Allergies

Allergies – the odd balls in the group!

We are all familiar with the more common allergens – pollen, dust mites, molds, pet dander and food. If you’re reading this post you are probably allergic to at least one of the above.  Here a couple of allergens you are probably not familiar with – the odd balls in the group. 

No leather shoes for me!

If you find a rash on your feet after wearing leather shoes, you might be allergic to the chemicals used during the leather tanning process.  Contact dermatitis, a form of eczema, is a cornucopia for all common skin conditions resulting from direct contact with an irritant or allergen.  More than five million doctor visits every year can be attributed to its red, rash outcome. The solution?  Wear shoes that are not made from leather.

No baths for me – a little boy’s favorite words

Even though we need water to survive, there are some people who get hives or red welts from water.  This is known as aquagenic urticarial.  Even though it is described as an allergy, it is not a true histamine-releasing allergic reaction.  The condition usually last 15 to 30 minutes. The hives are very itchy.    No one can pin point why some people are allergic to water and it is a very rare type of allergy. 

Exercise – or allergy time?

Exercise allergies were first reported in the 1970s.  There seems to be two types of exercise allergies.  One is caused from eating food within two hours of working out and the other happens without eating any food.  Symptoms go from mild hives and welts to severe anaphylasix, with a massive drop in blood pressure and trouble breathing.  Both can be determined by a doctor.  If it’s the food related allergy you can easily fix that by not eating before you exercise. 

To charge or not to charge?

Yes, believe it or not there are people who think they are sensitive to electrical fields generated by computers, cell phones, microwaves, power lines and light switches. Symptoms can include ringing in the ears, headache, fatigue, and other complaints. But studies have shown this is probably one type of allergy you don’t have to worry about.  Almost all the tests have come up empty on proving electrical fields can cause allergy like symptoms.

Keep the change!

For some people handling coins can cause another type of contact dermatitis. Most likely it is a reaction to nickel, a metal mixed with other metals to form an alloy.  Nickel is used in jewelry, zippers, eye glass frames and coins.  People who are sensitive can develop rashes where ever the metal comes in contact with their skin.  As with all allergens that cause contact dermatitis, red rashes and itching, the best treatment is to avoid whatever is causing the condition.

Remember, allergies are the result of our body’s defense system overreacting to foreign particles. Help build your immune system with Allergy Drops through Sublingual Immunotherapy. Allergena has developed allergy drops for where you live!

Allergy Myths

Allergy myths – what is true and what is false?

Every time you turn around someone you know is complaining about being allergic to this or allergic to that.  Hay fever alone now affects close to 60 million people in the U.S. The more you know about allergies the better you will be able to manage them. With so much information out there, some of it conflicting, it is important to know the facts.

True or false?  Cleaner is better. 

False

 A little dirt and germs are good for us.  It builds up your immune system, so you don't have to endlessly dust and bleach.  Instead, try a vacuum with a HEPA filter, change out your air duct filters and take off your shoes before you come into the house.  Remember, it’s the small tiny wind-pollinated allergens that cause us the most irritation. Reduce the pollen and increase the germs.

True or false? Pollen allergies only affect us in Spring?

False

One of the most common misconception about pollen and seasonal allergies is that the season is short. The spring allergy season can actually start in mid-February.  There are generally two peaks with pollen allergies: tree pollen (early in the season) and then the grass pollens which come out in late April and early May. The “Spring” allergy season can run as long as 5 months. 

True or false?  If you didn’t have allergies when you were little you won’t have them now that you are grown.

False

You can develop an allergic reaction to anything at any time.  It begins with exposure. Even if you've inhaled pollen or mold many times before with no trouble, at some point, for some reason, the body flags it as an intruder. During this particular exposure, the immune system studies the allergen. It readies itself for the next exposure by developing antibodies. Then, the next time you're exposed to the allergen, your immune system kicks into action, triggering a scratchy throat or runny nose.

True or false? Only take medications at the start of an allergic reaction?

False

The best way to get allergy relief is to take allergy remedies on a regular basis and start before pollen season hits.  Studies have shown people were able to increase their tolerance and reduce their body’s negative reaction by exposing themselves to tiny amounts of the allergen.

Honey and Pollen Allergies

Does Honey really help alleviate pollen allergies?

It sounds like a win/win situation.  Sweeten your teas and muffins with honey and cure your pollen allergies at the same time but the truth of the matter is honey probably does nothing to alleviate those itchy eyes and runny nose.

 

Still the idea isn't so far-fetched. Some experts point out that honey can contain traces of flower pollen — an allergen and one treatment for allergies is repeated exposure to small amounts of allergens.

In recent years, scientists have discovered that honey possesses some legitimately intriguing properties. Proteins secreted by honeybees, for instance, are mixed with the flower nectar bees use to produce honey, and science has recently discovered that one of these proteins, called “bee defensin-1” has significant antibacterial, anti fungal, and antiviral properties.

The misconception comes from the pollen the bees mostly carry back to the hive.  In the previous post we talked about insect pollinated vs. wind-pollinated? The pollen blowing in the wind (released by non-flowering trees, weeds, and grasses) is what triggers springtime allergies not the pollen in flowers carried by bees. So even local honey won’t have much, if any, of the type of pollen setting off your allergies.

