According to new research, when pregnant moms and newborns are given “good” bacteria in appropriate doses, may help to prevent allergies from starting up in childhood. Experts in the field say that they have found the first good evidence that what are known as harmless, probiotic bacteria, or the “good” kind, can begin training baby’s immune system to avoid allergic reactions well before an allergic lifetime can become ingrained.

Researchers are becoming more and more aware of the amazing value in using these good bugs for populating the the gut with beneficial bacteria even before day one, to achieve the best possible health. After all, we each have from 6 to 60 trillion bacteria in our guts, as much as 3 pounds, so it’s certainly better to have the good kind. Medical researchers in Finland used Lactobacillus GG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus), a bacteria already found naturally in the colon. It is absolutely safe at an early age and has proven to be very effective in treating allergic inflammation and food allergies. They have been trying to prevent allergy development in at-risk infants and have enjoyed some success.

Probiotics are cultured bacteria that potentially promote health.

The Finnish Investigators gave a statistically relevant group of pregnant women daily probiotics capsules for several weeks approaching their due dates, up until they gave birth. For another 6 months after they delivered their babies, the women who breast-fed continued taking the probiotics capsules. Bottle-fed infants were given probiotics directly in their formula. Each of the babies in the study was considered to be at high risk for developing allergies because a close relative, like a sibling or a parent, was already suffering with significant allergies. By the time the toddlers reached the age of 2, 35% of them had developed eczema, which is a condition where the skin gets red, itchy and highly irritated.

The best news is that the children who had received probiotics were only half as likely to develop eczema as were the children in the control group who hadn’t gotten any.

This genuine reduction in eczema is really a spectacular result to be coming out of the multiple studies on the prevention of allergies and allergic conditions. Children playing on a toy riding truck are a lot happier than kids who can’t, due to allergies or anything else.

There is what is known as the “the hygiene hypothesis,” which holds that the huge growth in our allergic conditions is partly due to our ever more sterile environments. Studies support that the actual rate of infants who become asthmatic later in life are those who have had the lowest number of colds, infections and other stressors.

The results of this study were reported in The Lancet and are strongly suggestive of the idea that intestine-dwelling bacteria play an important role in teaching the immune system to stay away from allergic reactions.

Where to get your own probiotics

There are all sorts of probiotic supplements available, look for a mixture of several different probiotic strains which number in the billions.

Additionally, you can eat your probiotics. There are plenty of food sources that are rich in probiotics, primarily in fermented foods, many of which are from Asian cultures, like pickled vegetables (cabbage, eggplant, cucumber, squash, etc.) and Natto, a fermented soy product that is easily found in health food stores these days. Once soy has been fermented, it becomes safe to consume.

Probiotics are found in all fermented foods, from sauerkraut to yogurt. All the way back to empirical Rome, and probably further back, sauerkraut was popular for its taste and its overall health benefits of which they were well aware.

In the ancient Indian culture, it was (and still is) a regular practice before dinner, to have a nice yogurt drink called a lassi.

In Bulgaria and over large areas of eastern the European cultures, they are legendary for their longevity and well known for high consumption of their delicious fermented milk products like yogurt and kefir.

If you eat a diet that includes a lot of fermented foods for the purpose of enjoying excellent digestion and a boosted immune system, be certain that they are not pasteurized. Pasteurization kills all the good bugs, so pasteurized fermentations are not particularly useful for getting your probiotics, although probably still delicious!

Some unpasteurized, traditionally fermented foods you can find in natural food stores are:

1. Kefir
2. Natto
3. Miso
4. Kimchee
5. Tempeh
6. Olives
7. Pickles
8. Sauerkraut
9. Yogurt

It may be well worth your while to ferment many of these foods yourself, as commercially processed foods are nowhere near the high quality you can produce on your own with organic vegetables and raw milk products (when you can find them). Google for “how to”. bio:Linda Smith is a semi-retired designer and teacher in the field of natural healing. Back when travelling was still great fun, she taught seminars in North America and Europe. Now, she is happily settled in Northern Ontario watching the seasons change. These days, Linda is more likely to be found wearing pitboss 6” boots than 6” heels.

Give your house a thorough sweep and swap

Carpets can really be a breeding reservoir for mold, animal dander and dust mites so it needs that extra cleaning. You can use carpet cleaner which contains tannic acid, a useful chemical for destroying dust mites. Vacuuming alone will not spew out the allergens therefore you need to really give your carpet the chemical cleaning. Dust all your corners and furniture with a clean duster and always make it a point to dust off those as well.

