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What Causes Wine Allergies

December 20th, 2007   

Although not as common as food allergies, people affected by wine allergies have as severe reactions as with any allergy. Sometimes people are even unaware that they may have wine allergies, chalking up symptoms to “something they ate” or even being “hung over”. The symptoms can be hives, severe headaches after just a small consumption of wine, itchy eyes, skin rashes and this can even trigger an asthma attack.

What Causes Wine Allergies

Even though, the first thought when someone has wine allergies is, could it be the alcohol? There are many more ingredients that are the probable culprit in this type of allergic reaction. The production of wine is somewhat complicated, using a method to produce the wine; and then, one to preserve it. In both processes there are many additives used to complete the entire wine making process. A common element found naturally in wine is sulphur dioxide. This compound is found on growing plants, including grapes. It is additionally added by winemakers because it helps to prevent organisms from growing in the wine. In addition, it keeps the wine from turning to vinegar by slowing yeast growth. There are limits to how much sulphur dioxide can be added to wine. For many with wine allergies, this ingredient may be the cause of their condition. Sweeter wines contain more sulphur dioxide; these are more likely to be white wines.

Red wines contain a larger variety of ingredients, and people with wine allergies may have more reactions when drinking red wine. Histamines can be found in red wine, and this could be a trigger for some with wine allergies. The reaction seen from histamines is usually like a hay fever attack, with sneezing and itchy eyes.

To discover exactly which component is causing the wine allergies, a patient can through a skin-prick test. If there is no skin reaction to any of the ingredients, than the patient has a wine intolerance, not wine allergies. With diagnoses of intolerance, further steps can be taken to learn how to eliminate that ingredient from your diet.

Organic wines are becoming more popular, enabling people with wine allergies to still enjoy a favorite beverage. There are several organic vineyards that can be located through internet searches. These vineyards are kept to strict standards to maintain the integrity of the organic label.

Learning what ingredients cause wine allergies and possible ways to avoid the ingredients can enable people to enjoy a glass of wine.

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Wheat Allergies Cause Need To Dietary Change

December 18th, 2007   

A person who may be missing out on a lot of good food products is someone suffering from wheat allergies, as there are so many products made with wheat. While not as common as allergies caused by eggs, dairy and peanuts, wheat allergies can create just as many problems for those who are allergic to wheat and wheat products, such as gluten.

There is no way to avoid the hazards of wheat allergies except totally avoiding wheat and products all together. Exposure to wheat or wheat products may cause an upset stomach, asthma and in extreme case anaphylactic shock. While this seems simple, there are products containing wheat protein that may come as surprise. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, for example, contains wheat protein and is also used in bread crumbs. While the ingredients may not specify wheat, knowing what is in the other ingredients can halp avoid problems with wheat allergies.

The symptoms of wheat allergies are wide ranging and will vary by person, but some of the common symptoms are stomach problems, eczema, skin rashes and an unexplained cough. Having these or other symptoms do not necessarily mean an allergy to wheat is present, but they do indicate the possible need for further, professional testing.

Once Wheat Is Gone, It Has To Stay Away

Persons with wheat allergies will have to eliminate all wheat products from their diet to avoid the effects. However, it must be understood that regardless of how long a person goes without wheat, there is no time limit on the effects of wheat allergies. Once wheat has been totally out of the system it will have to stay out. Ingesting wheat or wheat products after a period of time without it, will almost instantly bring back the allergic reaction and in many cases it may be worse than before.

Persons suffering wheat allergies do not have to rule out ever eating bread or pizza crust ever again as there are other products to use as a substitute that will not spark an allergic reaction. Corn, potatoes, soy and oats are just a few of the ones that can be used to make bread products without wheat and without losing the taste. Flour made of rice is another alternative and starch from the arrowroot can also be used without triggering wheat allergies.

If a person believes their allergies are caused by wheat protein, it will be best to consult a physician familiar with testing for allergies to obtain an exact cause to the allergy. Many food products can cause similar reactions and can form later in life. An allergy can develop even after years of tolerance.

 

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Symptoms Of Food Allergies: What Are They?

December 16th, 2007   

Food allergies seem to be more common than ever, but many people have food intolerances not a true allergy. So what is the difference? A true food allergy is when the body’s immune system is reacting to a food. A food intolerance is when the body has a difficult time digesting or breaking down a food. One of the most common food intolerances is being Lactose intolerant. The digestive system doesn’t have the enzyme needed to break down dairy products causing the body to have a reaction. True food allergies can be life threatening, and the complicated symptoms of food allergies should be paid attention too.

What Are Symptoms Of Food Allergies?