Studies also show that bees don’t just bring flower pollen back to their honeycomb. They carry tree and grass pollen, in addition to mold spores, diesel particles, and other contaminants. Which means that it’s difficult to make a honey from just one kind of pollen (say, weeds and not grass). So, save your local honey for your tea and muffins, not for your allergy medicine cabinet.

If you want help from pollen allergies you need to try a product that consists of what a person is allergic to so the body becomes safely conditioned to tolerate those allergens and reduce allergic symptoms.

Pollen Allergies

Pollen allergies or as it is better known, Hay Fever, are directly related to things in our environment.

Did you know Hay fever has nothing to do with hay?  It got its name because long ago farmers noticed that their symptoms of runny noses and itchy eyes occurred during the season of the spring hay harvest, and so they connected it with hay. When actually the watery eyes and sinus headaches are most often due to pollen from the beautiful plants and trees adorning your yard or neighborhood.

The best way to battle pollen allergies is to find out which pollens you are allergic to. An allergist is able to easily test you for various types of trees, weeds, and grasses, and provide you with a list of pollens that negatively affect your body.

Below are a few types of plants that are known to cause pollen allergies:

Trees:  Birch, Alder, Cedar, Hazelnut, Willow, Plane, Olive and Hornbeam Grasses:  Ryegrass &amp Timothy Weeds:  Ragweed, Nettle, Mugwort, Goosefoot abd Sorrel.

Depending on where you live, your individual sensitivity may differ dramatically. If a person lives in an area that has hot, dry, windy days, then there is more of a chance that pollen is in the air. Whereas if you live in areas where the air is cool or there are more rainy days, the pollen is washed to the ground and is less likely to affect you.

Tune into your local weather channel or get online to find out the days pollen count.  Allergy pollen counts allow you to see how you could be affected right in your own hometown. On days when the count is high you don’t have to suffer from pollen allergies or hay fever, which has nothing to do with hay.

Migration Allergies

Migration allergies are allergies that stop once you move to a different part of the country but develop from all new allergens in a few years after you've acclimated to your new environment.

"Snow birds" are migrating towards warmer climates. There's been a steady influx of people from all over the united states to the south and southwest. Often they rejoice too soon thinking they left not only the cold weather,but also their allergies, behind. The first few years of moving to a different climate, people can often be allergy symptom-free. Unfortunately, that usually only lasts a few years. Before they know it, migration allergies are hitting them like the rest of us.

After the first few years of migration or relocation, the immune system starts to adapt and change. People develop allergies to the trees, grasses and flowers of their new environment. Allergies are hard to escape for good. 20% of all people in the United States has allergies.

We have to remember that allergies are not caused by a weak immune system. On the contrary, the immune system is working too well and overreacting to allergens like pollen. This hyperactivity releases histamine which is the chemical that causes all those annoying symptoms. In the southwest, people react most often to the pollen from ragweed, olive trees, weeds, and grasses. Hay fever is probably the most common seasonal of desert migration allergies, with March through May being the height of the season.

Allergies are influenced by heredity and genetics, but it is possible to lessen your reaction to desert allergies. Following these 3 tips should help:

• Keep car and house windows closed and with the air-conditioning on as needed.
• Exercise keeps your immune system healthier. But avoid exercising outside during the morning and early afternoon hours during peak allergy season.
• Supplements like Allergena - Allergy Relief can help improve your immune system and keep migration allergies at bay no matter where you move.

These 3 steps alone can reduce allergy symptoms by 50 percent. Even though you leave the bad weather, doesn't mean you've rid yourself of allergies for good.

Autumn Allergies

Autumn allergies can make life particularly miserable for some people, and fall is just around the corner.

We are still in the peak of long, hot summer days. The last thing on our minds is the chill of autumn air. This is especially true if you are dealing with the allergies associated with summer and those of us allergic to grasses. But autumn is just around the corner. And autumn allergies can make life particularly miserable for some people. Autumn is officially weed allergy season.

“Ragweed pollen is one of the predominant allergens in the fall; it can cause rhinitis and trigger asthma, and it may make eczema worse or cause conjunctivitis,” says Dr. Ivan Chinn, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and an immunology, allergy and rheumatology physician at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Because of its abundance in the fall, ragweed has its own classification of severe autumn allergies. There are lots of different types of ragweed. Additionally, there are many other types of weeds releasing pollen airborne. This is the major reason doctors will just refer to them all as simply "general weeds" Nevertheless, when it comes to autumn allergies, 99% of the time, the person is allergic to ragweed. It is so prevalent, with so many people, that even when you get an itch in your mouth after eating an avocado or banana, ragweed pollen is to blame. This is due to cross-pollination of the crops.

Weed allergies are not the only allergen affecting us in the fall. Mold is also a major fall and late summer allergen. But unlike with weed allergies, mold spores lie dormant through winter until the spring. Weed allergies start in the fall and can affect us throughout the winter months.

So how do you prepare for these inevitable and approaching allergies? If you have autumn allergies, you can avoid the outdoors when your symptoms are exceptionally bad. Washing your hair at night and changing out of your clothing helps significantly. Pollen stays on hair and skin, causing more and more exposure each time you touch or brush your hair. Make sure you aren't contaminating your bedding or sleeping in contaminated bedding will help as well. Simple products like Allergena Trees, Weeds, or Grasses or Allergena Mold Mix taken as a daily sublingual supplement can prove to be a successful tool to keeping you symptom-free from autumn allergies. When you're dealing with any allergies, always remember that people with allergies tend to live longer than those without them. Allergies are not a disease, it's your body's best defense system at work.