Dust mites love to feast on dead skin cells which our body sheds, therefore if you can minimize that with regular dusting and cleaning it will be most beneficial. If your problem is chronic then perhaps you need to redecorate your interiors. Consider changing your carpet to linoleum or wooden flooring and using leather furniture rather than fabric upholstery. Your bedroom can be given the first hauling as you will be sleeping there and do not want to breathe in the allergens.

Keep the pollen level down

Once you come in from outside or the garden where you had been handling your magnolias, daffodils and tulips go straight to the shower. These flowers are very pretty no doubt but they are great sources of mold spores and pollen. By removing your shoes before you enter the house, you will be avoiding tracking in these allergens inside the house. Once you are clean and into fresh clothes you will considerably avoid spreading the pollen inside the house. Make sure that your clothes are washed in warm water and fragrance free detergent, as allergies are generally aggravated by strong scents. Make sure to your cloths thoroughly to remove the dust mites. The same treatment needs to be given to all stuffed toys. You can put them in Ziploc bag and leave them overnight in the freezer which should kill the mites. Mites die when there is lack of humidity.

Mind your bed and mattress

Dust mites can thrive in your mattress by feeding off dead skin cells. To discourage the mites you need to cover your bedding in special allergy coverings and cases and prevents the droppings of dust mites to get through. Many people are more allergic to the droppings rather than the mites. The other thing is to discourage your pets from getting comfortable on your bed as they can carry trapped pollen and mold. Give them a good wiping down and bathe them twice a week to decrease the dander.

Fix any leaks in the house

Water leaks can encourage mold and mildew buildup so make sure that your house, including the basement does not have any leaking taps. If you already have these problems then you may need to change the pipes by calling in a plumber. This inspection for leaks and humidity needs to be done at least twice in a year.

Since our home is the comfort zone, no area should be left neglected when it comes to getting rid of the allergens. By following some of the steps mentioned you will soon have an allergen free house.

About the author:

Alyssa Clarke is a blogger who enjoys writing on health and environment the most.  She is an eco enthusiast herself and recently got very impressed with an article on ozone friendly gadgets, especially designed for asthma patients.

This happens when the tubes that bring air into and out of your lungs narrow with exercise, causing symptoms of asthma.  While asthma can be controlled, there is no cure.  There are however, a few treatment goals for adults with asthma.  One of them is leading a healthy active lifestyle, which can be obtained through daily physical activity and exercise.

While asthma can be scary and inhibit a person’s abilities to participate in some activities, with proper management asthma sufferers can lead a normal healthy lifestyle.

Before starting on any exercise program, always consult with your doctor.  Proper medication is usually necessary to manage asthma symptoms.  Talk with your doctor about your exercise goals and if you’ve never exercised, how to start slowly.

Often your doctor will have to take some sort of asthma medication prior to exercise to help reduce symptoms and prevent an asthma attack.  With your doctor, create an asthma treatment plan to help you manage your asthma and achieve your exercise goals.

When your symptoms are under control, you can enjoy exercising and other sport related activities.  However, there are some activities that are better for adults with asthma.  Swimming, walking and biking are all good aerobic activities for adults suffering from asthma.

Swimmers are exposed to warm, moist air as they exercise, which is less likely to trigger asthma symptoms.  Swimming also helps strengthen upper body muscles.  If you are just starting out with an exercise program, walking is usually your best bet.  Brisk walking is an excellent easy activity that is low impact and good for people of all ages.

Parents can use a stroller and walk with their children any time of day.  The Britax B Ready stroller has a light aluminum frame and can accommodate one or two children.

B Ready stroller reviews are some of the most favorable on Amazon.  If you prefer to try light jogging, try the BOB running stroller, which is easy to maneuver.  Strollers are essential for active parents, and when you suffer from asthma you can carry your medication with you in the stroller while you exercise.

Any activity that requires a lot of ongoing activity, such as soccer or long distance running, is more likely to cause symptoms than a sport with short bursts of activity, such as baseball or softball.

Cold weather activities such as skiing and ice hockey are more likely to make symptoms worse, because cold air exacerbates asthma symptoms.  But with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with asthma can participate and excel in almost any sport or activity.

It is always recommended to warm up before exercise, and cool down afterwards.  Taking five to ten minutes to warm up and cool down can help control asthma symptoms.  Avoid exercise if you are suffering from a cold or other illness.

