Oct 31 2009

Food Allergies: Fact and Fiction

food allergies


Millions of people all over the world are affected by allergies. Tiny particles of dust in the air, a friend’s cat or even freshly cut flowers can lead to sneezing, itching and runny noses in some people. Though we are quite aware of external agents that cause allergies, we do not suspect the seemingly innocent glass of milk or bowl of fresh peanuts. After all, what can they do to us? Unfortunately, people who are allergic to these foods have to be very careful around such foodstuffs.

An allergy is a severe reaction of the body’s immune system. The immune system goes into overdrive when there is a perceived threat to the body. In this case, the body perceives an ingredient in the food, like protein, as potentially harmful and goes all out to attack this ingredient and you, in the process. This is what causes itching, rashes, hives or other reactions in the body. In mild cases, the reactions are also mild. However, some reactions are very uncomfortable and may even be fatal. Examples include vomiting, diarrhea, asthma, wheezing and anaphylaxis.

Food allergies may be caused by almost any ingredient in the food. Even so, specialists have identified eight common allergens that affect the most number of people. These are: wheat, egg, milk, soy, fish, peanuts, nuts of trees and shellfish.

There are a large number of myths surrounding food allergies.

Myth 1: Food allergies are very common.

Food allergies occur in less than 12% of the adult population. Of the 6-8% of children who suffer from food allergies, a huge majority outgrows their allergies as they age. Food intolerance is another matter. Food intolerance happens when a person is unable to digest or process a particular ingredient. Food intolerance produces mild though persistent reactions in the body, which is quite different from the severe allergic reactions caused by food allergens. A good majority of people suffer from food intolerance. Unfortunately, most people mistake food sensitivities for food allergies.

Myth 2: Most people are allergic to milk

Milk allergy is very uncommon in adults, though it is quite common in children below the age of 3. Most children outgrow their allergies as they grow. Adults may experience bloating, nausea or breathing problems after ingesting milk products. But these reactions are a result of being lactose intolerant.

Myth 3: Food allergy is only lifestyle threatening, not life threatening.

This is a serious misconception. Food sensitivity is lifestyle threatening, food allergies can become life threatening. This is because of the inherent nature of allergies, where the body produces severe and sometimes violent reactions to counter an attack. Food allergies are particularly life threatening in small children as they can accidentally ingest something that can cause a violent allergic reaction.

Food allergies must be treated immediately and patients need to be taken to a doctor as soon as possible.

Food allergies can be diagnosed by conducting allergy and intolerance tests. Once an allergy is detected, sufferers must avoid those foods. This is the only way in which food allergies can be treated. Of course, there are medications to relieve symptoms, but, as they say, prevention is always better than cure.


Oct 30 2009

Sensuality with Aromatherapy

geranium aromatherapy


Yes it’s true, aromatherapy is often a fragrant aroma that is pleasing the sense of smell. However it is much more than that, aromatherapy can be a big help in promoting relaxation, suppressing appetite, bringing both physical and mental healing to the body, and in enhancing sensuality.

This can be accomplished with candles, oils, inhalers, or diffusers and when the scent of the herbs or essential oils released into the room you will experience many benefits.

Some of these benefits may be directly absorbed into the skin by use of aromatic baths, oils, massages, and lotions.

The essential oils and herbs are varied and they all have different properties and while some are helpful with skin conditions, or arthritis, others may help stimulate the mind, increase your energy or even enhance excitement and create a romantic atmosphere.

Citrus is very good in increasing your energy and happiness and Lavender is known for bringing relaxation and peace. Some herbs and essential oils are sensual and natural aphrodisiacs.

In creating an atmosphere of romance choose Patchouli and Sandalwood, which are two essential oils that are natural aphrodisiacs and you can easily purchase aromatic candles that have these essential oils added to them. The oils may also be added to the candles or a diffuser for a wonderfully natural and aroma that will help enhance your romantic setting.

You can also make sensually scented air fresheners. This is a great way to create a romantic atmosphere in a short time. If you’d like to create your own air freshener get a spray or pump bottle, 1-½ ounces of distilled water, 1-½ ounces of Vodka and then 20 to 30 drops of your selected essential oil. Mix the ingredients in the bottle. You may want to create the air freshener 24 hours before you plan to use it so that all of the oils can mix well.

