I have used and recommended the
The most crucial factors to our wellness are the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Sometimes we forget how critical pure air is to our health, but the average person takes 23,000 breaths every day, inhaling about 35 pounds of air. If this were fresh, clean, oxygen-rich air, it would be wonderful. The problem is, most of us spend about 80% of our time in our homes, offices, and vehicles, and this indoor air is stale and full of dust, bacteria, viruses, and other toxins that pose a serious threat to our health. In fact, numerous studies have indicated that indoor air is up to 10 times more polluted than most outdoor air. To make matters worse, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere has dropped from an estimated 38% in 1800 to about 19% today. As you can see, we have a huge problem with air quality that has contributed to many modern illnesses.
Can Ionic Air Purifiers Help With This Situation?
Various types of air purifiers and filters have been invented over the years, but by far the most effective, safe, and economical design has been the ionizer or negative ion generator type. One of the reasons why ionizers work so well is that they imitate and duplicate methods of air purification that occur spontaneously in the natural world. For example, thunderstorms, lightning, sunshine, ocean waves, and waterfalls all have something in common: They increase the number of negative ions in the air, just as ionizing air purifiers are designed to do.
Negative ion generators work by using high voltage to release negatively charged air molecules (anions) into the air. Since literally all particles and foreign matter in the air are positively charged (cations), the two are magnetically attracted, thus causing the particles to get heavier and fall out of the air. They are either collected by a filter, on some machines, or simply allowed to fall to the ground and can then then be vacuumed or dusted away.
This action also has a disinfecting effect on the air, thus reducing the risk for bacterial and viral infections. In fact, ionizing air purifiers have been very successful at battling hard to handle infections that have been running rampant in hospitals and other health care facilities in recent years.
One thing to be aware of when choosing an ionizing air purifier is that many older machines secondarily produce significant amounts of ozone. In fact, ozone generators that primarily form ozone are available too. Ozone is an excellent air purifier and is also anti-bacterial and anti-viral. However, too much ozone can be toxic to humans and pets, causing respiratory distress such as coughing, chest pain, lung damage, and aggravating conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Many ionizers also have added features such as a HEPA filter, ultraviolet light, and carbonated filters to further cleanse the air of smoke, odors, germs, pollen, and molds. Permanently installed and portable units are available for home and vehicles. Prices vary greatly, so it pays to understand which features you need and to shop around. Some manufacturers of appliances such as computers, air conditioners, and even refrigerators and washers/dryers are jumping on the bandwagon by including negative ion generators built into their appliances.
How Can an Ionizer Air Purifier Improve My Health?
Using a negative ion generator in your home, car, or office can provide many benefits:
negative ion air purifier can greatly reduce these pests, and thus lower risk for allergic reactions, colds, flus, and other respiratory disorders.
Showing posts with label Allergies and Asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allergies and Asthma. Show all posts
Monday, March 23, 2009
Creating a Green Environment with Ionic Air Purification
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Probiotics to Prevent Allergies
This recent Finnish study presents some fascinating evidence indicating the benefits of helpful bacteria in the intestinal tracts of newborn babies and their mothers shortly before giving birth. However, the researchers fall short of the obvious conclusion that if probiotics can prevent allergies in the early years of life, they can certainly be useful later in life as well. Could it be that the rise in C-sections in this country correlate with the prevalence of childhood allergies?
It is estimated that about 70% of the immune system is found in the gut. The use of probiotics to increase the efficiency of the digestive tract is a great boon to the immune system and provides an excellent deterrent to allergies and other types of disease as well. I highly recommend Latero-Flora, which is a spore-bearing probiotic. Latero-Flora contains the Brevi Bacillus Laterosporus BOD strain which is a very potent probiotic encased in a spore. This encasement allows this probiotic to survive the stomach acids and form colonies. According to research, Brevi Bacillus Laterosporus BOD kills certain pathogenic bacteria and it may actually help to up the immune system. When Brevi Bacillus Laterosporus BOD is present, the body produces and stores antibodies which are then used to fight off pathogenic organisms. New research indicates that Brevi Bacillus Laterosporus BOD may also increase natural interferon which is an important immune booster that helps fight infections and inflammation.