Symptoms are more likely when you are battling a virus, and you should wait until you are well to start exercising again.  Exercising in extreme temperatures should also be avoided.  If the weather is extremely cold or hot, stay indoors and try an exercise DVD.

To overview:

• Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program
• Create an asthma treatment plan
• Start with activities such as walking, swimming or cycling
• Listen to your body and watch for asthma symptoms
• Avoid exercise in extreme temperatures or if you are sick

Asthma can be troubling when adults desire to lead an active lifestyle.  But with proper management exercise is possible and it is necessary for optimum health.

About the Author:

Rick Magennis, publisher of BabyStrollerConsultant.com is an experienced freelance writer and fellow parent. He shares his expertise and knowledge through his numerous articles providing useful tips and advice for parents.  Rick’s site is essential for any online consumer in need of a stroller rating or review. Rick can help parents navigate the often confusing road to buying the ideal baby stroller for their family and their budget.

Many children with asthma shy away from strenuous activity and their parents fear they will suffer an asthma attack.  But if a child’s asthma is under control, playing and enjoying the outdoors can benefit them greatly.

Prevalence of Childhood Asthma

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma is one of the most serious chronic diseases of childhood, affecting as many as one in ten school aged children.

The past several decades have shown an increase in asthma cases, and some scientists attribute lifestyle changes to the rise in asthma in children.  In the 1970’s, children would return home from school and spend their time playing outside.

They spent their afternoons riding bikes and playing in the yard until the sun went down.  Kids today spend much more time indoors and lead more sedentary lifestyles.  This lack of exercise may be playing a role in the increase of asthma in today’s younger population.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

An active lifestyle can greatly benefit a child with asthma.  They will feel more like their peers and experience the pleasures of joining activities with their friends.  Exercise helps to stretch the lungs and bronchial tubes, which may help reduce the resistance to breathing.

For children with exercise induced asthma, choosing activities that don’t often trigger asthma, such as walking or swimming, is a good idea to get them moving.  A child can then work him/herself up to more strenuous activities such as soccer, basketball or hockey.

It is important to teach your child to use their asthma medications, and to always have their medications with them when they are participating in sports or other activities.

As long as a child’s asthma is under control, families should enjoy active “together time” outside.  When asthma triggers such as pollens are low, playing soccer or other outdoor sports will get the whole family moving.

A nightly walk in nice weather is also beneficial.  Make walks a family event, and take younger siblings along in the baby stroller.  The BOB Revolution SE 2011 is an excellent outdoor stroller, designed with active families in mind.

For families with infants, consider getting those evening walks in with a Britax B Ready Stroller, which is compatible with several car seats.  Walking with your kids will enable your child with asthma to get some supervised outdoor activity.

It’s important for parents of asthma sufferers to take their child for regular check-ups and monitor their child during strenuous activity.  As long they have been given the green light by their doctor, children with asthma can enjoy many of the same activities as their peers.

Along with better control over their breathing, an active lifestyle will help prevent obesity and other diseases.  Asthma doesn’t have to keep a child from enjoying a childhood filled with outdoor fun.  Monitored exercise can help lessen asthma symptoms, and may even prevent asthma in future generations.

About the Author:

Rick Magennis, publisher of BabyStrollerConsultant.com is an experienced freelance writer and fellow parent. He shares his expertise and knowledge through his numerous articles while also allowing parents to read unbiased baby strollers reviews. He loves sharing tips and advice about parenting, families, and babies.

By: Midland Filtration

Here we’ve compiled together a check list of steps which you can take to improve the quality of the air in your home. Poor air quality, left unchecked can lead to exacerbation of existing medical or respiratory problems, allergies and even cause drowsiness and noticeable symptoms and reactions in otherwise healthy people.

What to be aware of in your kitchen

We cook, clean and even carry out maintenance and repairs within our kitchens and these activities can all potentially lead to declined air quality, however with these tips you’ll either prevent or circumvent any problems from occurring in the first place.

When cooking oils and fats become heated in excess of their optimum cooking temperatures they generally vaporize and become toxic causing eye, skin and repertory irritation if come into contact with or breathed in.

The best thing you can do is to ensure you’re using the correct oil for the right job, some oils are strictly for shallow frying at lower temperatures, whilst others can be heated to much higher temperatures for deep-fat frying.

If you do happen to burn any oil you can compensate by providing proper and adequate ventilation, in general it is advisable to have an overhead cooker hood filter and extractor that will partially clean the worst and remove it from your home. You can also open an external door or window to allow dirty air to be replaced with fresh air.

