FINALLY!!  A law has been passed that requires all EU countries to implement allergy labelling by the end of 2014 in restaurants, canteens and takeaways.  This is long overdue as anyone who has allergies or is living with someone that has them will tell you.  This article is Rochdale online

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/58356/consumers-win-right-to-allergy-info-in-restaurants-and-takeaways

Hay Fever/Allergic Rhinitis

By Beverly Mc Govern Dip. Ac., Lic. Ac., Dip. Nutritional Advisor, Dip. Chinese Herbs, ITEC., IFR.,

What is it?

Symptoms include itchy, puffy, watery eyes, sneezing and red, stuffy nose.  It is an allergic reaction.  It is caused by allergens entering your body via inhalation or swallowing.  It is usually seasonal but can be all year round if the allergens stay throughout the year.  It is your immune system’s response to allergens in the air around you.

Hay Fever can be triggered by many allergens such as dust mite, moulds, pollens, animal dander, chemicals, aerosols and many more.  It affects both men and women equally.  It is most common in Spring and Summer.  It can be quite debilitating when it is severe and can make life quite miserable.  It is particularly uncomfortable for students trying to sit exams and concentrate.

What are the risk factors?

• Family history of hay fever
• Having other allergic conditions such as eczema or asthma
• Repeated exposure to the allergen
• Nasal Polyps
• Pregnancy may aggravate Hay Fever

How Does Chinese Medicine View Hay Fever/Allergic Rhinitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine sees this as an invasion of Wind-Cold in the meridians or channels.  It is also seen as a weakness in Wei Qi (this is the body’s Defensive Energy).  There may also be Lung Qi Deficiency (this is the energy that controls the body’s respiratory system).  The systems at this stage are clear mucus or discharge.  If left untreated it may progress to yellow or green mucus and this is invasion of Wind-Heat.  The principal of treatment would be to dispel or purge Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat and boost Wei Qi and Lung Qi.  This can be achieved through Acupuncture or using Chinese Herbs.

What Can you Do About it?

There is no need to suffer in silence.   The first port of call should be to identify exactly what allergens are causing the problem and then to exclude them as much as possible.  An Allergy Test will identify most allergens.  It will also identify any vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which may exasperate the problem.  For example, if you are lacking in Zinc it can affect the mucus membranes and lining of the nose.  It may also result in a decline in the sense of taste and smell.  Diet can also assist, by ensuring it provides all the vitamins and minerals necessary to support your immune system.

TIP: If pollens or grass are bothersome allergens for you it may help if you place some vaseline at the bottom of the nostrils before working in the garden.  It will catch a lot of the air borne particles and may reduce the hay fever effect.

This article is by Dr Robert Tozzi.   It gives some common sense suggestions for dealing with ADHD.  It focuses on diet also.  It refers to the Food Elimination Diet and the Brittish Medical Journal.  http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/07/06/adhd-answer-is-not-always-in-pill/

We all know that ADHD can be hard on all concerned and anything that might help is a plus.   Allergies should always be considered as an aggravating factor but even more importantly, mineral and vitamin deficiencies should be investigated.   The test performed at our clinic covers allergies/intolerances and vitamin & mineral deficiencies.

A new study initiated by the Food Allergy Initiative in America has shown that 1 in 13 US children suffers with food allergies.  This is one of the largest Food Allergy studies to date and it finds that Food Allergies are increasingly prevalent and severe.  Well any parent of a child with an allergy is probably already aware of that!  But this article on the study and commentry from Minnesota allergist Dr Allan Stillerman makes a good short read.  http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/20889-1

But Dr Stillerman comment that “A lot of patients under the age of five who have chronic, moderately-severe eczema, as many as 40 to 50 percent of them are found to have food allergies.” is finally confirming what many parents have been realising and finding out for themselves.  In my opinion children should be allergy/intollerance tested as early as possilbe when they have symptoms.

New Wimbledon champion Novak Djokvic is said to attribute some of his recent improved performances to his gluten free diet.  Last year, the Wall Street Journal reports that, Djokvic was diagnosed with a protein allergy.  The protein was gluten which is found in wheat, oats, barley and rye.  So found in foods such as pasta, pizza, bread, etc.  Djokvic eliminated these foods from his diet and lost weight.  His tennis has improved no end since then.  Read the whole article and make you own mind up!  Does the right diet make that much of a difference??

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703509104576327624238594818.html

So your child has a dairy intollerance or allergy?  Will they ever outgrow it?  Million Dollar question for a lot of parents.  Recent research has now shown that by increasing the amount of exposure to “baked” dairy will improve tollerance to dairy products overall.  If your child has a dairy allergy then you really need to read this article.  It is something that I have personally long suspected from my 20 years in the Allergy Testing Clinic but now finally research is supporting it!  Read more…

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Allergies/cookies-kids-beat-milk-allergy/story?id=13186500&page=1

Gosh a great you tube article on how acupuncture & chinese herbs can help make families by improving fertility and the chances of conceiving.  I have to say again that I do love working in this area!!  read more……….. http://acupuncturetips.org/acupuncture-associates-dr-susan-schiff-news-clip