Apr

30

Is There Really A Chocolate Allergy?

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Its hard to find someone who doesn’t like chocolate, but to understand what causes chocolate allergy symptoms we need to understand where chocolate comes from and how early pure unsweetened chocolate has evolved into what is today called chocolate.

Where is Chocolate From?

chocolate_allergy3Chocolate comes from the cacao tree and is made from its seeds. The Cacao tree is native to Central America where chocolate has been consumed for thousands of years. Almost all early Central American cultures consumed chocolate either as a drink or in its pure unsweetened form. Chocolate was even used by some of these cultures like the Aztecs as a currency. The use of chocolate spread through Europe after the Spanish defeated the Aztecs. Unlike early chocolate consumption which  was unsweetened, sugar was added to create sweetened chocolate. Of course other ingredients slowly made their way into chocolate to add to taste and texture. Many so called chocolate allergy symptoms can be attributed to these added ingredients and the processing of modern chocolate.

Chocolate Allergy

The worst thing that someone with a sweet tooth can get is a chocolate allergy. Most of the allergies and intolerance’s are caused by ingredients as mentioned, allergies to cacao do occur but they are somewhat rare. The ingredients in chocolate  are among the leading allergy causing foods and include milk, peanuts, other nuts, wheat, corn, berries, egg and soy. Another problem is that much of the chocolate that is consumed is eaten by children and they are more susceptible to many food allergies and in tolerances

Peanut allergies are a serious problem with chocolate and chocolate that does not contain peanuts will often be labeled as containing possible traces of peanuts. This is because though this chocolate may not directly contain nuts it may be made with equipment that was previously used with peanuts and even though the equipment has been cleaned it can still contain trace amounts of peanuts. Even if chocolate is made with equipment that is peanut free if peanuts are used else where in the building cross contamination can occur. Many large chocolate companies now go to great lengths to make sure their chocolate that is labeled peanut free contains no trace amounts. Chocolate companies have recognized that there is a large peanut free chocolate market.

Chocolate Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms from a chocolate allergy or chocolate ingredients related allergy can occur in minutes or hours after consumption. They may include rashes, hives, headaches, respiratory problems, and other immune related responses. Chocolate intolerance caused from ingredients are usually more intestinal like stomach aches and diarrhea.

Chocolate Allergy Prevention

The first step to avoiding a chocolate allergy is finding out which ingredient is causing your chocolate allergy symptoms, or if cacao is responsible. Your doctor will be able to diagnose this from a challenge test or some other form  of allergy testing. After your chocolate allergy is more accurately diagnosed as long as cacao in not at fault you may not have to avoid chocolate all together but instead can try buying chocolate without the ingredient that is responsible for your symptoms. If dairy is causing your problem, dairy free chocolate is available. Just about any type of chocolate can be found at health and specialty stores including wheat free, gluten free, egg free, soy free, and peanut free. If you want to avoid symptoms reading labels is very important and do not be afraid to ask questions most staff at health food stores are very familiar with allergy products. Lastly when buying any chocolate it may be worth spending a little more on quality as cheaper chocolate often contains more impurities.

Apr

29

Link Between GMO Foods and Allergies

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soy_allergyWhile listening to Coast To Coast last week the special guest was Jeffrey Smith who is a expert on GMO foods (Genetically Modified Organisms) and author of one of the best selling books on the subject. For those who have never heard of Coast to Coast you are missing out on some of the best news and information available. Coast to Coast is the most popular late night radio show hosted by George Noory. The show covers paranormal subjects but also does a great job in following health, politics, economic and environmental news. I am more than happy to post their link http://coasttocoastam.com click on the affiliate tab to find a radio station near you that carries the show.

GMO Soy Allergy

Last weeks show with Jeffrey Smith while enlightening as it was proved to be very scary if his views and research are correct. Smith outlined a host of serious medical problems that developed in animals including immune diseases, cancer and allergies. But Is it possible that the body can not recognize these GMO foods in their unnatural state and it triggers a unneeded immune response to what it perceives to be a threat to the body or are chemicals and unknown proteins causing the problem. As to some of the proof that GMO foods are causing a upswing in food related allergies Smith points to the fact that when GMO soy was introduced into the UK soy allergies went up a alarming 50%. Soy and corn are two of the most common GMO foods that consumers are likely to encounter, buying organic or those labeled GMO free will reduce risk.

I’m waiting for my copy of Jeffrey Smith’s book Genetic Roulette and hopefully I can write a more detailed review at that time.

Apr

28

Are Natural Allergy Cures Safe?

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herbal_supplementsWell the name of this site would seem to say I am pro natural allergy cures and against drug companies, the truth is I believe in both. I think both should be used with the help of a trained professional. Modern medicine and natural cures can live in harmony and limiting yourself to the use of one or the other seems rather silly. Everyone knows about the draw backs to modern drugs as we here about them every time a drug is pulled off the market, but I want to take the time to write about a few of the problems with natural allergy cures and the natural health industry.