Probiotics Prevent IgE Associated Allergy Until Age 5 In Cesarean Delivered Children But Not In Total Cohort
15 Jan 2009
According to a recent study from the University and the University Central Hospital of Helsinki, Finland, no allergy-preventive effect is extended to age 5 years by perinatal supplementation with probiotics in babies at risk for developing allergies; protection is conferred only to Cesarean section babies.
Childhood allergies have increased significantly in industrialized countries during the past few decades. Researchers theorize that this rising incidence is the result of a lowered exposure to bacteria in early childhood. This exposure to microbes appears to be essential in jump-starting the immune system to develop healthy pathways that do not result in allergic conditions.
Additionally, it's been observed that infants who develop allergies have intestinal bacteria that are distinctly different from those of non-allergic infants, suggesting that the type of intestinal microflora is an important factor in forming allergic conditions.
In a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (online January 2009) researchers from the University and University Central Hospital of Helsinki conducted a clinical trial of more than 1200 mothers whose infants would be at high risk to develop allergies. During the last month of their pregnancies, the mothers took daily doses of a probiotic mixture or a placebo, and their infants were given the same probiotic mixture plus a prebiotic or a placebo for the first 6 months of their lives. The children were followed for 5 years and evaluated for incidence of allergic diseases.
The authors found that the frequencies of allergic and IgE-associated allergic disease and sensitization were similar in the children who had received probiotic and those who'd gotten placebo. Although there appeared to be a preventive effect at age 2, there was none noted at age 5. Interestingly, in babies born by cesarean section, the researchers found less IgE-associated allergic disease in those who had received the probiotic.
"No allergy-preventive effect is extended to age 5 years by perinatal supplementation with probiotics in babies at risk for developing allergies; protection is conferred only to C-section babies", says Dr. Mikael Kuitunen from the University Central Hospital of Helsinki. "However, it is possible that stronger and longer stimulation of the infant immune system possibly by varying the strains of bacteria, may result in better allergy-preventive effects."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=135482
It is estimated that about 70% of the immune system is found in the gut. The use of probiotics to increase the efficiency of the digestive tract is a great boon to the immune system and provides an excellent deterrent to allergies and other types of disease as well. I highly recommend Latero-Flora, which is a spore-bearing probiotic. Latero-Flora contains the Brevi Bacillus Laterosporus BOD strain which is a very potent probiotic encased in a spore. This encasement allows this probiotic to survive the stomach acids and form colonies. According to research, Brevi Bacillus Laterosporus BOD kills certain pathogenic bacteria and it may actually help to up the immune system. When Brevi Bacillus Laterosporus BOD is present, the body produces and stores antibodies which are then used to fight off pathogenic organisms. New research indicates that Brevi Bacillus Laterosporus BOD may also increase natural interferon which is an important immune booster that helps fight infections and inflammation.
Probiotics Prevent IgE Associated Allergy Until Age 5 In Cesarean Delivered Children But Not In Total Cohort
15 Jan 2009
According to a recent study from the University and the University Central Hospital of Helsinki, Finland, no allergy-preventive effect is extended to age 5 years by perinatal supplementation with probiotics in babies at risk for developing allergies; protection is conferred only to Cesarean section babies.
Childhood allergies have increased significantly in industrialized countries during the past few decades. Researchers theorize that this rising incidence is the result of a lowered exposure to bacteria in early childhood. This exposure to microbes appears to be essential in jump-starting the immune system to develop healthy pathways that do not result in allergic conditions.
Additionally, it's been observed that infants who develop allergies have intestinal bacteria that are distinctly different from those of non-allergic infants, suggesting that the type of intestinal microflora is an important factor in forming allergic conditions.
In a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (online January 2009) researchers from the University and University Central Hospital of Helsinki conducted a clinical trial of more than 1200 mothers whose infants would be at high risk to develop allergies. During the last month of their pregnancies, the mothers took daily doses of a probiotic mixture or a placebo, and their infants were given the same probiotic mixture plus a prebiotic or a placebo for the first 6 months of their lives. The children were followed for 5 years and evaluated for incidence of allergic diseases.
The authors found that the frequencies of allergic and IgE-associated allergic disease and sensitization were similar in the children who had received probiotic and those who'd gotten placebo. Although there appeared to be a preventive effect at age 2, there was none noted at age 5. Interestingly, in babies born by cesarean section, the researchers found less IgE-associated allergic disease in those who had received the probiotic.
