Can Food Allergies Be The Cause Of Your Chronic Muscle And Joint Pain?

When it comes to back pain, there are dozens of causes. Your chances of getting an accurate diagnosis increase when you are informed of all possible causes. One often-overlooked cause of chronic muscle and joint pain is diet.
Allergies and Pain
A food allergy is present when your immune system perceives a component of the food, usually the protein, as a threat and attacks it with the inflammatory response. Allergies differ from intolerances, which are digestive rather than immunological reactions.
Histamine is an inflammatory substance released during an allergic reaction. The inflammatory response attempts to block off threats from the rest of the body, kill the threat and promote healing. In the case of an allergic reaction, however, the inflammation caused by histamine is excessive and attacks the body itself. Any of the body's muscles and joints can become inflamed during an allergic reaction, resulting in pain and soreness.
If you have a food allergy you're unaware of, you may be in a state of chronic reaction. This can be the source of your chronic muscle and/or joint pain.
How To Identify And Rule Out Allergies
Of course, there are many other causes of muscle and joint pain. If you have chronic muscle or joint soreness that is not attributable to repetitive use, overexertion or poor posture, diet could be a factor.
Arthritis is a main cause of joint pain, and many forms of arthritis involve joint inflammation. Diet may not be the sole cause of arthritic joint pain, but identifying any food source that may increase inflammation in your body can help relieve pain.

One simple way to identify if you have a food allergy is to participate in the "elimination diet," which requires removing the suspected food from your diet for a week. If symptoms reside, you likely found the food you're allergic to. This can be confirmed by reintroducing the food back into your diet and seeing if symptoms reappear. Keeping a dietary diary is a great way to help you identify food allergies. Keep track of what you eat and the presence and severity of your pain.
Knowing the most common food allergens will help to narrow down your experiment. The most common are milk, egg, soy, wheat, shellfish, seafood, tree nut and peanut allergies. First, identify which of these allergens features prominently in your diet. Check food labels, as many store-bought foods contain soy, tree nuts, wheat and dairy.
Blood tests can be done to identify allergy-related immune substances in your blood. A blood sample is taken and different foods are used to test its reaction in a lab. Blood tests are not always accurate when looking for food allergies, however. Making dietary changes and monitoring their impacts are your best diagnostic tools.
Dietary changes may be the answer to resolving your chronic back pain. Eliminating common allergens from your diet can help resolve inflammation in both muscles and joints.

By Amee LaTour

Skin Care - Home Remedies for Skin Allergies

A healthy and radiant skin is one of the most sought after things, perhaps by all women!! If you have it, you cannot hide it - but yes, you need to maintain it.

The key to a glowing skin is right there within your arm's range. One can attain a healthy supple skin though a three-tier approach involving diet, exercise and proper cosmetics.

Here is a step-by-step guide to skin care -

1) Water - drink two to three litres of water daily to detoxify.

2) Have a rich diet full of vegetables, fruits. Increase the fibre content in your daily diet. Avoid excess refined sugar, sweets as it damages collagen in skin and makes it lose its elasticity.

3) Invigorate your sluggish lifestyle. Come on, get moving!! Go to the gym or just stretch.

4) Restrict intake of alcohol and caffeine.

5) Keep stress at bay.

6) Go for a daily skin care regime- i.e. cleanse, tone and moisturize.

7) Apply a moisturizer to hydrate your skin externally. A homemade moisturizer is a mixture of cucumber, juice and buttermilk.

8) Go for an exfoliation once a fortnight either at a professional salon, or at home. It helps remove dead cells and revitalize the skin through blood circulation. Oatmeal combined with mashed apple is an excellent home scrub

9) Do not forget to apply sunscreen with a SPF of minimum 15 at least 10 minutes before going out of house. If you get a suntan, relieve yourself with a mixture of curd and cucumber juice.

10) Use cosmetics depending on your skin type. Learn about your skin type first and then try commercial products.

Skin care is not as difficult as it looks to be.

Thus, the ABC of a beautiful and radiant skin - balanced diet, hydration, cleansing and protecting it from sun and wind should be a part of your daily skin care regimen.