Common Things That Can Make Your Allergies Worse

Having allergies is not fun, but there are some common things that can make your allergies worse.

If you have allergies, most likely you are well aware what is causing them. But there are a few things that may make your allergies worse without even realizing it. Learn how these common items may bring on allergies or worsen existing allergies.

Fruits and Veggies. You may have an allergic reaction to some of the fruits and vegetables you buy. It's referred to as oral-allergy syndrome. A protein found on the skin of some raw produce can trigger allergy symptoms such as an itchy throat and mouth. Peeling produce and even cooking can help remove the proteins. You might be better off avoiding that particular fruit or vegetable.
Contact Lenses. Contact lenses make absorbing pollens in air more likely. Tears allow allergens to get trapped under the lense causing eye irratation. Sticking with your glasses during allergy season works best to avoid these symptoms.
Stress. When you feel stressed or anxious, you are twice as likely to get allergy symptoms or your allergies will worsen. Find ways to relax and destress. It's not only better for your allergy symptoms, but great for your overall health.
Alcohol. Red Wine can make allergy symptoms worse. Sulfites found in wine and beer are the culprit. Some people are especially sensitive to sulfites and will experience worsening allergy symptoms after consuming it.
The Wrong Medication. Knowing which medication will work best for your allergies is important. Make sure you speak with your doctor to find out whether an antihistamine or decongestant is best for your particular allergies. Allergena Products work well on both fronts to eliminate allergy symptoms you're experiencing. Click here for more information on your particular zone and different Allergena Allergy products.
Perfume and Candles. The lining of the eyes and nose can be irritated with any types of perfumes. Perfumes and candles release these particles into the air increasing the chances for making your allergies worse.
Chlorine. Pools treated with chlorine can be a major cause of increased allergy symptoms for people. Chlorine is an irritating gas, and just being near the fumes is enough to bring on symptoms.
Clothing. Washing your clothes every time you wear them is crucial to removing pollen-causing allergies. Fabrics like wool allow allergens to remain on them because of the rough texture. Washing in hot water works best as well as wearing fabrics such as cotton.
Morning Showers. Pollen sticks to skin and hair easily. When you bathe in the morning you are going to bed with the allergens on your skin and hair from the night before. Bathe at night and go to bed in clean sheets and bedding. This helps to reduce lingering allergens clinging to your hair and clothing from the day.
Weather. Many of you already know that allergies are worse on dry, sunny and windy days. It is the perfect conditions for pollens to travel through the air. But light rain can stir up pollen as well.
Secondhand Smoke. People exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher incidence of allergies and worsening allergy symptoms. Smoke is an irritant that travels through the air that can affect your nasal and lung passageways. Keeping your exposure to a minimum will help fight off added symptoms.

Holistic or Homeopathic?

With the overabundance of conventional medicine on the market, many of us have considered trying a different approach such as holistic or homeopathic treatments, so what are the differences?

A doctor who practices holistic medicine combines modern Western treatment with alternative medicine. Alternative medicine being a complementary (additional) treatment. Examples of alternative medicine include treatments such as chiropractic, acupuncture or massage. A holistic doctor offers patients the options of traditional pharmaceutical drugs in addition to these alternative treatments. Some of the alternative treatment can, in fact, include a homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic treatment falls under holistic treatment. This type of treatment offers medicine that considers and examines the person as a whole. It incorporates an individual's diet, emotional and mental state, what causes them stress, their activity level, and all of these aspects entirely. This helps to define the term "holistic." Homeopathy follows the notion that a tiny amount of what's bad for you is actually good for you. The body has the ability to heal itself when given the least amount of medicine. It also follows the principle of "like cures like." Homeopathic practitioners do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to healing. They believe in a very individualized approach to making a person better. Homeopathic doctors deal with the underlying issues of a symptom versus just treating the symptom itself. They generally do not suggest the use of traditional medicine in their practice.

Most homeopathic doctors practice holistic medicine. Both homeopathic and holistic physicians will look at the whole picture in order to treat a patient or individual. Having an understanding which each practitioner does, and how they do i,t can help you make an informed decision for which one may best suit your needs. It ultimately depends on how you view treatment and what methods you are comfortable using. There has been a rise of homeopathic and holistic treatments worldwide. I believe this is due to a distrust in "Big Pharma" and the desire to bring us back to natural healing. Allergena offers homeopathy treatments for allergy sufferers individually based on your particular symptoms. The one-size-fits-all method has taken on skepticism in traditional medicine because we are realizing each of us may have different underlying symptoms. So why wouldn't we use individualized treatment methods?

Is Psoriasis linked to hay fever?

Is psoriasis linked to hay fever?

The National Institute of Health recently did a study that shows a relationship of certain illnesses such as hay fever, asthma, eczema and psoriasis. Theses particular illnesses are caused by inflammation of the tissues. The immune system reacts to allergens that enter the body causing this inflammation. The body produces a specific protein that interrupts the protective properties in skin.  Once these protective properties or barriers are disrupted, the skin fails to repair itself properly. This causes skin cells to grow very quickly.  In turn, making the protective function of the skin less able to fight off allergens. This increases inflammation and eventually causes skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema and allergy conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

"Approximately 50 million Americans suffer some form of allergy or hay fever, experiencing sneezing, runny nose or watery eyes, though the symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening." -NIH

There may be a way to block these allergens from entering the skin by creating an artificial wall to place on the skin. This could be something as simple as a lotion. If we keep allergens off the skin, we are able to keep the immune system from over-reacting. This allows the skin cells to slow down giving it time to create a successful protective layer or barrier. Studies have shown that people with eczema and psoriasis are likely to develop hay fever allergies and asthma. There is a common reaction for these disorders.  The immune system is affected and over-reacts producing inflammation and allergy symptoms.

