Allergies & Intollerances
An allergy is an abnormal sensitivity to a specific substance which the immune system attempts to eliminate by producing an allergen (allergic reaction).
There are four types of allergies:
Type I Anaphylactic
These are the most common type of reactions, which occur within minutes of a person being exposed to the allergen. A person may experience breathing difficulties such as wheezing or constricted airways, runny nose and watery eyes or itching. In life-threatening situations, an epinephrine injection is required to dilate the airways.
Causes of anaphylactic reactions include food allergies (the most common are shellfish, peanuts, eggs, dairy products and wheat), mould, and emotional stress such as anger. A depressed immune system may also manifest allergic reactions to certain substances.
TREATMENT
- Complete avoidance – If you are unsure what is causing the allergy and suspect it is a food, try fasting and gradually reintroducing foods. If you are allergic to dust, pollen, mould or another substance, elimination is critical.
- Boost the immune system
- Acidophilus – encourages vital gut bacteria to flourish
- Supplements - Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C
- Omega-3 fatty acids (relieve asthma)
- Herbs – Bee Pollen, Burdock, Echinacea, Dandelion, Golden Seal
Type II Cytotoxic
In this type of reaction, antibodies are directed against antigens in blood cells or tissue cells. This can occur during an incompatible blood transfusion.
Type III Immune –Complex
This type of reaction causes inflammation - Rheumatoid arthritis arises in this way.
Type IV Cell-Mediated
This reaction is often called delayed hypersensitivity, as reactions usually appear 12-72 hours after exposure to an allergen, such as poison ivy.
Intolerances
Food intolerances, often called food hypersensitivities, are adverse reactions to food (ie: sneezing, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, coughing). Food intolerances can arise at any age but are most common in young children, who often outgrow them. Intolerances, as opposed to allergies, are temporary.