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A corn allergy can often go undetected in the United States due to its high prevalence in processed foods. Corn, in some form or another, can also be found in almost every fast food item. In addition to that, corn allergy symptoms vary widely from person to person. While some need only smell popcorn to have a severe reaction, others are somewhat more tolerant and have less severe reaction which is difficult to connect to corn.
The best way to know if you are allergic to corn is to get an allergy test done by a qualified allergist. Barring that, keeping a food diary can be very helpful in checking and cross checking which foods were found to be offensive. But what symptoms are associated with a corn allergy?
Those who suffer with a corn allergy, in its severe form, might go into anaphylactic shock. Most people with this severe allergy to corn know what they are allergic to. However, many suffer their entire lives with symptoms that range from obesity to inflammation to sinus congestion.
Inflammation is one of the most common symptoms. A corn allergy sufferer may not even realize they are swollen because they have gotten used to it. If you wake up tired, have difficulty getting on your knees, think you may have arthritis, notice ankle swelling or overall achy body, you may actually be allergic to corn. If not corn, you may be suffering from some other allergy and it would be prudent to visit an allergist to know for sure.
Most corn allergy sufferers are exhausted and as they age, it usually gets worse. They feel better before they ate than after. Usually, they have trouble making it through the day and around late afternoon, have nearly had it. Many who have corn allergies have been diagnosed with other illnesses. The exhaustion is so terrible sometimes, that after having been exposed to corn, the only thing a corn allergy sufferer can do is sleep it off.
Abdominal troubles are extremely common among those with corn allergies. Some have been misdiagnosed with IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or other bowel related sicknesses. Your doctor may have told you that you need more fiber. After you eat, your stomach becomes severely bloated. You may experience excessive burping or gas. In extreme times, you may have been to the ER with vomiting or you have experienced what some doctors refer to as "blow outs" where you struggle with alternating constipation then the sudden diarrhea.
Chronic sinus problems are a telltale sign that you may be suffering from a food allergy. My own son suffered for years with shiners, tired eyes, stuffy and runny nose as well as post nasal drip. All of those symptoms were related to corn. He had trouble breathing and even bouts with sleep apnea as a small child.
Pre-diabetic and insulin resistance symptoms can actually be corn allergies. A few times, after nearly passing out after eating, I had wondered if I were becoming diabetic. I had all the symptoms of a pre-diabetic, of someone who was insulin resistant. I even took medication for hypothyroidism. These, of all the symptoms, were by far the scariest. I felt dizzy, in a fog, and cold most of the time. I couldn't garden or exercise as I was afraid I would start to get the shakes. Something was clearly wrong.
As we whittled away at high fructose corn syrup, corn starch, monosodium glutamate, dextrose and eventually switched to sea salt, our corn allergy symptoms began to disappear. My son and I both experienced a rebirth of sorts. My son's nose is clear and his shiners are gone. I planted two trees without passing out. My ankle swelling is nearly gone and we both lost a significant amount of weight without dieting. It's simply a miracle that we figured out the connection between corn and our symptoms. Now, we are on the road to recovery and the quality of our lives is absolutely one thousand percent better.
Food allergy is one of the most common forms of allergy in dogs. Little research has been done on the exact nature of the allergies, but it is thought that proteins are the leading cause of the allergy. In most cases the allergy is exhibited as a rash and/or scratching by the dog. Only in rare cases does a food allergy in a dog cause gastric problems in any noticeable way. Most dogs with food allergy have normal stools and appetites.
Most cases of food allergy are first noticed in younger dogs. In fact, more than a third of all cases are of dogs less than one year old. There is no difference in the susceptibility of food allergies in male or female dogs. Both sexes are just as prone to them. There are a few breeds which do seem to be more likely to have a food allergy. They are, but not limited to: Terriers, Dalmatians, Collies, Labradors, Dachshunds and Boxers.
Most of the time the rash associated with food allergies is localized in the feet or ear areas, but it can occur in other places on the dog. Another interesting fact about food allergy is that it can cause the dog to be more sensitive to other types of allergies such as flea and parasitic allergy.What can be done about food allergies? Elimination of the cause needs to be determined of course.
