Foods Rich in Histamines Can Cause Food Intolerance Symptoms

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Many people suffer from food intolerance, and there are many foods that are rich in histamines that can cause food intolerance symptoms. These reactions can include digestive system problems that like spasms, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms can range from flatulence to headaches to skin rashes and even eczema.

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Our bodies can't digest some foods that have high histamine levels because our digestive system lacks the enzymes it needs to ensure we don't suffer from these symptoms. Eating foods rich in histamines like pizza, fish, some vegetables, and some fruits can cause these often cumbersome food intolerance symptoms. Drinks like coffee, cocoa, wine, and beer also have high histamine levels.

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Often people avoid these high histamine level foods to prevent reactions or symptoms, but there is hope. Our bodies need to replace the low levels of Diamine Oxidase or DAO and that is being done through a supplement now approved by the FDA - NDI. NDI is different than an antihistamine that simply blocks the problem. NDI replenishes our bodies with the DAO we need to help us tolerate foods that have high histamine levels.

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Here's a good list of foods that are high in histamines that cause food intolerance symptoms:

Fish like tuna, smoked fish, sardines, canned fish, and fish sauces Pizza and sauerkraut Wine and beer including sparkling wine or champagne Cheeses Processed and smoked meats like salami, ham, bratwurst, and bacon Vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, eggplant, avocados, mushrooms, canned vegetables, and salads that are commercially prepared Fruits include strawberries, bananas, papayas, kiwi, pineapple, tangerines, mango, grapefruit, and red prunes Condiments and sauces like ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, balsamic or red wine vinegar have high histamine levels Sunflower seeds, walnuts, walnuts, cashews, and peanuts Breads that are made with yeast

Freshly purchased foods that are stored in your refrigerator actually gain a higher histamine level through the maturation process. The freshness goes down and the histamine count goes up. While choosing fresh meat is wise, anytime a meat is processed, it gains a higher histamine count. Beyond high histamine counts, foods that go through the maturation process can also cause an increase in biogenic amines.

Fresh fish that you buy will also increase histamine levels because fresh fish spoils faster. Bacteria that develops in stored or refrigerated fish can also cause high histamine levels. Any fish that is smoked or marinated will only cause histamine levels to be higher.

Instead of avoiding these foods, replenish your DAO levels with the supplement NDI. You digestive tract, especially your lower intestine will benefit from the replenished results that NDI provides allowing you to consume foods that are high in histamine levels. You can avoid the sometimes severe food intolerance symptoms by ensuring your digestive system is full of the enzymes it needs to tolerate high histamine foods. Choose foods wisely and re-energize your digestive system to reap the benefits of a healthy diet full of the foods you enjoy.

Foods Rich in Histamines Can Cause Food Intolerance Symptoms

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Eco-Friendly Rugs - Seagrass and Sisal Rugs

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Seagrass is a natural fiber that is versatile and naturally stain resistant. The natural fibers resist dust and other dirt particles making it a great choice for a family suffering from allergies. It's very easy to clean and will resist most stains so it makes for a great area rug in your dinning room or living room. If seagrass is properly maintained and taking care of it will remain remarkably new and eye-catching.

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Sisal rugs are naturally derived and beautifully designed to make any room in your house stand out. Although the rug fibers come from a plant in Africa, they do require routine maintenance to preserve their beauty and personality. Sisal rugs are semi-stain resistant water proof but do best when kept in a dry and arid environment. After buying your sisal rug, you probably want to know how to care for it so it stays looking new and fresh.

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Both rugs are a great addition to any eco-friendly home because they are made from 100 percent of sustainable material. These rugs are affordable and are long-lasting due to their durability. Be careful when placing these types of rugs by moister as both seagrass and sisal rugs may develop mold and mildew if given too much humidity. These rugs are not intended for outdoor use. Another aspect of these natural rugs to keep in mind is curling corners. Another result of excessive moister is curled corners.

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Use seagrass and sisal rugs to create the perfect earth-friendly home environment. These rugs go great with virtually any wall color and may be used as the center-piece of a room or easily blend in with neutral colors. To draw attention to your seagrass rug or sisal rug, use bold, dramatic wall colors. This will provide the eye to catch the natural tones of the rug. If you want it to blend in, simply paint the room with a shade of brown.

Use living green plants to bring the outdoors, inside. Plants complement seagrass and sisal rugs very well. Place a small water fountain in the room to drive home an outdoors experience. You can turn any living space into a relaxing getaway with a few plants, sounds and the natural essence of seagrass rugs and sisal rugs.