"No allergy-preventive effect is extended to age 5 years by perinatal supplementation with probiotics in babies at risk for developing allergies; protection is conferred only to C-section babies", says Dr. Mikael Kuitunen from the University Central Hospital of Helsinki. "However, it is possible that stronger and longer stimulation of the infant immune system possibly by varying the strains of bacteria, may result in better allergy-preventive effects."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=135482
Monday, November 3, 2008
Incidence of Food Allergies Soaring
It seems the dietary suicide that many Americans have been exposing themselves and their children to for decades is taking another measureable toll on their health. A steady supply of junk food and genetically altered nutrition is producing more and more allergies of all types in our society, but it tends to impact children harder than the rest of the population due to their immature bodies and immune systems.
Now that this dietary madness has continued for several generations in many cases, kids are not getting proper nutrition even before they are born. Much of the groundwork for a healthy (or unhealthy) immune system is laid in the womb. Allergies of all types, including those to food, are ultimately the result of a weakened immune system that does not respond properly to the body. Much of this could be avoided and prevented from ever happening if families dined on natural, whole-foods that contain the nutritional building blocks we need and are designed to eat instead of high-calorie foods that are often void of any nutritional value.
The allergy answer is not the latest medication proffered by your local pharmacy, which can often lead to very hazardous side effects, especially in children. Allergies are a holistic problem, and can only be cured and prevented by following a comprehensive lifestyle that leads towards wellness.
Food allergies increasing in US kids, study says
AP News
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Food allergies in American children seem to be on the rise, now affecting about 3 million kids, according to the first federal study of the problem.
Experts said that might be because parents are more aware and quicker to have their kids checked out by a doctor.
About 1 in 26 children had food allergies last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday. That's up from 1 in 30 kids in 1997.
The 18 percent increase is significant enough to be considered more than a statistical blip, said Amy Branum of the CDC, the study's lead author.
Nobody knows for sure what's driving the increase. A doubling in peanut allergies _ noted in earlier studies _ is one factor, some experts said. Also, children seems to be taking longer to outgrow milk and egg allergies than they did in decades past.
But also figuring into the equation are parents and doctors who are more likely to consider food as the trigger for symptoms like vomiting, skin rashes and breathing problems.
"A couple of decades ago, it was not uncommon to have kids sick all the time and we just said 'They have a weak stomach' or 'They're sickly,'" said Anne Munoz-Furlong, chief executive of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, a Virginia-based advocacy organization.
Parents today are quicker to take their kids to specialists to check out the possibility of food allergies, said Munoz-Furlong, who founded the nonprofit in 1991.
The CDC results came from an in-person, door-to-door survey in 2007 of the households of 9,500 U.S. children under age 18.
When asked if a child in the house had any kind of food allergy in the previous 12 months, about 4 percent said yes. The parents were not asked if a doctor had made the diagnosis, and no medical records were checked. Some parents may not know the difference between immune system-based food allergies and digestive disorders like lactose intolerance, so it's possible the study's findings are a bit off, Branum said.
However, the study's results mirror older national estimates that were extrapolated from smaller, more intensive studies, said Dr. Hugh Sampson, a food allergy researcher at the Mount Sinai School of medicine.
"This tells us those earlier extrapolations were fairly close," Sampson said.
The CDC study did not give a breakdown of which foods were to blame for the allergies. Other research suggests that about 1 in 40 Americans will have a milk allergy at some point in their lives, and 1 in 50 percent will be allergic to eggs. Most people outgrow these allergies in childhood.
About 1 in 50 are allergic to shellfish and nearly 1 in 100 react to peanuts, allergies that generally persist for a lifetime, according to Sampson.
Some people have more than one food allergy, he said, explaining why the overall food allergy prevalence is about 4 percent.
Children with food allergies also were more likely to have asthma, eczema and respiratory problems than kids without food allergies, the CDC study found, confirming previous research.
The study also found that the number of children hospitalized for food allergies was up. The number of hospital discharges jumped from about 2,600 a year in the late 1990s to more than 9,500 annually in recent years, the CDC results showed.
Also, Hispanic children had lower rates of food allergies than white or black children _ the first such racial/ethnic breakdown in a national study.
