An allergy is a condition in which the body has an adverse reaction to a substance, known as an allergen that is harmless in similar amounts to the majority of people.

 

                One might think allergies are due to an inadequate immune system; often it is exactly the opposite.  Normally an allergen is controlled by the immune system with no symptoms.  An allergic reaction is a stronger response of the normal reactions than is necessary to control the irritant.  The excess response causes swelling, sneezing, and other reactions the body makes to control the allergen.

 

                Allergy symptoms can be in the nose and eyes as hay fever, in the bronchi as asthma, anywhere on the skin as a rash or hives, or in the digestive system.  Symptoms can be remote from the site of the allergy such as severe, debilitating headaches, rapid heartbeat, irritability, or nervousness.

 

                The approach of determining what an individual is allergic to by various testing methods and then eliminating that item from his/her diet and environment is like deciding to live in a cave as a hermit because you don’t get along with people.  The real answer is to correct the body function so there is proper reaction to the allergen.

 

                FOOD ALLERGIES

 

                Reaction to food may be mild to very severe.  Symptoms tend to concentrate in the digestive system as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea but can be remote.  There may be skin symptoms such as a rash, hives, or itchiness.  Examination can usually find the cause and treatment can correct the reason the immune system is over-reacting to the allergen.

 

                Food allergies need to be differentiated from food intolerance.  Food intolerance occurs when the digestive system is unable to digest or break food down properly.  The food then becomes an irritant to the digestive system.  Common causes include an inadequate production of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.  Applied Kinesiology examination can determine if there is proper production of these and other factors necessary for proper digestion.

 

                ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY

 

                The adrenal glands secrete hormones that are anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory in nature.  These hormones provide the body with one of the mechanisms for the body to keep inflammation in check.  An allergic response is excessive inflammatory reaction to a stimulus. House dust, specific foods, and pollens do not cause inflammation in a normally functioning body.  In an individual with abnormal adrenal function, the body may be fighting a war with inflammation that is greater than needed for the invading source.

 

                I have written about adrenal stress disorder (ASD) and what can be done for it in prior posts.

 

ACID-ALKALINE IMBALANCE

 

                Relative acid-alkaline imbalance is a common contributing factor to allergies, especially those associated with food.  By using applied kinesiology methods, it can be determined if you have an acid-alkaline imbalance.  Nutritional supplements such as B vitamins, betaine hydrochloride and other digestive enzymes or dietary changes can be very useful to help bring balance back.

 

                NERVE CONTROL

 

                Nerves control the entire body and are closely associated with the immune system, adrenal function, and acid-alkaline control.  Applied kinesiology methods (muscle testing) can help to examine nerve function and return it to proper control of the glands, systems, and structures. The overall approach is to find the factors that are causing the nervous system to not control your body correctly.  This may cause problems in your immune, digestive, or upper respiratory systems.  When these or other systems are not functioning properly, treatment, usually in the form of chiropractic adjustments, can be provided that allows your body to return to normal.

      

                HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ALLERGIES

 

                Many times, working to discover the root causes of a person’s allergies can take some time.  The symptoms, however, may be severe enough to warrant short term relief through other means.  There are several herbs which can be extremely helpful.

 

  • Licorice root

 

  • Echinacea root

 

  • Ginger

 

  • Thyme

 

These can be of great benefit to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

                The natural approach is an effective method for the long-term remedy of allergies.  You must remember, however, that the cure comes from within your own body.  Applied Kinesiology methods help doctors of the healing arts help your body return to normal control in most instances, although the outlook is not as favorable when there has been long-term use of certain drugs.  Since the cure comes from within your own body, it is necessary for you to follow all the procedures prescribed…including elimination of as much stress as possible.