This study opens up an understanding of skin disorders and their possible relationship to allergies entering the barriers in the lung and nose. Until more research is done, the only way to treat skin disorders, like psoriasis and eczema, is by taking immune suppressing drugs, many with unwelcome side effects.  If this relationship exists, increasing your body's ability to heal itself and healing your immune system naturally would be most beneficial. Sublingual immunotherapy with products such as Allergena Natural Allergy Remedy may be one successful way to encourage this healing.

For more information on this study, or other studies related to allergies, you can visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/allergy.html.

Mold and Mold Allergies - Get Rid of Mold (Part 2 of 2)

Now that we've learned about what mold is and where it comes from, the real question is: How do you get rid of mold?

Although it's impossible to get rid of all mold spores in your home completely, you can control the spread of it. The best way to prevent mold over-growth and spreading is by controlling moisture in your home. Mold, and mold spores specifically, can not grow without moisture. So moisture is key to getting rid of mold.

Identify moisture in your home.

This can be very simple in some areas and not so simple in others. It's easy to feel and identify humidity in areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. But it's important to recognize that moisture build-up can happen anywhere in your home. Are there any leaks in your plumbing or ceilings? Is there visible mold in areas that do not show visible signs of moisture such as under rugs, carpets or on walls? Any areas that do have leaks and water damage need to be cleaned and dried thoroughly within 48 hours to assure that mold does not form. Once moisture has been identified and the areas have been repaired, cleaned and dried, follow these following tips to prevent mold overgrowth.

• Use an air conditioner and dehumidifier. If you live in a humid climate, this needs to be done all year long. If you live in a drier climate, use during humid months, rainy periods and in rooms with the most moisture. 
• Avoid using carpets in basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms. 
• Ventilate your home by using fans facing/blowing outside. Also, use bathroom fans or open bathroom windows when showering or bathing. 
• If mold buildup has developed on your walls, use mold inhibitors or fungicides in paint, primer and wall paper paste.
• Buy a humidity meter and monitor and control indoor humidity. (Ideally between 30%-50%).
• Vent appliances that produce moisture such as clothes dryers and stoves to the outdoors.
• Use a bleach cleaner for kitchen and bathroom sinks and drains, tubs, shower walls/tile and flooring. (Avoid touching moldy surfaces with bare hands and wear protective gloves when using harsh cleaning agents.) 
• Clean garbage cans and refrigerators at least once a month. 
• Mold can grow in old books, newspapers, clothing and bedding. Get rid of any of these, if possible, or use a vacuum seal kit to seal them air tight so no moisture or oxygen can get in and allow mold growth.

Should I contact a Professional?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), testing is usually not necessary with smaller amounts of visible mold. However, large areas of mold may require the services of a professional who is experienced in mold cleanup. The severity of the mold and your symptoms from the mold can vary greatly from room to room and home to home. If you've followed all the above steps for clean-up and prevention to get rid of mold and are still having an overgrowth of mold, contact a mold removal specialist.

Mold spores, like pollen, are everywhere. If  'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' then using a daily mold remedy, such as Mold Mix is definitely worth its weight. It works with your body's immune system to heal itself while calming mold allergy symptoms. With the summer heat and humidity upon us, feeling symptom-free from mold and mold allergies and keeping the mold spores to a minimum can make your summer just a little brighter.

Previous Mold and Mold Allergies - What is it? What are the Symptoms? (Part 1 of 2)

Mold and Mold Allergies - What is it? What are the Symptoms (Part 1 of 2)

Mold: What is it, where does it come from and what are the symptoms of mold allergies?

Mold is a fungus commonly found in moist areas such as on logs, fallen leaves, in bathrooms and basements. Mold is potentially anywhere there is moisture or dampness. Mold, unlike plants and flowers, produce spores. These spores travel through the air and get inhaled in our lungs, similar to pollen, to create an allergic reaction causing mold allergies. These spores are not visible to the naked eye. They are very resilient and can survive in dry and harsh environments where mold can not grow. Traveling through air, mold spores land on a moist surfaces in humid environments enabling mold to grow. There are many different types of mold. Generally speaking, indoor and outdoor are the two most prominent when dealing with mold allergies.

Indoor mold is often referred to as mildew. This is a particular mold found in the home that is white or gray in color. It is commonly found growing in showers, under sinks, in drains, on drywall, ceiling tiles, carpets, furniture, ducts, wallpaper and around plumbing pipes. Black mold which is greenish-black in color is also found indoors but is not as common. Indoor mold has the potential to cause health problems and can destroy surfaces and objects where it grows and spreads.

Outdoor mold is most common in damp, dark areas of decomposing plant life. It is often found growing on rotting logs, fallen leaves, grass and in piles of compost. Outdoor molds are not destroyed with the cold and frost in the fall and winter like pollen. Its growth just remains dormant until spring and summer when decomposing plant life is present and provides an area to grow.