Some popular herbal remedies for skin care -

Water - Drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water daily to detoxify the body. It naturally hydrates the skin and gives that young vibrant look.

Turmeric: This is the basic grandma's remedy - just apply fresh turmeric paste along with curd and gram flour on to your face. Your complexion clears up within a few days, as turmeric is very good for skin health.

Tea extracts: It is a natural antiseptic and is useful for skin acne.

Neem, tulsi: Drop some neem leaves into your bathtub, and you will feel the difference in your skin within a few days. If you have any external skin rash, infection, just apply a paste of neem or basil leaves to heal up, as they have excellent anti-bacterial properties, clear up pimples and acne; and keep the skin naturally invigorated.

Sandalwood paste: It soothes the skin, cools it and moisturizes it naturally.

Different skin types and their care -

1. Dry skin -

To avoid any sort of skin problem, one should drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day to keep dry skin well hydrated. Along with it, eat a high quality healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables; get some exercise and the secret 8-hour sleep daily to get a healthy skin.

Home remedies for dry skin:

o Do not expose yourself to sun too much, as well as to too much air conditioning.

o Reduce how often you wash your face to maximum two times a day, and if possible use slightly tepid water.

o Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they cause dehydration. Also do not smoke, as smoking deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients making it dry and flaky.

o Avoid using a commercial highly perfumed soap. Instead, use non-detergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin.

o Massage your face every night before sleeping with a good hydrating moisturizer, and be generous in the areas surrounding the eyes.

o For cracked skin on fingers and feet, use a cream rich in vitamin E and aloe vera. Massage in well.

2. Oily skin -

Oily skin is the least vulnerable, and it ages least of all. The best thing to do is to take measures to keep the skin pores from being clogged and forming acne.

- Follow strictly the experts' advice - clean your face two to three times daily with a good medicated soap, one, which works well with your skin.

- It is best to use water based non-comedogenic product that effortlessly and effectively dissolves sebum.

- Use an oil free moisturizer to maintain a shine free complexion. It will also help if you use tepid water to clean face as it loosens the dirt easily.

- Before applying make-up, use an antiseptic day cream which contains benzyl peroxide as it reduces sebaceous secretions.

Home remedies for oily skin -

- Cucumber juice works great on oily skin. Before applying make-up, rub it on the excessively oily parts of your face and dry it thoroughly.

- It is very important that you definitely remove all make up before going to bed. Gram flour mixed with curd acts as an effective cleansing milk which cleans open pores.

- Be cautious about your diet if you have an oily skin! Go for a protein rich diet, but restricted in sugar and salt. Take plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits. Cut down on animal fat, fatty foods, alcohol and junk food.

- It is advised that you reduce consumption of iodized salt.

- Do not miss out on the 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep the skin hydrated and to flush out toxins.

- Exercise is also a must. Exercise works magical on any skin as it boosts circulation, encourages blood flow, and cleans the skin from within.

3. Sensitive skin -

This is a very unpredictable skin type, and one needs to be extra cautious while dealing with it. Almost anything and everything can react to it.

- It is always advised to use the simplest and purest products- colour free, alcohol free, fragrance free and preservatives - a complete no-no.

- If using any new cosmetic, it is very important that you patch test it on your skin three to four times initially. The best parts are small areas like behind your ear or on hands. Go for it only if there is no skin reaction.

- Limit exposure to sun. While going out it is important to use a sun block because sensitive skin can easily get discoloured or age spots may appear. Use a sunscreen with only physical ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which deflects the UV rays rather than absorb them.

- Try to use only natural or homemade products - they are best. Fresh and natural!!

- If you have sensitive skin, keep skin clean always. Wash your face maximum twice a day with a natural pH balanced cleanser.

- If going to a party, use only those cosmetics, which are hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.

- Always use cosmetics that do not contain many ingredients. The more the number of ingredients, the more the probability of it causing a reaction.

- Do not forget to drink plenty of water to detox for making your skin glow.

- Eat a well balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, green vegetables and nuts.

