Posts Tagged ‘Allergy’
Rhinitis
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
Q:I have developed allergy-triggered sinusitis - dust and dairy products seem to be the biggest culprits. Can I do anything to help boost my resistance?
A:Sinusitis is usually caused by infection that triggers inflammation whereas rhinitis is created by allergies which frequently leads to acute sinusitis. A chronic state may be brought about by food or airborne allergies possibly like in your case.
I usually conduct allergy testing at ICIM to confirm possible allergies. If the ‘allergy’ like reaction develops over time rather than always been there, (more…)
Recommendations for controling Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Q: I’ve recently been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and I’m interested in controlling the condition with natural supplements. Can you recommend anything?
A: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a diagnosis only to be considered when all other reasons for the symptoms have been ruled out. The characteristics of IBS are persistent and recurrent abdominal pains, usually gripping but sometimes with sharp or cutting episodes, bloating, irregular bowel habits with diarrhoea or constipation, flatulence and associated nausea, and lethargy. All or some of these symptoms may be present.
When considering a treatment plan for any ailment an understanding of the potential cause must be contemplated. At ICIM we devise strategic testing to help determine and uncover the cause for each and every patient. For example, stress may be a cause in one individual, low stomach acid or pancreatic enzyme production another, intestinal yeast, bacterial or indeed parasitic infection, food allergy or intolerance or indeed gut damage or inflammation for another person.
Specific testing can be conducted to confirm possible underlying causes before strategic treatment programs implemented.
Once the potential cause has been uncovered then treatment is devised to address the cause. Valerian root can aid IBS where stress is a trigger. Digestive enzymes help you digest your foods where low enzymes are contributing. Anti-microbial herbs such as Hydrastis, Berberis Vulgaris, Black Walnut may be considered where intestinal infections are occurring. Glutamine powder helps to heal a damaged or irritated gut. Acidophilus or probiotics help restore balance to the intestinal flora.
Allergy like reactions can often be a ‘symptom’ of an underlying cause. If you suddenly appear to have allergies that you never had before – they are most likely resulting from maldigestion, intestinal infections or gut inflammation. Although the food looks like the cause it can actually be the consequence. Meaning,that it is in fact your digestive system that needs treatment.
Avoiding fermenting foods can help accelerate the healing process – avoiding sugar, dairy, fermented drinks, wheat, deciduous fruit etc. but may not solve the problem.
For further information on IBS, treatment or testing contact the ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or e-mail info@icim.ie
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Every year hay fever seems to ruin my summer
Monday, November 24th, 2008
Q : Every year hay fever seems to ruin my summer. What do you recommend to minimise the symptoms?
A : Hay fever or allergic rhinitis, is characterised by itchy nose, throat and palate, congestion and/or runny discharge from the nasal passages, itching or stinging eyes. Those who suffer from hay fever symptoms throughout the year are said to have perennial rhinitis. Animal hair, dust, feathers, fungus spores, moulds and/or some other environmental agent may trigger the symptoms. In individuals where food allergies and/or dermatitis accompany symptoms of hay fever we can suspect other factors that may be stressing the immune system allowing these symptoms to manifest:
• Food allergy and/or Food Intolerance
• Hidden ingredients in processed foods; food additives; medicinal drugs (e.g. penicillin) added to foods; environmental pollution; early weaning and solid foods given to infants; genetic manipulation of food components which cross-react with normal tissues.
• Impaired digestion
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Yeast Infections
Recommendations
• Rotation diet: prevents new allergies, gives immune system rest, and intestines a chance to heal; infrequent consumption of tolerated foods not likely to induce new sensitivities or worsen old ones.
• Rebalance bowel flora : probiotics and/or acidophilus, treat any underlying yeast infections with Goldenseal.
• Healing damaged gut: eliminate all factors injuring mucosa; re-establish bowel flora, remove intestinal toxins; improve digestion; decrease inflammation.
• Decrease inflammatory gut reaction: quercetin, vitamin C and fish oils are helpful.
• Stimulating regeneration of gut: glutamine stimulates regeneration.
• Re-establishing normal digestion: digestive enzymes.
• Immune support: Echinacea, Astragalus, Goldenseal are helpful. Vitamin A, B, C, and Zinc
• Quercetin & Bromelain: slows the realease of histamine into the blood stream
• Homoeopathic remedies: Grasses & Pollens 30C, Wyethia 6C, Euphrasia 6C, Galphimia Glauca 6X, Allium Cepa 6C are all very helpful. Consult your homoeopath.
For further information about Allergies, please visit ICIM Medics Allergy information page.
Check out Medical Thermography to see how bad your hay fever is. For further information on Hay fever please visit the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine on www.icim.ie or tel. 045 844819
