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Common Food Allergies in Babies

April 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Food allergy is widespread among children and unfortunately, it is also common among babies or infants. Having a food allergy can be very difficult for the baby and the parents. Babies suffer from the different signs and symptoms of food allergy and in the case of the parents they are sometimes not aware that their babies have food allergies. But by doing research about food allergy, parents can become prepared. It would also be good to look at pictures of babies with food allergies. This way you can compare the signs and symptoms your baby has to the pictures. Allergies in babies are very difficult to deal with but if you know enough, you can be prepared.

 

Common Food Allergies

For infants who are not yet consuming solid foods, the only source of food allergy is obviously the milk. Those who are not being breastfed are more prone to food allergy because of the cow milk. The protein in cow milk is one of the most common causes of food allergies not only among babies. In addition, some infants can also develop allergic reactions to their mom’s breast milk.

Babies who are consuming other foods aside from milk can also develop food allergies to eggs, wheat, soy, fish, tree nuts, peanuts and shellfish. Six-month old babies and above are prone to food allergies because they can start consuming semi-solid or solid foods. Sometimes even trace substances of these foods can cause mild allergic reactions. In addition, mere exposure to the different food allergens can also cause allergic reactions.

Food Allergies

When a baby has food allergy, he or she will probably show the common signs and symptoms of allergy such as the development of hives and rashes. To help parents identify whether the rashes their baby has is caused by food allergy or not, several websites have pictures of babies with allergies. An example of these websites is http://www.complete-natural-skin-care.com/eczema-photos.html. In this site, parents can see what a rash or hives caused by food allergy looks like. Other food allergy symptoms include swelling, respiratory distress, eczema and gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting. Severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis which is life threatening. If your baby manifests any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above it is very important to go to the doctor immediately.

Management

The management of food allergies in babies starts with knowing the foods which trigger food allergies are. You should avoid giving any of the foods to your babies. For instance, in the case of babies who are allergic to cow milk, you should breastfed your baby instead. If this is not possible, you can give soy milk formulas as an alternative. In addition it is also important for parents to be familiar with the different symptoms of food allergy so that they can deal with the problem immediately. Since rashes and hives are the most common symptoms of food allergy, parents should look ate pictures of babies with allergies so that they can identify food allergy rashes immediately. Parents can visit www.babycenter.com where they can find pictures of babies with food allergies and other information.

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Strawberry and Nut Allergies

April 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Food allergy such as strawberry and nut allergies are some of the common types of allergies. It is sometimes difficult to deal with food allergies because allergy sufferers should be very careful. People who have strawberry and nut allergies are not allowed to eat any kind of strawberry and nuts. This is especially true when the person has severe allergic reactions to these two foods.

 

Strawberry Allergy

 

Strawberry is obviously caused by strawberries. According to a research done in Sweden, red strawberries are ones which usually cause allergic reactions but the white ones do not. However, some doctors still recommend those who are allergic to red strawberries to avoid the white ones to be on the safe side. Just like other allergies, people develop allergic reactions to the protein in the strawberries. A surprising discovery made by the same team in Sweden found that strawberry allergen is identical to birch pollen allergens. Therefore if you are allergic to birch pollen, you should also avoid strawberries because chances are you will also have allergic reactions to them.

 

The signs and symptoms of strawberry allergy is the same as that of other food allergies. Common strawberry allergy symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, swelling, appearance of hives and rashes and itching. Respiratory problems such as asthma and allergic rhinitis can also be triggered by strawberry allergy. In some cases, anaphylaxis can also happen. Diagnosis of strawberry allergy can be done through skin tests and blood tests. Management of strawberry allergies starts with prevention. People who are allergic to strawberries should not eat any kind of strawberry. It is also important for those with severe allergic reactions to avoid any food which contain strawberries such as cookies and snacks which are strawberry flavored. This means that you should read the label of everything you eat to make sure that strawberry components are not added to the food. Doctors also advise those with strawberry allergies to use a Medic Alert bracelet indicating that they have strawberry allergy. In addition, carry medicine such as epinephrine and antihistamines with you at all times. Treatment depends on the signs and symptoms manifested by an individual. Medications are usually given to treat the symptoms.

