Allergies Article

[Guest guest]

The Shocking Truth About Allergies

by Francis

The allergy season is upon us and people are responding with sneezing,

wheezing, sinus problems, itchy eyes, and other symptoms. Some grin

and bear it, some take antihistamines, and others seek desensitization

shots. Most of us think of allergies as a nuisance or even a normal

part of life. Few realize that allergies are virtually unknown among

healthy populations, and that allergies are serious immune dysfunction

diseases with profound, long-term implications.

An allergic reaction is actually a significant event. The allergic

immune response consumes a lot of precious chemicals and energy that

would be better put to use doing daily repairs to the body. Chemicals

produced by an allergic reaction are damaging to health. Frequent

reactions will create conditions leading to other diseases,

infections, loss of normal energy levels, and shorter life span.

The formation of immune complexes is just one example of the myriad

things that happen during and after an allergic reaction. These result

when an offending substance, called an allergen, reacts with an

antibody produced by the immune system to form an allergen/antibody

(immune) complex. When large amounts of these complexes are formed,

the body doesn't know what to do with them. They end up causing

numerous problems by being deposited in tissues like brain arteries,

brain membranes, small blood vessels, the liver, the uterus, the

lungs, and kidneys. For example, immune complexes may be responsible

for up to 90% of human kidney disease. Complexes are capable of

clogging blood vessels and joints, and are known to release chemicals

that cause a cascade of health-damaging biochemical reactions.

These reactions can cause tissue swelling, and cells to become oxygen

deficient. Oxygen deficient cells don't produce needed energy, and

these cells become acidic, causing further malfunction and eventual

cell death. Immune function becomes depressed and remains so for the

duration of the exposure. If contact with the allergen is constant,

the immune system will become chronically depressed making the

individual susceptible to colds, flu, and other diseases.

What to do? Don't do the usual! Taking an antihistamine merely

suppresses the symptoms, while further damaging your normal chemistry.

Allergy shots are not benign. The long-term effects of shots are

unknown, but evidence suggests they damage the immune system. Grinning

and bearing your allergy not only keeps you uncomfortable, it does

damage to the body.

The sensible solution is to work toward putting your immune

dysfunction disease into remission by strengthening the body and

rebuilding immune competence. Begin shifting the body from the

reactive mode to the healing mode by avoiding allergic reactions as

much as possible. Minimize exposure to white flour, sugar, alcohol,

meat, dairy, eggs, corn, peanuts, prepared and processed foods, food

additives, and prescription drugs. Clear up any intestinal yeast,

bacterial, or parasitic infections. Eating a good diet of fresh,

whole-foods that are mostly uncooked is essential. Take high quality

nutritional supplements like the Perque brand. A minimum of three to

six grams a day of vitamin C is essential; it acts like a natural

antihistamine as well as an immune enhancer. Quercitin also reduces

the release of histamine. Extra vitamin E helps to rebuild immune

competence. Take essential fatty acids like a daily tablespoon of

Udo's Choice, a blend of nutritionally superior oils which inhibit

inflammation and build healthy cell membranes. Regular exercise is

important. Meditation and biofeedback can also be useful.

We should never accept allergies as just part of life. Allergies are

serious and unnecessary diseases. Leading an allergy-free life is

possible. I have seen many people go from basket cases to allergy-free

lives. But, you must do more than just manage and control symptoms.

The immune system must be strengthened to where it doesn't react to

things it shouldn't be reacting to. This takes work, but it's worth it

if you want to live a long, high quality life.

Francis is an M.I.T.-trained scientist, a registered nutrition

consultant, author of Never Be Sick Again, host of the Beyond Health

Show and an internationally recognized leader in the emerging field of

optimal health maintenance.