Similar to most allergies, mold allergy symptoms include: sneezing, runny nose, itchy, swollen, irritated eyes and ears, hives, rash, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and worsening asthma symptoms. Individuals with mold allergies can have more symptoms and a higher degree and severity of symptoms based on their sensitivity to it, as well as the type of mold they are exposed to. An allergist or doctor can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to a mold allergy. Products like Allergena Mold help the immune system grow stronger and alleviates your mold allergy symptoms safely and effectively when taken daily in the presence of mold.

Next: Mold and Mold Allergies - Get Rid of Mold (Part 2 of 2)

Get Rid Of Dust Mites

You may have heard that dust mites are everywhere- your carpet, your bedding, your mattress, even living on your skin. But is there a way to get rid of dust mites for good?

Dust Mites are tiny insects barely visible to the naked eye that can be found anywhere humans live. They feed on organic tissues such as flakes of shedding human skin and pet dander. They flourish in areas like carpets, mattresses, and bedding especially on pillows. Their presence is often felt with symptoms such as asthma, allergies, cold-like symptoms and even rashes. There is a direct relationship to people who develop asthma and the presence of dust mites in their homes.

Did you know that a mattress will double its weight in 10 years due to dust mites? Gross! So how do you get rid of dust mites?

Hot water.  Dust mites can not survive in temperatures over 130 degrees. Wash all your bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, pillow cases, mattress covers, as well as children's toys and pet bedding once a week.  Items that require a trip to the dry cleaners can be washed less frequently, depending on the severity of the problem, i.e., allergy and asthma related symptoms. In just two years, your pillow's weight will consist of roughly 15% dust mites.  Down comforters and pillows attract dust mites the most. To get rid of dust mites, get rid of any down bedding and replace with machine washable ones. Pillows need to be thrown away and replaced after 2 years. Non-fabric toys can be washed in the dishwasher. Be sure to dry all items in the dryer at the highest temperature to kill any dust mites that survived the wash.  Similarly, make sure to use your dishwasher's heated drying option.

Vacuuming. Buy a vacuum with a HEPA air filter and replace the filter at least once a year. Hardwood and linoleum floors are best to have to get rid of dust mites, but it's not always an option so vacuum often, preferably 3 times per week. Vacuum and flip mattresses once or twice a year or purchase a dust mite mattress cover. If you have pets, vacuum areas where your pets like to hangout every day. Make sure to brush pets outside of your home and brush them frequently. Before re-entering your home, wipe down your pets with a damp cloth to catch any remaining loose dander.  Steam cleaning your rugs and carpets with hot water (130 degrees or higher) every few months is strongly recommended as well.

Co-Habitation. Unfortunately, it's near impossible to get rid of dust mites completely.  They're everywhere in our homes.  Using Allergena Dust+Mite daily greatly reduces allergy and asthma symptoms from unavoidable dust mite exposure.

You are not stuck suffering from cold-like symptoms and wheezing from these parasites forever.  Just by adding Allergena Dust+Mite and incorporating these few simple steps you'll be well on your way to living a healthier and (almost) dust-mite free life.

Are Your Allergies Causing Migraines?

Could be! The term Migraine refers to a large umbrella of head related discomforts.

Clearly allergies cause sinus congestion, watery nose and eyes, coughing, sneezing, fatigue. All of these symptoms happen in your head. Here's the thing... the exact cause of migraines is still not well understood, but the problem is considered to be neurological (related to the nervous system). It is believed that brain chemicals, blood vessels, and nerves of the brain are involved. Allergies are an immune response. Immune response can impact your entire body including your brain... in your head. That's where your migraine is, Right? Let's take a look at the Miserable Migraine!
I'm no doctor, but let's look at this logically from info publicly available.

Migraine Symptoms:

• Throbbing pain on one side near the temples, forehead, and eyes. 
• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Quick to fatigue during activities
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vision problems (such as Aura:  flashing lights, wavy lines, or dots, or they may have blurry vision or blind spots)

There are time when I've had similar symptoms and people have asked me, "Do you have allergies?" Sometimes, the serious allergy over-the-counter meds help. I've never been diagnosed though. Do I actually not have allergies, but a migraine instead.  Boy, if I had to pick...?

Triggers for Allergic Reactions:

You can have an allergic reaction to things Ingested, Contacted or Inhaled.

• Ingested symptoms can include: hives (red, itchy, inflamed skin) abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea accompanied by a rash, swelling of the lips or eyes which appears and disappears quickly, or, in very rare cases, anaphylactic shock.
• Contact symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling, scaling, or blistering of the skin near and surrrounding the contact location.
• Inhaled symptoms can include: sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, itchy throat, stomach ache, itchy skin, hives, fatigue, irritability

I'm not saying these are one in the same, but your immune health absolutely comes into question when you are experience any of these symptoms. Allergena promotes Immune Function in Response to Inhaled Allergens.

Triggers for Migraines:

Flashing Lights

Anxiety and Stress

Lack of Sleep or Food

Hormonal Changes

Headache foods: MSG, red wine, cheese, chocolate, soy sauce, and processed meats.

Tyramine: a substance used at high levels in Aged, fermented, and stored foods

Allergies and Migraines have totally different triggers.

If you suffer from Migraine symptoms you probably want it to stop. Take time to track your triggers. Keep a journal. Include fact tracking data:

• Date
• Time
• Location
• Activity
• Environment (weather stuff)
• Recent sleep
• Recent meal
• Symptoms and level of discomfort. Use a 1 to 10 Scale.