The reason for that last finding may not be genetics, said Munoz-Furlong. She is Hispanic and said people in her own family have been unwilling to consider food allergies as the reason for children's illnesses. "It's a question of awareness," she said.
http://srnnews.townhall.com/Common/PrintPage.aspx?g=d9fdff19-995f-486a-a23a-f2a8cf7cef71&t=c
Now that this dietary madness has continued for several generations in many cases, kids are not getting proper nutrition even before they are born. Much of the groundwork for a healthy (or unhealthy) immune system is laid in the womb. Allergies of all types, including those to food, are ultimately the result of a weakened immune system that does not respond properly to the body. Much of this could be avoided and prevented from ever happening if families dined on natural, whole-foods that contain the nutritional building blocks we need and are designed to eat instead of high-calorie foods that are often void of any nutritional value.
The allergy answer is not the latest medication proffered by your local pharmacy, which can often lead to very hazardous side effects, especially in children. Allergies are a holistic problem, and can only be cured and prevented by following a comprehensive lifestyle that leads towards wellness.
Food allergies increasing in US kids, study says
AP News
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Food allergies in American children seem to be on the rise, now affecting about 3 million kids, according to the first federal study of the problem.
Experts said that might be because parents are more aware and quicker to have their kids checked out by a doctor.
About 1 in 26 children had food allergies last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday. That's up from 1 in 30 kids in 1997.
The 18 percent increase is significant enough to be considered more than a statistical blip, said Amy Branum of the CDC, the study's lead author.
Nobody knows for sure what's driving the increase. A doubling in peanut allergies _ noted in earlier studies _ is one factor, some experts said. Also, children seems to be taking longer to outgrow milk and egg allergies than they did in decades past.
But also figuring into the equation are parents and doctors who are more likely to consider food as the trigger for symptoms like vomiting, skin rashes and breathing problems.
"A couple of decades ago, it was not uncommon to have kids sick all the time and we just said 'They have a weak stomach' or 'They're sickly,'" said Anne Munoz-Furlong, chief executive of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, a Virginia-based advocacy organization.
Parents today are quicker to take their kids to specialists to check out the possibility of food allergies, said Munoz-Furlong, who founded the nonprofit in 1991.
The CDC results came from an in-person, door-to-door survey in 2007 of the households of 9,500 U.S. children under age 18.
When asked if a child in the house had any kind of food allergy in the previous 12 months, about 4 percent said yes. The parents were not asked if a doctor had made the diagnosis, and no medical records were checked. Some parents may not know the difference between immune system-based food allergies and digestive disorders like lactose intolerance, so it's possible the study's findings are a bit off, Branum said.
However, the study's results mirror older national estimates that were extrapolated from smaller, more intensive studies, said Dr. Hugh Sampson, a food allergy researcher at the Mount Sinai School of medicine.
"This tells us those earlier extrapolations were fairly close," Sampson said.
The CDC study did not give a breakdown of which foods were to blame for the allergies. Other research suggests that about 1 in 40 Americans will have a milk allergy at some point in their lives, and 1 in 50 percent will be allergic to eggs. Most people outgrow these allergies in childhood.
About 1 in 50 are allergic to shellfish and nearly 1 in 100 react to peanuts, allergies that generally persist for a lifetime, according to Sampson.
Some people have more than one food allergy, he said, explaining why the overall food allergy prevalence is about 4 percent.
Children with food allergies also were more likely to have asthma, eczema and respiratory problems than kids without food allergies, the CDC study found, confirming previous research.
The study also found that the number of children hospitalized for food allergies was up. The number of hospital discharges jumped from about 2,600 a year in the late 1990s to more than 9,500 annually in recent years, the CDC results showed.
Also, Hispanic children had lower rates of food allergies than white or black children _ the first such racial/ethnic breakdown in a national study.
The reason for that last finding may not be genetics, said Munoz-Furlong. She is Hispanic and said people in her own family have been unwilling to consider food allergies as the reason for children's illnesses. "It's a question of awareness," she said.
http://srnnews.townhall.com/Common/PrintPage.aspx?g=d9fdff19-995f-486a-a23a-f2a8cf7cef71&t=c
Monday, October 27, 2008
Hidden Latex Allergens
Allergic reactions to latex are becoming more common, and they can range from minor to life-threatening. They are most often associated with medical or dental care, but the article below points out some less obvious situations that may lead to latex exposure. If you are allergic to latex, this post may give you a heads up as to potential sources of latex you should be aware of.
