Allergies

An allergy can be described as sensitiveness of the body to substance, which does not normally affect other people. There are innumerable substances in the environment, which can cause mild to violent reactions in many people. These reactions range from true allergies due to intolerance of certain foods and substances, to choose resulting from pollution.

A wide range of substances and conditions causes allergic reactions. These include pollen, dust, cosmetics and animal hair, poisonous plants, serums, vaccines and drugs; physical agents such as heat, cold and sunlight; as well as a variety of foods. Among the numerous allergens in the food department, the most common ones are oranges, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, chocolates, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries.

Symptoms

The symptoms of allergies are as varied as the substances causing the reaction. These include recurring headache, migraine, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, depression, neuralgia, sneezing, conjunctivitis, diabetes, eczema, heart burn, hay fever, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, gastric ulcer, asthma, overweight, high blood pressure, chest pain, heart attacks, a stuffy or runny nose, shortness of breath, swelling of the face and eyes, etc. The same food can cause different symptoms indifferent people. Many allergies are multiple and may be caused by multiple allergens.

Causes

Allergy is an indication of lowered resistance and internal disharmony caused by dietetic errors and faulty style of living. It is believed the major causes of allergy is feeding babies such food as cereals, meat, corns, whole milk, etc. before they reach the age of 10 to 12 months. These foods causes allergic reactions as babies lack the proper enzymes needed for their digestion before that age. Babies should be breast-fed for at least eight months, as this is nature’s way of providing all the required nutrients during this period.

Another important cause of allergy is today’s processed foods loaded with numerous chemical additives, many of which cause powerful reactions. Emotional and psychological stress can also lead to allergies.

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