Another aphrodisiac is a sensual bath oil that will stimulate the senses and leave you smelling exotic. For a bath oil, you will want carrier oil, such as one ounce of Sweet Almond oil, 10 drops of Jasmine Oil, 5 drops of Sandalwood, and 5 drops of Lime oil. Blend all of the oils with the carrier oil. You can run a hot bath and put the oil in your bath and bathe for 20 minutes or more in this sensually delightful bath.

Am essential oils massage can be a sensual act that you share with your partner. Many plant oils contain natural aphrodisiac properties and when used in massage oil, they can set a mood that is inviting to romance and love.

Patchouli are Sandalwood are basic aphrodisiac oil. By adding either of these oils to one ounce of carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil. It is important that when you are going to have direct contact with essential oils, that you use them diluted. Essential oils are in concentrated form, and may be very irritating to the skin.

Patchouli blends well with Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, and Cary Sage. Sandalwood blends well with Basil, Geranium, Rose, Vetiver, Lavender, Frankincense, Rose, Neroli, and Lemon. But test these yourself, you’ll find that some are better for you than others.

For a sensual massage oil, try this, add two drops of Patchouli, three drops of Geranium, and three drops of Rose oil to one ounce of carrier oil, Sweet Almond oil is a good option. Blend thoroughly and store in an amber colored bottle. This oil could be heated before using for a full body sensual massage, heat it by placing it in a bowl of hot water, NOT in the microwave.

If you are pregnant it is important to make sure that you only use essential oils that are safe for you and your baby. You should always check the labels and make sure that the oils are ok to use.


Oct 26 2009

The Major Causes Of Food Allergy – Fight The Allergies With These Tips

food allergies


Allergy gets into a body when an immune system becomes suddenly abnormal to a specific material which is generally not detrimental to most of the individuals except the one who has the allergy. When this allergy is triggered by an allergen or substance, the body recognizes this as a trespasser and releases any sort of chemicals so that it fights the trespasser causing symptoms like irritation. Moreover this irritation could also be fatal leading to death.

Allergy caused by food is a reaction which is made by the immune system. In the immune system antibodies are produced because of negative effect to few foods. Even though there are a lot of people who say that they have the allergy, only few actually have this allergy causing reactions. Many individuals confuse food allergy and food intolerance. Intolerance to certain kinds of food doesn’t affect the immune system. But both food allergy and intolerance are sensitivity reaction to foods.

In today’s world the medical department hasn’t found any proper cure for allergies caused by food. The allergy management only cautions you of intake of the allergens in food and few diet modifications.

During the allergic reaction, Antibodies are released by the immune system, especially immunoglobulin E. It inevitably causes the production of histamine (chemical) in the way of guarding the body. The following chemicals are the main cause of symptoms that includes irritation in eyes, throat, skin, gastrointestinal organs and lungs. These things happen when one is exposed to allergen.

There are 8 major foods that are the main cause for the reaction (allergic). These eight allergy provoking foods are soy, wheat, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts.

These cause severe damage to an individual’s body.

People afflicted with allergies react to only certain allergy causing foods. Cross reaction takes place when allergy to a kind of food causes (allergic) reaction to foods that are related to allergen food. For example, a reaction to wheat could cause a reaction to rye.

The Allergy in pollens could cause allergy to peaches, almonds, hazelnuts, green apples. Reaction to a goat’s milk could be cause an allergy to cow’s milk. So there are so many examples to show cross reaction.

If you accidentally ingested the food-containing allergen, it is very important that you should immediately take anti-histamine medications. This is why you have to take anti-histamine medication wherever you go in case you accidentally ate food that contains an ingredient that you are allergic from.

These are some of the common food allergens that you should know about in order to properly manage it and minimize the risk of future allergy attacks that can lead to severe discomfort and in severe cases, death.