 

Nut Allergy

 

Tree nut allergy is also a common type of allergy. People usually develop allergic reactions to cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts, chestnuts, coconuts, pistachios and pistachios. People who have nut allergies are usually allergic not just to one kind of nut. Hence, those with nut allergies should avoid all tree nuts. The severity of the allergic reaction to nuts depends on the sensitivity of the person and the amount of nuts ingested. Sometimes those with severe allergic reactions can manifest allergic reactions when they smell or touch nuts.

 

Nut allergy symptoms are the same as that with other allergies. Rashes, hives, swelling, itchiness are the common symptoms and anaphylaxis can also happen. Diagnosis is done through physical examination, history analysis, skin allergy tests and blood tests. Treatment includes administration of medications such as antihistamines and steroids, immunotherapy and desensitization. Prevention is still the best cure for any allergy such as nut allergies. This should be remembered by those who have nut allergies because most people cannot outgrow this particular allergy. Based on studies done, only 9 % of children are able to outgrow nut allergy.

 

There is no particular link between strawberry and nut allergies basing on their protein components. However, these two allergies do have similarities. For one, strawberry and nut allergies are two of the most common food allergies. In addition, they both can also appear in later years. Although there have been cases wherein some individuals are allergic both to nuts and strawberries, more studies should be done to establish links between the two.

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Behavioral Problems Due to Food Allergies

April 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Food allergies can cause a lot of problems which can be physical, emotional, social and behavioral. The physical symptoms of food allergies are well known. Examples of these physical manifestations include rashes, respiratory distress and gastrointestinal manifestations such as vomiting and nausea. What many people sometimes overlook are the other effects of food allergies. Dealing with food allergies can be emotionally and mentally difficult because people often feel afraid that they might have an allergy attack anytime. Some do not want to go out anymore for fear that they might be accidentally exposed to a food allergen. In the case of children, behavioral problems due to food allergies often occur. These behavioral problems can also be seen in adults.

ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the common behavioral problems due to food allergies. Many studies have been done to establish a link between food allergy and ADHD. Although, it is not yet accepted as a fact, most of the studies show that there is indeed a link between the two. One of the theories forwarded with regards to this topic is that children can develop ADHD because of lack of certain nutrients. It is not impossible for children to who have food allergies to lack some important nutrients. Diet modification is the recommended treatment for food allergies. Thus, children with food allergies are not allowed to eat a lot of foods which are the sources of necessary nutrients. Another theory is that children often react negatively because of diet modification. Most children would want to eat what their classmates are eating. Unfortunately, because of their food allergy, they have to avoid eating a lot of things. Because of this, they might manifest behavioral problems because they feel left out.

The common behavior problems observed in children with food allergies include hyperactivity, aggressive behavior such as screaming and tantrums, inability to concentrate and poor handwriting. These children also often whine and complain that they are not feeling well. Sometimes they also distract the class. Children with ADHD also have trouble concentrating. Because of this, it is difficult for them to follow and understand instructions. They are easily distracted so they often do not finish the tasks given to them. Although these children are very hyperactive, there will be moments also when they will show signs of depression. Children with ADD or ADHD are very difficult to handle. When these problems are not addressed properly, it can lead to behavior problems in adulthood.

Delayed Food Allergy

Delayed food allergy is one of the contributing factors being taken into consideration with regards to the relationship of behavioral problems and food allergy. Delayed food allergy refers to a condition wherein the signs and symptoms of food allergy do not manifest itself immediately. The signs and symptoms will appear hours after ingesting the food. The physical manifestations of delayed food allergy are the same as that of ordinary food allergy. Emotional and behavioral problems in delayed food allergy are common because it is difficult to identify the exact cause of the signs and symptoms they are manifesting. Common behavioral problems due to food allergies specifically delayed food allergy include anxiety, anger, aggression, depression, nervousness and fear. In addition, it can also cause hyperactivity, fatigue, apathy, restlessness and lethargy.