- Daily exercise to get that radiant glow from inside

- While washing face, avoid steam or very hot water. Hot baths and steams lead to broken capillaries.By Dr John Anne

7 Tips to Give Natural Relief For Sneezing From Seasonal Allergies

To successfully combat symptoms like sneezing from seasonal allergies it is important to know what triggers the reaction. You do not have to know specifics, but understanding the processes will help you form a plan of action in your battle with seasonal allergies. Before we get to the 7 tips, let's briefly explore what happens.

An allergic reaction is when your body's immune system reacts to what it believes to be a harmful substance. The body releases histamines to subdue what it sees as an invader. This harmful substance is usually something common such as pollen, grass, weeds etc. Different people will suffer from seasonal allergies at different times, depending on what their bodies interpret as foreign. Some may suffer from spring allergies, seeking relief from the sneezing that accompanies this seasonal allergy, when it seems everything is in bloom. Others, who feel congested or have water eyes, may only suffer when certain plant pollens are in the air, such as the red cedar bloom in Texas. There are folks who suffer seasonal allergies all year through, going from one allergic reaction to the next.

As each allergic sufferer has different substances that trigger reactions, each may suffer in a different way. In addition to sneezing and watery eyes already mentioned, a stuffy nose and sinus headache may be added to the symptoms. It is the immune system's way to rid the body of the substance it sees as hostile.

The drug companies have turned season allergies into big business. There are plenty of over the counter medications available as well as prescription drugs you can get from your primary health care provider. The good news is there are steps you can take to relieve your seasonal allergies naturally. Of course consult your primary health care provider if your symptoms are severe and be sure to tell them of any steps you are taking to help find relief.

Let's look at some natural alternatives.

1- First evaluate your diet. The way to a healthy immune system is initially through proper nutrition. Ensure you have a varied diet full of nutrient rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This will help all of your body system function to their optimum and allow you to better combat seasonal allergies.

2- If you are looking for something to sweeten your tea, there may also be a form of relief in sight for your allergies as well. Honey as a seasonal allergy relief option has worked for people, although you must use a local honey. Honey has pollen in it. If you use a honey which is local to your area, it contains the pollens which are making you stuffed up and wheezy. The theory behind using honey is much like an allergy shot your doctor gives you. Taking a teaspoon or two a day of local honey a few months before allergy season will help your body desensitize and boost your immune system.

3- Certain vitamins can aid in allergy relief. Vitamin C has been shown in studies to help alleviate seasonal allergy reactions. It is a natural antihistamine. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. This means it can fight free radicals causing allergies. It can also help the immune system. Citrus fruit and broccoli are good sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin E can be found in whole grains and food such as spinach. If you can't get enough to create the measurable results that you need for seasonal allergy relief, there are pharmaceutical grade natural supplements that produce the best results.

4- Magnesium is a mineral that can be helpful in allergy relief. Studies have shown many people seeking season allergy relief are deficient in magnesium. Once the level is raised the sufferer notices less symptoms. Magnesium is located in green leafy vegetables as well as nuts. If you do not have these in your diet consider pharmaceutical grade supplements.

5- There are a natural immune builders that many people use successfully to not only manage allergy symptoms but to improve immune function that help the underlying causes. Natural interferon immune builders can build immunity and for some people help fight the condition itself. Echinacea is an herb that stimulates the body's natural resistance to foreign invaders, giving the immune system what it needs to stay strong. It is taken for short periods, such as a week at a time, to supercharge the immune system. Other herbs that can be found in combination with echinacea are black elderberry and larch tree; both help the body maintain a healthy immune response.

6- Fish oil has also been known to help alleviate season allergy symptoms because it is an anti-inflammatory. Allergic rhinitis actually means inflammation of the nose. When you can alleviate the inflammation, it helps with the pain and discomfort many people suffer.

7- Probiotics are healthy bacteria that work in our intestines to strengthen our immune system. Probiotics are especially helpful after a course of antibiotics or if your immune system is run down. The use of probiotics has increased significantly in the past five to ten years, and is one of the fastest growing supplements.