Asthma or eczema patients could be at a risk of having food allergy. To add to this they might be having a severe reaction than the normal people who have only food allergy. This is because, when an allergy occurs, the concerned person is under stress which could lead to triggering their eczema or asthma aggravating the current situation. But the degree of this reaction depends upon circumstances like a person’s sensitivity threshold to allergen, exposure scale the individual has to the food and the quantity of eaten food.

Vigilance and self-discipline will help or guide a person who suffers from this allergy. There are no specific cures for the food allergy. However contacting your physician will serve you better responses. The physician will understand your problems and give you proper treatment.


Oct 19 2009

Geraniums In Canada Today

geranium aromatherapy


Although candida action for men is typically the same as it is for women, it’s imperative that candida sufferers know there are other remedies for infections remark from topical creams. For instance, there are important oils that can be worn effectively to doctor different forms of candida infections.

Essential oil is fashioned from innate substances (typically plants and plants). Essential oils have been worn for centuries for anoint, aromatherapy, and for their healing properties. Essential oils are open at local fitness and nutrition supplies; however, you will find that there are many to pick from, and not all are considered efficient for treating candida.

The following was the crucial oils worn as operative candida therapy -

Tea Tree Oil – This elemental oil is composed of antiviral, antibiotic and antifungal properties. It is primarily for outer use, and is practical as a topical salve for small wounds. It is considered operative cure for several candida infections including athlete’s base, acne, and other fungal infections offer on the skin.

Tea ranking oil is considered a harmless candida conduct for most people. However, although pink, skin irritation or rash may happen. Furthermore, tea hierarchy oil is not recommended for pregnant women.

Eucalyptus – This central oil provides brilliant endorse to the immune technique, and can slay most staphylococcus bacteria, which is a bacterium that can blend with candida to construct infections such as eczema. Eucaplytus provides the body with a cooling achieve. It could be worn topically to heal candida infections and is sometimes worn in small amounts for oral supplements.

Eucalyptus is considered a reliable outside behavior. However, it can be awfully poisonous if ingested. This is why only a small total of eucalyptus is found in supplements. You should never swallow eucalyptus lacking first seeking the guidance of a fitness thought bringer.

Rose Geranium oiled- This oil has an antibacterial produce that has proven to be exceptionally real as a candida behavior because of its ester gist. It is an exceptional skin healing produce that promotes hygiene, and can be worn topically as an antiseptic for fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. What makes rose geranium oil so matchless is geranium can eliminate mildew without affecting untreated bacterial flora. When ingested, geranium also helps stimulate liver and pancreas affair, and sooth symptoms of breast drag in women during menses when practical topically.

This central oil is considered careful to use and may only affect youth trait property such as skin irritation for those with precision skin. However, geranium oil is not recommended for pregnant women as it is known to consider the hormonal usage.

Oregano Oiled – This oil is recognized for its aggressive antifungal properties and can effectively take control of immovable candida fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, nail mold and fungal infections of the scalp. Oregano oil can be used both internally and externally as a candida handling.

Oregano oil also as defiant-inflammatory properties and can effectively relieve menace when useful topically, as it penetrates immersed into spoiled skin to provide relief. This oiled is considered cautious and trait property are extremely singular. Oreagano oil can instigate a skin irritation or rash when applied topically in those who are allergic or have delicate skin.

Two other elemental oils that are recognized for their antifungal properties and may be operative at treating candida involve patchouli and myrrh.

Before winning basic oils to cure candida infections, you should consult your strength anxiety provider to make trusty the oils you are considering are harmless for you to take. This is especially proper if you are pregnant or have any flow or pre-presented fitness problems. In addition, you should chart all directions on products, and chat to a professional herbalist to find out what the best methods for applying and ingesting these oils are for candida treatment.


Oct 19 2009

Some Facts Regarding Geranium Essential Oil

geranium aromatherapy


The geranium is a very interesting plant and can be grown just about anywhere in the world. However, the geranium plant (pelargonium adoranitissimum) originated in Africa and did not get introduce into Europe until about 1690. However there are only certain species which can be used to produce Geranium Essential Oil such as lemon plant or Geranium Roberta which have a lemony scent to them.

The essential oil from geraniums is distilled from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the plant and is usually a light yellow green colour and has a bitter taste.

