By Jane Wakefield and Valene

We may not even be aware that certain foods are directly affecting our moods. Often, it’s not until we make a conscious effort to quit eating the possibly troublesome foods that we see the connections. (And this usually only happens when a doctor encourages it, after all else has failed to find the “cause” of our miseries). Many times, our reaction to foods can actually be the symptom of a food allergy.

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system responds to an “innocent" substance, such as cow’s milk, in the same way it would to a harmful substance, such as bacteria or viruses. This sets off a chain reaction, which begins with the production of antibodies to the allergen (in this case, milk), and ends with the release of histamines and other chemicals that produce the symptoms we call allergies.

Physicians use the term “classical allergies” to describe those few instances that actually involve the immune system. The vast number of what we call “allergies” are not classical allergies at all, because they don’t involve an immune system response. These foods just make us sick, moody or depressed.

These symptoms and their connection to foods are largely dismissed, and called “intolerances” or “sensitivities.” Few of the connections between food and ill health that do not directly involve the immune system have been scientifically established. Like other chronic conditions (PMS, Chronic Fatigue or even hyperactivity), “food intolerances” exist outside the realm of scientific testing. And because they don’t show up on some machine, sufferers are told it’s “psychological” until enough people come up with the “same kinds” of symptoms to spur the drug companies into thinking they might have an untapped new drug market. For now, intolerances remain in the realm of anecdotal evidence, or personal stories, and are thus dismissed by science.

Perhaps a food doesn't have to affect the immune system in order to ignite a yeast infection, cause the sinuses to fill, aggravate arthritis or bring on irritable bowel syndrome. Certain foods may make some people feel tired or mentally foggy or send some children into an orbit of hyperactivity.

Many studies are beginning to bear out these “unscientific” ties between foods and “allergy-like” conditions. In one of the few well designed studies of food intolerances, conducted in England among 88 children with migraines and other ailments, 78 recovered completely when placed on diets free of possible trigger foods. When 40 of the children were retested in double-blind fashion, 35 became became ill after eating the foods.

True Allergies

If you’re suffering from allergies, you most likely have some type of imbalance in your body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, chronic allergies are caused by weak adrenal, thyroid and reproductive glands, poor liver function, yeast overgrowth syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, immune system imbalance, and overall poisoning of one or more of the body’s systems. The difference between people who are allergic to pollen and those who are not is clearly a difference in the physical condition of each person.

Conventional medical treatments  consist primarily of antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, focus on suppressing the symptoms. They can create side effects and potential health risks. A much preferred approach to allergies is a nutritional program that may not only relieve allergy symptoms, but just may bring your systems into balance to the point that you will no longer be an allergy sufferer.

The first step in achieving a balanced system is cleansing the body of toxins that have been accumulating in your organs and fatty tissues for the better part of your life. Cleansing beverages, Calli and Fortune Delight are both blends of green and black teas with several other cleansing and nutritional herbs. Additional fiber in your diet will also help “scrub” your digestive system. In fact, additional fiber helps other glands in your endocrine system to remove toxins as well.

The next step is to nourish your body with adequate amounts of certain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The primary recommendations by the alternative health community for allergy sufferers are quercetin, a bioflavonoid which seems to stabilize the membranes of the cells that release histamine, and additional Vitamin C and B-5 (pantothenic acid) for their natural antihistamine effects.

To achieve relief from seasonal allergies, eat plenty of whole foods to feed and balance all of your body’s five systems. For complete balance, eat extra whole foods containing quercetin, Vitamin C and B-5. Nuplus, especially the Apple Cinnamon or Naturally Plain are known for their apple content, which is full of quercetin, and Vitamin C. 

Another helpful product is Sunbreeze oil and balm, one of our top sellers worldwide. One whiff and you'll know why.

“Better Breathing To You!”