When you decide to see a healthcare provider, you will have a good collection of data to talk about.

AAFA Report the 2015 Worst Cities for Allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2015 worst cities for allergies has been reported. 

The data measured and compared each season includes:

• Pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed
• pollen and mold spores)*
• Number of allergy medications used per patient
• Number of allergy specialists per patient

The value of compiling this list is to help guide a pollen sufferer to local, geographical areas that may provoke and worsen their seasonal symptoms, which impacts their quality of life. Immediate personalized treatments can include prescription medication combinations, mono-therapies, or long-term treatments.

Looks like Allergena
will be Selling a lot of
Zone 2 Soon!

For a complete list of the 2015 Worst Cities for Allergies View this PDF

Beginning with Number 1
         Jackson, Mississippi, scored 100/100, 
2. Louisville, Kentucky, scored 98.34/100
3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, scored 95.64/100
4. Memphis, Tennessee, scored 94.64/100,
5. Knoxville, Tennessee, scored 94.51/100,
6. McAllen, Texas, scored 89.56/100,
7. Wichita, Kansas, scored 86.43/100
8. Dayton, Ohio, scored 86.15/100,
9. Providence, Rhode Island, scored 86.06/100,
10. Richmond, Virginia, scored 85.79/100,
11. Little Rock, Arkansas, scored 85.46/100,
12. Tulsa, Oklahoma, scored 84.59/100
13. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, scored 84.3/100
14. Chattanooga, Tennessee, scored 83.91/100
15. New Orleans, Louisiana, scored 82.04/100,
16. Columbia, South Carolina, scored 81.25/100
17. Birmingham, Alabama, scored 80.29/100,
18. San Antonio, Texas, scored 79.17/100
19. Dallas, Texas, scored 79/100
20. Syracuse, New York, scored 78.97/100

Here are a few Survival Tips:

1. Learn your allergies: Which trees, weeds and grass pollen are you allergic to.
2. Wear cotton: Synthetics cause static and pollen to stick to your clothing
3. Exercise early, or exercise late: Pollen counts are lowest before dawn and in the early evening.
4. Immunotherapy: Drops are easy on your body and the effects are long lasting.
5. Keep your home clean. There’s a reason for the term “spring cleaning.”
6. Eat the right foods. Certain foods naturally have ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat allergies. Munch on apples, broccoli and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (certain fish, like salmon, and nuts), or consider adding more garlic and the spice turmeric to your cooking. Yogurt can also help by improving digestion and making your immune system more effective.

Information gathered in part from The Weather Channel

How do you know if your pet has allergies?

Have you ever considered your furry family member may have Pet Allergies?

You probably think it's funny or cute when your pets sneeze. Is it funny and cute when you sneeze? Especially not if you are sneezing because of allergies.

Allergies experienced by our pets are different from those we experience. Pet Allergies symptoms are often:

• Watery Eyes
• Sneezing
• Scratching leading welts, open sores, and loss of hair.
• Dogs can also get ear infections

Pet allergies can come from:

Atopy: also known as seasonal pollen allergies Symptoms:

• Chewing at the feet
• Constant licking of the flank (side) and groin area
• Rubbing of the face
• Inflamed ears or recurrent ear infections
• Recurrent hot spots in dogs and pinpoint facial scabbing in cats
• Asthma-like wheezing and respiratory problems (more likely in cats)

Contact Dermatitis: allergies to carpet, cleansers or plastic

• Red itchy bumps or blisters on sparsely-haired areas of the skin and those exposed to the allergen such as the belly, feet, or muzzle
• Intense scratching
• Hair loss (in chronic conditions)

Food Allergies: often when experiencing other kinds of allergic reactions you animals will have an allergic reaction to common food.

• Itching, especially face, feet, trunk, limbs and anal area
• Ear problems, often yeast-related
• Skin infections that respond to antibiotics, but then recur as soon as the antibiotic therapy ceases

True Food Allergies are marked in dogs by increased bowel movements and regularly soft stool. Be cautious of food intolerance which causes diarrhea and vomiting.

Allergena for you Pet's Relief

Relief with the Netty Pot

Have you thought about using a Neti Pot?

You've probably heard stories about people finding their nasal relief miracle in a Neti Pot! Personally, I think it sounds like water boarding yourself...but could so many people be wrong?

The word "neti" is from the ancient Sanskrit from India. It literally traslates to nasal cleansing. The equipment to perform this technique has evolved over time with materials and production technology. 

Use of the Neti Pot is for the most part safe. 

About 10% of Neti pot users report discomfort or headaches after use. There have also been stories of contaminated water placing dangerous micro bacteria into your soft nasal passages causing severe illness. This is not the norm, however. Aside from the cleanliness of most water available, it is recommended to use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water. 

Frequent use of a Neti Pot can promote good sinus and nasal health if you have chronic:

• Sinusitis
• Facial pain
• Headache
• Halitosis
• Cough
• Anterior rhinorrhea (watery discharge)
• Nasal congestion

For a complete, simple explanation of Neti Pot use watch this:

These are the recommended steps:

1. Mix about 16 ounces (1 pint) of lukewarm water (distilled, sterile, or previously boiled) with 1 teaspoon of salt. 
2. To make the mixture gentler, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to buffer the solution.
3. Highly recommended to use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution.
4. Once you've filled the Neti pot, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45-degree angle. 
5. Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the saline solution into that nostril.
6. The fluid will flow through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril.
7. Liquid that begins to run down your throat, simply spit into the sink.
8. Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining liquid.
9. Refill the Neti Pot and repeat the process on the other side. 
10. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.

