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.