Remember to always clean your rugs to maintain them. If kept well, these rugs can last a long time. They tend to be durable. Keep pets and shoes away from these carpets to get the most out of them. These rugs are not stain resistant, so you may want to place them in a lower-traffic area of you home.

These rugs also make a great home-warming gift. When someone is getting ready to move into a new house, there are so many items they need to purchase. If the person you're buying for is someone who is eco-friendly and looking for natural products to decorate their home, a seagrass or sisal area rug may be the perfect gift.

Eco-Friendly Rugs - Seagrass and Sisal Rugs

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Pet Allergies and Symptoms

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Just like people, animals can suffer allergic reactions to a wide variety of environmental substances, or allergens. Seasonal allergens, such as grass, tree and weed pollens are common culprits. Other allergens causing year-round symptoms include foods, molds, dust mites, insects and other materials found in the home environment.

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Skin disease and allergies are some of the most difficult and frustrating problems treated in veterinary medicine today. Veterinarians report that up to 1 in 4 dogs seen in their practice are treated for allergies. Solving these dermatology cases and establishing effective treatment can be challenging.

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An appropriate allergy diagnosis consists of a thorough physical examination, which includes a complete dermatological history. Common questions asked of the pet owner include, "Is this problem seasonal? Is the problem worse indoors or outdoors? Has the pet's environment changed recently? What are you feeding your pet?"

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The clinical signs of environmental allergies in dogs and cats are pruritic, such as biting, scratching, face rubbing, feet chewing and constant licking. These result in hair loss, chronic ear infections and skin disease. Secondary infections such as pyoderma, staff and malassezia are also common.

In addition, allergic dogs will often chew on their feet until they are irritated and red (the feet are the only place dogs have sweat glands and these become inflamed with allergies). They may rub their faces on the carpet or couch, or scratch their sides and belly. Because the wax-producing glands of the ear overproduce as a response to the allergy, they get ear infections.

The skin lesions seen in an allergic dog are usually the result of him mutilating his skin through chewing and scratching. Sometimes there is hair loss, which can be patchy or inconsistent over the body leaving a mottled appearance. The skin itself may be dry and crusty, reddened, or oily depending on the dog. It is very common to get secondary bacterial infections of the skin due to these self-inflicted lesions. Such infections may be treated with antibiotics.

ELISA serum testing offers a valuable alternative to skin testing to identify the specific allergens that are causing a pet to suffer. The pet does not have to be sedated or shaved to test, and this test does not require a veterinary dermatologist. Any veterinarian can simply draw the blood and submit the serum to the laboratory for testing.

It is common for a pet to have multiple allergies, including food, inhalant and contact allergens. While allergies can never be cured, they can be managed and treated with Immunotherapy.

Pet Allergies and Symptoms

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How to Treat Urticaria Ayurvedically

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Urticaria is a dermatological disorder which is characterized by red or white eruptions on the skin. The eruptions can be of various size and shape. The treatment taken for this should not create some other disorders in patients. Ayurvedic treatment involves no side effects.

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In Ayurveda Urticaria is referred as Nettle rash or Sheeta Pitta. Before starting the treatment, the root cause of this should be identified. Depending on the cause and appearance, in ayurveda, it is dividided into three types. Vata dosha is characterised by sensation of pricking. This is the main inducing agent of urticaria. This kind of urticaria is called Sheeta pitta. Some urticaria are characterized by itching which is caused by dosha kapha, and this is called Udarda. When the impurities are dumped in the Rakta dhatu, such urticaria are called Kotha.

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For treating Urticaria, three grams of Arni root powder mixed with twelve grams of ghee can be taken twice a day. Four grams of haridra khand and eighty grams of Rasa sindur along with water have to be taken thrice a day. The mixture of turmeric, sesame seeds, chakramarda seeds have to be pasted well and applied twice a day, in the places where eruptions are present.

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Apart from this, other treatments are also present in Ayurveda. Kamadugha rasa - half a teaspoon mixed with one teaspoon of honey can be taken four times a day. One teaspoon full of red ochre powder with honey can be given thrice a day. One teaspoon of Haridra powder mixed with a cup of warm water can be given three times a day.

Mixture of water and juice of ginger can be helpful in the treatment. Applying coconut oil and massaging will help to reduce the eruptions. To reduce itching, turmeric powder mixed with grass can be applied.

