NaturalMedications

Home Medications and Treatments for Allergies

In simple terms, an allergy is a hyperactive response of the immune system to certain substances that are 'foreign' to our bodies. These substances are called allergens, and they can range from food and pollen to drugs and dust. The allergen may reach the tissues by direct contact with the skin or various mucous membranes of the organs or through the bloodstream after absorption. Almost any part of the body can be affected by allergies.  Allergies are something we acquire throughout life, and some people are more susceptible than the others. One must have at least one contact with a substance to become sensitive, or allergic to it.  Allergy is an indication of disharmony caused by dietetic errors and a faulty style of living. It is also caused by excessive consumption of refined and processed foods, loaded with numerous chemical additives, many of which cause powerful reactions. Emotional and psychological stress can also lead to allergies. Allergies to pollen are common while other individuals become sick after consuming specific foods. Some of the more common allergens include harsh sunlight, nuts, cosmetics, milk and dairy products, dust, dust mites, pollen, molds, poisonous plants, specific medicines, insect stings, seafood, tomatoes, chocolates, and certain fruits.

Jump to - Symptoms, Causes , Treatment

Symptoms of Allergies

Allergic symptoms are manifested in various forms in different organs. These include recurring headaches, migraines, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, depression, neuralgia, conjunctivitis, eczema, hay fever, a stuffy or runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, asthma, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face and eyes. The same substance can cause different symptoms in different people at different times. In response to an allergen, the human body releases a chemical known as histamine that dilates the blood capillaries, increasing the flow of blood, and causes inflammation and itching in the affected area.
Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, the symptoms may be mild, moderate, serious or in some cases, fatal.

Causes of Allergies

Allergic reactions are caused by a wide range of substances and conditions. These include pollens, dust, cosmetics, and animal hair; poisonous plants, serums, vaccines, and drugs; physical agents such as heat, cold and sunlight, as well as a variety of foods. The foods that commonly cause allergic reactions are oranges, milk,eggs, wheat, fish and other sea foods, chocolates, tomatoes, and strawberries. 

Allergies occur when the human body feels threatened by a foreign substance . Allergens can have direct contact with the skin, or may be inhaled, and ingested. When the body perceives a substance as threatening, the immune system activates and counters the entry of the allergen into the system,  through the production of antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The symptoms are a result of the body's efforts to combat the threat. When an individual is sensitive to a specific allergen, the allergen triggers hyperactivity which produces an allergic reaction. Genetics are important in determining your susceptibilities to allergies, if your parents have allergies chances are you will too.

Studies have suggested that a sterile environment can lead to an increase in the body’s susceptibility to allergies. If the body is not exposed to a substance it cannot deal with it.

Treatment Of Allergies

Specific allergens can be identified by repeated allergic reactions to a specific substance. If in doubt medical tests can identifying specific allergens that may otherwise remain undetected. 

Obviously, if you are allergic to an incredent then that treatment is right for you.

Nutrients for Allergies Treatment

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The benefits of heatlthy eating should never be underestimated.  Certain nutrients have been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of allergies. Often the intake of vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid brings great relief to the sufferer. This vitamin may be taken in a dose of 100 mg daily for a month. In such cases, liberal amounts of pantothenic acid helps even though the recovery takes several weeks. A dose of 400 mg of vitamin E taken daily for four to six weeks is also beneficial as this vitamin possesses effective anti-allergic properties.

Lime for Allergies Treatment

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lime is considered an effective remedy for any kind of allergy. Half a lime may be squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water and sweetened with a teaspoon of honey. It can be taken once daily first thing in the morning for several months. This remedy not only flushes the system of toxins but also acts as an anti toxic and anti allergic agent. However, those who are allergic to citrus fruits should not take recourse to this remedy.

Vegetable Juices for Allergies Treatment

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Fresh vegetable juice cleanses the body of its toxins and helps maintain healthiness throughout the body. A quantity of 500 ml carrot juice or a combination of carrot juice with beet and cucumber juices, has been found beneficial in the treatment of allergies. In the case of mixed juices, 100 ml each of beet and cue umber juices should be mixed with 300 mi of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a liter of mixed juice. This should be taken once daily.

Bananas for Allergies Treatment

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Bananas are rich in vitamins and nutrition, one or two bananas a day are useful for those who are allergic to certain foods and who consequently suffer from skin rashes, digestive disorders, or asthma. The fruit does, however, cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive persons and they should avoid it

Diet Can Help

The foods you eat can boost your immune system and prevent symptoms. A Japanese study assessed the possible protective effect of the traditional Japanese diet on allergies. They looked at 1002 Japanese pregnant women, and found that calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were associated with a decreased prevalence of allergies. The typical North American diet tends to be lower in magnesium and calcium. People with allergies may also have a sensitivity to certain foods. For example, several studies have found that people allergic to grass pollens also react to tomatoes, peanuts, wheat, apple, carrot, celery, peach, melon, eggs and pork.

To find out which foods aggravate symptoms of allergies in a particular individual, an elimination-and-challenge diet is recommended. This diet involves the removal of suspected foods from the diet for at least a week followed by systematic re-introduction of those foods in order to isolate the foods that may aggravate certain symptoms. It should be done under the guidance of a health professional.

Got a question ask it on the Allergies Forum or share your knowledge and experience with others.