Allergies to latex or any number of common allergens are triggered by a faulty immune system response. A natural health practitioner can often alleviate allergies through dietary and nutritional interventions that bolster your immune system and help bring your body back into balance. Lifestyle changes such as these are much safer, more effective, and offer better long-term solutions than the medications often prescribed for many allergic conditions.
Look Out For Latex In Unexpected Places
Article Date: 06 Oct 2008 - 10:00 PDT
Allergic reactions to latex happen commonly in medical settings, where rubber gloves are in abundant supply. But less-visible elements in other environments can also pose danger, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
"Consider that restaurant meals are frequently prepared by cooks wearing latex gloves. In schools, the cafeteria may be a threat, but there is also potential exposure to latex in school supplies," said Donald H. Beezhold, PhD, FAAAAI, chair of the AAAAI Latex Allergy Committee. "This type of inadvertent exposure poses a serious health risk to millions of Americans."
Estimates of latex allergy prevalence vary, but the condition disproportionately affects healthcare workers and others with frequent exposure to latex - including those who have had multiple surgeries. At least 10 percent of healthcare workers and more than half of individuals with spina bifida are believed to have the allergy, versus 1 percent to 6 percent of the general population.
Reactions to latex can result in skin irritation or anaphylaxis - which can be life-threatening.
Avoidance is key to preventing an allergic reaction and the responsibility of education often falls to the patient. The AAAAI offers resources on latex allergy in the Diseases 101 section of its Web site, http://www.aaaai.org. The AAAAI recommends these tips for latex-allergic patients:
- Avoid contact with latex products, including gloves, balloons and condoms.
- Inform your doctors, dentist, family, employer and school personnel of the allergy and request accommodations as needed.
- Remember that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act provides workplace protections for individuals with latex allergy. If protective gloves are required for your job, your employer should consider an alternative synthetic material, which is equally effective in most situations.
- Ask your physician if you should wear a medical bracelet identifying your allergy.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/124377.php
Allergies to latex or any number of common allergens are triggered by a faulty immune system response. A natural health practitioner can often alleviate allergies through dietary and nutritional interventions that bolster your immune system and help bring your body back into balance. Lifestyle changes such as these are much safer, more effective, and offer better long-term solutions than the medications often prescribed for many allergic conditions.
Look Out For Latex In Unexpected Places
Article Date: 06 Oct 2008 - 10:00 PDT
Allergic reactions to latex happen commonly in medical settings, where rubber gloves are in abundant supply. But less-visible elements in other environments can also pose danger, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
"Consider that restaurant meals are frequently prepared by cooks wearing latex gloves. In schools, the cafeteria may be a threat, but there is also potential exposure to latex in school supplies," said Donald H. Beezhold, PhD, FAAAAI, chair of the AAAAI Latex Allergy Committee. "This type of inadvertent exposure poses a serious health risk to millions of Americans."
Estimates of latex allergy prevalence vary, but the condition disproportionately affects healthcare workers and others with frequent exposure to latex - including those who have had multiple surgeries. At least 10 percent of healthcare workers and more than half of individuals with spina bifida are believed to have the allergy, versus 1 percent to 6 percent of the general population.
Reactions to latex can result in skin irritation or anaphylaxis - which can be life-threatening.
Avoidance is key to preventing an allergic reaction and the responsibility of education often falls to the patient. The AAAAI offers resources on latex allergy in the Diseases 101 section of its Web site, http://www.aaaai.org. The AAAAI recommends these tips for latex-allergic patients:
- Avoid contact with latex products, including gloves, balloons and condoms.
- Inform your doctors, dentist, family, employer and school personnel of the allergy and request accommodations as needed.
- Remember that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act provides workplace protections for individuals with latex allergy. If protective gloves are required for your job, your employer should consider an alternative synthetic material, which is equally effective in most situations.
- Ask your physician if you should wear a medical bracelet identifying your allergy.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/124377.php
Friday, August 1, 2008
Asthma Tied to Immune System and Digestive Tract Dysfunction
The incidence of asthma has risen dramatically in recent years, and according to the article posted today, it may have everything to do with what and how we eat, as well as the overall health of the flora in our digestive tract. Research highlighted in this study indicates an association between GERD, the immune system, and asthma.