Are you using plants?

It is now common knowledge for many people to know that plants are responsible for recycling our air by turning carbon dioxide back into oxygen. This happens on a global scale through our planets rainforest; however this also takes place at a much smaller level even in your home.

Certain plants are also particularly effective at removing airborne pollutants that may be present in kitchen sprays and other chemical cleaning agents, for example formaldehyde, benzene  and trichloroethylene.

Research NASA carried out revealed that the most effective plants at removing contaminants are English Ivy, Peace Lilly’s and Chrysanthemums; however there are many more varieties out there which you could be using in your home.

Reduce the allergens in your home

The most typical home allergens include dust and dust mites, animal hair, pollen and cleaning agents. Most of these problems can be resolved through proper and regular cleaning and ensuring that old air is routinely replaced with fresh air.

Pet and animal hair can be swept from hard surface floors and brushed from upholstered surfaces and fabrics, a damp cloth may be more suitable in some instances. A vacuum cleaner can then be used to collect any sweat areas as to avoid any unnecessary wafting of hairs into the air.

Carpets, pet bedding and other fabric can then be treated with specialist products to kill off any small insects that may have made claim to areas of your home. These will generally include flea, ticks and mites.

Ideally you also want to be treating your pets to ensure you remove the cause so that they aren’t easily able to occur again.

Eco-friendly products are always recommended where possible, as it’s not good to be using sprays or aerosols with ozone chemicals present that will cause health concerns.

Ensure proper ventilation

Although you may not be aware of them on a day to day basis, most homes will have open air vents of some form placed strategically around the home. If they were not in place then damp conditions would eventually lead to the growth and spread of mold.

Additionally your fridge and freezer will probably have ventilation to allow extracted warm air to be removed. These vents will collect dust and debris over time, which should be removed in order for these vents to continue to do their job effectively; they need to be cleaned to ensure air flow is not blocked or restricted.

During the colder months of the year you will probably be more tempted and inclined to dry your washing inside. The water and moisture from your clothing will evaporate into the air, however unless you’ve got adequate ventilation from an open window or extractor fan or portable extractor this water will simply end up condensing on your cold walls or windows causing rot, mold and damp to set in.

About the Author:

Midland Filtration are suppliers and distributors of air filters and filter products that help to ensure businesses, industries and organizations have the most appropriate solutions in place for cleaner air.

Many wrongly assume that it is pet fur that causes an allergic reaction, but in actuality, it is pet dander that causes the symptoms. Pet dander are dead skin cells that flake and fall of your pet. These flakes stick to furniture, clothing, and carpeting, and even your pet’s saliva and urine may cause a reaction.

Any animal could cause allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and rashes. Typically, dogs and cats can trigger an allergy attack, but other household pets like rodents could contribute as well.

While it may be easy to say that the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to get rid of your pets, this is quite a hard task especially for animal lovers. But is that the only way to do it? Are there any other options for pet lovers who happen to suffer from allergies to control such situation?

Here’s the good news: no need to say good bye to your favorite pet as there are measures that you can take in order to minimize the occurrence of allergy attacks at home.

1. Keep your pets clean at all times. It is very important to give your pets a good bath at least every week in order to remove and prevent the buildup of allergens in their fur. Cleaning and proper hygiene does not only apply for humans, animals need it too and as a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are clean and well-groomed at all times.
2. Pet-proof your home. If you suffer from allergies but at the same time love to have pets around, the best way is to prevent an attack is to use products and material around your home that can help minimize the symptoms. Opt for tiles or hard wood floors since it is easier to sweep and remove traces of allergens compared carpets. If you still prefer to have carpet flooring then go for a low pile rather than heavy pile carpeting and keep it free from allergens with a vacuum cleaner.
3. Installing a quality air filtration system is also a great help in controlling allergy attacks. A HEPA filtration system is often the preferred choice by most households.
4. Use protective sheets on your car seats and sofas that can be easily cleaned and washed. Place these sheets in areas where your pet frequently stays and replace them regularly.
5. A simple hygiene practice such as washing your hands at all times is also a way to keep your allergy attacks at bay. Avoid scratching your eyes while playing with your pets and teach your kids as well about good cleaning habits after spending time with the house pets.

In cases where the attacks are mild, try medications that can be purchased over-the-counter.  Medications like antihistamines are beneficial for relieving symptoms. Nasal sprays that contain corticosteroids reduce swelling in the nose.

For those with asthma, decongestants and albuterol inhalers are an option. Some pet owners are also willing to be under a maintenance medication if needed in order to regulate allergy symptoms.