Management

The management of behavioral problems due to food allergies starts with the correct diagnosis. Once it is established that the behavioral problems are caused by food allergy, treatment of the condition will focus on treating food allergy. Once the signs and symptoms of food allergies are removed, the person will feel much better which will improve the person’s behavior. Unfortunately, if the underlying cause of the ADHD is diet modification due to food allergy, it is more difficult to address because you cannot allow the child to start eating foods he or she is allergic to. In this case, medications are given to calm the child. In addition, behavior therapy is also recommended. Behavior therapy is a long term process so parents should make sure that their child participates in these classes. In addition, parents should also show their support to their children. It is important for the parents, teachers and therapist to communicate all the time to gauge the child’s progress and to help him or her as well.

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Guava Food Allergy

April 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

People can develop hypersensitivity reactions to all kinds of food. Food allergy to guava has been recorded although it is not one of the common types of food allergy. Those who are allergic to guavas should learn as much as they can about the fruit and the management of their allergy.

Guava

Guavas are plants which traces their origin to South America, Central America and Mexico. These days, guavas are also cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. There are about 100 species of the guava plant. Strawberry guava and apple guava are among the most popular guava variety. The guava fruit is usually eaten raw but it can also be cooked into jams. The guava is considered as one of the super fruits because they have a high nutritional value. The guava fruit is rich in fiber, folic acid, vitamins A and C and dietary minerals such as potassium and copper. In addition, the guava leaves are also known to have medicinal uses. Guava leaves have been used to treat infections, pain, inflammation, diarrhea, cancer, fever and dysentery.

Guava Food Allergy

Food allergy to guava is basically similar with other kinds of food allergy. Allergic reactions are triggered by ingesting the fruit itself or other products which contains guava. In addition, smelling or touching the guava fruit, guava leaves and guava tree or wood can also trigger mild allergic reactions. Sometimes coming into contact with guava wood can cause contact dermatitis. The common guava allergy symptoms include upper respiratory problems such as wheezing, difficulty in breathing, allergic rhinitis and coughing. Other signs and symptoms include the appearances of rashes and hives, swelling of the face, neck, tongue, throat and lips, inflammation and gastrointestinal problems. The severity of the allergic reactions depends on several factors. The sensitivity of the individual, the type of exposure and the amount of guava ingested can affect the allergic reaction. Diagnosis of guava can be done through allergy skin prick test, intradermal test and blood tests.

Management of food allergy to guava depends on the severity of the allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is rare in guava allergies but in case this happens, you should seek medical help immediately. Those who have a history of anaphylaxis usually have emergency drugs with them such as epinephrine. If you are having anaphylaxis, you should inject the epinephrine or have someone do it for you before it is too late. Other treatment options for food allergy to guava are desensitization, allergy shots or immunotherapy and the use of medications. Antihistamines, steroids and topical ointments and creams are usually prescribed to those with allergies.

Prevention will always be the best cure of any food allergy. Those who are allergic to guava should avoid eating any specie of the fruit. Do not eat guava jams and other products which has guava in them. Those with severe allergic reactions to guava should make certain that they do not come into contact not only with the fruit itself. They should also avoid touching the guava tree, wood and leaves.

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Allergy Cross-Contamination in the Food Industry

April 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Food allergies are very common among people these days. People can develop hypersensitive reactions to all kinds of food. To prevent allergy from happening, it is important for allergy sufferers to avoid eating the food they are allergic to. Those who have severe allergic reactions to food allergens should completely eliminate the food from their diet. In addition, people should not eat any byproducts of the food they are allergic to. This is due to the fact that many people can suffer from severe allergic reactions even if they are exposed to small amounts of food allergens. The problem is no matter how careful a person is, he or she can have an allergy attack when the food he or she is eating was cross-contaminated. To prevent this from happening, governments in different countries urged the food industry to come up with different methods to avoid allergy cross-contamination.