Although essential oil from a geranium is a particular good refreshing and stimulating oil it also has great sedative properties also. This is especially good for treating nervous tension and depression. But in no way should Geranium Essential Oil be confused with those oils which have sleeping properties. In fact Geranium Essential Oil has stimulating properties and should not be used late at night.

When looking back in history you will find many ancient cultures who believed that Geranium Oil was great in helping to eliminate certain types of cancer as well as mending bones which had been broken. But today it is more well known as being an affective aid in such problems as pre-menstrual tension, excessive fluid retention, menopausal problems, uterine and breast cancers and those conditions which involve fluctuating hormone levels. It is especially effective in helping to treat endometriosis. The sedative properties of the oil allow a person to become relaxed and thus deal with any pain or discomfort that they may be feeling caused by this debilitating disease.

As well as having stimulating and sedative properties, Geranium Essential Oil is also an antiseptic, because of it being a flowering oil. Geranium oil can be included in to a mouthwash or as a gargle for those people suffering from sore or infected throats. However, although geranium essential has a nice flowery scent the taste is bitter and for this reason many people avoid using it.

Another good use for geranium essential oil is for those who have skin disorders such as excessively dry skin (eczema) or oily skin. There have been a number of positive results reported in regard to the use with geranium oil for such problems. Not only does it help to balance the skin but it also helps to sedate any inflamed tissue that has been caused either by shingles or burns.

One thing about geranium oil is that is blends well with most other essential oils and you could always mix it with others to produce a massage oil or to inhale it (a drop placed on a tissue or pillow is sufficient) to release the refreshing qualities of it. However, remember that geranium essential oil should only be used when diluted in a base oil, gel or lotion and not on its own.


Oct 11 2009

Anti Anxiety Dugs

mental anxiety


For anyone suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety attacks and other similar mental disorders, the desire to find some relief is very important. However there are many different drugs that are available in the market today and finding one that works for you can be a bit daunting. The best way to find the right anti anxiety drugs for you is to talk with your doctor and find a treatment that will alleviate your problems.

If you’re interested, the medical reasoning behind anti anxiety drugs shows they have certain chemicals within them that produce a calming and relaxing effect on the patient. There are however some side effects from these drugs and it’s therefore best to consult with your medical practitioner before you begin a course of treatment with any anti anxiety drugs.

The traditional way to treat anxiety used to be with anxiolytics, which were anti anxiety agents. Today while these anti anxiety drugs are still used there are other methods that are also used. For many people however, treating their excessive anxiety with anti anxiety drugs is the most proven way of reducing their symptoms and allowing them to lead normal lives.

The most popular anxiolytics today is Benzodiazepines. Others like Alprazolam (Xanax) and Lorazepam (Ativan) are also used. Valium (Diazepam) is still widely used to treat the symptoms of anxiety; however its active agent desmethyldiazepam, makes the choice of Valium a dubious relief format.

Another type of anti anxiety medication used is that of SSRIs or serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors. These belong in the class of antidepressant drugs. Other types of anti anxiety drugs are serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. The brand names that are given include Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine and others. These SSRIs have milder forms of side effects than that of the usual anti anxiety drugs, and there is also less chance of becoming dependent upon these drugs. The main drawback to SSRIs is that you must take them continuously for up to three to five weeks before any sign of improvement begins to show.

While there are known and reported side effects from the continued use of Benzodiazepines and Buspirones, people suffering from milder complaints can use these anti anxiety drugs without becoming overly addicted to them. Benzodiazepines can be given at least 30 to 60 minutes before a person suffering from anxiety is exposed to any stressful situations. Buspirones take at least 2 to 3 weeks before an improvement can be seen.

You should also be aware of the side effects that some of these anti anxiety drugs can have on you, especially if you suffer from certain medical conditions or suffer from allergic reactions to certain drugs, or are pregnant or trying to get pregnant or you’re a breast feeding mother. As with all drugs and treatments you should always consult with your doctor prior to taking any medication. It is hopeful that talking with your doctor will provide you with the information necessary to help reduce and cure your anxiety successfully.