuses specifically on healing the body’s organs. Emerald floods the body with powerful energetic nourishment, vitality and healing. Wearing a necklace of therapeutic emerald not only improves all functions of the immune system it also uplifts overall physical health and strength, which is important for healing allergies.

Wearing emerald along with the bloodstone can also enhance the bloodstone’s effects and together they make a potent therapeutic combination. It’s wonderful to have something you can do for allergies that has no harmful side effects and the gems I recommended really can help take care of symptoms.

One last note, when using gemstones for health I recommend using only therapeutic quality gems because they are the only ones that truly produce therapeutic benefits. And I recommend one source, Gemisphere.com because their products provide consistent and reliable results.

Enjoy and be healthy.

Dr. Verret joined CBS to discuss different treatments allergy sufferers could use to relieve their nasal symptoms. One proven approach is using a simple saline mixture to relief your sinuses. In fact scientific studies have shown this basic kitchen mixture to be more effective than many of the prescription sprays available.  You can either purchase a saline product over the counter or make your own batch at home using 1 cup of water and ½ a teaspoon of salt. Simply mix, dissolve and flush your nose using a bulb syringe like the ones we use for infants.

Another popular and safe option is the use of natural supplements to aid your body in eliminating allergy symptoms using appropriate vitamins and antioxidants. It’s nothing new that allergic reactions are tightly linked to the body’s immune system so why not give it a boost in eradicating allergens. Two new remedies that have shown great effectiveness include Nuetral, an ingredient found in grapes and red wine, and Butterbur, a treatment approved by the Switzerland FDA to treat nasal allergies.

While you can head over to just about any store and purchase over the counter treatments such as Claritin or Zyrtec Dr. Verret notes that these treatments don’t necessarily work for everyone and to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing the most “popular” brand.

Don’t guess your way through allergy season. Rather listen to what Dr. Verret has to say on alternative, and effective solutions for allergy relief.

This was the first night of four agonizing weeks as my daughter had repeated reactions of swelling, hives and asthma attacks. By day four we had epipens in every room and a rushed visit with the allergist. Her results were shocking as we discovered she was allergic to everything they tested for with dust mites being the most severe.

The allergist had us watch a detailed video on dust mite allergies and minimizing exposure. Then he sent us home with brochures so we could purchase the environmental controls my daughter so desperately needed. The first item on the list was allergy bedding.

After days of research I finally decided to purchase the Allergy Armor Ultra bedding from AchooAllergy.com because of the solid reputation and affordable bedding packages. And I have to say I’m really glad I did.

Customer Service Was Top Notch

As I investigated my options for allergy bedding a lot of questions came up about knowing which pore size I needed and what size of encasement. I sent AchooAllergy an email with my questions and their response time was amazing. They directed me to resources on their site to assist me in selecting the appropriate pore size and how to measure my mattress. I even received a follow up email a couple days later checking to make sure my questions had been answered.

Their customer service remained available to me throughout the entire selection process. It was through their support and knowledgeable staff that I was able to identify that Allergy Armor Ultra was exactly what my daughter needed.

Smallest Pore Size In Allergy Bedding

Since my daughter was allergic to everything including mold, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and on down the list we needed bedding that contained small enough pores to block ALL of the allergens.  At varying sizes these allergens range from the dust mite at 10 microns and pet dander and molds as small as 3 microns. With a pore size of only 2.8 microns Allergy Armor Ultra blocks the smallest of allergens giving you a full night of allergy free rest.

Highest Quality In Allergy Relief Bedding

To ensure the smallest pore size possible this fabric has been processed with an extra finish known as calenaring. During this process the material is exposed to extreme heat and pressure to shrink the gaps between the threads for a pore size of 2.8 microns.

To offer an even better product these encasements have an antimicrobial finish for long-term protection against mold, mildew, soiling agents and deterioration. And the best part, they are completely washable. Should the need arise simply throw them in your washing machine and tumble dry.

Made from 100% Breathable Polyester Fabric

When you think about putting protectors on your mattress you may be concerned about heating up your bed. Traditionally this has been the case when it comes to allergy bedding. Allergy Armor Ultra was designed with this in mind. The fabric effectively blocks allergens while remaining breathable enough to stay cool while you sleep.

Multiple Sizes to Fit Any Mattress

Whether you sleep on a standard twin or double pillow top mattress you’re sure to find the right size including the long twin and CA king. AchooAllergy even considered the thickness of mattresses designing encasements for mattress depths of 6 inches (crib mattress), 9 inches, 12 inches and 15 inches. They even offer a variety of pillow cover sizes too including standard, queen, king, European square, body, and travel.

Easy to Install

The mattress and box spring encasements slip easily onto the mattress and zip closed for a fast installation. Though the packaging recommends two people many customers, me included, express how easy it was to install the encasements alone. They are designed with a little extra material that easily slips under the mattress to aid in a simple “slip over” the mattress style installation.

Complete Packages for the Whole Bed

When it comes to effectively blocking allergens while you sleep you’ll want to cover your pillows as well as your mattress and box spring. Allergy Armor Ultra bedding packages make this a simple and affordable process. Each package includes two pillow cases, one mattress cover and one vinyl box spring cover.

What Are You Waiting for?

If you’re ready to start enjoying symptom free nights on a comfortable and affordable allergen barrier head over to AchooAllergy.com and order yours today.

Allergens We Ingest

Food allergies are perhaps one of the most common allergies that you’ll hear about. Though food allergies are common food isn’t the only place allergens hide. In fact there are allergens in prescription and over the counter medications, drinks and vitamins.

Even though allergens are found in so many consumable substances there are a few common foods and medications that lead to an allergic reaction. The usual foods and medicines that cause allergies include:

Drugs- These include Penicillin, Salicylates, Sulfonamides and local anesthesia.

Foods- Foods that have components which are oftentimes treated by the body as allergens are celery, corn, wheat, cow’s milk, legumes, eggs, pumpkin, soy, seafood, seashells, tree nuts, and sesame.

The substances we ingest often serve as the medium for the transference of allergens from outside the body into the bloodstream and internal organs. When the entry point of the allergens is the mouth the typical symptoms that arise are nausea, throat and tongue swelling, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Symptoms may also affect nasal breathing as well as the integrity of the skin.

Allergens We Breathe

There are four major allergens floating around in the air we breathe. Those include pollens, animal dander, mold spores, and dust mite particles. Common plant pollens that are suspect for causing hay fever, a type of allergy, can be categorized into three groups:

• grass pollens – timothy grass and ryegrass
• weed pollens – ragweed, nettle, plantago, sorrel and artemisia vulgaris
• tree pollens – birch, alder, wollow, poplar, olea and hornbeam

These allergens normally pass through the air conditioning and heating systems as well as through windows and doors while opened. Animal dander, mold, and dust mite particles already exist in your home as well as floating around in the air outside.

Skin Contact Allergens

Allergens that lead to a skin reaction are typically those that actually touch the skin. The allergen can be from rubbing a plant, insect bite or bee sting, chemicals, soaps, perfumes, and any other substance that touches the skin. Skin allergies could go possibly one of the longest lists of all allergens.

Though the list may be long common substances that induce allergic reactions are metals, latex, cosmetics, chemicals, substances from poisonous plants, insect bites and stings. An allergic reaction typically appears as a rash or hive on the skin that may itch.

If you effectively identify what your allergy triggers are and then effectively identify where they are most commonly found you’ll have more success in minimizing an allergic reaction.