The method most used to determine the offending protein is called the "Elimination Diet". During this diet only one type of protein and one starch is given at a time. Some of the commercial dog food companies make special food just for these diets. You will need to talk to your vet for help in doing the Elimination Diet. Basically, the different proteins and starches are switched every few weeks in order to determine the exact starch or protein which the dog is allergic to.
The most common things dogs are allergic to are beef, corn, milk chicken eggs, wheat, and soy. Usually it is only one thing a dog is allergic to. Once the source of the dog allergy is found, food can be purchased which does not contain that item. Be aware that during the elimination diet the dog is not receiving all of its nutrients and its coat may become coarse and dry feeling.
Flea Allergy
Flea allergy is another common type of allergy in dogs. The allergy is caused by flea saliva, and total elimination of fleas must occur to stop the itching. It only takes one bite by a flea to cause the allergic reaction. Oftentimes you will not see any fleas on your dog even though they are scratching.
This can be because the few fleas which were on the dog had already been scratched off. And fleas can survive in small numbers year-round in warmer climates or indoors. Once again, the only way to eliminate flea allergy in dogs is to TOTALLY eliminate the fleas. In fact, since flea allergy is so common in dogs, fleas should be eliminated completely before it can be determined if the dog allergy is caused by food, chemical, or other environmental allergens.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is a simple skin allergy in dogs caused by such things as pollen, smoke, grasses, mold, and dust mites. Yes, dogs and people share allergic reactions to many of the same things. And just like specific allergens in people can be determined by testing the skin with potential allergens, dog allergies to these things are determined the same way. A dog's skin is scratched with the various potential causes and then watched for reactions. When the offending substance is determined, allergy shots can be given to desensitize the dog to the substance.
Curing Allergy in Dogs
In the case of Atopic Dermatitis, the dog can actually be cured of the allergy. Most other allergies are not curable. In the cases of food and flea allergy, the dog must simply be kept out of contact with the allergen.
What are respiratory allergies? We must have all asked this question sometimes. We are all effected in one way or another, whether it is summer or we are cleaning our basements. These type of allergic reactions are those that affect the organs and the airways that help us to breathe. In this article, I will be sharing with you some specific symptoms and causes of this sensitive condition.
The thing with people with allergies is that they are overly sensitive to certain things that most people don't have a problem with. This would include pollen from plants, mold, dust, cockroaches and food.
When a person that is sensitive comes in contact with what causes them to be sensitive, the allergen, the immune system releases a large amount of a chemical called histamine. A large amount of this histamine causes tissue swelling or inflammation or the tightening of muscles.
Symptoms:
Some people are allergic to different things. One person may be allergic to pollen, somebody else may be sensitive to something else.
1) Itchiness
2) Watery or red eyes
3) Coughing
4) Sneezing
5) Stuffiness in the nose
6) Shortness of breath
7) Wheezing
8) Airways that are constricted and swollen (in extreme cases - called anaphylactic shock)
Common Allergies That Affect The Respiratory System:
1) Hay Fever - This affects many people all over the world. Hay fever usually happens in the summer from pollen such as from the grass or even flowers.
2) Food and Drug Allergies - You can get this situations from eating such things such as fish and shellfish. You will usually develop an upset stomach or even a skin reaction and breathing problems. Medications can also cause some problems. Sometimes, you may develop a reaction if you eat peanuts, milk or eggs.
3) Insect Allergies - Insects such as cockroaches is another major cause of problems. This usually takes place in cities. It also affects children in big urban cities. Bees stings for example can be very dangerous to overly sensitive people.
4) Allergic Asthma - Asthma is a fast growing disease all over the country. This problem is a major cause of hospital admission for children each year.
Causes Of Respiratory Allergies:
1) Family history
2) Exposure to air pollution
3) Exposed to some workplace substances
4) Second hand smoke
5) Some health conditions - If you had infections when you were a child growing up
Treatment:
The best way to avoid an attack is to prevent the allergen. Not always easy to do at times. You could place pets in another room where you are not in all the times. You should also make sure to regularly clean your home, so that you do not have a build up of dust. Also, make sure you do not spend a lot of time being in damp areas. This will definitely expose you to mold. If the problem gets worse, make sure to see your doctor or pharmacist.