Do not forget to seek immediate medical help and consult your doctor once the situation becomes worse or you experience difficulty in breathing.

For those who have allergies but just cannot imagine a life without pets, precautions and allergy reducing measures need to be taken. Reducing the amount of pet dander in the home is imperative to alleviate symptoms. A life with pets is possible for those with allergies.

About the Author:

Catherine Santos is a writer based in Massachusetts State who frequently writes about education topics like Veterinary Assistant Schools.

There is the worry of giving a child a lot of responsibility in managing their condition. When children are young, we have control over them, but as they get older, we have to start relinquishing this hold and hope that they make safe choices in regards to their food allergies.

When they go out in public, any number of things can happen. There are restaurants, friends sharing food with the allergen in it, and even birthday parties where a variety of food is at your child’s fingertips. My child once went to a barnyard bash at an actual farm, which gave her good practise in washing her hands and face (and a warm bath when we got home). Though we were there with her, hopefully when she’s older and we’re not around, she’ll know to wash her hands and face to minimize contact with pollen and dander.

The question on how parents know if their child is now ready to be independent and manage their own allergies is hard to answer. However, the following points can definitely help:

Questions to Ask to See if your Child is Ready to be Independent

• Does my child comprehend the severity of her food allergy?
• Does my child know what ingredients and/or foods trigger allergic reactions?
• Is my child able to ask how food items are prepared without being embarrassed?
• Is my child able to accurately read over food labels and recognize ingredients?
• Is my child able to say “no” even if his peers encourage him to try something?
• Does my child know what to do in case of a reaction?
• Can my child administer her own medications in a food allergy-related emergency?

The more times you are able to answer “yes” to these questions, the more prepared your child is to go off independently and make her own choices regarding food.

Food Allergies in Public – Challenges Parents Face

Consider this situation: a parent takes his kids out to a fast food restaurant. One of the children has a shellfish allergy. They order a burger, fries, and a drink. Once they get home, the parent wonders if the French fries were cooked in the same fryer as the fried shrimp.

Don’t think you’re a bother if you feel you need to call the restaurant and ask this question. In fact, doing so in front of your child is another real-life lesson (when she’s older, she will feel confident calling and asking herself).

In another example, the same parent goes to goes to the fish counter to get some salmon. The parent sees the person behind the counter scoop a pound of shrimp for another customer, and then uses the same gloved hands to pick up the salmon.

Rather than skipping the salmon altogether, the parent could ask the server to either use tongs to pick up the salmon or put on a new pair of gloves. If you’re still uncertain (cross contamination is always an issue), don’t feel shy about getting something different or going to a different area for your food.

Let your child know she shouldn’t be shy about this, either. Most restaurants take food allergies seriously, and if they don’t, steer clear and talk to the manager about it. (Or write to their head office if you don’t feel comfortable with this.)

Whenever you go to a restaurant, let your server know about your child’s allergies. That way, if he is allergic to peanuts, and even if nuts are not normal in a certain dish, a chef may try to get creative and add them if the staff does not know about your child’s allergy. There’s even regulations underway in some states for restaurant staff to undergo food allergy training.

Food Allergies and Birthday Parties

As for birthday parties, this can be both easy and complicated. Most public schools enforce some sort of allergy-free policies, such as banning peanut butter from school lunches. Because of this, parents of children will be well aware of food allergies, and will likely know a friend, neighbor or family member who suffers from it. However, it will also be complicated, because the party host is trying to concentrate on their own child having a fun time, and it’s not fair for them to have to also watch out for yours (no matter how accepting they will be with it).

At this age, your child will unfortunately be singled out, because they may have to bring their own food … just to be safe. If they are allergic to chocolate, you can bake a special cupcake just for them to eat. If it’s really pretty, the other kids will ooh and ah over it, but at the end of the party, they will still feel a little sad with the inability to fully partake in the goodies the other kids get.

The hardest time is when your child is too old for you to be around during the party. However, it does get easier. Parties will become smaller as older kids tend to invite only their closest circle of friends. By then, they (and their parents) will know everything about your child’s allergies, and will have an established routine on food safety. What else are best friends for but to look out for one another?

Over time, not only will you become comfortable with food and how to manage the allergies, so will your child…and she’ll be the safer (and smarter) for it.

Chris Molnar is a work at home Dad of two children, one of whom has allergies. He himself has hay fever and is allergic to all nuts. That doesn’t keep him from eating out at restaurants and throwing a good outdoor party. He owns a party website, and you can click for party themes for some ideas for your child’s upcoming birthday. How do you manage your child’s food allergies?

Some people may think that a yeast infection and yeast allergy are the same thing however, they are two completely different problems. It may be difficult to differentiate between the two of them but if you take the time to pay attention to your symptoms, the difference between the two will be very noticeable.

The Yeast Allergy

A yeast allergy may exhibit many of the same symptoms of a yeast infection. One of the biggest signs of a yeast allergy is noticeable fatigue after consuming any food that contains yeast.

Each individual may exhibit other allergy related symptoms after eating such as abdominal swelling, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and joint pain. These symptoms can vary for each individual. If you have a yeast allergy there typically won’t be any type of rash that is associated with yeast infections on the skin of the body.

If you think that you are suffering from a yeast infection, the best thing to do is stop eating foods such as breads, pastries, mushrooms, potato chips, anything containing vinegar, peanuts, or beer. Stay away from these foods for a few days or even a week and pay close attention to your symptoms. If you notice that your symptoms have subsided, you may indeed have an allergy to yeast. You can also attempt to eat one of these foods to see if the symptoms come back.

You may need to see a doctor to get a definite diagnoses and if you are indeed allergic to yeast, you will have to change your diet and stay away from any type of food that contains yeast. There are diets created specifically for people suffering from yeast allergies, and although these diets are extremely low in carbohydrates, many people claim to feel much healthier on the diet.

The Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is caused by a chemical imbalance in the body. This imbalance causes the yeast to grow outside of a safe level which results in the presentation of various symptoms. A yeast infection is not something that only affects women as many people may believe, it can also affect men and children as well.

A variety of things can cause this imbalance within the body resulting in a yeast infection. Wearing tight fitting clothing or using scented products can cause an imbalance along with eating an unhealthy diet or having poor hygiene. Any of these things can cause a chemical imbalance resulting in the yeast in the body to grow out of control.

When a person is suffering from a yeast infection, they may experience numerous annoying and irritating symptoms. If the yeast infection develops in the genital area, some symptoms may include a burning sensation during urination, itching and irritation, along with pain during sexual intercourse. They may also develop a thick white discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese.

A yeast infection can occur in the mouth and this is called oral thrush. Anyone who smokes or wears dentures is more susceptible to developing oral thrush. Symptoms of oral thrush may include a thick white coating on the top of the tongue, a white patchy rash on the inside of the mouth especially the inside of the cheeks. Dry mouth may also occur along with difficulty swallowing.

Yeast infections can occur in other areas of the body as well including the arm pits and skin folds, along with the intestines. An intestinal yeast infection occurs when the yeast in the intestinal tract grows, causing a new set of problems. Symptoms of an intestinal yeast infection may include diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, depression, and other gastrointestinal problems.

These symptoms may be more noticeable after consuming foods that have yeast in them. If a yeast infection is not treated properly, the lining of the intestines may become thin allowing food particles and bacteria to leak into the body. The side effects of a yeast infection will not go away without treatment.

Now, What to do?

If you are suffering from a yeast infection, many treatment options are available including natural remedies, over the counter anti-fungal medications and prescription medications. These medications can treat the infection but may not treat the cause of the initial chemical imbalance.

It is important to know what the cause behind the yeast infection is so that it can be treated properly, otherwise the yeast infection will just keep coming back. If a yeast infection is left untreated, it can cause a variety of more severe problems such as infertility, difficulty eating or drinking, leaky gut syndrome, and even sepsis, which can be very dangerous.

This is why it is important to differentiate between a yeast infection and a yeast allergy. A yeast infection is the overgrowth of yeast within the body, while a yeast allergy is when your body is allergic to anything containing yeast resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.

A yeast allergy can be kept under control by simply controlling the foods that you consume. If your body is allergic to yeast, it’s common sense that not feeding your body yeast containing foods will keep the symptoms from occurring.

If you are in doubt, you can always talk to your doctor. Be sure to keep track of what symptoms you are experiencing and what you eat when the symptoms appear. These will be important for your doctor to diagnose you properly. A blood test may also be needed to obtain an accurate diagnoses. Once you have a definitely diagnoses you can then work on treating the problem whether it be an infection or an allergy.

A yeast infection exhibits many symptoms that will usually need medication to treat it. An allergy to yeast can be controlled simply by making a change in diet. It is important to know which you are suffering from so that the problem can be treated and you can begin feeling better again.