Allergy cross-contamination

Allergy cross-contamination happens when a food which does not have any allergen is contaminated with an allergen during preparation, storage or cooking. Cross-contamination can happen at home and in restaurants. For instance, food handlers wear gloves when they prepare food and sometimes food juices and food particles might stick to the gloves and they can be transferred to other foods being prepared.

British and Australian Guidelines

In the UK and Australia, they have a set of guidelines being followed by the food industry to prevent allergy cross-contamination. Australia was the first country to develop such guidelines. For instance the Allergen Management and Labeling Guide used in Australia and New Zealand contains guidelines food manufacturers should declare the presence of any known allergen. In addition, the guide also shows the proper way of labeling food products. This guide also emphasizes the importance of training the staffs and food handlers to make sure that they understand cross-contamination and how to prevent it. A standardized allergen risk assessment tool was also developed which is being used by food manufacturers. This risk assessment is known as VITAL which stands for Vital Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling. This system is also used to help food manufacturers follow a standard way of labeling their food products which can prevent cross-contamination.

Other Countries

Other countries such as France, US and Netherlands also developed their own guidelines to prevent cross-contamination. Most of these countries based their guidelines to the guideline which was created by the Australian government. Because of these guidelines, food manufacturers are required to train their employees on the proper ways of handling food, packaging and storing them to prevent cross-contamination. There are also guideline which should be followed by food inspectors to make certain that they thoroughly check food establishments and food factories. These guidelines definitely helped in decreasing the occurrence of cross-contamination.

 

Preventing Cross-Contamination

The food industry is doing their part in preventing cross-contamination. It is also important for individuals to their part also to avoid this from happening. There are simple steps you can do to prevent cross-contamination at home. For instance, it is important to keep your home free from allergens. If there are no allergens in your home, there is no chance of cross-contamination from happening. If you have to keep allergens at home, you should place them in places far from the food prep areas and utensils. In addition, use disposable plates and silverware when handling food allergens. This can be done when you need to use certain food allergens rarely. In addition, when you go out, you should also inform the waiter and the cook that you are allergic to certain foods. Avoid the salad bar also because the chance of cross-contamination is very high.

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Joint Aches and Food allergy

March 24, 2011 By 2 Comments

Food allergy signs and symptoms manifest themselves in different systems. For instance, in the respiratory system, allergy sufferers will experience breathing difficulties, wheezing and mucus secretion. Diarrhea, vomiting and nausea are the common effects of food allergy to the gastrointestinal system. Skin rashes, swelling and hives are common symptoms. In the case of musculoskeletal system, muscle pain and joint aches may occur because of food allergy. However, the last two conditions rarely happen.

 

Joint Aches

 

Joint aches are caused by inflammation of the joints. The swelling and stiffness in the joints due to the inflammation are the reasons why people feel pain. Joint pains usually occur when a person has rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Other medical conditions which can cause joint pains include bursitis, gout, hepatitis, influenza, mumps, measles, tendinitis, fracture and lyme disease. Joint pain can be treated with medications and pain relievers. Home treatments include massage, warm baths and stretching exercises.

 

Joint Aches and Food Allergy

 

The relationship between joint aches and food allergy is not clearly established. Common allergies such as drug allergies, food allergies and inhalant allergies do not usually cause joint pain. However, studies show that people who are allergic to food additives and preservatives can experience joint pain or aches. Examples of food additives which can cause joint pains are food dyes and coloring such as carmine and tartrazine, emulsifiers and stabilizers such as lecithin and antioxidants. Flavorings such as MSG and sweeteners can also cause muscle and joint pain. Benzoates, sulfites and nitrates which are common food preservatives can also trigger joint ache.

 

Another theory forwarded in relation to joint aches and food allergy is that some people who are allergic to fish might suffer from joint aches. Fish oil is considered as a natural anti-inflammatory substance.  Other anti-inflammatory foods include green, leafy vegetables such as spinach. Those who are allergic to the foods mentioned are prone to joint ache because they are not allowed to eat the foods mentioned.

