Allergy Myths
So I'm sure we have all heard at least one myth about allergies. But what's true and what's not? Well I thought it might be interesting to find out. So I did a bit of research and this is what I found.
Some people with seafood allergies avoid skin products and medical tests that contain or use iodine believing it's the iodine that they are allergic to. But actually according to an article at howstuffworks.com, titled "10 Allergy Myths" and Dr. Adrian Morris's "25 Common Allergy Myths"this is completely untrue. A seafood allergy is caused by a protein and not the iodine.
Did you know it's not just the dander on your cat or dog that can cause allergic reactions. Actually it's a protein that's also found in their urine and saliva.
So typically a long haired cat or dog will shed more releasing more hair into the air and onto your furniture and floors. While a short haired pet sheds less and releases less hair.
So by keeping them brushed, linens they use washed and rooms vacuumed and dusted you can eliminate a lot of potential irritation. If you have an air purifier you can eliminate even more. Great news if you are an animal lover or already have pets.
Milk allergies are pretty common in babies and this type of allergy is often outgrown well before adulthood. Often though adults think they have an allergy to milk when they experience symptoms like cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea, but it's actually Lactose Intolerance. This type of intolerance has absolutely nothing to do with the immune system.
According to foodallergens.info Food allergens "are usually proteins. There are generally several different kinds of allergen in each food. It is not clear what makes some protein foods allergens, and not others." (If you think you might have an allergy or lactose intolerance, please talk to your doctor.)
A few more myths....
Goats milk is a good substitution for cows milk.
I was surprised to learn that goats milk contains many of the same casein proteins as cows milk. According to Dr. Adrian Morris's article. "25 Common Allergy Myths" only about 40% of children who are allergic to cows milk can tolerate goat milk.
Think your allergic to chocolate?
Well I thought I was for years but allergies to cocoa are actually extremely rare and it's more likely to be something else that's been added. In my case it was sugar, but it could also be the milk, eggs, soy, nuts, or added flavourings and colours.
Ionizing air purifiers can help allergies and asthma.
Well actually the ozone that is produced irritates the lungs, eyes and nose and is especially not recommended for those with asthma. Instead choose a good Hepa filter. I prefer a washable filter to the ones that you have to continually replace.
Most food allergies are caused by the preservatives in the food.
While it's true for some people (myself included) to have these types of allergies. The majority of allergies are to basic foods like, nuts, milk, eggs, soy, seafood.
If you have allergies you need to move to a very dry climate.
Allergy causing plants like weeds and grasses actually do grow in the dessert. Sometimes depending on your allergies they can even get worse especially if the new plants your body is introduced to cause new allergies.
If you take the same antihistamines for long periods of time they will stop working.
Some people can develop a tolerance, but that can be easily rectified by changing the type or brand of antihistamine. But taking antihistamines for prolonged periods will not diminish their effectiveness.
Source:
Some people with seafood allergies avoid skin products and medical tests that contain or use iodine believing it's the iodine that they are allergic to. But actually according to an article at howstuffworks.com, titled "10 Allergy Myths" and Dr. Adrian Morris's "25 Common Allergy Myths"this is completely untrue. A seafood allergy is caused by a protein and not the iodine.
Did you know it's not just the dander on your cat or dog that can cause allergic reactions. Actually it's a protein that's also found in their urine and saliva.
So typically a long haired cat or dog will shed more releasing more hair into the air and onto your furniture and floors. While a short haired pet sheds less and releases less hair.
So by keeping them brushed, linens they use washed and rooms vacuumed and dusted you can eliminate a lot of potential irritation. If you have an air purifier you can eliminate even more. Great news if you are an animal lover or already have pets.
Milk allergies are pretty common in babies and this type of allergy is often outgrown well before adulthood. Often though adults think they have an allergy to milk when they experience symptoms like cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea, but it's actually Lactose Intolerance. This type of intolerance has absolutely nothing to do with the immune system.
According to foodallergens.info Food allergens "are usually proteins. There are generally several different kinds of allergen in each food. It is not clear what makes some protein foods allergens, and not others." (If you think you might have an allergy or lactose intolerance, please talk to your doctor.)
Goats milk is a good substitution for cows milk.
I was surprised to learn that goats milk contains many of the same casein proteins as cows milk. According to Dr. Adrian Morris's article. "25 Common Allergy Myths" only about 40% of children who are allergic to cows milk can tolerate goat milk.
Think your allergic to chocolate?
Well I thought I was for years but allergies to cocoa are actually extremely rare and it's more likely to be something else that's been added. In my case it was sugar, but it could also be the milk, eggs, soy, nuts, or added flavourings and colours.
Ionizing air purifiers can help allergies and asthma.
Well actually the ozone that is produced irritates the lungs, eyes and nose and is especially not recommended for those with asthma. Instead choose a good Hepa filter. I prefer a washable filter to the ones that you have to continually replace.
Most food allergies are caused by the preservatives in the food.
While it's true for some people (myself included) to have these types of allergies. The majority of allergies are to basic foods like, nuts, milk, eggs, soy, seafood.
If you have allergies you need to move to a very dry climate.
Allergy causing plants like weeds and grasses actually do grow in the dessert. Sometimes depending on your allergies they can even get worse especially if the new plants your body is introduced to cause new allergies.
If you take the same antihistamines for long periods of time they will stop working.
Some people can develop a tolerance, but that can be easily rectified by changing the type or brand of antihistamine. But taking antihistamines for prolonged periods will not diminish their effectiveness.
Source:
- asthma.ca
- d.com/health/conditions/allergy-myths/
- health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/allergies/allergy-basics/10-allergy-myths.htm
- google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://farrp.unl.edu/resources/gi-fas/food-allergy-myths&ved=0ahUKEwjy16ewgq_VAhVIrVQKHa8CC74QFggtMAM&usg=AFQjCNGurBRhdgCYUoz-h3EkRQNNdd5kWg
- google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.allergy-clinic.co.uk/allergies/introduction-to-allergy/allergy-myths/&ved=0ahUKEwjy16ewgq_VAhVIrVQKHa8CC74QFghGMAY&usg=AFQjCNESGHBUaKiNpn3JDts8j2LKktW5sQ
- google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/respiratory-allergies/allergy-myths/&ved=0ahUKEwjy16ewgq_VAhVIrVQKHa8CC74QFghZMAk&usg=AFQjCNFVCqaxqjDAkHN3EpQKBJ-LAAykRw
- http://crc.poumon.ca/protect-protegez/pollution-pollution/indoor-interieur/cleaning-purificateurs_e.php
- foodallergens.info/Facts/Reactions/Allergic.html
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