Natural health practitioners have long stated that "life and death originate in the digestive tract," and there are very sound reasons for this belief. If the digestive tract is not operating efficiently, many illnesses, including GERD, can result. But beyond that, we are learning that the gut is very actively related to the function of the immune system, and can influence allergic reactions such as asthma and others as well. The health of our digestive system has widespread effects, either positive or negative, throughout the body. This is the most important reason that total digestive tract cleansing or colon cleansing with an oxygen-based cleanser should be performed on regular basis in order to keep this important area of the body moving and clean.
I saw another study recently that linked the bacterial population in the digestive tract to asthma. It appears that a balance of flora in the gut is necessary in order to prevent many reactions such as asthma and others. Thus, it is essential that we use a natural, quality probiotic product to restore the balance of bacteria in the bowel that is often decimated by the use of antibiotics and other risky behaviors of modern life. It is important for any family or individual dealing with the challenges of asthma to understand the holistic implications of the disease.
Link Found Between Asthma and GERD
Common Form of Indigestion May Raise the Risk of Asthma
By Jennifer WarnerWebMD Health News
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
July 25, 2008 -- Chronic heartburn may alter the immune system and raise the risk of asthma, according to a new study that helps explain why so many people with asthma also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Researchers say the link between asthma and GERD has been a mystery for years. Previous studies have shown that 50%-90% of people with asthma also suffer from gastric reflux, but until now the relationship between the two conditions was unclear.
The study shows that inhaling small amounts of stomach acid back up into the esophagus and lungs, a hallmark of GERD, slowly produces changes in the immune system that may lead to the development of asthma.
"This does not mean that everyone with GERD is going to develop asthma, by any means," researcher William Parker, assistant professor of surgery at Duke University Medical Center, says in a news release. "But it may mean that people with GERD may be more likely to develop asthma. If there is an upside to this, it is that developing GERD is something we can pretty much treat and control."
Asthma-GERD Link Explained
In the study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers mimicked the effects of GERD in laboratory mice by inserting small amounts of gastric fluid into their lungs for eight weeks. They then compared how the immune systems of these mice responded to exposure to allergens, a key factor in the development of asthma, to the immune response of normal, healthy mice.
The results showed that the GERD mice responded very differently to allergens. Specifically, they developed an immune response similar to that found in people with asthma by releasing a specific type of infection-fighting T-cell. Healthy mice responded in a more balanced manner releasing two types of immune cells.
Researchers say rising rates of reflux and GERD may be driving increasing rates of asthma, but many of the risk factors behind this phenomenon may be modifiable.
They say people who already have GERD can minimize gastric reflux and reduce their risk of developing asthma by following these tips:
* Eat smaller meals
* Eat several hours before going to bed
* Raise the head of the bed a few inches
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Limit fatty foods, coffee, tea, caffeine, and alcohol because they can relax the esophageal sphincter and make reflux more likely.
"People should avoid the risk factors for GERD. We strongly believe that the rise in asthma, particularly among adults in the country, is in large measure due to lifestyle choices that can be changed," Parker says.
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20080725/link-found-between-asthma-and-gerd?print=true
Natural health practitioners have long stated that "life and death originate in the digestive tract," and there are very sound reasons for this belief. If the digestive tract is not operating efficiently, many illnesses, including GERD, can result. But beyond that, we are learning that the gut is very actively related to the function of the immune system, and can influence allergic reactions such as asthma and others as well. The health of our digestive system has widespread effects, either positive or negative, throughout the body. This is the most important reason that total digestive tract cleansing or colon cleansing with an oxygen-based cleanser should be performed on regular basis in order to keep this important area of the body moving and clean.
I saw another study recently that linked the bacterial population in the digestive tract to asthma. It appears that a balance of flora in the gut is necessary in order to prevent many reactions such as asthma and others. Thus, it is essential that we use a natural, quality probiotic product to restore the balance of bacteria in the bowel that is often decimated by the use of antibiotics and other risky behaviors of modern life. It is important for any family or individual dealing with the challenges of asthma to understand the holistic implications of the disease.
Link Found Between Asthma and GERD
Common Form of Indigestion May Raise the Risk of Asthma
By Jennifer WarnerWebMD Health News
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
July 25, 2008 -- Chronic heartburn may alter the immune system and raise the risk of asthma, according to a new study that helps explain why so many people with asthma also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Researchers say the link between asthma and GERD has been a mystery for years. Previous studies have shown that 50%-90% of people with asthma also suffer from gastric reflux, but until now the relationship between the two conditions was unclear.
