STRESS AND ALLERGIES

One of the biggest sources of stress in the body arecauses irritation of the nose, sneezing, and itching and
allergies. Allergic reactions can result from foods,redness of the eyes. Inhaled allergens can also lead
insect stings, and reactions to medications like aspiringto asthmatic symptoms, caused by narrowing of the
and antibiotics such as penicillin. There are also pollen,airways and increased production of mucus in the
flower and chemical allergies. An allergy is defined aslungs, shortness of breath), coughing and wheezing.
a disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactionsCHEMICALS AND OTHER ALLERGENS
occur to environmental substances known asSubstances that come into contact with the skin,
allergens.such as latex, are also common causes of allergic
FOOD ALLERGIESreactions, known as contact dermatitis or eczema.
Food allergies are very important and can cause lotsSkin allergies frequently cause rashes, or swelling and
of physical and mental problems. Wheat allergies andinflammation within the skin. Other frequent dermatitis
dairy are very common and can really create stressallergies relate to scented lotion and the chemicals
in the body. In fact many studies show thatcontained in lotion and soap. Some people are allergic
Attention Deficit Disorder, brain fog and behavioralto certain fragrances and odors such as perfumes.
problems are common in children with wheat andMany common environmental allergies are caused by
dairy allergies. Symptoms of food allergy includepollution, such as carbon monoxide, gas fumes, .
abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, itchy skinSOLUTIONS
and more. Food allergies rarely cause respiratoryYou can go to an allergist and get tested for a
(asthmatic) reactions, or rhinitis.variety of foods to determine what you allergic too.
Milk allergy is the most common food allergy in earlyOr you can listen to your body and do some
childhood. It affects somewhere between 2% andexperimenting. Pay attention to how you feel after
3% of infants in developed countries, butconsuming wheat or dairy. Sluggish, tired, brain fog,
approximately 85-90% of affected children losedigestive problems? Then try eliminating dairy or
clinical reactivity to milk once they surpass 3 years ofwheat from your diet for two weeks. See how you
age. Between 13% and 20% of children allergic tofeel now. You can certainly learn to reduce the
milk are also allergic to beef. Soy milk is a goodamount of wheat and dairy you consume if this is a
option to cow’s milk.allergy or sensitivity for you. You can also reduce
POLLEN / SEASONAL ALLERGIESyour exposure to chemical and environmental
Many allergens such as dust or pollen are airbornepollution, use scent and chemical free soap and lotion
particles. In these cases, symptoms arise in areas infor your skin and dust your house more frequently.
contact with air, such as eyes, nose and lungs. ForMold and house dust is a common allergen for most
instance, allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever,people.