Mustard allergies are a type of food allergy that's very common. It's important to recognize the symptoms. After you determine you have an allergy to mustard, you need to take proper steps to avoid it at all cost.
The symptoms of a mustard allergy
Symptoms can include your breathing being difficult, a rash or hives, or itchy skin. The skin can become swollen too as in other allergic reactions. The problem with being allergic to mustard is that mustard is included in many foods in a way we may not be aware of. Lunchmeat and hot dogs can have mustard seeds in them. Mustard seeds are used as a spice in other foods too.
How to avoid mustard
Avoidance is the best treatment as far as an allergy to mustard is concerned. However this can be easier said than done. Many foods may contain mustard without you ever knowing it. For example, many foods contain mustard seed or oil. It's also common for many sauces to contain mustard oil. Because of this it's important to make sure you read the labels on all processed foods. Not more than ever, companies are taking into account peoples allergic needs.
Treatment options vary
While it's recommended that you eliminate mustard from your diet completely, sometimes that isn't possible. Many over the counter medications are effective if you do not have a severe allergy. However if the symptoms are bad enough, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Many times an allergy shot is the only solution.
Conclusion
It's important to understand that mustard allergies should not be taken lightly. Even though it may seem like a small ingredient, the effects can be devastating if gone untreated. By being careful, you can still be able to enjoy the foods you love in a healthy way.
Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, cow's milk protein sensitivity and other food intolerance may be associated with numerous digestive and non-digestive symptoms. Some of the most common non-digestive symptoms include fatigue or sense of being overly tired, headaches, bone, joint and/or muscle pain, mental fogginess or impaired attention, nerve pain (neuropathy), and painful or severely itchy skin rashes. The most common digestive symptoms include feeling of excess fullness with meals or afterwards, bloating or distended abdomen, diarrhea, excess or foul gas, constipation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Rating the severity and frequency of common symptoms, in particularly creating and tracking your own individual "Top Ten Symptoms" will be very helpful to you and your doctor, especially when combined with a detailed food-symptom diary. In addition to medical tests like blood work, stool samples, and endoscopic exams, assessing symptoms for severity and frequency before, during and after an elimination diet trial is critical. This helps determine if certain foods are causing or aggravating your symptoms.
The foundation of treating food intolerance usually includes an elimination diet. Prior to an elimination diet, a food diary is usually kept and reviewed for trends by a doctor. In the context of your medical history, symptoms, family history and medical evaluation a medical evaluation is usually recommended that may include blood and stool tests, skin testing for food allergens, and scope examinations of the upper and/or lower digestive tract. Your medical evaluation however could vary widely based your doctor's experience, specialty, biases about food allergies or intolerance and your history, symptoms and age.
Before seeing a doctor for an evaluation for possible food intolerance or allergy you should establish an initial symptom's list that includes your baseline rating of the frequency and severity of your symptoms. This should be done before making any change in your diet or eating pattern. A scale of 1-5 or 1-10 is commonly used to rate symptom severity and frequency. Within 2-3 weeks I will be publishing a very inexpensive symptom-food diary. You may try using a spiral notebook to record what you eat and track at least weekly your personal "Top Ten" list of the most common or troubling symptoms by severity and frequency. With a written record, you and your doctor can more easily track your progress and identify any trends.
For 28 days, I recommend you eliminate all grains, legumes, and dairy as well as processed foods. Foods in those categories are the most common foods that cause people problems. In those categories you find the foods that have commonly identified food proteins, lectins, gluten or casein that are known or suspected to cause symptoms. The foundation for the elimination diet is commonly referred to as the paleolithic, neanderthal, hunter-gatherer, caveman or simply Paleo diet as popularized by the health scientist Loren Cordain, Ph.D. in his numerous scientific publications and book The Paleo Diet.
The basis for the initial diet consists of lean meats and fish (unless fish allergic), fresh fruits and vegetables with additional foods eliminated based on your personal history. For example, you eliminate any foods that are specific to you based on any known food allergies, intolerance or suspected food intolerance because of your genetics, family history, presence of nasal, pollen or skin allergies, or prior medical tests. In particular, certain foods are known to cause reactions in some people who have documented allergies to grass, weeds, and/or tree pollens, house dust mite and latex. The latter food sensitivity association is well recognized clinically as the oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The modification of the Paleo diet based on individual assessment I have termed the Neo-Paleo Specific Diet.
