by Abbe Lang

Allergies and food sensitivities are becoming a major problem throughout the world, not just in the U.S. Many are eating too much wheat, dairy, sugar, corn, peanuts and eggs.

These are the top six most highly reactive foods on the planet that can trigger allergies causing skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, hives, hay fever and asthma. They can also cause pain in the joints and muscles throughout the body.

We can see hidden food allergies in issues with the skin, nervous system, eyes, ears, sinuses, nose, mouth, thyroid, heart, gastrointestinal system and musculoskeletal system. These food particles get lodged in our cells and joints, and the body sends water to surround these food particles to get rid of them; hence, bloating and fatigue.

For example, let’s look at “wheat”. Previously, grains used to be sprouted by being left to germinate in open fields. Sadly, today the faster farming methods don’t allow time for this germination to occur, rendering modern wheat much more difficult to digest. The majority of Americans tend to eat mostly wheat. For those that have toast for breakfast, a sandwich at lunch, a granola bar for a snack and a roll with dinner—it’s too much wheat. Here is what happens:

· Serotonin levels drop in the brain, adrenaline and blood sugar levels drop.
· Mood swings can occur, sometimes the onset of depression and cravings for more reactive foods such as wheat.
· The immune system and hormone levels react, leading to tissue swelling.
· A feeling of heaviness and fatigue occurs along with the storage of excess calories, mainly as fat.
· Swelling of the intestinal membranes occurs, allowing allergens to assimilate, preventing nutrients from being absorbed, which leads to a weakened immune system and nutrient deficiencies.
· The cycle begins all over again when more wheat is eaten.

The body attacks the reactive food as if it were a virus or parasite, leading to an immune system overload. In some people, the immune system wrongly identifies a non-toxic substance as an invader, and the white blood cells overreact, creating more damage to the body than the invader. All of this leads to pain throughout the body, achy joints, allergies, skin problems and fatigue. Typical allergic responses are nasal congestion, cough, wheezing, itching, shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, hives and other skin rashes.

Many people are allergic to mold. Molds live throughout the house in any damp, dark places. They also can be found in the air and on dead leaves.

Foods can also trigger allergic reactions. Some of the most common allergenic foods in adults are shrimp, lobster, crab, strawberries, chocolate, shellfish, peanuts, walnuts, other tree nuts, fish and eggs. Children can outgrow some allergies; adults typically don’t without receiving homeopathic care to address the allergens or strengthen the immune system.

There is a difference between food allergies and food intolerances. Food intolerances are created when a person cannot digest and process food correctly, usually from lacking a certain enzyme. Think whole foods and stay away from processed foods. Choose lean protein sources such as tuna, turkey, fish, poultry, fruits such as bright colored berries, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. When it comes to whole grains, choose quinoa, buckwheat, millet, teff, wild rice, or sorghum as they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber with unique flavors that will keep you full and satisfied.

Many allergy sufferers are turning to homeopathic remedies and tissue salts to combat allergy symptoms. They work with the body’s natural functions to shut off an allergic response instead of masking the symptoms.

If one reaches for over-the-counter medicines all the time and relies on visits to doctors for prescriptions or if one realizes they’re just masking symptoms without resolving their issues, they’re interfering with the body’s natural ability to heal itself.  Holistically, discover the tools that will enable your body to function like the naturally healthy machine it is.

Abbe Lang is a certified health and wellness as well as a homeopath.  www.abbelang.com     856-452-3434