Allergies, What are They Exactly?

When we think of allergies, we imagine somebody sneezing over their cat or watery eyes because of the ragweed. But allergies are even more diverse than that.

The definition of allergy is quite simple; it is when the immune systemâ s hypersensitivity upon re-exposure to a sensitizing agent causes release of inflammatory chemicals and therefore the development of various symptoms. Our bodies then become intolerant of a particular chemical or process needed to digest a particular food.

The term allergy dates back to 1906 when an Austrian pediatrician named Clemens von Pirquet noted that some people had a different reaction to a substance than other people, which he called â altered reactivityâ . Today an allergy is described in reference to allergens, or a substance that provokes allergy symptoms. The body judges the substance to be foreign and dangerous and then attacks it. Allergic responses vary and include fatigue, headache, sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffy sinuses. Allergic reaction symptoms are even broke down into two categories, immediate and delayed. Food allergies can occur two to 72 hours after eating.

The most common source of environmental allergies are the pollen of plants from trees, weeds, grasses and molds. As for food allergies, common culprits are yeast, wheat, corn, milk, dairy products, eggs, soy, shellfish, peanuts, chocolate and food dyes and additives.

There are many theories as to why some are more sensitive to pollutants and foods than others. Some speculate it is genetic. Others feel it is toxic overload from the pesticides and chemicals in our society or vaccinations we received as children.

So what are some simple steps we can take to build our immunity and defend ourselves from allergens?

1. Drink plenty of water. Water can act as an antioxidant by flushing oxidants and other toxins through the kidneys. Being well hydrated can help with our mucous membranes and sinuses as well. Try drinking water that has been purified through reverse osmosis, activated charcoal, de-ionized, ultraviolet light or distillation.
2. Clean Your House â " Wash pillows, blankets or all bedding to remove dust mites. Keep windows closed during allergy season and use air filters and purifiers. If you have a choice, avoid carpet as it collects dust mites and molds.
3. Eat More Healthy â " Try eating organic, foods that have not been processed with additives and chemicals. Eat more high-fiber plant foods such as grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Avoid refined sugars, synthetic fats, refined flours and commercial red meat and poultry.
4. Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals. Giving your immune system a boost to help fight off bacteria and viruses will give you the strength to digest and ingest what the environment has to offer.

Practice these four things and certainly you will see an improvement. It may not happen overnight, but nothing worthwhile ever does.

Keywords: