ALLERGY CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND HOLISTIC TREATMENT OPTIONS
What is an Allergy?
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen. When an allergen, such as pollen, is absorbed into the body of an allergic person, that person’s immune system views the allergen as an invader and a chain reaction is initiated.”
Simply, allergies are a physiological error. If you are allergic to pollen, for example, your body views pollen as a harmful substance. When you come into contact with any allergen (through breathing, eating, injecting or touching it), it creates an overreaction in your organ systems. This causes a chain reaction resulting in your symptoms.
Often people don’t realize their symptoms are due to an allergy or sensitivity. A substance may affect any organ system, which could cause a multitude of symptoms from case to case. For example, a reaction to wheat may cause hives in one person, digestive issues in another, and fatigue, wheezing or Acid Reflux in someone else.
Allergy vs. Sensitivity
A “true allergy” is a reaction triggered by the immune system. However, there are a vast number of symptoms or conditions caused by sensitivities that may or may not involve the immune system.
With reactions involving food, a large percentage of the population believes they have allergies, yet fewer than 2% actually have true allergies. In fact, many suffer from undiagnosed food sensitivities or intolerances.
The majority of patients who seek the AAT treatment do not have true allergies; their symptoms are likely to be caused by sensitivities with no immune involvement.
AAT provides a highly effective treatment for both allergies and food sensitivities. AAT treats the organ systems involved in the reaction, allowing patients to return to breathing or eating normally.
Why are Allergies More Prevalent Today?
The use of the word “allergy” has become a generic term to describe allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. “Allergy” is now understood as a term for any negative reaction from exposure to a benign substance.
As our world becomes increasingly complex, our bodies must navigate and determine what is safe and what is a threat. This process has been complicated by the introduction of many chemicals, pollutants and other factors into the environment, as well as the vast number of foods and products now available from all over the world.
Our bodies have been challenged to adapt to these rapid changes in a relatively short timespan.
Allergy Symptoms and Causes
Digestive Allergy Symptoms
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort
- Heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting
- Infant reflux, colic
Common Allergens: dairy, wheat, sugar, alcohol, yeast, soy, corn, citrus, caffeine, chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, salicylates, amines.
Skin Allergy Symptoms
- Eczema
- Dermatitis, Atopic dermatitis
- Hives (Urticaria)
- Rashes, blisters, spots, weird undiagnosed rashes
- Acne
- Psoriasis
Common Allergens: dust, dust mites, grass, pollen, dogs, cats, sugar, wheat, dairy, salicylates, citrus, yeast, preservatives, food coloring, seafood, fruit, tomatoes, eggs, latex, detergents, soaps, sunlight.
Respiratory Allergy Symptoms
- Asthma: wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, tight chest
- Sinusitis: congestion, sinus headaches, sinus pressure, sinus pain
- Postnasal drip (mucus production), throat clearing, sore throat
- Seasonal Allergies: runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy throat, itchy and watery eyes
Common Allergens: pollens, grasses, mold, dust, dust mites, cats, dogs, trees, plants, dairy, wheat, sugar, corn, soy, sulfites, beer, wine.
Additional Treatable Symptoms
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Mood swings, irritability
- Fatigue
- Chemical sensitivity
Common Allergens: preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, sugar, dairy, wheat, salicylates, amines, glutamates, hormones, chemicals.
Allergens We Address
Foods
- Alcohol, Beer, Red and White Wine
- Amines
- Beans
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Corn
- Dairy Products: Milk, Cheese, Yogurt,Butter, Cream, Ice Cream
- Eggs
- Fish
- Food Additives
- Food Colorings
- Food Components (Salicylates, Glutamates)
- Food Preservatives
- Fruit, Berries, Citrus
- Gluten
- Grains: Wheat, Rye, Oats, Barley, Rice
- Herbal Remedies
- Herbs, Spices
- Meat
- Medications
- Minerals
- MSG
- Nightshades: Tomato, Potato, Eggplant, Bell Peppers
- Nutritional Supplements
- Nuts, Tree Nuts
- Peanuts
- Poultry
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Sugar
- Sulphur Dioxide, 220
- Supplements
- Vegetables
- Vitamins
- Yeast
Animals
- Animal Hair, Dander
- Birds
- Cats
- Dogs
- Guinea Pigs
- Horses
- Insect Bites and Stings
- Rabbits
Airborne Irritants
- Dust
- Dust Mites
- Flowers
- Grasses
- Molds, Fungus
- Pollens
- Seasonal Allergies
- Trees
- Weeds
Stimuli
- Altitude
- Barometric Pressure
- Sunlight
- Temperature Changes
Chemicals
- Building Materials
- Car Fumes
- Cigarette Smoke
- Detergents, Softeners
- Environmental Pollutants
- Fabrics, Upholstery
- Formaldehyde
- Carpets
- Plastics
- Glues, Adhesives
- Latex
- Leather
- Lotions, Creams, Sunscreen
- Metals, Jewelry Metals, Nickel
- Newspaper, Inks
- Perfumes, Fragrances
- Pool Chemicals, Chlorine
- Shampoo, Soaps
- Tattoo Ink
- Woods
- Paints and Varnishes
Can a Food Intolerance be Treated?
No. Food intolerance is different from an allergy or sensitivity in that there may be an enzyme deficiency, which inhibits the body from properly digesting the substance. Such cases are not affected by the treatment.
Read more on our AAT Treatment page.
PLEASE BE ADVISED
AAT cannot guarantee any results. While AAT may be highly effective in the relief of many symptoms associated with allergies or sensitivities, some cases do not respond.
AAT does not treat cases of anaphylaxis or life-threatening symptoms. In these cases, strict avoidance is always advised.
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1199 Main Ave STE 220,
Durango, CO 81310
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