4 weeks or 28 days of following your Neo-Paleo Specific Diet is recommended before attempting to re-introduce foods one at a time, every week to two weeks, while continuing to track your symptoms. This allows your gut time to heal and establish a long enough time to establish a pattern of adequate diet elimination and symptom pattern assessment. Theoretically, this should allow those with dietary induced gut injury or irritation associated with any "leaky gut" predisposition to heal adequately to reduce abnormal immune reactions or absorption of foods and/or food derived proteins and gut bacteria. It also may take some time for you to identify hidden sources of possible problem foods and adjust to your new eating pattern.
You should also be aware that some people experience classic withdrawal like symptoms in the first 3-7 days of eliminating certain foods, in particular grains and dairy products. Gluten, in products made from wheat, and casein, in products containing cow's milk, contain morphine like substances. These can be addictive.
The key to determining if certain foods are contributing to how you feel and the kinds of symptoms you are experiencing, is an adequate trial of elimination combined with accurate recording of what you eat and how you feel. A commitment of 4 weeks strictly eliminating the foods recommended according to your specific assessment while recording accurately what you are eating and how you feel will help you identify patterns and stay motivated to eliminate, restrict or rotate regularly any problem foods.
The recent study by the Center for Disease Control highlights that there is an eighteen percent increase in food allergies for kids. Symptoms can be stomach upsets, allergy skin rash, breathing problems and headaches.
Some say that people are more conscious of what a food allergy is today and in the past it may have been that people thought their kids had colds or respiratory issues instead of allergic reactions. Nonetheless, three million kids in the US are said to have food allergies. In other studies, the biggest offenders are dairy , peanut-based products and eggs. Peanut allergies can also cause severe reaction called anaphylaxis. When this happens the person will have their airways swell, lowered blood pressure and a severe reaction.
Children rash symptoms to foods can take the form of eczema, hives and redness around the mouth area. Kids can be very self-conscious about having a skin rash so help them to feel comfortable by using anti=itch creams and ointments to help the inflammation. Skin prick tests as well as patch tests by an allergist can help narrow down the allergic reactions.An allergist may also have you do blood work to check out the IGM and IGE which are immunoglobulin antibodies.
In addition to the above foods, be aware of food dyes and if they are possible causes for your child's skin rash. Find out what he or she may be eating at school as kids pass candies around and often peanuts are hidden in protein bars and other common snack foods. If your child has an allergy skin rash to foods, urge him to not scratch it and use anti-itch creams as impetigo or other infections are common complications of children rash problems which make the healing as well as diagnose more difficult.
Mustard allergies are a type of food allergy that's very common. It's important to recognize the symptoms. After you determine you have an allergy to mustard, you need to take proper steps to avoid it at all cost.
The symptoms of a mustard allergy
Symptoms can include your breathing being difficult, a rash or hives, or itchy skin. The skin can become swollen too as in other allergic reactions. The problem with being allergic to mustard is that mustard is included in many foods in a way we may not be aware of. Lunchmeat and hot dogs can have mustard seeds in them. Mustard seeds are used as a spice in other foods too.
How to avoid mustard
Avoidance is the best treatment as far as an allergy to mustard is concerned. However this can be easier said than done. Many foods may contain mustard without you ever knowing it. For example, many foods contain mustard seed or oil. It's also common for many sauces to contain mustard oil. Because of this it's important to make sure you read the labels on all processed foods. Not more than ever, companies are taking into account peoples allergic needs.
Treatment options vary
While it's recommended that you eliminate mustard from your diet completely, sometimes that isn't possible. Many over the counter medications are effective if you do not have a severe allergy. However if the symptoms are bad enough, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Many times an allergy shot is the only solution.
Conclusion
It's important to understand that mustard allergies should not be taken lightly. Even though it may seem like a small ingredient, the effects can be devastating if gone untreated. By being careful, you can still be able to enjoy the foods you love in a healthy way.
Mold allergy is not the typical spring time allergy. It's an allergy that's based on the air borne fungal spores or fragments. Since the spores and fragments are very small, they have the ability to bypass the nose tract and reach the lungs. Being microscopic, the foreign particles may be very difficult to avoid and could be common in almost any home or building.