While giving treatment, the patients are advised to take salt free food. Vegetables such as bitter guard and drum sticks should be included in food. Garlic and onion should also be a part of their food. They should avoid food items having sour taste.

How to Treat Urticaria Ayurvedically

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Basic Extrinsic Asthma And Intrinsic Asthma

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Over the years, the medical profession has developed several ways of classifying asthma and of distinguishing one form of the disease from another. Let's take a look at some of these classifications now. Traditionally, doctors have separated asthma into two general categories, extrinsic asthma and intrinsic asthma, depending upon the types of stimuli that trigger episodes of the disease.

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What is extrinsic asthma?

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Asthma triggered by allergies is known as extrinsic asthma. It is also called allergic or atopic asthma. In this form of the disease, an asthma attack is clearly linked to the body's response to something inhaled or, occasionally, ingested. Substances to which the person is allergic are called allergens.

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What sorts of things can be allergens?

The most common allergens are tree and grass pollen, mold, animal dander and dust mites.

Who develops extrinsic asthma?

Asthma that develops in childhood is likely to be extrinsic. More than 90 percent of asthmatic children under age 16 have allergies, as do 70 percent of asthmatic people ages 16 to 30, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases . Symptoms of extrinsic asthma often vary seasonally and occur intermittently. In more than half the cases of extrinsic asthma, there is usually a personal or family history of other allergies, such as hay fever and skin conditions.

What is intrinsic asthma?

Asthma that develops in people over the age of 30 is usually intrinsic or nonallergic asthma. As the names imply, this asthma is not allergy related.

What is it related to?

It is related to triggers such as respiratory infections, exercise, stress, inhalation of chemical irritants (such as cleaning fluids or fresh paint) and air pollution. While doctors believe that extrinsic asthma is caused by an overactive immune system, they do not yet understand the origins of intrinsic asthma.

Is it important to know which form of asthma I have?

Insofar it helps you understand your disease and suggests a path for medical treatment, yes. However, you should be aware that most people with asthma have both forms. For example, it is very common for someone with the extrinsic form of the disease to experience asthma attacks when she has a cold or the flu - both intrinsic triggers. Extrinsic and intrinsic are two terms that attempt to describe the source and trigger of the asthma. Other types of asthma have been named after the particular situations in which they occur, such as nocturnal asthma, seasonal asthma and exercise-induced asthma.

Basic Extrinsic Asthma And Intrinsic Asthma

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My Cat Is Sneezing - Is This Ok?

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"Cat cold" is what many people call it when your cat just ups and starts sneezing. My cat had one and it was not a pretty sight. He was miserable I could tell just by looking at him. Cats, like humans will catch a cold or even get the flu, so do not take your cats sneezing lightly as it could lead to complications. Old Tippy has allergies, we know that as he starts sneezing in the fall of every year, but this sneezing came a lot earlier and I started to worry. His little pink nose was running and his eyes were watering.

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We watched him for a few days and he did not have a fever but was lethargic, as he is one to bounce off the walls most of the day. He was eating fine, but just the sneezing and the way he would just lay there had us worried. If your cat starts to spray blood when he sneezes, get him to the vet ASAP. It could be feline leukemia, or some other ailment. But mostly it is just a cat cold and can be taken care of with natural home remedies.

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When cats out in the wild start sneezing and can't seem to stop they head for a nice green body of grass. Mainly lemon grass, for some reason it seems to stop the sneezing and clears the airways. We do not feed Tippy medicine from the vet as it is loaded with so many chemicals it is probably worse than the sneezing and could lead to more aliments. So we bought him some lemon grass as he is an apartment cat and doesn't get out much. He did start eating it, along with our other cat and it seemed to help Tippy. I would clean out his eyes and helped him 'blow his nose'. Of course he did not like that but it did help him to recover.

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There are no side effects when giving your cats holistic cures as it is all natural, things that they would eat in the wild. Many believe that the processed cat food we give our babies has a lot to do with the sneezing and maybe their overall health. After about a week Tippy was back to his old self, terrorizing this buddy and us. Sometimes when you know it is not a serious problem, just wait it out, if your cat does not get better after a few days, then you might have to take measures to help them through all this.

My Cat Is Sneezing - Is This Ok?

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Sinus Allergies - The Basics

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One of the first things an ENT specialist should check for in persons having chronic sinusitis is whether or not the patient has sinus allergies.

