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Photo by Jane Sundried on Unsplash All throughout winter and fall you have been waiting for the moment to put on your shorts and get outside to exercise. The sun is shining, the wind is running through your hair and all of a sudden you …
Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash Most of us have suffered from allergy symptoms at some time in our lives. For most people, this means a stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. But for others, it means hospital visits, EpiPens, and an ongoing mystery that …
One of the most common allergies these days is also one of the most deadly: peanuts. For those with a serious allergy to peanuts or other types of nuts, and parents of children with this allergies, it’s a major task to be 100% sure that no foods that contain nuts are consumed.
Over 400,000 children across the country suffer from a peanut allergy, and this number has shown a significant increase over the last 20 years. Recent research has led to a new development for the prevention of this increasingly common allergy. Scientists are now suggesting that during childhood, peanut allergies may be avoided by eating more nuts – not less – before an allergy develops.
A new study found that in high risk infants, early exposure to peanuts as opposed to avoiding nuts all together, has reduced the risk of developing an allergy by almost 80%! In the study, children were given small amounts of peanut traces. Later, they received the common “skin prick” allergy test to find out if a sensitivity had developed. Results showed that the babies who were exposed to nuts earlier did not develop an allergy.
Experts look at this as a groundbreaking discovery in allergy research. For the first time, preventative measures are an option, when before it was believed to be impossible.
However, it’s important to note that giving your infant peanuts in any form should still be done under the supervision of a pediatrician. Close monitoring for any reactions is necessary, but this new research definitely points experts in the right direction to unlock the solution for this and other life-threatening allergies.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/24/health/peanut-allergy-prevention/index.html
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash New research shows that kids from the inner city are more susceptible to developing allergies long-term. Previous studies have shown that children who live in urban environments are more prone to asthma and environmental allergies than those from suburban …
Photo by Mike Kenneally on Unsplash If you suffer from a gluten allergy or are gluten-sensitive, there’s good news for you. The American Food & Drug Administration has just released new regulations for food items that claim to be ‘gluten free’ but still contain gluten. …
April showers bring May flowers – and a whole lot of sneezing, itching, and puffy eyes, too. After a long and drawn-out winter, many of us are anticipating the start of spring. But for the millions of individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies, spring flowers are hardly a walk in the park. Experts are predicting that the 2014 allergy season will be among the worst seen in years. So, allergy sufferers, get your tissue boxes ready for this seasons worst allergy season!
According to Dr. Paul Ehrlich, an Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Specialist at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, the pollen levels this year will be in overdrive, starting as early as next week or the week after. Trees pollenate better in colder temperatures, so with all of the snowstorms that came this winter, there could be a huge amount of pollen in the air.
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Predictions say that those who suffer from mold allergies might also have more symptoms than usual this year. The very wet, snowy winter created the perfect temperature for mold to grow rapidly. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy being outside this spring if you have seasonal allergies. Trees decrease their pollen production in the afternoon, so you can still take your lunchtime stroll. Here are a few things that can make your allergy season less irritating:
If you’re experiencing symptoms for the first time, an allergist can tell you whether you’re allergic to pollen, grass, mold, or something else entirely. If you have severe, recurring allergy symptoms, there may be an underlying cause for your problems. Visit your doctor for a recommendation to an allergist for more information and testing.
Pay attention to the types of symptoms you usually have, when they occur, and their severity whenever they occur. Find the right combination of allergy-fighting medicine, natural supplements, nasal sprays, and whatever else you need to alleviate your symptoms – there are plenty of options out there!
Certain vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and its bioflavonoids (rutin, quercetin and hesperidin) work as natural anti-histamines and may be very effective in relieving your symptoms. You can reap the benefits of these bioflavonoids through your diet, too – foods with high bioflavonoid content include green vegetables like spinach and broccoli, as well as pineapples, grapefruit, onions and green tea.
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Make sure your shoes stay at the door and clothes you wore outside don’t get onto your bed, blankets, couches or anywhere else in your home! Cleaning your some regularly is a good way of keeping allergens outside.
The chilly weather may have taken your mind off your allergies, but allergists advise starting your usual course of medication a week or two earlier this year.