Pharmaceutical drugs such as pills and sprays are used but have little positive effect. These treatments either remove congestion but not the sneezing and itching or vice versa.

Such medications can be extremely expensive and also come with an array of unwelcome side effects.

Allergy sufferers are said to be 14 times more likely to suffer from migraine headaches and are also more susceptible to fatigue. Other symptoms of allergies include:

• Facial pain or pressure
• Postnasal drip
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes

Studies have shown that herbal remedies are far more effective than their synthetic counterpart. Below are some natural remedies which are medically proven to help alleviate the symptoms of allergies and keep them under control.

Quercetin

Also known as a bioflavonoid, quercetin is a natural plant-derived compound which can prevent histamine being released. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical and is believed to be involved in allergy symptoms such as itching and sneezing.

You can find quercetin in foods such as apples, red grapes, black tea and red onions. As getting enough quercetin in your diet is difficult, it is also available in the form of a supplement.

If you have hay fever or similar allergies, around 1,000 milligrams of quercetin should be taken a day, preferably in two or different doses of 250-400mg each. You should start taking it six weeks before allergy season begins but individuals with liver disease should not consume it.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A German study of almost 600 people which was featured in the publication Allergy, found that people who ate a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids had a decreased risk of suffering from hay fever.

It seems as if these fatty acids have the ability to reduce the creation of inflammatory chemicals such as cytokines. There are a number of excellent omega-3 fatty acid sources including fish oil capsules, walnuts and flaxseed oil.

Stinging Nettles

These nettles act as a natural antihistamine and are devoid of the side effects associated with regular allergy medicine. Nettles actually prevent the body from creating histamine. It is one of the most common weeds in many countries worldwide though freeze-dried extract in capsule form is among the most effective incarnations of stinging nettles.

Doses of approximately 300 milligrams should be taken daily though your relief may only last a few hours. It is also possible to make your own tea with stinging nettles.

Butterbur

This is a plant that grows in Europe, northern Asia and some parts of North America. Natural remedies made from butterbur have already been created to deal with migraine headaches, asthma and stomach cramps but it is now seen as a form of alternative medicine to combat allergies.

A study in the British Journal of Medicine conducted by Swiss scientists found that butterbur was every bit as effective as the drug Zyrtec because it contained cetirizine, the main ingredient of Zyrtec. Approximately 30 milligrams of butterbur were taken by patients in the study.

Unlike the pharmaceutical offering, butterbur did not cause drowsiness in patients. As this plant is part of the ragweed family, those who are allergic to daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemum should steer clear. It is also important not to use the raw herb of the plant because it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are potentially toxic to the liver.

Essentially, pharmaceutical remedies for allergies are relatively ineffective and any relief they do provide is short-lived and carries a price in the form of side effects. Herbal remedies provide longer lasting, safer and more effective relief and they are also far less expensive with no side effects because they are all-natural.

Author Bio: HealthPost is a New Zealand based online supplier of health supplements and natural beauty products.

Article by Christobel Edwards

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion
If you want to be happy, practice compassion
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

I first learned to meditate about thirty five years ago. I did Transcendental Meditation mainly because someone in my office told me it would do all sorts of wonderful things for me.

Well I did the course, which even then cost quite a bit of money, but I never really believed in it, as it seemed a bit strange. Most importantly it all seemed to be very rigid. You had to practice twice a day, firstly in the morning before breakfast, secondly at about six o’clock in the evening.

Well I was young, the thought of waking up half an hour earlier in the morning did not appeal and I don’t know about you, but six in the evening is a busy time. I may still be at work, or meeting friends for a drink, or even on my weary way home. It certainly was not a good moment to sit down close my eyes and focus on a mantra!

Added to this of course, if you mentioned to anyone that you meditated, you got strange looks. Oh your one of those! Meditation was definitely considered very odd, surely you could do something better and more constructive with your time. I did not keep it going.

But over the last thirty or forty years there has been increasing interest in the health benefits of meditation and quite a bit of serious research has been carried out with some surprising results.

Harvard Medical School

Sara Lazar Instructor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School and study senior author of the MGH Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program conducted an eight week study group. Using two groups one of whom did an average of 27 minutes a day of mindfulness or meditation and another parallel group who did nothing.

Both groups filled in a questionnaire prior to the study and then again at the end of the period. The group that had done the meditation showed significant improvements in several areas compared with their responses at the start.

