Do you have an allergy?

According to the Royal College of Physicians (June 2003) we are now in an Allergy Epidemic. In fact, recent figures state that over 50% of the population now suffer from allergies. These figures are phenomenal.

Allergies can significantly affect lifestyle, which is why people look for help. Symptoms vary from the mild form of sneezing, itching and skin rashes to the more severe inflammatory reactions such as a bee sting or breathing difficulties one may experience with a nut allergy. People usually don’t have one allergy but many. Multiple allergies can cause a range of symptoms, for example one client came to see me suffering from rhinitis but also had abdominal bloating, an irritable bowel, asthma and eczema. One or more of these symptoms are often experience by those suffering with multiple allergies.

We know that the common triggers are certain foods (e.g. cheese, milk, bread) environmental factors (e.g. pollen, dust) and synthetic chemicals (e.g. preservatives, pesticides). However, identification of food allergies is becoming harder due to the increasing number of synthetic chemicals our foods are grown with and contain and the extraordinary combination of ingredients contained in prepared foods. A client of mine contacted me immediately when she reacted to some fresh blueberries. Whilst her test showed no reaction to the fruit I pointed out that it was likely to be the chemical spray used on the fruit rather than the fruit itself.

There is often a misconception that once you have had an allergy identified that you have to keep off that food for life. This is simply not true. I have treated many people with severe allergies who have suffered for years and have managed to clear up their reactions by following a naturopathic programme.

Our bodies are designed to clear out pollutants from the air, water and foods and utilise the best for its needs. However, just like any filter it can get clogged and overloaded. I believe that when the body is stressed, congested or under par, it becomes over burdened and sensitivities to foods, chemicals, etc kick in. This is why sometimes people feel they are OK when on holiday (where they have little to no stress) and can eat anything and not be affected but when they get back to their usual environment their symptoms return. It is a moving threshold depending on your state of health.

Everyone is tested for food intolerances in my clinics, as I believe it to be a fundamental part of assessing what is going on in the body. I do recommend exclusion of the allergen or intolerance but only temporarily. As mentioned I do not believe long term exclusion is necessary unless of course it is a critical allergy. What I find assists to resolve the symptoms is a combination of a) a professional organ detoxification programme which incorporates use of herbal, homeopathic and naturopathic remedies alongside b) temporary adjustments to the diet. Of course the duration of the treatment varies with each person but this works in 9 out of 10 cases that I see.

This really does follow the principles behind naturopathy where the body is constantly trying to maintain equilibrium and providing you give it the right tools to assist, it will find its own balance.

 

Rumana Zahn is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist. She runs her own multi-discipline clinics in Newcastle (within a GPs practice), Darlington and the Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall. She is a leader within the field of Natural Medicine and extensively writes and speaks on the subject. She can be contacted on 01325 722803 or visit her website www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana Zahn is a Member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners

 

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