 

Delayed Food Allergy

Delayed food allergy is a kind of allergy which quite different from other kinds of allergy. Most allergic reactions occur right after a person is exposed to certain allergens. However, in the case of delayed food allergy, the allergy attack occurs after several hours. The symptoms of delayed food allergy include nausea, constipations, belching and stomach pain. In addition, people might feel lethargic, drowsy, apathetic, restless, fatigued and hyperactive. Emotions are also affected because allergy sufferers will feel angry, irritated and anxious. Blurred vision, sinus problems, runny nose and sneezing attacks can also happen. The muscles and joint are also affected resulting into general weakness, joint aches and muscle pain.

The treatment of delayed food allergy is the same as that of regular allergies. It is based on the signs and symptoms being manifested by the allergy sufferer. Medications such as antihistamines and steroids may be given. Pain relievers are also prescribed for muscle and joint pain. The problem with delayed food allergy is that many people do not realize that they are suffering from it. In addition, identifying the main culprit is difficult since most people probably ate a lot of foods and drank different beverages before the signs and symptoms appear. But once delayed food allergy is diagnosed, the treatment will be easier.

Joint aches and food allergy maybe related however much research is needed to fully establish the link between the two. Those who are interested to learn more about the relationship of these two conditions can read medical books. In addition, there are many online medical websites these days which can be very helpful. It is important to know as much as you can if you are suffering from both of these conditions.

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Attention Deficit Disorder and Food Allergies

March 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Children who suffer from food allergies often manifest behavioral problems. Attention deficit disorder or ADD can be caused by many factors, one of which is food allergy. It might sound strange but several studies and researches have been done which can prove that there is a link between the two.

Food Allergies

There are many kinds of food allergies especially among children. The most common foods which can cause allergic reactions are eggs, milk and peanuts. Food allergy attacks happen when an allergy sufferer ingests the food and sometimes simply being exposed to the food allergen can trigger an attack. Examples of allergic reactions include the development of hives, rashes, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal problems and behavioral problems. Food allergies when diagnosed properly can be easily treated and prevented. Those who have food allergies should avoid ingesting foods which trigger their allergy attacks. In addition, it is important to take the necessary medications such as antihistamines, steroids and topical medications as prescribed by your physician. Allergy shots, desensitization and immunotherapy are also used to treat food allergy.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) which is more popularly known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral problem common among children. The cause of ADD or ADHD is still unclear until now but there are several theories. Genetics according to some studies done can cause ADD. Another theory proposed by Thom Hartmann is the hunter vs. farmer hypothesis wherein hyperactivity and the other manifestations of ADD are adaptive behavior of humans.

Environmental factors such as exposure to alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy can also cause ADHD. Pregnant women who smoked and drank while they are pregnant are more likely to have children who will have ADD later on. In addition, diet can also cause ADD according to some scientists and doctors. For instance, food preservatives such as sodium benzoate and other artificial food colors can cause ADD. ADD has several signs and symptoms but hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are the main behaviors being manifested by those with ADD. Other attention deficit disorder symptoms include being easily distracted, getting bored easily, difficulty in focusing and daydreaming.

People who have ADD can also have difficulty following instructions and have difficulty keeping quiet and still for longer periods of time. ADHD sufferers are also impatient and they are always in motion. These signs and symptoms can persist until adulthood. Different methods are used to treat those with ADHD. These include behavior modification, medications, counseling and lifestyle changes. Behavioral therapy and counseling have been proven to be effective long term treatments of ADD. Medications such as Ritalin are also effective but these usually are good for short term treatments only.

The link

The link between food allergies and attention deficit disorder has been established by some researches. According to some researches, attention deficit disorder can cause delayed pattern food allergies. Delayed food allergy is a kind of food allergy which does not manifests itself immediately after ingestion of food allergen. In addition, some researches also postulate that ADD can be causes by nutrient deficiency because of food allergy. People who have food allergies are not allowed to eat a lot certain kinds of food which can result in nutrient deficiency. Children who have food allergies also need to revise their diet. Diet modification can cause children to react in different ways. School teachers often observe children who have delayed pattern food allergies to be aggressive, hyperactive and appear disinterested with the lessons. Children with food allergies also often cause disruptions in the classroom.