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A diagnosis for sinus allergies can now be done by a blood test, which is much easier than the skin tests that were required in the past. In my case I had weak allergies to several things including dust, dust mites, and certain molds. Although my sinus allergies were not strong, my ENT specialist recommended that I start a series of injections to counter the above allergens (an allergen is an allergy causing substance, for example, dust or dust mites in my case). The doctor said that although he could not be sure if the shots would help much, we should proceed with them because we ought to try everything within our power to overcome my sinus allergies and sinusitis

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I thus received shots weekly for about two years. For the second year it became inconvenient for me to go to the doctor's office every week for a shot, so I was taught how to give myself the injections. Thereafter I only had to personally go to the doctor's office about once a quarter to pick up a new batch of serum. At first the thought of giving myself shots seemed a bit revolting, but it really was quite easy to do after one gets the hang of it. I stopped taking the shots after about two years, and I can't say for certain that they helped. I don't think they did any harm, however, and I don't think that sinus allergies are a big factor in my particular situation at present.

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The mechanism for triggering allergies has to do with an over-reaction of a person's immune system. Certain allergens, which cause no reaction whatsoever in some people, can trigger an overly aggressive immune system response in others. This exaggerated response of the immune system can cause inflammation and result in the release of histamines and other chemicals in the body leading to the creation of excess mucus in the nasal system, then possible blockage and infection.

Common allergens causing sinus allergies include pollen from trees, grass and weeds, animal dander, feathers, dust, dust mites, molds, mildew, smoke, perfumes, cockroaches, industrial chemicals, insect stings and certain foods, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and chocolate, among others.

The best solution to avoid triggering sinus allergies is to avoid coming in contact with the specific allergen that affects the individual. As can be seen from the above list, however, that is often impossible. In addition to the injections discussed previously, one can also use nasal irrigation to clean out the nasal passages, and this will provide some help, even if it might be limited. Several articles on the subject of pulsating nasal irrigation can be found at the http://www.postnasaldrip.net web site.

Since 70-80% of people who suffer from sinusitis have allergies, it is important that sinus sufferers get treatment for their sinus allergies. If not, the constant inflammations and soreness can lead to permanent problems, in particular cilia damage, which will only make one's sinusitis worse in the long run. Sinus allergies can often be treated successfully and improve conditions, even if they don't eliminate one's sinus problems entirely, as in my case.

Sinus Allergies - The Basics

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Controlling Pollen Allergy Symptoms at Home

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Preventing your pollen allergy symptoms from being triggered as often in your home is possible with the help of several allergy control products. As with the other types of allergies, there are two parts to controlling your pollen allergies: cleaning and prevention.

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Before you can prevent your pollen allergy symptoms from acting up in the future, you need to clean the existing pollen out of your home. All the prevention strategies in the world won't help if the pollen grains are already inside. To get started, follow the cleaning guidelines below.

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Cleaning

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Since pollen is one of the components of household dust, the first thing you should do is thoroughly dust your home. DO NOT dry dust your home...aka dust with just a dry cloth. All this does is relocate allergens rather than remove them. Use a dusting solution, electrostatic cloths, or a HEPA vacuum to dust instead.

Always wear a pollen mask...also called an allergy mask or dust mask...when doing any allergy cleaning. You will kick up a lot of allergens when you clean. Of course, it's always best if the allergy sufferer doesn't do the cleaning.

Once your dusting has been completed, wash any curtains, drapes, or rugs you may have in your home. It's best to not have these...as cloth products will accumulate allergens...but I know it's tough to part with them. Just make sure they are washed with a natural laundry detergent in 130 degree water on a weekly basis.

Finally, vacuum all carpeting in your home with a HEPA vacuum cleaner only. This type keeps pollen and other allergens from recirculating as you vacuum. Any upholstered furniture that remains in your house should be vacuumed as well. Again, it's best not to have carpet or upholstered furniture in the house if at all possible. However, should you follow these guidelines; you will find your pollen allergy symptoms won't bother you near as much.

Prevention

Once you've done the best job you can cleaning up all the pollen in your home, the next step is preventing it from getting inside again. Keep in mind that using these cleaning and prevention methods isn't a one time deal. It is a constant process if you want to reduce your pollen allergy symptoms.

Use these prevention methods to help keep pollen at bay....

• Keep your windows closed at all times. If it gets too warm, use the air conditioning to keep your home cool. Air conditioning...whether it be window units or central air...help filter out allergens and deep the humidity down.