Juniper Allergies

Juniper allergies are part of the umbrella of Cedar Fever.

If you've ever touched a Juniper you know they are sticky. So is their pollen. Typically, Cedar Fever is known as a seasonal allergy. The Juniper qualifies under this category, but the season in reference is all the seasons. These trees release pollen all year round, depending on where you live. I personally am most impacted during the winter months. 

Symptoms of Juniper Allergies

Itching

• Throat 
• Nose
• Eyes
• Ears
• Roof of the mouth

Excessive mucus production

• Clear, watery nasal discharge leading to sneezing and congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Can cause bad breath

Headache caused by congestion

• Forehead
• Behind the eyes 
• In the face near the nose

Eye Discomfort due to presence of pollen on the eye surface.

• Watering
• Itching
• Swelling

Dryness and lung congestion

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest 

Individuals with asthma may experience more frequent or worsened attacks

Fatigue

Allergies cause you immune system to work similar to illness, flu and cold. It is exhausting for your body.


Allergena offers Specialized Immunotherapy drops and tablets to promote your immune response to pollen. Visit our site to see what we've formulated for your Zone.

Allergies: Ingested vs. Contact vs. Inhaled

I often wonder why food allergies can kill us, while seasonal allergies just make us wish we were dead.

There are four ways in which you can present an allergic reaction:
Ingested Allergies, food allergies or medication
Injected Allergies, insect bites and stings and medication
Contact Allergies, contact with your skin
Inhaled Allergies, airborne allergens like pollen

Ingested Allergies are usually Food Allergies:

Medically viewed as food hypersensitivity - this is when your immune system shows an intolerance to a food. Food allergies are most often caused by cow's milk, nuts, eggs, and fruit. Children who develop Ingested Allergies are more likely to develop other allergies later in life. 

Symptoms of food allergies can be mild, as is the case with hives after eating strawberries. Other symptoms can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin—a condition called hives. More severe symptoms of ingested allergies may include abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea accompanied by a rash, swelling of the lips or eyes which appears and disappears quickly, or, in very rare cases, anaphylactic shock: a sudden, extreme allergic reaction that may result in death. Anaphylaxis is the extreme reaction. This is a rapidly progressing allergic reaction than can be treated quickly and relieved but could lead to death without treatment.

Contact Allergies often mistaken for Irritants

There are many products we use everyday, often cleansers or lotions, that irritate our skin. The degree to which a substance is an allergen or an irritant is narrow. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, hair dyes, jewelry, solvents, waxes, or polishes. Natural allergens include poison oak, poison ivy, and ragweed.

Symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling, scaling, or blistering. Treatment is simple including appropriate over the counter creams and ointments. If symptoms continue past 3 days, you should seek medical attention. 

Inhaled Allergies are often referred to as Seasonal 

These are the allergies that change with geographic location or weather. They include allergies to cats and dogs, trees, weeds and grasses. They are literally the tiny particles you can inhale. 

Allergena offers several Sublingual Immunotherapy Formulas for these types of allergies. 

Visit Allergena to see what will work for you.

Allergic to Beautiful Women

Have you ever seen a beautiful woman and started sneezing uncontrollably?

Don't worry, you are probably not actually allergic to beautiful women, you may just be allergic to their perfume. Perfumes are made from many different products.

Madehow.com tells us this about perfume:

While fragrant liquids used for the body are often considered perfume, true perfumes are defined as extracts or essences and contain a percentage of oil distilled in alcohol.

Human Touch of Chemistry says this:

Most perfumes are made by mixing three kinds of essential oils. Scents that fade quickly are called top notes. They are light scents that fade quickly and give the first impression, like bergamot and citronella. Middle notes last for a few hours and provide the dominant scent of the perfume. Like rose, juniper or marjoram. Finally come the base notes, made of exotic material like anise, myrrh and frankincense. The last is a thick, gum like material extracted from Boswellia trees that grow in Yemen. The dried gum when powdered and mixed with charcoal is often used in incense and dhoop sticks.

Basically, perfume, as wonderful at it smells, is airborne pollen, concentrated and complex. No wonder you sneeze. Don't get me wrong, as a woman, I love the smell of beautiful perfume especially when it is worn by a beautiful person. If it is making you sneeze, you have an option, and I'm not going to tell you to steer clear of beauty. 

Allergena for Fragrances, Smoke and Pollutants: 

Allergena is a Homeopathic Sublingual Immunotherapy. It reduces your body's negative reaction to environmental irritants such as Fragrances, Tobacco Smoke, Car Exhaust and Fireplace Smoke. Allergena homeopathic allergy drops help build immunity towards your allergic symptoms 

A Cold Spell Hits Florida

If you live in Florida, you are currently experiencing an unexpected cold spell. How about unexpected allergies?

I came to Florida to visit my friend, hoping for a nice warm relief from the cold. I was welcomed by gusty 35 degree weather. To say I was disappointed is an understatement.
Interestingly, my friend was a fit of watery eyes, nose and sneezing. He keeps telling me he has a cold but I'm convinced he has allergies. "How can I have allergies, I've never had allergies?"
Well here we go...
As a reminder, because of the nature of allergens, you can form allergies at any point in your life to anything.