The symptoms of food allergies vary with each individual person. The list of common symptoms of food allergies include hives, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sneezing, runny noses and even shortness of breathe can be a symptom. There are other symptoms of food allergies that can be even more severe. Sometimes only the stomach and the intestinal tract are affected by a food allergy. In this case, the symptoms of food allergies can be mistaken for a common stomach ache. Celiac disease is an immune system reaction to certain glutens. Glutens are proteins that are found in wheat and barely. People with this disease can sometimes go years undiagnosed. They ignore their pain, not realizing this is one of the symptoms of food allergies. Many people spend an average of ten years with this pain before being diagnosed.

The severest reaction a person can have with a food allergy is anaphylaxis. This is a life threatening reaction, causing many of the bodies systems to respond. The skin may become itchy, break out in hives or become flushed. The airway can swell causing the person to have difficulty speaking or breathing. There can be vomiting or diarrhea. Even the heart can become affected, causing lowered blood pressure and possibly unconscious. Immediate medical intervention is needed and a shot of epinephrine can help stop the reaction.

Symptoms of food allergies differ from person to person. It is important to be aware of changes that occur when certain foods are consumed. If there is a pattern, it is suggested that a visit to board-certified allergist be the next step. Keeping track of the symptoms of food allergies that have been experienced can assist in determining the correct course of action to avoid serious complications caused by food allergies.

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Skin Allergies Can Have Debilitating Effects

December 14th, 2007   

Persons suffering from skin allergies may have a tough time figuring out the cause of their problem and sometimes the only way to determine the cause is to purposely inject up to 73 known allergens into a small patch of skin and see which one causes a rash. This procedure, known as a patch test, can lead physicians to pinpoint what is causing a person to suffer.

Reactions to certain chemicals or elements can cause skin allergies that may be confined to the point of contact, or spread over large areas, including the entire body. Some rashes, affecting the hands and feet can create other issues if the person is unable to work or perform simple daily tasks as a result. However, once the cause of the reaction is known, typically avoiding contact with that cause can avoid any other problems. Sometimes treatment with corticosteroid cream can help those with a skin rash, but studies have found that about three percent of those with skin allergies are also allergic to the cream.

Recent studies have also shown that the biggest culprit in skin allergies is nickel. This metal, in addition to being used in U.S. Coins, is also used in jewelry, and clasps as well as in buttons on some clothing.

Many Cosmetic, Beauty Items On Top Offenders List

Also high on the list is gold, a precious metal used in jewelry and had other uses such as dental fillings and coins. A person who develops skin allergies after wearing gold, may have to switch to silver or another metal to avoid the rashes associated with the rash.

Myroxylon pereirae, from tree resin can be found in many cosmetic products such as perfumes and skin lotion. Another compound, neomycin sulfate is also used in cosmetics, deodorant and soap and is also found in first aid creams and pet food. A recent study also pointed to a mix of eight fragrance allergens in food, cosmetic products perfumes and dental products.

Many people develop skin allergies from formaldehyde, a preservative also used in paper, medications, cleaners cosmetics and in some fabric finishes. Shampoo and sunscreen may also include quaternium 15, another preservative also found in industrial products such as paint, wax and polishes.

For those suffering skin allergies finding out the cause can be an uncomfortable experience and another method for light allergies may include a rash diary, detailing what the person was doing or wearing when they noticed the outbreak of the rash. Over time, the results can be collated to help determine the cause of skin allergies, as well as compiling a list of what to avoid.

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Protien Allergies And Dog Food When It Comes To Your Dog

December 12th, 2007   

Our dogs are very important parts of our lives. We always want them to be happy, and we want them to lead the best lives possible, under our care. There is no set method for the best way to make your dog happy, but as with everything there are certain things that you can do to make sure his life isn’t bad. Something you might not know is that protien allergies and dog food can be part of your dog’s life that you have control over, and that you can make the best possible for him.

Dog Allergies

You might not know it, but because of protien allergies and dog food, your dog could be having allergies and you aren’t even aware of it. If your dog has always had them, you might not ever know because he simply might have always been acting the same way. If you are concerned about your dog and protien allergies and dog food you should know that there are some things to watch for. Most of the time, when a dog has allergies, he is going to have a skin reaction that will show that something is not agreeing with him. Other times, he will actually get a stuffy head and sneezing reaction, like people do. Either way, if your dog is experiencing anything that is not normal behavior, you might want to check him for trouble with protien allergies and dog food.

The easiest way to see if your dog has trouble with protien allergies and dog food is to simply take him off of a dog food that is high in protien and see if he reacts better. Often this will show you that the food that he has been eating is not the best food for him. This is the easiest way that you can check to see what might be wrong with your dog, and you’ll be able to see if it has to do with protien allergies and dog food by simply changing his food.

If you aren’t sure what you can do for your dog, the best thing that you might want to think about would be to take him to a vet and see what the vet has to say about protien allergies and dog food. If you do this, then your vet can also recommend a different food for your dog to eat.

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