Gluten is a type of protein that is very complex, and hence is very difficult to digest. This is the reason why babies are not given wheat when they are first introduced to solid foods. They are given a thin porridge made of rice, which their immature digestive tract can handle easily.
Gluten intolerance is acknowledged as a food intolerance, and is also known as gluten allergy, or celiac disease, and is usually inherited, with some people being born with the condition. If the diagnosis of gluten allergy is not made at infancy, it just worsens with age. Gluten allergy is basically a condition wherein the gluten found in various types of food cannot be absorbed. The main foods that contain gluten are: wheat, oats, barley, and rye. All types of wheat grain such as wheat bran, whole wheat grain, triticale, spelt, and so on, contain gluten.
As a matter of fact, in people with celiac disease this protein actually causes damage to the small intestine by flattening out the villi, tiny protrusions that are responsible for the absorption of nutrients, which line its walls.
What are the Gluten Intolerance Symptoms?
In case you have gluten allergy, the protein will damage the walls of your intestines, which will result in restricting the absorption of foods, and lead to various gluten allergy symptoms, such as: headaches; ulcers in the mouth; weight loss or weight gain; skin problems like eczema and dermatitis; aching joints; depression; exhaustion; behavioral changes which includes irritability; cramps, numbness and tingling; dental health problems; and being prone to disease due to the immune system being affected.
However, the most well known and common symptoms of gluten intolerance are gastro-intestinal, such as:
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Flatulence
Bloating
Dyspepsia (an uncomfortable sensation or pain in the upper area of the stomach)
Diarrhea (possibly the symptom that is the most major)
Fat excreted in stools (because of poor digestion)
Some of the other gluten allergy symptoms are: anemia, due to poor absorption of iron as well as reduced absorption of Vitamin B12, fatigue, and breathlessness.
Some of the other conditions associated with gluten allergy are irregular menstruation, infertility and miscarriage, as well as slow growth in infants and children.
How is the Diagnosis of Gluten Allergy made?
Until quite recently the diagnosis of gluten allergy was quite challenging since the symptoms are so varied as well as similar to other ailments, such as intestinal infection, irritable bowel syndrome, iron deficiency, chronic fatigue, and Crohn’s disease. As a matter of fact, there could be a cross over between gluten allergy and a few of these diseases. A person may have a combination of these problems, which can be aggravated by inappropriate food choices.
These days, physicians carry out tests to check for elevated levels of autoantibodies in the blood of patients. The body produces these when it detects any dangerous allergen, such as gluten. In case the results of the test indicate a gluten allergy, the physician may carry out a biopsy of the intestine, which will reveal what damage has been caused to the villi. Before going for the test, it is important to eat a normal diet that includes foods containing gluten.
As the summer months roll around and millions get ready for summer vacations and plenty of outside time, summer allergies are also kicking in. Studies suggest that human allergies have nearly quadrupled since 1980. Pet allergies appear to be on the rise, in concert with human allergies. Approximately 20 percent of all dogs suffer from some sort of allergy and the number is rising.
Animals, just like people, can suffer allergic reactions to a wide variety of environmental substances, or allergens. The occurrence of pet allergies mirrors that in human allergies, and the trend is rising each year. Common pet allergies include such things as flea bites, pollens (trees, weeds grasses), molds, wool, tobacco smoke, certain foods, and even other pets. The age of onset is usually between 6 months and 3 years of age. While symptoms are usually seasonal at first, they may become year-round over time.
Just like in humans, pet allergies are an inherited trait and lifelong disease. When one parent is allergic, there’s an increased likelihood that the offspring will be too. For this reason, pet allergies can also be breed specific, and some breeds are more prone to allergy than others. Retrievers, Boxers Terriers and Shih-Tzu’s are some of the more common breeds that suffer from allergies.
Skin disease (atopic dermatitis) is the most common symptom of pet allergy. During a flare-up, your pet’s skin becomes extremely itchy, red, scaly, and irritated. Atopic dermatitis can be widespread over the pet’s body, or limited to a few areas of the body; usually the face, feet, belly, groin and rump. This intense chewing and scratching (pruritis) can produce hair loss and inflamed areas of the skin, and often leads to secondary infection.
Pet allergy testing will identify the allergens that cause your pet to suffer. After discussing your pet’s clinical history and environmental surroundings, your vet may prescribe a simple blood test to identify your pet’s allergy. To begin, your veterinarian will draw a small amount of blood from your pet and send it to a laboratory for testing. Your pet’s serum will be tested for sensitivity to a panel of grass, tree and weed allergens specific to your geographic region, as well as to other important allergens such as dust mite, mold, cat dander, food and insects.