Parents who have children who manifests ADD or ADHD behaviors and who also have food allergies should consider the connection between the two. Consult with experts n ADHD and food allergies to determine whether your child is behaving inappropriately as a result of his or her food allergies.

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How to Become Resistant to Food Allergies?

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Food allergy is common among many people. The most common food allergies are allergies to milk, peanuts and egg. Having food allergies can be very inconvenient because allergy sufferers should be very careful. They have to read the label of everything they eat to prevent an allergy attack. This is especially true for those who manifest severe allergic reactions even to minute amounts of food allergens. In some cases, allergy sufferers will have an allergy attack without ingesting the food itself. Simply touching or even smelling the food allergen is enough to trigger an allergy attack. Allergy attacks when left untreated immediately can be fatal such as in the case of anaphylaxis. Some people often wonder how to become resistant to food allergies. Allergy experts are doing their best to come up with different methods to help allergy sufferers become resistant to food allergy.

Desensitization

Desensitization is one of the possible cures for food allergies. In desensitization, a minute amount of the food allergen will be introduced through injection to a person who has food allergy. The purpose of desensitization is to remove the body’s allergic reactions to the different allergens. In other words, small amounts of the allergens are injected into the body so that the body will get used to the substance. When the body is used to the substance, it will not consider it as a foreign body. As a result, the body will not have any hypersensitive reactions. Desensitization takes some time so the injections are usually given at least once a week for 3 to 5 months. This method is recommended for people who are sensitive to specific antigens.

Prevention

Prevention is still the best treatment and management of food allergy. This is still the best way to become resistant to food allergies. In the case of people who have severe allergic symptoms or reactions, avoiding foods which trigger allergic reactions completely is advised. This means that they should avoid not only the food itself but all foods which contain the allergen. For instance, if they are allergic to milk, they should also avoid chocolates, cheese, casein and other products which contain milk. It is also recommended for these people to avoid coming into contact with the food allergen. In the case of kids, parents should have a list of foods they should avoid. In addition, parents should educate their children about the importance of avoiding food allergens at all times.

Those who have mild allergy reactions to different food allergens are sometimes allowed to eat minute amounts of the food they are allergic to. However, allergy sufferers can only do this after a doctor or an allergist gives them the go signal to eat small amounts of the food they are allergic to. Allergy sufferers should remember that the exact amount of food intake which triggers allergic reactions is still unclear until now. To be safe, avoid eating the food you are allergic to even if you are allowed to eat small amounts of it.

Allergy shots

Allergy shots are proven to be effective to other kinds of allergies such as pollen allergies. However, there have been no researches or cases which show that it is effective to food allergies. Allergy shots are not recommended as a form of management for those with food allergies.

Antihistamines and steroids

Antihistamines such as Benadryl are given to treat allergic reactions. Antihistamines work by blocking the actions of the histamine which causes the blood vessels to dilate resulting to respiratory distress. On the other hand, steroids are taken to calm down the immune system. It can reduce inflammation. For some people, they take antihistamines and steroids before ingesting foods they are allergic to and this can be effective for some especially for those who only have mild allergic reactions. However, this is not recommended because antihistamines and steroids might treat the symptoms but this does not cure you from your food allergies.

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Learning How to Muscle Test Food Allergies

February 20, 2011 By 2 Comments

All kinds of allergies especially food allergies and allergies to airborne allergens can be lethal because of the risk of anaphylaxis. This is the reason why doctors came up with different allergy testing procedures people can undergo to find out the cause of their allergy. These days we have different food allergy testing, blood test for allergies and other kinds of methods people use to find out the cause of their allergy. Applied kinesiology just like acupuncture is based on Chinese medicine. There are people who learned how to muscle test food allergies and they can also teach allergy sufferers to do muscle testing on their own if possible.

People who believe in alternative medicine use applied kinesiology which uses muscle testing as a means to diagnose some diseases including identifying food allergies. Although many doctors and scientist are skeptical about the accuracy of applied kinesiology, people who have tried this particular kind of alternative medicine believe in the results of the test. Learning how to muscle test food allergies is not that difficult but one must fully believe in the principles behind applied kinesiology to make sure that they can fully comprehend and apply kinesiology.

