Candida, Allergies and StressI’ll start by telling my personal story of Stress related Asthma and allergies symptoms, which later I learned might have been Candida connected. A strong link exists between Candida albicans and asthma. Studies have found a reaction antibody to candida in 53 to 66 percent of all asthmatics tested. (A.Benard, et al., "Increased intestinal permeability in bronchial asthma," J.Allergy Clin. Immunol.97(6):1173-78 (June 1996).This may be a result of steroid medication, which will stimulate candida growth, but it may also be due to a deficiency of IgA found in mucous membranes throughout the body as a consequence of asthma. I would wake up in the middle of the night, unable to breathe and coughing and wheezing trying to get air. I developed a strong reaction to woolen blankets, feather pillows, even our adorable family pet cat, which we had enjoyed for years. Removal of my favourite feather pillows, wool blankets and even our cat came next. I would sneeze constantly if either my husband or I was cutting the grass. Antihistamines from over the counter at the pharmacy were recommended. I took them. Neither the doctor nor I thought of Candida at the time. Eventually, this period passed. (Probably winter came and the snow so there was no more grass cutting). I was perfectly healthy, or so I thought, at the time, when I developed a rash on my hands. This rash was so severe I went to my medical doctor once again and he suggested I might have an allergy to something. Of course, the first thing that came to mind, was laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, etc. When my baby daughter arrived, I was told by the doctor that I had to bathe her while wearing rubber gloves. I had to bath my hands daily in Potassium Permanganate crystals. These crystals are Purple. So were my hands! It was scaring me. Stress or what? My friends had to help me with the baby. My hands were so sore, I could barely use them. The doctor at the time, advised me to take a holiday in the sun. I took his advice and enjoyed a vacation in the Bahamas. Looking at that advice today, I probably needed Vitamin D, Probiotics and a good clean out. By the way, did you know that Liquid Chlorophyl is a probiotic, a friendly bacteria that makes conditions in the bowel inhospitable for undesirable bacteria. Then my daughter developed more symptoms. A diaper rash that was very very painful and difficult to get rid of. Again her rash was equally as bad as my hands were. We thought of laundry detergents as the culprit. We changed to a milder soap and that seemed to ease the symptoms, but it did continue for a long time. Eventually, we got through all these Candida related symptoms, not really knowing what we were doing, by using over the counter drugs that were recommended by the pharmacist or the doctor. Asthma and Allergies Did you know that 50 million Americans suffer from asthma and allergies? These are symptoms not diseases. Hering’s Law of Cure states “All cure starts from within out, from the head down, and in the reverse order as the symptoms appeared.” After studying with Dr. Bernard Jensen, I learned that when the bowel is underactive, the other elimination channels – the skin, kidneys, lymphathic system and lungs are overtaxed. Again, I ask the question, is stress and overwork, antibiotics, and poor nutrition causing Candida and fungus in the body, ear infections, asthma, allergies, chronic bowel problems, such as Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc? Food Allergens There are many food allergens and wheat is listed in the top 8 food allergens along with peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and soy. Incomplete digestion can be a major contributor of numerous disease conditions. As a result of incomplete digestion, macromolecules can be absorbed into the systemic circulation. This can lead to a variety of immune complex diseases and is theorized to play an integral role in the development of food allergies. Macromolecules capable of producing an immune response, can trigger the body's defenses against exposure to what is perceived as foreign protein, thus producing symptoms of allergy. Other common food allergies include: corn, citrus, berries and MSG (food additive) Some bowel disorders can be traced to eating wheat. Our bodies react in different allergic reactions to these products and a good way to find out what you are having trouble with, is to eliminate the suspected food, one at a time, for a 3 to 6 weeks and see how you feel. Other Sensitivities There are allergens such as chemical sensitivities and mold sensitivities. Both Mold and chemicals are affecting more and more of the population today than ever before. Seasonal Allergies Did you know that allergies affect about 20% of the population. Every year, I learn that one more of my friends have allergic symptoms and reactions. Allergic Reaction An Allergic reaction is when the body’s immune system reacts to a normal, usually harmless substance. When this happens an antigen is created to fight this invader and an allergic response occurs. The body’s immune system produces an antibody, which roams through the bloodstream looking for foreign substances that are not supposed to be there. When this antibody spots an invader, the antibody grabs it to make sure it does not cause problems and then removes it. Antibodies are important as this is the way the body fights infections, colds, viruses and diseases. There are natural ways to build antibodies in the system that can help diminish the effects and underlying root causes of allergies instead of just working on the symptoms, using over the counter allergy medications. Some of Nature's Sunshine products are:
Vitamin E 400 IU with Selenium Perfect Eyes Zinc High Potency Garlic Super Oils Enviro Detox Antigens Foreign substances in the body are called Antigens. Usually, antigens are things we want removed, like a virus. Sometimes, however, the antibodies attack a usually harmless substance that in most people would not cause the immune system to swing into action. There are hundreds of substances in the air people breathe,the food they eat and the things they touch that may cause a reaction. Things that are inhaled, such as pollen, dust, mold spores and pet dander. Things that are eaten, such as milk and milk products, eggs, shellfish, peanuts and other nuts. Things that are injected, such as penicillin and other medications. An insect sting leaves venom behind. Things that are touched, such as nickel in costume jewellery, dyes in nail polish and shampoos, latex and perfumes. Symptoms Symptoms range from a mild rash, watery and itching eyes, sniffling and sneezing. More reactions could be skin itching and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms like stomach pain and cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, dizziness and mental confusion can occur. In extreme cases, swelling can cause the throat to close making it hard to swallow or even cutting off air supply. Causes There can be many causes of allergies. Some are – Underlying food allergies or food sensitivies Intestinal inflammation and/or leaky gut syndrome Live congestion or inflammation Exposure to toxins on a continual basis Structural stressors with spinal alignment Inhibited lymphatic drainage And last, but not least, nutritional deficiencies
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