Pet allergy treatment with Immunotherapy; treat the cause, not the symptom. Based on the results of your pet allergy test, your veterinarian can request an immunotherapy treatment kit which is specific to your pet’s individual allergies. Immunotherapy is the only pet allergy treatment that can alter the natural course of your pet’s allergic disease. Immunotherapy is an effective, long-term treatment that gradually builds your pet’s immunity to the specific allergens that are causing your pet’s discomfort.
Author Bio:
Gelsey Smith is an associate editor to the website Pet Allergies through breaking news, personal views. We also provide requisite information about the numerous Pet allergies Testing and Treatment. Your feed back comment and suggestions will be highly appreciated at gelsey.smth@gmail.com
The peanut problem continues to grow and that’s partially a result of peanuts being a cheap source of dietary protein. At one time it was mainly found in peanut butter but because it is so cheap it is used in many different products. Since there are so many people suffering from a peanut allergy here’s what you need to know.
The problem is as much about it being used in so many products. Rather it is about the labeling and how difficult it is to recognize that there are peanuts in it. Sometimes it is marked as hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Other times as ground nuts. It’s important to understand that a peanut allergy will not go away. In fact as you age it could get worse.
Most of us know about a peanut allergy because it gets so much attention for its seriousness with anaphylactic shock reaction. The peanut allergy can move really quickly and occasionally in just minutes it can prove fatal.
A peanut allergy needs to be treated with epinephrine immediately when the first signs of a reaction. After administering the epinephrine you still must monitor as the reaction can re-occur and another shot will have to be administered.
Possible symptoms of a peanut allergy may include the following which are not listed in any specific order:
1. sense of foreboding, apprehension or fear
2. flushed face, hives, swollen or itchy lips, mouth, eyes, or tongue
3. tightness in chest, throat, or mouth,
4. difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, drooling, coughing, choking, running nose, voice change
5. vomiting, , stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea
6. dizziness, sudden fatigue, rapid heartbeat, unsteadiness, chills
7. loss of consciousness, coma, death
There are many factors which contribute to the peanut allergy being a fatal reaction.
1. Improper Labeling – sadly even though the peanut allergy can be so deadly packaging labeling is still inadequate.
2. Lack of understanding by schools that serve food and restaurants who don’t properly notify customers of a peanut possibility.
3. Nuts marked incorrectly with peanuts being sold as some other type of nut.
4. Failure to carefully read the labels.
5. Failure to inquire at restaurants and places where a problem may arise.
6. Sharing food or utensils that can cross contaminate.
7. Kissing someone that has been eating peanut products.
8. Failure to understand that a very small amount of peanuts can kill.
9. Denial of symptoms that you have a peanut allergy.
10. Not wearing a medical bracelet identifying your allergy.
Thankfully there is a treatment that works well for a serious peanut allergy. But problems still occur which can be fatal. Epinephrine or your Epi-Pen may be outdated. Sometimes a person will wait too long to take their epinephrine. Another problem is not having a second dose of epinephrine with you. Allergy suffers often carry one pen. Another problem is failure to report to emergency after taking epinephrine. All of these issues may be little if the peanut allergy wasn’t so serious.
Living with a peanut allergy is like living with any allergy or illness. The big difference is the seriousness of the peanut allergy. Make sure you understand and make appropriate lifestyle changes.
Allergy indeed is an inevitable thing, it spares no one! Allergies are abnormal reactions to ordinarily harmless substances. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system is triggered by allergens which can either be inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with skin.
Some of the most common allergens are; pollens, dust, foods, insect bites, mold spores, viruses, bacteria, even sudden change in environmental condition, plants and perfumes. People may vary in allergic reactions, some may have simple frequent sneezing, others may have skin rash from mild to severe, and some people may have other allergic reaction.
Celebrities With Allergies
Celebrities need to look good in front of the cameras all the time…just imagine seeing your favourite star sneezing all the time during an interview, or having those swollen nose, swollen lips or even swollen face because of allergies. That would be so shameful! But allergies are inevitable thing; anyone can have allergies…even stars!
Some of these stars are never ashamed to admit that they too have allergies; the telltale itchy, puffy, watery eyes and red, stuffy nose signal changes in the seasons in homes and workplaces across the country. What these people suffer from is allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Hugh Grant, Scarlet Johansson and Hillary Duff all have hay fever. So the next time you see them on screen with the red nose, they may be suffering from their allergic rhinitis again!
As a celebrity, they must not only look good…they should also smell really good because they will be dealing with so many people. But the perception of what really smells good for Eva Longoria and Drew Barrymore may be confusing because they are both allergic to perfumes.
Cats and dogs has been once a trend among the celebrities, we often see them cuddle them around. But for Paula Abdul, Nicole Ritchie, Tyra Banks and Alanis Morissette … Cats are NO NO! These celebrities are all allergic to cats. Nelly Furtado is another star who’s allergic to dogs, for his reason we never see her on screen with a dog. The furs on these pets probably trigger their allergies.