Origin of Molds
Molds grow in places where there are moisture and oxygen. In natural settings, they may thrive on rotting logs, vegetation, and places in shady areas. In the home, they could grow in damp basements, bathrooms, attics, closets, garages, or practically any place that has moisture. The prime locations for mold spores don't necessarily end at the home. Commercial places such as greenhouses, old buildings, bakeries, and industrial factories are a favorite place for mold growth as well. Molds have a ubiquitous nature and it's important that we understand how molds work and where they come from.
There are a number of allergenic fungi that cause allergic reactions in people. The Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cephalosporium are commonly known fungi that fall under the Fungi Imperfecti group. These, specifically the Alternaria and Caldosporium are more prevalent outdoors than indoors. They are common during the autumn season, but sometimes they appear in the spring and summer. Indoors, Aspergillus and Penicillium are relatively persistent throughout the year with little effect from environmental factors.
Airborne isn't the only way that molds can get into the body. Common foods such as mushrooms, dried fruits, and cheese allow molds to be transported into the body. These items carry various types of molds that produce the same type of symptoms found from the airborne form. What are the typical symptoms?
Symptoms of mold allergies are similar to the effects of seasonal allergies from pollen. Typical symptoms include watering of eyes, stuffy nose, wheezing, and asthma. Medical books will call this allergic rhinitis, which is normally associated with seasonal problems and hypersensitivity problems. Studies suggest that allergic rhinitis is similar to cold-like symptoms. The reaction to these molds is not always immediate. It can sometimes be delayed, depending on the severity. With the help of allergy medication, one can treat mold allergies as with other allergies.
A more dangerous form of allergen is "Toxic mold." Toxic mold, or statchybotys, is a deadly form of allergen that can affect children in a negative way. The more common manifestation of this type is black mold. Black mold causes infants and children to suffer skin rashes and other lung damage that can result in death.
In the southern states, foam boards (wall insulation) with no allowance for air space have caused the walls to become wicks for water leaks and floods. As a result, mold spores easily proliferated throughout the house, leaving black mold. The symptoms of black mold allergy include coughing of blood, anemia, wheezing, bloody nose and nausea.
Allergy-causing molds can range from the simple ones found in nature to the dangerous molds created by man-made construction. The effects of these molds can have a severe effect, including mortality. By understanding the causes and effects of mold allergies, one can start pursuing preventative treatments.
Mold allergy is not the typical spring time allergy. It's an allergy that's based on the air borne fungal spores or fragments. Since the spores and fragments are very small, they have the ability to bypass the nose tract and reach the lungs. Being microscopic, the foreign particles may be very difficult to avoid and could be common in almost any home or building.
Origin of Molds
Molds grow in places where there are moisture and oxygen. In natural settings, they may thrive on rotting logs, vegetation, and places in shady areas. In the home, they could grow in damp basements, bathrooms, attics, closets, garages, or practically any place that has moisture. The prime locations for mold spores don't necessarily end at the home. Commercial places such as greenhouses, old buildings, bakeries, and industrial factories are a favorite place for mold growth as well. Molds have a ubiquitous nature and it's important that we understand how molds work and where they come from.
There are a number of allergenic fungi that cause allergic reactions in people. The Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cephalosporium are commonly known fungi that fall under the Fungi Imperfecti group. These, specifically the Alternaria and Caldosporium are more prevalent outdoors than indoors. They are common during the autumn season, but sometimes they appear in the spring and summer. Indoors, Aspergillus and Penicillium are relatively persistent throughout the year with little effect from environmental factors.
Airborne isn't the only way that molds can get into the body. Common foods such as mushrooms, dried fruits, and cheese allow molds to be transported into the body. These items carry various types of molds that produce the same type of symptoms found from the airborne form. What are the typical symptoms?
Symptoms of mold allergies are similar to the effects of seasonal allergies from pollen. Typical symptoms include watering of eyes, stuffy nose, wheezing, and asthma. Medical books will call this allergic rhinitis, which is normally associated with seasonal problems and hypersensitivity problems. Studies suggest that allergic rhinitis is similar to cold-like symptoms. The reaction to these molds is not always immediate. It can sometimes be delayed, depending on the severity. With the help of allergy medication, one can treat mold allergies as with other allergies.
