YOU AND YOUR ALLERGIES

Allergies are a widespread health issue, and most people pass them off as relatively unimportant when it comes to evaluating their overall health. However, when you consider that an allergy is the result of a weakened immune system, then it becomes apparent that the root cause of the problem is a bit more serious than runny eyes and a stuffy nose.

One of the main causes of allergies is an imbalanced immune system, which will increase your odds of an allergic reaction. Many factors contribute to this immune dysfunction, including:

- Increased toxic burden due to pollution in our air, food, water, and personal care products.

- Disturbance of immune system functions through repeated childhood and adult vaccinations and immunizations.

- Over prescribing of antibiotics and steroids, which cause damage to intestinal flora (especially birth control pills).

- Hereditary problems that are reflected in the gastrointestinal tract, which causes malabsorption and sets a person up for food allergies.

- Nutritional deficiencies.

- Repetitive and monotonous diet, which is rooted in grains and all forms of sugar.

- Chronic intestinal yeast overgrowth (candidiasis).

Once the immune system becomes overwhelmed and confused about what is an invader and what is not, a "reset" needs to take place to properly orient it to harmful and safe substances.

As our environment becomes increasingly contaminated with various pollutants and chemicals, our detoxification system can't keep up with the onslaught. This overload on our allergy barrier systems (intestines, skin, respiratory tract) weakens the barrier function and can lead to sensitization.

With allergies becoming more severe, the list of allergy triggers is growing. However, these still remain the most common:

- Foods such as sugar, milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, pork, soy, tree nuts, corn, fish, and shellfish.

- Medications such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. aspirin).

- Inhalants like plant pollen, animal dander, dust mites, mould spores, tobacco smoke, car exhaust, and chemical products.

- Contactants like jewellery, latex gloves, and beauty products.

- Injectants like insect stings and some medications (i.e. vaccines).