The study shows that inhaling small amounts of stomach acid back up into the esophagus and lungs, a hallmark of GERD, slowly produces changes in the immune system that may lead to the development of asthma.
"This does not mean that everyone with GERD is going to develop asthma, by any means," researcher William Parker, assistant professor of surgery at Duke University Medical Center, says in a news release. "But it may mean that people with GERD may be more likely to develop asthma. If there is an upside to this, it is that developing GERD is something we can pretty much treat and control."
Asthma-GERD Link Explained
In the study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers mimicked the effects of GERD in laboratory mice by inserting small amounts of gastric fluid into their lungs for eight weeks. They then compared how the immune systems of these mice responded to exposure to allergens, a key factor in the development of asthma, to the immune response of normal, healthy mice.
The results showed that the GERD mice responded very differently to allergens. Specifically, they developed an immune response similar to that found in people with asthma by releasing a specific type of infection-fighting T-cell. Healthy mice responded in a more balanced manner releasing two types of immune cells.
Researchers say rising rates of reflux and GERD may be driving increasing rates of asthma, but many of the risk factors behind this phenomenon may be modifiable.
They say people who already have GERD can minimize gastric reflux and reduce their risk of developing asthma by following these tips:
* Eat smaller meals
* Eat several hours before going to bed
* Raise the head of the bed a few inches
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Limit fatty foods, coffee, tea, caffeine, and alcohol because they can relax the esophageal sphincter and make reflux more likely.
"People should avoid the risk factors for GERD. We strongly believe that the rise in asthma, particularly among adults in the country, is in large measure due to lifestyle choices that can be changed," Parker says.
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20080725/link-found-between-asthma-and-gerd?print=true
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Avoiding Common Food Allergens During The Holidays
Its the time of year again when many of us will be entertaining and serving our favorite dishes and goodies. If cooking for folks with food allergies, the stakes can be quite high as far as determining what we are and are not putting on the table. Some people can have dangerous allergic reactions to common foods such as eggs, peanuts, or shellfish. The last thing you want to do at your holiday gala is unknowingly expose a guest to a hidden allergen.
The tips in the following article are very helpful at identifying likely sources, both obvious and hidden, of some of the most common allergens. In addition, some excellent suggestions are given for ways to change recipes by using substitutions that do not include allergens. Use this overview as an aide to preparing healthy, delicious meals that will keep your friends and family coming back for more.
Note: I highly suggest not using or substituting with soy milk or unfermented soy when putting together your favorite recipe. Not only is it high on the list of common allergens for many people, but soy can also mimic hormones in the body. When using pre-packaged foods be sure to read the ingredient list thoroughly, as some form of soy is found in just about everything. Fermented soy used as a condiment is the exception, and actually recommended since many who are allergic to soy can consume fermented soy without concern.
Guide to Food Allergies and Special Eating Needs
By EatingWell, EatingWell.com
Following the guide below can help you prepare a meal for someone with food allergies or other special eating needs. Hidden sources are not as elusive as they were before it became mandatory to list, in plain language, ingredients derived from the "Big Eight" allergens. But you still need to read labels. We have simplified that job by identifying some foods in which these risky ingredients are common.
We also offer ways to modify favorite dishes so all can enjoy them. Note: The information in this chart is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Since allergies and intolerances are quite variable, its best to ask your guests about their specific restrictions before you start planning a dinner menu.
The tips in the following article are very helpful at identifying likely sources, both obvious and hidden, of some of the most common allergens. In addition, some excellent suggestions are given for ways to change recipes by using substitutions that do not include allergens. Use this overview as an aide to preparing healthy, delicious meals that will keep your friends and family coming back for more.
Note: I highly suggest not using or substituting with soy milk or unfermented soy when putting together your favorite recipe. Not only is it high on the list of common allergens for many people, but soy can also mimic hormones in the body. When using pre-packaged foods be sure to read the ingredient list thoroughly, as some form of soy is found in just about everything. Fermented soy used as a condiment is the exception, and actually recommended since many who are allergic to soy can consume fermented soy without concern.