Aside from joining clinics and seminars where people can learn how to muscle test food allergies, it is also possible to find some great resources online. Testing food allergy through muscle test is done by placing food and other substances on specific muscles on the body then applying pressure on them. The concept behind applied kinesiology is that the body is an electrical system which has a continuous connection with all the organs of the body including all the muscles in the body. When pressure is placed on a healthy muscle it remains strong despite the presence of a stimulus but when it is out of balance, the muscle becomes weak when a stimulus is applied on it.

Learning how to muscle test food allergies requires you to learn how to check if your energy is balanced in order to ensure that the test result will be accurate. This can be done by doing a yes/no test which entails putting pressure on your dominant arm and looking for specific response.

When doing muscle testing, you just have to make sure that the major energy meridians according to Chinese medicine should be covered. This means repeating the test at least four times wherein the suspected allergen is placed in different points each time to verify the accuracy of the test. Some doctors and scientists might think that using alternative medicine to test food allergy is unreliable, but many still recommend it because it is accurate most of the time and it is also much cheaper and sometimes free as compared to other kinds of tests.

There are many ways people can learn how to muscle test food allergies. However, it’s important to note that most of the methods involve the allergy sufferer to hold a suspected allergen against specific parts of the body. Pressure is then placed on certain muscles and the response of the muscles becomes the basis whether or not the food the subject is holding is an allergen or not.

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Considering Edema as A Reaction to Food Allergies

February 19, 2011 By 1 Comment

Swelling or edema is one of the most common symptoms of allergies. Edema as a reaction to food allergies have been noted in many medical journals. Edema as a reaction to food allergies is one of the important facts those with food allergies should be aware of. Swelling or edema can happen all over the body. The most common are facial edema, eyelid edema, leg swelling and swollen feet and ankles.

The severity of the edema varies for each individual depending on how much allergens they were exposed to and their body’s reaction to the allergen. In order to understand edema as a reaction to food allergies better, individuals should understand the pathophysiology of allergy. Allergic reactions happen in two phases.

Edema happens at the first phase which occurs immediately after an individual is exposed to an allergen. When an individual is exposed to an allergen, a hypersensitivity reaction against the allergen happens wherein an antibody called IgE is produced. The IgE is circulated in the blood and it binds to an IgE-specific receptor which can be found on the surface of mast cells and basophils. Mast cells and basophils are involved in the acute inflammatory response.

At this point, the IgE is sensitized to the allergen. When an individual is again exposed to the same allergen, the allergen binds to the IgE on the surface of basophils or mast cells which activates the mast cells or basophils. The activated basophils and mast cells then undergo a process called degranulation wherein they release anti-inflammatory chemical mediators and histamines. The degranulation process can cause several systemic effects, one of which is vasodilation which causes edema or swelling.

Edema as a reaction to food allergies is very dangerous especially when the swelling occurs in the respiratory tracts because it can lead to nasal obstruction or sinus obstruction, asthma and it can also obstruct the olfactory recesses. Difficulty in breathing is one of the dangerous effects of swelling in the respiratory tract and this can lead to death when left untreated. Hence, it is important for parents with children who have food allergies to make their children aware of the signs and symptoms of an allergy attack.

Parents whose children have food allergies – or who have allergies themselves – should take the time to read current health articles about food allergies to help them understand and prevent allergy attacks from happening. Allergy attacks, no matter how mild they are, can still cause injury and inconvenience to many people; hence, it is necessary to be knowledgeable about food allergy and its signs and symptoms.

The importance of not ignoring edema as a reaction to food allergies because of its potentially fatal effects should also be reiterated. Precautionary measures should be taken to make sure that those with food allergies especially children do not ingest any food which contains allergens. Even if an individual does not have severe allergic reaction to food allergies, it is still best to prevent allergy attacks. Furthermore, mild swelling or edema might not be deadly but it can be unsightly.

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