Sharon Stone and Anna Kournikova are both allergic to flowers. Mandy Moore is allergic to smoke, perhaps during her concerts she would not allow the “smoke effect”. Steve Martin, like many other ordinary people is allergic to shellfish. It’s one of the most common allergies which so many people are suffering from. Britney Spears and Antonio Banderas are both allergic to insect sting; they often have this inflammation from an insect bite.
For this reason, it is very important to have an allergy test. Having an allergy test will help you avoid those allergens which cause your allergic reaction. As to what they always say, prevention is better than cure.
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The principle of the elimination diet is to exclude all foods, except hypo-allergenic foods, for at least two weeks. During this time, the only liquid allowed is spring water, filtered tap water or distilled water. The foods should be cooked in such a way that no other agents, such as butter or oil, are used. In other words, the meat should be grilled and the vegetables steamed, or eaten raw. It is absolutely essential not to use salt, herbs, condiments, garnishes or any additive, which would, in effect, introduce further foods, thus destroying the hypo-allergenic safety of the diet.
Initially it is hard on the taste buds, and those with masked food allergies will suffer from cravings for their favorite foods. However, perseverance is worthwhile, because at the end of two weeks, allergic people following this plan will generally feel better than they have felt in a long time. The reason is that the body has a chance to rid itself of all the accumulated toxins that have been overloading the system for so long. In addition, the safe foods do not leave allergy-caused toxins behind, resulting in the body being clean and free.
It is absolutely essential that nothing else be taken, or eaten, during this time. Medication should be avoided if possible, so consult your doctor first if necessary. In some cases you will feel so good after a few days, that you may be able to reduce some forms of medication, under your doctor’s supervision, or even dispense with it entirely. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not necessary during this time. They will simply negate the whole exercise by introducing toxic substances in the form of fillers, flavorings and colorings.
After a few days, you will find that it is not necessary to think in terms of three meals per day. It will be easier to miss meals and, perhaps, fast for a day or two as your body ceases to crave for a11ergenic foods. Remember, it is not necessary to eat much at a11 during the two weeks. The basic elimination diet is simply an alternative to direct fasting for people who feel that they must eat something. The more load you can take off the body during this time, the better.
After two weeks, the challenging process begins. By this time, the body has eliminated accumulated toxins and allergenic matter. Thus, if an a11ergenic food is now introduced, the resultant reaction can be attributed to that food, without the fear of other foods masking the reaction. As the whole purpose of the exercise is to detect the foods that are making you ill, the first thing to do is to start introducing, on a daily basis, foods known to be a11ergenic.
Only one new food should be tried each day and this should be eaten, if possible, as a complete meal, or alternatively, eaten with food to which you are not a11ergic. It is important not to eat composite foods, because if a reaction occurs, you will not know which food has caused it. A diary should be kept, noting the symptoms, how long after eating they occurred, how long they lasted and grading them on a scale of one to five for severity. This will be of considerable assistance later, in deciding the foods to which you are most a11ergic.
Symptoms may vary considerably. As the body is now clean, they will be easily recognizable and may develop almost immediately, or take up to twenty-four hours. Norma11y, however, they should become obvious, within the first two hours, after eating the food.
Home Remedies – Natural Beauty and Aromatherapy Recipes
If you have a food allergy it is essential that you identify it as soon as possible so that you can avoid problem foods.
Food allergy testing is the only way to identify a food allergy. Once you are aware of your food allergies, you can ensure that you do not eat the foods which are harmful to your body.
If you are allergic to certain foods your immune system releases large doses of chemicals when they are eaten to protect your body from them. The problem is that these chemicals produce a variety of symptoms that can be severe and sometimes, life threatening.
Food allergies can be identified by carrying out food allergy testing. However, there are only 90 NHS allergy clinics in the UK. This means that if you want food allergy testing on the NHS , you might have to wait a long time. Therefore, you might want to arrange food allergy testing privately. If so, you have two main options:
Food Allergy Skin Prick Test
A food allergy skin prick test uses a small needle to gently prick the skin through fluid containing a known allergen to see how it reacts to it. If you have a food allergy, your skin will go red and itchy and a small white swelling will develop. This will fade within a matter of hours.
The food allergy skin prick test provides a clear “yes or no” result as to whether or not you have a food allergy. It is not painful and the results are generally available very quickly.
Food Allergy Blood Test
The food allergy blood test allows you to analysis your reaction to over 400 different allergens.
It involves a sample of your blood being taken and sent to a laboratory where it is tested for levels of IgE. IgE triggers the release of histamines into the bloodstream when the body is exposed to a food or substance which it is allergic to.
You can find places where you can have food allergy testing by searching on the internet or alternatively by asking your doctor for a recommendation.
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