A more dangerous form of allergen is "Toxic mold." Toxic mold, or statchybotys, is a deadly form of allergen that can affect children in a negative way. The more common manifestation of this type is black mold. Black mold causes infants and children to suffer skin rashes and other lung damage that can result in death.
In the southern states, foam boards (wall insulation) with no allowance for air space have caused the walls to become wicks for water leaks and floods. As a result, mold spores easily proliferated throughout the house, leaving black mold. The symptoms of black mold allergy include coughing of blood, anemia, wheezing, bloody nose and nausea.
Allergy-causing molds can range from the simple ones found in nature to the dangerous molds created by man-made construction. The effects of these molds can have a severe effect, including mortality. By understanding the causes and effects of mold allergies, one can start pursuing preventative treatments.
Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, cow's milk protein sensitivity and other food intolerance may be associated with numerous digestive and non-digestive symptoms. Some of the most common non-digestive symptoms include fatigue or sense of being overly tired, headaches, bone, joint and/or muscle pain, mental fogginess or impaired attention, nerve pain (neuropathy), and painful or severely itchy skin rashes. The most common digestive symptoms include feeling of excess fullness with meals or afterwards, bloating or distended abdomen, diarrhea, excess or foul gas, constipation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Rating the severity and frequency of common symptoms, in particularly creating and tracking your own individual "Top Ten Symptoms" will be very helpful to you and your doctor, especially when combined with a detailed food-symptom diary. In addition to medical tests like blood work, stool samples, and endoscopic exams, assessing symptoms for severity and frequency before, during and after an elimination diet trial is critical. This helps determine if certain foods are causing or aggravating your symptoms.
The foundation of treating food intolerance usually includes an elimination diet. Prior to an elimination diet, a food diary is usually kept and reviewed for trends by a doctor. In the context of your medical history, symptoms, family history and medical evaluation a medical evaluation is usually recommended that may include blood and stool tests, skin testing for food allergens, and scope examinations of the upper and/or lower digestive tract. Your medical evaluation however could vary widely based your doctor's experience, specialty, biases about food allergies or intolerance and your history, symptoms and age.
Before seeing a doctor for an evaluation for possible food intolerance or allergy you should establish an initial symptom's list that includes your baseline rating of the frequency and severity of your symptoms. This should be done before making any change in your diet or eating pattern. A scale of 1-5 or 1-10 is commonly used to rate symptom severity and frequency. Within 2-3 weeks I will be publishing a very inexpensive symptom-food diary. You may try using a spiral notebook to record what you eat and track at least weekly your personal "Top Ten" list of the most common or troubling symptoms by severity and frequency. With a written record, you and your doctor can more easily track your progress and identify any trends.
For 28 days, I recommend you eliminate all grains, legumes, and dairy as well as processed foods. Foods in those categories are the most common foods that cause people problems. In those categories you find the foods that have commonly identified food proteins, lectins, gluten or casein that are known or suspected to cause symptoms. The foundation for the elimination diet is commonly referred to as the paleolithic, neanderthal, hunter-gatherer, caveman or simply Paleo diet as popularized by the health scientist Loren Cordain, Ph.D. in his numerous scientific publications and book The Paleo Diet.
The basis for the initial diet consists of lean meats and fish (unless fish allergic), fresh fruits and vegetables with additional foods eliminated based on your personal history. For example, you eliminate any foods that are specific to you based on any known food allergies, intolerance or suspected food intolerance because of your genetics, family history, presence of nasal, pollen or skin allergies, or prior medical tests. In particular, certain foods are known to cause reactions in some people who have documented allergies to grass, weeds, and/or tree pollens, house dust mite and latex. The latter food sensitivity association is well recognized clinically as the oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The modification of the Paleo diet based on individual assessment I have termed the Neo-Paleo Specific Diet.