In a climate like Florida, Allergies are bound to develop.

Florida is a wildlife playground. There are millions of variations of grasses, shrubs and trees. During the rain, the plant life is nourished and thrives after the rain. During a cold spell, like this week, the plants briefly hibernate and when the sun and rain emerge again. When adults from other parts of the country move to a pollen rich environment like Florida, the allergens are new to their system and after a couple months or even years can develop into full blown allergies. 

Allergena Zone 3 - 

The immune system defends us against disease. When harmful substances are detected, such as pollens, the immune system creates antibodies, which destroy or neutralize allergens (i.e. pollens, dust and/or mold) that cause us to have allergic reactions. However, sometimes even our immune system is not strong enough to defend against these allergens. Allergena is a Homeopathic Sublingual Immunotherapy that reduces the body's negative reaction to allergens. Our homeopathic allergy drops build immunity by exposing your body in micro doses to whatever it is that you are allergic to. This way, the body becomes safely conditioned to tolerate the allergens that previously brought on allergic reactions, and ultimately reduce allergic symptoms. Below are a few definitions to give you a better idea of how Allergena works: 
• Sublingual: Underneath the tongue. • Immunotherapy: Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune (defense)   system to fight infection and disease. Allergy shots are another form of Immunotherapy. 

To begin Immunotherapy for your Florida Allergies Order Today 

Indoor Allergies Making You Sneeze

In the winter, the most common allergies making you sneeze are pet dander, dust and indoor mold.  

Allergena offers Immunotherapy for allergies that will be impacting you all year round.

How does Allergena Pet Dander work?

The immune system defends us against disease. When harmful substances are detected, such as animal dander, the immune system creates antibodies. The antibodies destroy or neutralize allergens (i.e. mold, animal dander and/or pollens) that are causing your allergic reactions.

How does Allergena Dust + Mite work?

The immune system defends us against disease. When harmful substances are detected, such as dust, the immune system creates antibodies. The antibodies destroy or neutralize allergens (i.e. dust mites, mold and/or pollens) that are causing your allergic reactions.

How does Allergena Mold Mix work?

The immune system defends us against disease. When harmful substances are detected, such as mold, the immune system creates antibodies. The antibodies destroy or neutralize allergens (i.e. mold, fungi and/or pollens) that are causing your allergic reactions.

*Important to remember that Immunotherapy is an ongoing effort. It is not an allergen blocker and it is not to take away symptoms that are currently present. It is similar to receiving allergy shots, but much simpler and less evasive.

What is the difference between Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reaction?

Allergies, while simple can potentially cause Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal!

From the movie "Hitch" with Will Smith.

This scene had me laughing to tears. What this scene represents is Anaphylaxis. There are other photos available of real people who have not been visited by a team of makeup artists, they actually look like this due to an allergic reaction. The potential outcome is Anaphylactic Shock which can be fatal.

Description of Anaphylaxis:

Within minutes or hours of being exposed to your allergy trigger, your body starts a chain reaction that widens your blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure. You many pass out. You may get hives and swelling, especially around your face and throat. You may have trouble breathing, talking or swallowing.

If these symptoms occur, you are having a Medical Emergency! 

Call 911!

Anaphylaxis can progress to loss of consciousness very quickly, don't wait... and don't try to walk to the nearest drug store and start drinking a "Benadryl Juice Box."

Common Triggers for Anaphylaxis:

• Peanuts and tree nuts 
• Fish and shellfish
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Insect bites and stings
• Latex
• Medications

If you do not have less evasive allergic reactions you probably will never have the more severe reactions discussed. But as we know, some of us acquire allergies as we age, so be aware of the onset of minor allergic reactions.

• Tingling or itchy mouth
• Hives, itching or eczema
• swelling of your lips, face, tongue and throat
• Wheezing, sinus congestion and trouble breathing
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness, light headedness and fainting 

But I don't have Allergies!

If you have never had Allergies don't be surprised if you get them later in life.

This is referred to Adult Onset of Allergies. Many individuals have suffered from allergies since childhood, others develop them later in life. Initially when you experience the symptoms, you believe you have a cold or flu. Then you realize because of the duration you realize it is allergies. 

Some of the reasons you will develop allergies as an adult are:

• Sedentary lifestyle: lack of exercise causes your immune system to weaken.
• Hyper Sanitary lifestyle: lack of exposure to bacteria actually weakens your immune system.
• Increased pollution: pollen having more opportunity for travel on other airborne pollutants.
• Poor Ventilation in homes and offices: a good allergen filter for ventilation needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly.
• Growing populations of dust mites: many people are simply allergic to dust mites, actually the excrement of dust mites.

You are going to have to handle allergies the way everyone else does, on sneeze at a time. You have a few options to choose from. 

You can just deal with it: keep a supply of allergy suppressants in the cabinet.

You can see an allergists to get shots: injection immunotherapy lasts a couple years.

You can seek the alternative to shots; Sublingual drops.

Meditrend can provide Allergy Immunotherapy for each Zone of the US. 

Allergena Zone 1 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and the District of Columbia

Allergena Zone 2 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia

Allergena Zone 3 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin

Allergena Zone 4 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska

Allergena Zone 5 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas

Allergena Zone 6 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah

Allergena Zone 7 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

Allergena Zone 8 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for Oregon and Washington

Allergena Zone 9 Trees, Weeds and Grasses is Natural Allergy Relief for California and Nevada