Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd. - Winning Against Allergies

CONTENTS

A S URVIVAL G UIDE T O O VERCOMING
& R ECOVERING F ROM F OOD A LLERGY

ISBN 978-93-81115-59-6
Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd

Design Mishta Roy
Layouts Ajay Shah
Printing Dhote Offset, Mumbai

Published in India 2011, by
BODY & SOUL BOOKS
an imprint of
LEADSTART PUBLISHING PVT LTD
Trade Centre, Level 1
Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra (E), Mumbai 400 051, INDIA
T + 91 22 40700804
F +91 22 40700800
E info@leadstartcorp.com
W www.leadstartcorp.com

US Office
Axis Cor
7845 E Oakbrook Circle
Madison, WI 53717, USA

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior permission of the Publisher. Any person who commits an unauthorised act in relation to this publication can be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Disclaimer The contents of this book do not purport to replace expert advice or obviate the role of the physician

ABOUT THE H E A L SERIES

As modern lifestyles move increasingly towards urban and urban-influenced living, our bodies too, face new and mutating challenges to cope with more processed food, less mobility, more time spent indoors in temperature controlled environments, less in green spaces and clean air, more exposure to television, computer, film and telephone screens and less to natural colours, sounds and sunlight. The natural way has become replaced by the artificial way, the instant recourse and quick-fix options.

In all ancient civilizations, stillness and peace were part of the way people lived, in harmony with the earth and nature. Now we have to go looking for it in spas and wellness farms. Stress has become ingrained in human endeavours. We have to consciously de-stress, meditate, do breathing exercises, in order to find equilibrium. What we once accepted as a natural process of fitness and living, is now a search and challenge for health empowerment.

But one thing has not changed that good health remains the cornerstone of living life to its potential. Only the way in which we seek that elusive grail has changed. And yet, the core truths of health and healing remain the same, based on the five senses: Sight, Smell, Taste, Touch and Hearing. To these five is added one more: Silence the art of being centred in stillness, where and when mind and being are in harmony.

This series of books has been developed to create holistic health consciousness and education in order to empower strong, active and fulfilled lives. Health remains the foundation on which we build our achievements, both collective and individual. These books are to meant to give laypeople a basic understanding of various ailments and diseases, as well as indicate the solutions available to them. The books do not seek to replace expert advice or the role of the physician.

To be informed is to be empowered. Decision-making and actions flow from knowledge, not general opinion or ignorance. To accept the challenges of our own health in an era of dynamic change all around that is the ultimate goal.

COMMON ALLERGIES & THEIR SYMPTOMS

I f you have these sudden attacks of itchiness, asthma, sneezing, coughing, rashes and red spots all over your body, chances are, you are allergic to something. Common allergies and their symptoms can manifest anytime and anywhere, so if you have allergic reactions to some types of foods, smells, pollen etc, you need to be very careful to avoid your allergy triggers. Note that certain common allergies and their symptoms can cause some serious complications in your body and your general health suffers. To help you understand common allergies and their symptoms, read on.

Common allergies and their symptoms can be broadly categorized into outdoor and indoor allergy triggers. Both types of allergies can make your life really miserable so be aware of the things that could trigger your allergic reactions. For instance, the most common allergies and their symptoms may be caused by different kinds of pollen which comes from trees, weeds, grasses and shrubs.

Technically, pollen is a harmless powdery substance that is emitted into the air by male plants to pollinate female plants. In other words, pollen is necessary to make plants grow and bear fruit. Unfortunately, there are people who are allergic to it. Since pollen is made up of tiny particles and can be inhaled by humans, people who are allergic to it suffer from different forms of allergies and symptoms caused by this. Though it is important for the plants, it is not so for humans. When inhaled, these tiny particles of powdery substance cause many people to either gasp for breath or start to sneeze.

Inhalation of pollen mostly causes an asthmatic attack or allergic rhinitis in a person. The weather also further contributes to worsen the allergy. Experts are of the opinion that when the weather is moist it further makes it worse. This is because the pollen gets trapped in the moist air and remains in the atmosphere for a longer period causing more attacks. That is why many people who suffer from allergies find that they become worse during cold weather. According to experts, humidity amplifies the allergic reactions as well. Pollen trapped the moisture can stay longer in the air and this cause extended suffering.

While outdoor allergens are seasonal, allergens indoors are present throughout the year. Those people who live cooped up in apartments with no windows and in areas which are highly polluted, will find that they are more prone to allergies. This is because of the continuous presence of molds and mites in such places. The congested air which does not circulate, becomes trapped in the same place, causing people living there to have allergic reactions all the time.

FINDING HELP & ALLERGY RELIEF

A llergies are abnormalities we endure. The reactions are physical, yet allergies can affect the emotional state quite perceptably. Since we suffer swellings, aches, and irritations such as running eyes and noses, allergies can make us feel irritated.

Allergens are what cause allergies. Sometimes the substances that cause allergy attacks are toxin. For instance, we may feel the effects after breathing in gas from exhaust pipes on vehicles. We may experience sinus or allergy attacks after breathing in pesticides. Sometimes we are allergic to household chemicals such as cleaners.

Allergies occur also from non-toxic chemicals or substances. We can develop allergies from mould, foods, pollen, and so on. Most allergens that we are exposed to causes allergies, since they build Immunoglobulin E. This antibody causes a histamine reaction, which builds in the tissues of our cells.

Sometimes we are sensitive to medications, toxins and non-toxic substances or chemicals. In these cases, we may experience what appear to be allergic symptoms. We often misinterpret these symptoms as allergies, which find relief once the body recognizes such allergens. Pet dander, milk, mould, pollen, dust, dust mites, proteins, vitamins, medications, etc can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions.