Although almost every part of the body can be affected with different symptoms by an allergy, the underlying mechanism is the same – a mistake by the immune system. We all have blood cells called lymphocytes which are the body’s home guard, constantly on the look-out for invaders such as bacteria and viruses. When they come across something that they recognize as not part of the body’s own proteins they produce antigens, which in turn produce antibodies (known as IgE) to neutralize it.
It is estimated that one-third of people claim they have a food allergy while in fact only 2-8% of children and 1-2% of adults have clinically proven allergic reactions to food. This is due in part largely because we fail to discriminate between food allergies and food intolerances. Food allergies involve the body’s immune system whereas food intolerances originates in the gastrointestinal system and involves an inability to digest or absorb certain substances.
Allergies develop in stages. When the immune system encounters an allergen (antigen) it signals the development and release of antibodies against it. There is no allergic reaction in the that first exposure; however if the substance again enters the body, antibodies are programmed to respond defensively against it.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of food, drug or environmental allergies include: runny eyes, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, sinus congestion, puffy eyes, throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, rashes, hives, itching, shortness of breath and in extreme cases wide spread swelling of skin and mucous membranes.
Allergens
Common allergens include: environmental agents (dust, pollen, mold, pets and dander) food (milk, eggs, shellfish, soy, wheat products, nuts) and drugs (penicillin).
Homeopathy is a viable and beneficial option for the treatment and management of allergies.Homeopathy treats the body by stimulating the body’s immune system to reduce and desensitize the body to the various antigens that are being erroneously identified as harmful to the body. Homeopathy treats each patient individually therefore different treatment plans will exist from patient to the next suffering with acne. More about homoepathy……