Allergies
Allergy is the condition that is caused due to hypersensitivity of the immune system. It is an exaggerated response of the immune system to common substances like food, dust, pollen, drugs, chemicals or the environment.
Fortunately, these irritating reactions can be controlled once the cause is identified and avoided.
Types of Allergies
Food Allergy
Defined as an immunologic response to a dietary protein. Food allergy reactions may involve many bodily systems including the skin, gastrointestinal, respiratory tracts, and cardiovascular system.
Allergic Rhinitis
A common disorder that is strongly linked to asthma and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane covering the white part of the eye). It is broadly defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The classic symptoms of the disorder are nasal congestion, nasal itch, rhinorrhea (excessive mucous production) and sneezing.
Atopic dermatitis / Eczema
Defined as a common, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease which is not life threatening and not contagious. The main cause of this is not clear but the possibility of this happening may be due to dysfunctional interplay between the skin and immune system.
Symptoms of eczema is characterized by a lively red infiltrate with oedema, dry itchy skin, oozing and/or crusting.
Causes and Symptoms
| Allergy | Causes | Symptoms |
| Food Allergy |
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| Allergic Rhinitis |
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| Atopic dermatitis / Eczema |
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Keep Allergic Reactions At Bay
Food Allergy:
- To prevent allergic reactions caused by food, avoid the responsible food(s). Once a food allergy is diagnosed, strict elimination of the offending food allergen from the diet is necessary. When the elimination diet is used as treatment, the identified food allergens are removed from the diet indefinitely, unless evidence exists that the food allergy has resolved.
Allergic Rhinitis:
- First-line treatment of allergic rhinitis involves the avoidance of relevant allergens (e.g., house dust mites, molds, pets, pollens) and irritants (e.g., tobacco smoke).
- Patients allergic to house dust mites should be instructed to use allergen-impermeable covers for bedding and to keep the relative humidity in the home below 50% (to inhibit mite growth).
- Pollen exposure can be reduced by keeping windows closed, using air conditioning, and limiting the amount of time spent outdoors during peak pollen seasons.
- If the patient’s symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, referral to an allergist should be considered.
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema:
- The first aim relates primarily to prevention; the second aim relates to treatment. Prevention is best attained by trying to reduce dryness of the skin, primarily via daily use of skin moisturizing creams that are organic and non-chemical. When dryness is reduced, the desire to scratch and risk of skin infection will decrease.
- After a bath is taken, an emollient should be applied directly thereafter to secure a moist epidermis and augment the skin barrier function.
- Limit or avoid contact with irritants like perfumes, detergents and jewelry.
- Avoid scratchy clothing materials and practice good skin hygiene.
- Avoid eggs, peanuts, wheat, dairy, strawberries, fried and processed foods, seafood.
- Incorporate exercise or meditation to manage stress.
- Eliminate all artificial food additives.
- Avoid spicy foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol (may contribute to anxiety and stress).
- Avoid sun bathing or prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Important Nutrients to Prevent Allergy Reactions:
- Omega 3, 6, 9 - supports body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.
- Vitamin C - may help in reducing inflammation and promotes skin healing.
- Vitamin E and Selenium - promotes skin healing and provides antioxidant protection.
- Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics - assist in proper digestion, detoxification and immune function.
- Bioflavonoids – enhances the effect of Vitamin C and may help to control the production of body’s histamines, the compound that gives the bad reactions.
- Zinc and copper - assist in skin healing.
- Dandelion and Burdock - assist in detoxification of liver and may help purify blood.
- Eyebright - may relieve nose congestion and watery eyes brought about by rhinitis.
- Bromelain & Quercetin - Natural anti-inflammatories which work together synergistically.
- Black Elderberry - has anti-viral properties which helps to kill viruses attacking the body.
VitaKids Recommends
For Adults
- A multi-digestive enzyme complex
- Quercetin & Bromelain
- Black Elderberry
- Dandelion Root
- Dandelion Root tea, Burdock tea
- Essential Fatty Acids: Complete Omega 3/6/9
- A good strength of multi-strain probiotics
- A high potency Multivitamin & Mineral
- A good potency of Vitamin C & Zinc
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Eyebright
For Children
- A high potency Multivitamin & Mineral
- A multi-digestive enzyme complex
- A good strength of multi-strain probiotics
- Essential Fatty Acids: Complete Omega 3/6/9
- A good potency of Vitamin C & Zinc
- Echinacea/Black Elderberry/Olive Leaf
For Topical Application on Skin with Eczema:
- Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- All Natural Eczema Cream
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Organic skin care products which are very gentle and chemical-free suitable for people with sensitive skin