What Is An Allergy?

Theres a lot of talk about allergies. But just what
is an allergy and what causes them? Why do some people
have them while others dont? And why are people with
one allergy more inclined to have many?

The immune system is set up to protect our bodies from
harmful, foreign substances. Like viruses and bacteria
(dirt and germs). Sometimes the immune system doesnt
develop properly or is just oversensitive and doesnt
react right.

In these cases, it reacts to things that arent
harmful and dont usually cause people any problems.
These things are called allergens. The term allergens
is just an easier way to say things that cause
allergies.

When the oversensitive or improperly developed immune
system sees these allergens, it sends out chemicals
like histamine. Its the histamines that cause the
symptoms that are common with allergies.

Symptoms like itching, watery eyes, runny nose,
swelling, hives or rashes. Different people have
different symptoms, but the causes are the same.

The symptoms that are displayed depend on the part of
the body the allergen comes in contact with. Allergens
that are breathed in, like pollen or dust cause
coughing or wheezing, stuffy or runny noses and an
itchy nose and throat.

Plant allergies usually come in contact with the skin,
so they cause rashes.

Food allergies usually result in nausea, vomiting,
stomach pains or in severe cases, life threatening
reactions. Drug allergies tend to involve the entire
body, so they have a variety of symptoms.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 14th, 200

Overcoming The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fatigue is a condition of exhaustion and lack of energy caused by several factors such as viral infection, overexertion and lack of sleep. As fatigue is a normal condition, most people have experienced fatigue at least once in their lifetimes. The feeling of exhaustion is usually relieved after the person gets some rest. But if a person suffers from fatigue for extended periods of time, usually more than 6 months, he/she may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition of extreme and persistent fatigue that lasts for six months and more. It usually comes with several other symptoms such as muscle pain, aches in the joints, sore throat, and lack of energy. Most people with chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS usually suffer from a more serious disorder like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is hard to determine, but it is widely believed that there are three factors that trigger this debilitating disorder.

The Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Viral or bacterial infection Exposure to viruses and bacteria can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. The symptoms of fatigue usually disappear when the infection is successfully treated.

Overexertion Rigorous physical activities that go beyond what the body can take results to extreme exhaustion. Athletes who are prone to over training are susceptible to this.

Depression Some doctors believe there is a link between chronic fatigue syndrome and stress or anxiety. People who suffer from depression are also usually afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dehydration Depriving the body of its daily water requirements has long-term side effects such as chronic fatigue.

Eating disorders Inadequate supply of vitamins and minerals in the body causes chronic fatigue since the body lacks the proper nutrition it needs to perform properly.

Now that you know what triggers chronic fatigue syndrome, the following remedies should help you overcome the symptoms of CFS.

Have a balanced, healthy diet Increase your intake of healthy food such as fruits and vegetables. These provide your body with vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system strong. Also increase your consumption of garlic and onion, which are known to boost the immune system. Eating more quality protein that is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 (such as fish, chicken, soy products) also helps maintain the body healthy.

Avoid food high in fat and sugar content, as they will make you prone to feeling lethargic and sluggish. Never skip breakfast and instead of having three full meals per day, go for more frequent meals but with smaller portions to keep your body’s metabolism going.

Get up and active People afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome don’t have to rest and sleep all the time. Regular exercise is advised to help combat the lethargy and lack of energy. Fifteen to thirty minutes of mild exercise combined with 30 minutes of rigorous physical activity such as swimming, aerobics and tennis can work wonders in improving your heart’s performance and for proper circulation.

De-stress Doctors have found out that there is a strong connection between stress/anxiety and the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. To avoid having chronic fatigue, it is advised to manage stress and bring stress levels down. Learning to deal with stress will not only help you combat chronic fatigue, it will also help you improve your relationships, boost your health and enhance your general outlook on life.