Taking a few simple steps to seek natural relief for the sneezing from seasonal allergies, and a host of other symptoms, may help those who suffer find measurable relief during allergy season, and all year long since we are constantly exposed to allergic irritants like free radicals, illnesses, disease, and pollution of different kinds including toxins and chemicals. -By Vicki Zerbee

Recommended Diet For Asthma Patients

Asthma can trigger off due to various factors so it is important to take control of these factors that may influence a person adversely resulting in the manifestation of the symptoms. Diet is very important in controlling and even correcting certain symptoms. It is very important thus to have proper diet regulations when dealing with asthma.
Diet is dependent upon the age of a person and so it becomes extremely important to take care of the age of the patient before planning the diet. The general guidelines to be followed remain very straightforward. It is imperative to keep the diet very simple and without much spices. It is important to not eat very heavy meals as they generally tend to put additional pressure over the system. At night time it is absolutely necessary that an asthmatic person should never ever take a heavy meal because it may cause discomfort in breathing and may even lead to an attack.
Several food allergens cause allergic reactions leading to triggering off of asthmatic symptoms. Many food additives create adverse reactions in the asthma patients so they are best avoided. Also excess consumption of sweets leads to exertion on the system which may cause trouble in breathing. The food that is fried and oily should also be avoided so as to not put undue pressure on the system. Sour food items like chutneys and pickles should also not be consumed as they may cause coughing and lead to undue pressure on the chest region.
Asthma patients should also concentrate more on eating vegetarian diets rather than non vegetarian ones because of the same reason of avoidance of pressure exertion on the system. The diet regulations have to be followed for life so it is better to induce variety in the diet so as to overcome the general feeling of monotony and boredom.
The patients should also be encouraged to eat lighter and more frequent meals than heavier and standard meals. Also care should be taken to have the dinner at least two hours before sleeping time so that the system is relatively relaxed owing to stomach being almost empty at night time just before sleeping. Certain special recommendations have to be followed while deciding the diets of asthmatic children and elderly people.
Diet for children suffering with asthma: The asthmatic children tend to lose weight more rapidly than they ever can manage to gain. The basic metabolic rate of a child is higher than an adult and the children also engage more in hectic physical activity. The stage of the body is fast changing and supposed to be rapidly growing so more calories are needed to support the growth requirement of the body.
The calorie requirement of a child's body is much higher than that of an adult for all these reasons. The children need more of proteins and carbohydrates. Their diet needs to be balanced for vitamins and minerals also so that no extra supplements are needed by the body. So care should be taken to keep the diet of asthmatic kids well balanced in all respect and at the same time they should not be made too heavy in any nutrient as that would unnecessarily cause extra pressure on the child's system.
Care should be taken to not make the diet too oily or too spicy. Too much of cooking destroys the nutrient levels of the food and the food thus will not be able to meet up with the nutritional requirements of the body. Oily and spicy food will also cause much of stress on the system which is best avoided in asthmatic kids.
The child's diet should not have sour items as they can cause coughing and sore throat. The meal hours should be fixed and not many changes should be done in them very frequently. Along with the nutritional content of the food it is best to keep the variety and likes and dislikes of the child in mind before serving a meal. It is best to avoid monotony as the kids grow bored very quickly and need to have their interest enlivened all the time.
Water intake of the child needs to be carefully monitored and the child needs to be encouraged to consume more water. This is helpful in counteracting the sweat that is secreted often during the attacks and at other times. The sweets should be allowed to be consumed in very little quantities.
A regular pattern of a healthy and wholesome breakfast, nutritious lunch and a light dinner is very important to be followed. A heavy dinner at night is the main culprit behind causing night time attacks.
Diet for elderly people suffering with asthma: In the old people the physical activity is less and so their calorie requirement is also very less. This makes it very necessary to follow all the other dietary regulations that have been previously described.
Apart from all the regular controls the most important thing to be followed is that the patient should have very high restriction of fat intake in the diet. Also to meet the requirements of the body vitamin and mineral supplementation is highly recommended. If the patient is under any medication its effects should be carefully studied so that they may not trigger off any other serious side effects. Counteracting the side effects through diet is also very beneficial.By Ashi Jas