Allergies Herbs and Supplements

Allergies occur when the body reacts to a substance that is usually harmless. An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. Almost 40 percent of the human population will suffer from allergies at some point in their lives. It is estimated that about 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The cost of allergies in the United States is more than $10 billion dollars yearly. Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) affects about 35 million Americans, 6 million of whom are children. Asthma affects 15 million Americans, 5 million of whom are children. The number of cases of asthma has doubled over the last 20 years.

The common misunderstanding about allergies is that it can be only caused by allergens. Although allergens may be the precipitating event that causes allergenic symptoms, the fundamental problem is a compromised, weakened and out-of-balance immune system as a result of food and lifestyle mismanagement.

The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to identify and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. Antigens are substances that are competent of causing the production of antibodies. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic reaction. Allergens are certain antigens that cause an allergic reaction and the production of IgE. The aim of the immune system is to mobilize its forces at the site of invasion and destroy the enemy. Examples of allergens include pollens, molds, dust mite, danders, and foods.

Allergies can develop at any age, possibly even in the womb. They normally occur in children but may give rise to symptoms for the first time in adulthood. Asthma may persist in adults while nasal allergies tend to decline in old age.

The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, skin, lungs and stomach. Although the various allergic diseases may appear different, they all result from an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances in sensitive people.

Allergies can come from various sources. This being the case, it is not quite simple to come up with a single treatment plan that covers all type of allergy, most allergies are acquired after birth. Allergy relief can be found in many different shapes and forms of medications, both those available over the counter at your local drugstore or pharmacy or those that are prescribed by your physician. The best solution to keep away from triggering allergies is to avoid coming in contact with the specific allergen that affects the individual.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is the most common of the allergic diseases and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens. The symptoms are sneezing, often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose, coughing and postnasal drip, itching eyes, nose and throat, allergic shiners and others. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is usually due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, animal dander, or molds

Asthma is a breathing problem that fallout from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a thinning of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include are a feeling of tightness in the chest, breathlessness, difficulty inhaling and exhaling, coughing and noisy breathing.

Hives (urticaria) are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Allergic eczema is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen which symptoms are itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin, rash on the face and eyes.

There are many effective medicine are available for the treatment of allergies now it is on you to choose the right one for your allergy problem by consulting with your doctor. By the combination of avoidance, proper food and right medicine make you free from allergy as there are so many highly quality nutritional supplements that can be helpful like Vitamin C which has natural antihistamine effect. Vitamin C commonly thought of mainly in prevention of colds, flu and scarlet fever, is being rediscovered for help in allergies. Vitamin C has been used with much success in high doses to eradicate specific allergies. Quercitin which also has a natural antihistamine effect which relieve allergy symptoms. Supplements like Methylsulfonylmethane MSM it reduces allergic and inflammatory responses and Stinging nettles which may effective for hay fever.

Eyebright was and continues to be used primarily as a poultice for the topical treatment of eye inflammations. Essential fatty acids (EFA) which may reduce inflammatory responses associated with allergies. Thymus extract also a good herbs relieving allergies, including asthma, hay fever and food allergies. Probiotics feed the cells lining the colon to enhance health and resistance to penetration of potential allergens. Spirulina protect against allergic reactions by inhibiting the release of histamines.

Supplements for food allergies are Protease enzymes which decreases allergic and inflammatory responses by digests proteins and may be helpful for people with food allergies and the Digestive enzymes and Betaine hydrochloride which able to assist in the digestion of food and reduce the likelihood of food sensitivities.

Apart of using medicine you must take prevention measure to avoid allergies like support the immune system, reduce stress, and drink lot of water and avoiding smoking.

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