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Food Allergies
Understanding Food Allergies A food allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system to substances that are normally harmless to others. The immune system's job is to defend our body against antigens. However, in some people, the immune system are susceptible to certain allergens, whether inhaled, ingested or injected, causing an allergic reaction. Some people are allergic to only one substance, some to several. When first exposed to an allergen, the immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) that binds to basophils (a type of white blood cell) and to the mast cells. The first encounter with an allergen may make the person to be sensitive to it without any symptoms. But, with subsequent encounters the cells with IgE start to release substances (like histamine and prostaglandins) that is responsible for several different forms of discomfort.
Symptoms of Food Allergies Food allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. Just as the list of allergens are endless, the list of symptoms is just as long. Most reactions are considered "mild" and non-life threatening. They can manifest in the form of swelling, inflammation, skin rashes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes. Swelling from allergy to drugs may occur in small areas of the skin (with hives) or in larger areas under the skin, called angioedema. Swelling is caused by fluids leaking from blood vessels. Depending on where this happens on the body, it can be dangerous. Allergies may also trigger asthma, hay fever, wheezing, diarrhea, anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia, irritability, joint pains, headaches and many other symptoms.
Causes of Food Allergies We often hear people say that food allergy can be inherited. If both parents have allergies, there is a high chance that the children will also have allergies. This is true because the parents' bodies are saturated with toxic poisons which are passed on to the child at birth. When a body is so saturated with toxic, it will be highly possible that you would be allergic to one thing or another, and the list may just grow. It is the body's natural response to push out the toxins, that's when you encounter the "reactions" to it. Consuming one kind of food
excessively can also develop an allergy to that particular food. It is possible that people
are allergic to just about anything, but the most common triggers are dust, pollen, pet dander, chemicals and latex. Common food sources
that may cause an allergic reaction are aspartame (in artificial
sweetener), monosodium glutamate (MSG), alcoholic beverages, bee pollen,
chocolate, nuts, dairy products, wheat, seafood and even some types of fruits and vegetables. Diet/Lifestyle Suggestions The best way to be rid of allergy is to
cleanse your body of toxins through detox, fasting and
eliminating the current toxic dietary lifestyle.
Slowly reduce on your intake of animal proteins and
fats, saturated fats, starches, refined sugars.
Add on bit by bit of fruit juices especially fruits
listed below that are very healing for your situation. Even a day a week of fasting and
drinking lots of water can do wonders for your body.
Then gradually increase number of days of fasting to
longer fasts, while drinking plenty of water and fresh
juices.
Learn more about juice fasting. During this cleansing journey, you will
encounter some healing reactions. If you had hives
before, hives will break out again during this detox
period. If you had headache, it will occur again,
probably at a higher degree, and so on. Do not be
afraid, this is proof that your body is responding to
your healthier diet. Fasting allows the body to
rest while it channels its "energy" to cleanse out the
body. During the cleansing, drink three or
four times a day: Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey and
1 teaspoon of Braggs' apple cider vinegar into a glass
of 250 ml water and stir. Be sure that the honey
is raw honey and use only Braggs' apple cider vinegar as
other brands are most likely distilled and doesn't do
anything for you. Remember also to continue to
drink lots of water to flush out the toxins. Continue with this healthy lifestyle of
detox, cleanse and fast regularly until your allergies
are much reduced or gone.
The citrus fruits are the best sources of natural bioflavonoid and vitamin C, the two most essential anti-histamine agents that help alleviate allergy symptoms. Drink these juices regularly and continue to monitor your allergy reactions. When not juicing, eat these fruits whole, together with the rind for the bioflavonoids.
The valuable vitamins B complex, C, calcium, magnesium and other minerals in this combination provides a synergistic power that is amazingly healing for the immune system. Juice 2 medium-sized or a large carrot with a bunch of spinach. Drink regularly.
Apples, raspberries and strawberries are a great source of ellagic acid and flavonoid that are important for relieving allergy symptoms. If you are allergy to strawberries, omit strawberries. Onion is another excellent source of bioflavonoid but it is not easy to drink its juice. When mixed with the other fruits in this recipe, it helps to drown the strong taste somewhat. If you prefer, take onion in other ways, for example onion soup¾but beware that it can also cause wind. Juice a large apple, a handful of raspberries and a handful of strawberries. Go easy on the onion juice, add just half a medium-sized onion or equivalent. Juice and drink regularly, rotating with the other recommended recipes.
The high content of vitamin C and other nutrients in pomegranate is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can greatly reduce allergy symptoms, especially wheezing in young children with asthma. Eat or drink pomegranate juice regularly.
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