Allergy

Description

An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction, where the Immune System of certain individuals, mounts an immune response to a particular substance that, in similar amounts and circumstances, is innocuous to other people. Allergens, or allergy-causing substances, can be airborne (pollens, dust, smoke), infectious agents (bacteria, fungi, parasites), foods (strawberries, chocolate, eggs, wheat), contactants (poison ivy, chemicals, dyes), or physical agents (light, heat, cold).

Allergens can affect the respiratory system (Asthma or Hay Fever), or they can affect the Skin (wheals and Rashes). Allergens may also act on the gastrointestinal tract (nausea and Vomiting). Allergic reactions to substances injected into the bloodstream can cause violent and sometimes fatal reactions.

The best treatment for an allergic reaction is prevention, and the elimination of the offending substance from the sensitive person’s environment. Antihistamine drugs may offer temporary relief.

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Herbs

Echinacea (8)

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Nutritional Supplements

Magnesium Niacin Vitamin A (2) B Complex Vitamin B6 (3,4) Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,6) Vitamin E (7) Zinc

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References

1. Gallad L. Increased requirements fro Essential Fatty Acids in atopic individuals: A review with clinical descriptions. Jour Amer Coll Nutri 1986; 5(2):213-28.
2. Journal of Nutrition. 119:135-136, 1989.
3. Collipp PJ. Pyridoxine treatment of childhood bronchial Asthma. Ann Allergy 35: 93-97, 1975.
4. Sur S, Camara M, Buchmeier A, et al. Double-blind trial of Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in the treatment of steroid-dependent Asthma. Ann Allergy 70: 147-152, 1993.
5. Bucca C, et al. Effect of Vitamin C on histamine bronchial responsiveness of patients with allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy 65: 311-314, 1990.
6. Middleton E Jr. Effect of flavonoids on basophil histamine release and other secretory systems. Prog Clin Biol Res 213: 493-506, 1986.
7. Kamimura M. Anti-inflammatory activity of Vitamin E. J Vitaminol 18(4): 204-09, 1972.
8. Tubaro A, et al: Anti-inflammatory activity of a polysaccharide fraction of Echinacea angustifolia, Journal of Pharm Pharmacol, 39(7), July 1987, p 567-569.

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