4 weeks or 28 days of following your Neo-Paleo Specific Diet is recommended before attempting to re-introduce foods one at a time, every week to two weeks, while continuing to track your symptoms. This allows your gut time to heal and establish a long enough time to establish a pattern of adequate diet elimination and symptom pattern assessment. Theoretically, this should allow those with dietary induced gut injury or irritation associated with any "leaky gut" predisposition to heal adequately to reduce abnormal immune reactions or absorption of foods and/or food derived proteins and gut bacteria. It also may take some time for you to identify hidden sources of possible problem foods and adjust to your new eating pattern.
You should also be aware that some people experience classic withdrawal like symptoms in the first 3-7 days of eliminating certain foods, in particular grains and dairy products. Gluten, in products made from wheat, and casein, in products containing cow's milk, contain morphine like substances. These can be addictive.
The key to determining if certain foods are contributing to how you feel and the kinds of symptoms you are experiencing, is an adequate trial of elimination combined with accurate recording of what you eat and how you feel. A commitment of 4 weeks strictly eliminating the foods recommended according to your specific assessment while recording accurately what you are eating and how you feel will help you identify patterns and stay motivated to eliminate, restrict or rotate regularly any problem foods.
Latex is natural rubber, that is it comes from the sap of a rubber tree. So many products are made of rubber that it is not possible to simply give someone with latex allergy a list with a simple warning to avoid these products!
In hospitals there are many latex containing objects such as face masks, catheters, gloves, enema tips, ostomy supplies and stethoscope tubing to list just a few. Consequently many hospital staff are exposed to latex daily and some have symptoms of hives or urticaria either due to contact or to breathing in particles of latex in the air.
This can be followed by a progression of other allergy symptoms such as asthma and in severe cases anaphylaxis.
It seems that latex gloves are the most common cause of allergic reactions.
Replacement of the usual medical latex gloves which are powdered with cornstarch to make removal easier with no powdered, low-protein latex and even nonlatex gloves is a practical and important method to reduce risk for both hospital staff and for their patients.
Latex allergy symptoms may affect the eyes and cause redness and irritation or cause coughing, sneezing and a runny discharge from the nose. Along with these symptoms a latex allergic individual may get shortness of breath and chest tightness, so it is easy to confuse a latex allergy with hay fever and other allergies.
In the most severe cases symptoms of breathing difficulty and wheezing may progress to confusion, dizziness, vomiting, rapid or weak pulse and loss of consciousness
This is anaphylactic shock and is a medical emergency.
There is another somewhat surprising aspect to latex allergy - an allergy to certain fruit. This is called the latex fruit syndrome. Remember that latex is from the sap of a tropical tree and it becomes more understandable that some plants contain latex and these can trigger symptoms too.
Some fruit implicated in this syndrome include (in alphabetical order) avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwi fruit, mango, pineapple, passion fruit, strawberry, and soy. In severe cases even contact with the foods can cause symptoms
For the future I think we can expect substitution of latex products with alternative non allergenic products. Some may be from synthetic substances like elastane or neoprene and others could be from other natural sources of rubber not containing the allergenic proteins from the rubber tree. The wide range of uses of latex in health care will mean that hospital workers and patients will need to exercise caution about latex allergy for several years to come.
Swimming in public pools is a popular activity during the hot months of summer. An allergy to chlorine can really put a damper on things. It's important to understand the symptoms so you can tell if it's a treatable allergy or something more serious.
There are five major symptoms to look for that can be caused when exposed to chlorinated pools. These symptoms generally show up either while you're swimming or right after you get out of the water.
1. Respiratory Problems - The following breathing-related symptoms can be similar to an asthma attack and may be more severe in an indoor pool where the chlorine is constantly being breathed in.
o The sensation of not getting enough air
o A tight feeling in the chest
o Not being able to take a deep breath
2. Irritation of the Eyes - This is eye irritation that is more severe than the normal reaction experienced by most people who swim in chlorinated pools.
o Redness
o Itching
o Stinging
o Swollen eyes
3. Dry Skin - If the dryness is severe enough, it can lead to:
o Pain
o Scratching
o Peeling skin
4. Rashes - When the clothes you wear are exposed to chlorine, for example the bathing suit being worn while in the pool, a rash that resembles the skin condition eczema can affect the entire area where the clothing touches. Leaving that clothing on too long can cause the rash to spread.
5. Itching - Chlorine is an irritant and can cause severe itching. Showering after swimming to wash the chlorine off the skin should take care of the problem.