MR images of practitioners, which analyzed parts of the brain that were known to show change due to meditation from earlier studies, found increased grey-matter density in the hippocampus. This is the part of the brain which is important for learning and memory and is associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection.

Participants also reported a great reduction in stress.

The group that had not participated in the study showed no signs of change, so it was not just a phenomena of the passage of time.

Britta Holzel first author of the paper and a research fellow at MGH and Giessen University in Germany, said of the results

“It is fascinating to see the brain’s plasticity and that, by practicing meditation, we can play an active role in changing the brain and can increase our well-being and quality of life”

Stanford University

A great deal of research has also been conducted on sufferers of SAD at Stanford University. These are people who suffer in social situations from jittery nerves, headaches, sleep problems and thoughts of failure and embarrassment. Don’t we all have some of this?

They established that meditation had beneficial results and increased self confidence for such sufferers. In another study they found that mediators increased in compassion and altruism.

So Why Did I Start Meditating

The nineties were a very difficult time for me, there was a severe recession in the UK. I had a teenage daughter, who I was raising by myself and suddenly no one wanted to employ anyone over forty.

The doctor prescribed Prozac “To keep my head above water!” he said. But he didn’t say don’t drink alcohol.

I smoked twenty cigarettes a day and although I had tried many times to give up, I simply fell back into the habit after a short while. After all I had been bought up in a household were both my parents smoked heavily. Smoking was seen as glamorous in the fifties and sixties.

Over a period of three or four years the lethal combination of Prozac and alcohol started to take hold. My life was out of control and friends suggested I went to AA.

I spent a year in AA which is a marvelous organization, but when I listened to other people, I did not believe I was an alcoholic. I did not get out of bed in the morning unable to function without a drink. So why was it that only a couple of drinks had a disastrous effect on me?

Then I remembered my experience of meditation. Attitudes had changed and by the nineties it was being talked about and taken much more seriously as a beneficial practice. So I decided to give it three months. I would do it religiously twice a day for three months.

Four Major Changes In Three Months

1. Immediately I started, I noticed that my life calmed down and became much more manageable. Suddenly I was managing my finances a lot better, so much so that my daughter and I could afford to take a holiday.
2. On boarding the plane I told my daughter that I would stop smoking. Three days later she told me that I had! It was that easy, I did not have to think about it, it just happened and I have never smoked again.
3. During the three months, I just stopped taking Prozac and felt completely calm and much more in control.
4. My relationship with alcohol changed completely. By this I mean I can have a nice glass of wine with a meal but never feel I must have another.

The changes were so dramatic that I was completely sold on making this a regular practice. But to ensure that I would keep it up, I had to arrange the times and where and how I meditated, to fit in with my lifestyle.

How I Do It

1. Because I have had such great results I determined to do it twice a day. But as the Harvard study shows just 27 minutes a day is all that is needed. I wake half and hour earlier and meditate for half an hour before breakfast. I then do another half an hour before I go to bed.
2. I have a pile of cushions in my bed and when meditating I sit up keeping my back as straight as possible but supported with cushions. I have a shawl around my shoulders and if the room is cold I pull the blankets up.
3. The key to results from meditation is regularity, so if like me you feel comfortable in bed with cushions fine, or you mayor prefer to sit in a chair. Be comfortable, enjoy it, it is a deeply pleasurable sensation.
4. There are many ways to meditate, the key is to try to focus the mind and reduce the conversation in your head. I focus on my breathing, but you can use a mantra such as “Peace” “Love” or you can run through your body starting at you head and relax each part.
5. If you want to be taught most Buddhist centers will teach you free of charge and they don’t try to indoctrinate you with their religion. But the key is to do what fits into your day.

Ongoing Benefits, What Can It Do For You!

I have now been meditating regularly for twelve years and the changes in my life have been wonderful.

Most notably I am more comfortable in myself. I am more aware of what I have achieved and that reassures me when fears present themselves, as they do. I am kinder to myself and I hope equally kinder to others

I am more prepared to let things go. I realize when people do things that are hurtful, it is their problem not mine. It is my choice if I let it upset me.

We live in a stressful world. There is increasing evidence that many illnesses are caused by stress so anything that reduces it must be good. So I can only recommend that you take the pledge like I did and give it three months. Do at least 27 minutes every day and see what it can do for you.

About the Author

Christobel Edwards is an entrepreneur living in London UK. Her expertise is in sales and marketing and is excited by the business opportunities, as well as social opportunities, the internet offers. Two years ago she became a grandmother and enjoys spoiling her granddaughter recently buying her a kids Captain’s bed