Problems With Herbal Supplements

The first is the problem with regulation and standards that herbal products lack. Most countries far very little government over sight of companies that sell and market herbal products. This can lead to difference in quality and potency between brands. Given the option it may be better to spend a little more on a higher quality herbal product.

Self Diagnosis

The biggest problem I see with herbal supplements is self diagnosis. Many diseases have similar symptoms and require a trained medical professionals attention, not just a Internet search of your symptoms. Its easy for a person to misdiagnose his own illness thus treating it with the wrong herbal supplements.

Ignoring Symptoms

Even worse what if your symptoms are the early stages of a very serious illness. Maybe your purchase of herbal supplements work to help relieve these early symptoms and you put off medical treatment while the serious illness continues to progress. Symptoms especially those on the skin are often the bodies early warning system telling you to seek medical help and ignoring this warning could have serious consequences.

Do not hide the fact that you are taking herbal remedies from your doctor as they may not react well with drugs that he may prescribe for you. Most doctors these days are more open minded about alternative treatments and some even recommend them at times. Herbal supplements are terrific but treat them with the same respect as a drug.

Apr

27

What Is A Patch Test?

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Allergy Patch Test

contactPatch Testing is used to diagnose mainly contact allergies which cause dermatitis, rashes and other outbreaks on the skin. The test exposes the body to allergens like skin prick testing, though no prick or puncture is made on the skin instead allergens are merely held against the body. The test can be done for a variety of natural, metal and chemical allergens.

How is The Patch Test Done?

The patch test will test for several allergens at one time as each test will contain a separate chamber including one area that will not contain any allergen to act as a control. The patch test is commonly done on the back and the area should be free of any skin inflammations. Each allergen is held against the body for a 1-3 day period. Having the patch test may involve going back to the doctor several times during the 2-3 day period that the patch is worn to check on the progression of any outbreak. Going back to the doctor while wearing the patch will help your doctor give you a more accurate final test result.

Preparing For The Patch Test and Results

The patch test relies heavily on the skill of the doctor who is responsible for interpreting the results. Test results can be a challenge due to false positives that can occur. If the patient has a strong allergic reaction it is possible that the resulting reaction will be so large that it spills over to other areas of the skin that are being tested for a completely different allergen.

It is important to stop any use of topical creams on the area of the body that the patch test will occur in advance of testing. It also recommend to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight should also be avoided while wearing the patch.

If the test results are positive for a particular allergen your doctor will also be able to tell the severity of your reaction and should be able to provide you with possible sources of contact and how to avoid them. Solutions could include buying alternative products, or creating a barrier between your skin and the contact with clothing or creams. For more information about allergy testing read RAST test.

Apr

22

How The RAST Allergy Test Works

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allergy_testingThe RAST allergy test or radioallergosorbent testing is performed by a variety of different methods but the basic fundamentals remain the same. Using blood drawn from the patient IgE and IgG antibodies responsible for producing immune reactions are measured when introduced to a series of possible allergens. To do this the original tests IgE antibodies were labeled with a radio active substance so they can be counted with a geiger counter or by some other method. Many feel that this test is less accurate although companies responsible for the testing claim new methods are more accurate than previous RAST testing. The radioallergosorbent allergy type test is marketed under various commercial names including RIST, MAST, and STALLERZYM.

History of RAST Allergy Testing

RAST  was invented in 1974 by Swedish Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. The company came out with a newer version in 1989 known as immunoCAP and designed it to be more accurate and sensitive than the original. Of course other companies have followed and offer similar testing under different brand names like RIST, MAST and STALLERZYM. Newer test are claimed to be able to also measure the severity of a allergy based on IgE numbers.

Possible RAST Testing Advantages and Uses

  • A RAST test is sometimes used if the patient is taking long acting anti histamines
  • The test maybe beneficial for those who are at risk to a severe allergic reaction. It is also useful for the elderly and those who have compromised immune systems where a severe allergic reaction from a skin test could be dangerous.
  • Can be used when skin testing does not provide a definitive result.
  • Might also be used for someone who has extreme anxiety towards skin testing.
  • The test is less time consuming than a skin or patch test.
  • RAST can be used if a skin condition is so widespread that it is difficult to find a spot for skin testing.

Possible RAST Testing Negatives

  • Much of the research done in the past shows it is less accurate than skin prick or scratch testing.
  • The cost of RAST testing is 3 to 5 times more than skin testing, those who do not support RAST testing believe price and profit are responsible for the tests popularity.
  • RAST tests can not measure sensitivities and allergens that do not produce a antibody response.


Other Blood Tests
Cytotoxic: Though not believed to be reliable by much of the mainstream medical community. Cytotoxic tests looks at leukocyte white blood cells and watches to see if their is any breakdown when allergens are introduced. Critics of the test say that it is not reliable because white blood cells react differently when outside the body. The handful of those who use the test claim to be able to use it to diagnose everything from cancer to allergies.

Histamine Release: This test is similar to the cytotoxic were basophil white cells are used.

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