Guide to Food Allergies and Special Eating Needs
By EatingWell, EatingWell.com
Following the guide below can help you prepare a meal for someone with food allergies or other special eating needs. Hidden sources are not as elusive as they were before it became mandatory to list, in plain language, ingredients derived from the "Big Eight" allergens. But you still need to read labels. We have simplified that job by identifying some foods in which these risky ingredients are common.
We also offer ways to modify favorite dishes so all can enjoy them. Note: The information in this chart is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Since allergies and intolerances are quite variable, its best to ask your guests about their specific restrictions before you start planning a dinner menu.
| The Big Eight | Foods to Avoid | Common Hidden Sources | Delicious Swaps and Recipes |
Milk Also relevant to: | Cows milk and all food products including butter, buttermilk, cheese, cream cheese, cream, half and half, ice cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, pudding, sour cream (made from it.) Plus, many (but not all) people who are allergic to cows milk are sensitive to proteins in goats milk and sheeps milk too. | Deli meats and hot dogs, veggie burgers, sorbet, canned tuna, chocolate, nondairy creamers, commercial breads and rolls, salad dressings and mayonnaise. | * Substitute an equal amount of rice milk, soymilk or almond milk in recipes. |
Egg Also relevant to: | Eggs. Note: Some people are so sensitive to egg proteins that cooking fumes can stoke an allergic reaction. | Ice creams, egg substitutes, pastas, candies, hot dogs, meatballs, breads, rolls and other baked goods, mayonnaise, meringues, marshmallows, nougat and marzipan. | * Sub mashed avocado, hummus or tapenade for mayo on sandwiches. |
| Peanut | Peanut butter, mixed nuts, beer nuts, peanut oil. Note: Experts often caution those with peanut allergies to avoid tree nuts, due to cross-contamination risks. Plus, about one-third of those with an allergy to peanuts (which are legumes like beans) have or will develop an allergy to one or more true nuts, which grow on trees. | Sauces used in ethnic(Asian, African and Mexican) meals (e.g., mole), candy, chocolate, sunflower seeds and nut butters (which often are processed on shared equipment, so read labels to find ones that keep peanuts separate), some natural and artificial flavors and many other foods (i.e., read labels of all processed foods). | * Dip apples in a little honey instead of peanut butter. |
| Tree Nuts | Walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, and more. Note: Experts often caution those with tree nut allergies to avoid peanuts too. (See explanation above.) | Cereals, chocolate, candies, marzipan, nougat, mortadella, pesto and some natural and artificial flavors (i.e., read labels of all processed foods). | * Mix your own nut-free trail mix with a variety of favorite cereals, raisins and banana chips. |
Fish Also relevant to: * vegans | Fish including tuna, salmon, catfish, and more. Note: Experts often caution those allergic to fish to be aware of cross-contamination risks of eating shellfish and other seafood. | Caesar salad dressings (many contain anchovy paste), Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, caponata, imitation crab meat (a.k.a., surimi). | * Blend olives and sun-dried tomatoes into cream cheese as a substitute for smoked salmon on a bagel. |
Shellfish Also relevant to: * vegans | Shrimp, crab, lobster, crawfish, and more. Note: Experts often caution those allergic to fish to be aware of cross-contamination risks of eating fish and other seafood. | Fish stocks, flavorings (anything labeled "natural and/or artificial flavorings" may contain fish by-products). | * Try risotto cakes instead of crab cakes. (Rice and Corn Cakes with Spicy Black Beans recipe) |
| Soy | Soymilk, tofu, tempeh, edamame, soybeans, soy protein isolate, soy sauce, soy nuts, TVP or textured vegetable protein (defatted soy flour), tamari, miso. | Tuna, deli meats, hot dogs, vegetable broth, vegetable starch, textured vegetable protein, cereals, infant formulas, sauces, soups, many vegetarian products. | * Make a stir-fry with seitan (wheat gluten) or chicken, plus veggies, ginger and garlic (skip the soy sauce!). |
Wheat Also relevant to: * people with celiac disease | Wheat-based pastas, cereals, breads, bran; wheat germ, wheat berries, semolina (a type of wheat used to make pasta), kamut (used in cereals, crackers and pasta), bulgur, seitan. | Ice creams, bouillon cubes, potato chips, deli meats, French fries, soy sauce, many processed snacks (too many to list), breadcrumbs, couscous, spelt, hot dogs. | * Experiment with different pastas, including those made from corn, brown rice and quinoa. (Quinoa with Latin Flavors recipe) |
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