• If you don't have air conditioning and must keep windows open to stay cool, use a window filter in each window to keep pollen out. Be sure to use allergy filters in your HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system and keep up with replacing them!

• Ensure that all your windows and doors are airtight and not letting any outside air in. You may need to put up or replace some weather stripping....or do some caulking.

• Keep the area(s) around the door(s)to your home clean and free of clutter...aka places where allergens can collect. Also, keep a rubber mat in front of your doors so visitors can wipe their shoes before entering. Once they have entered ask them kindly to remove their shoes...shoes bring pollen and other allergens in the house.

• If possible, stay inside on days with a high pollen count. It may seem obvious but this is the best way to control your pollen allergy symptoms. If you must go out, wear an allergy mask or use allergen screen gel. When you come back in, take a shower and put on clean clothes. Wash the clothes you had on while you were outside with natural laundry detergent.

• When doing laundry, never hang your clothes outside to dry. While drying in the warm sun, you clothes are catching pollen grains that you will bring in with your clothes when they are dry. Until washed again in an allergy natural laundry detergent, those clothes subject you to pollen. You can also spread the pollen throughout your house when you wear those clothes.

• Use a HEPA air purifier in your home...especially in your bedroom. It will really help to filter out the pollen (and other allergens) from the air. This is important as you spend most of your life there.

• If you have a pet, wipe it down once a week with pet wipes. Pollen attaches to their coat while outside...and they bring it back in with them and disperse it around your home. Pet wipes also help control other allergens like dander and dust mites. Wipes will help control these allergens in your pets hair between baths.

Following these cleaning and prevention guidelines will help you find relief this allergy season and all of them to come.

Controlling Pollen Allergy Symptoms at Home

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What Are the Most Common Dog Diseases?

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If you are the dog owner then you should know what are the most common dog diseases and what kind of symptoms may show up. They get sick similar to individuals and a number of the most common dog illnesses are similar to these affecting humans. They are inclined to influenza, allergies, and ear infections identical to their human counterparts. Problems from weight problems and extra weight plague dogs a lot the same as their human owners. The commonest of the dog illness is an ailment shared by the human population - obesity. An estimated 40 percent of canines endure from this disease. Its effects in dogs are much the same as in people, ceaselessly resulting in diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis.

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Many dogs undergo from the common dog illness of ear infections ensuing from wax buildup or ear mites. Ear infections might be bacterial or fungal as well as allergy related. Dogs most susceptible to this common dog illness are those with hair on the underside of the ear flaps. Head shaking, rubbing of the ears, or a bad scent are sturdy indicators that a dog may be suffering from an ear infection.

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Kennel Cough is an airborne virus or bacteria. This common dog disease causes an irritation of the canine's trachea resulting in a particular cough that sounds just like the animal is trying to clear its throat. Simply passed along when dogs are in giant groups, it typically lasts from seven to ten days.

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Although dogs wouldn't have coronary heart assaults, about one in ten experiences the dog condition of congenital heart disease. This dog disease is a weakening of the dog's heart. As the center muscle slowly fails, not sufficient blood is circulated via the dogs system requiring the center to beat faster. This dog disease will not be curable. Treatments do exist, however generally other organs are compromised as the heart weakens.

The Dog Flu is without doubt one of the frequent dog diseases. Much like its human complement, it is characterised by sneezing, runny nose, cough, and gentle fever. The canine pressure of influenza originated as a mutation of the horse flue, first appearing in early 2004. It can be handed from dog to dog throughout a seven to ten day interval of contagiousness. It's an airborne virus and generally runs its course with out medical treatment.

Allergy symptoms are widespread in canines with an estimated one in all seven dogs suffering from this widespread dog disease. Dog allergies are characterised by irritated, itchy skin. Indications embrace extreme licking of paws and belly, as well as rubbing of the face and ears. Frequent dog allergens are pollen, grass and mold. Dogs may also be allergic to insect bites as well as meals and drugs. Hives are symptomatic of dog allergy symptoms, showing as pink raised bumps on the pores and skin much the identical as they do in humans. This can be easily confused with many dog diseases.

One in five dogs suffers from arthritis. This could occur as a genetic condition or will be attributable to injury and disease. Hip dysphasia is probably the most frequent form of any such dog ailments taking place most frequently in larger breeds.

What Are the Most Common Dog Diseases?

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