Allergies
Allergies develop when the immune system becomes hypersensitive and over reactive to substances that we ingest or that we come in contact with. All of us have sensitivities to one thing or another. In some individuals these sensitivities accumulate and ultimately stress the immune system so that function is impaired. Some individuals develop auto immune disorders where the immune system attacks the body.
The immune’s system ability to identify and remove foreign substances enables it to fight off infecting germs, neutralize poisons, and destroy cancer cells. During an allergic reaction, however, these normally protective defenses are triggered by innocuous substances such as foods, pollen, animal hairs, medicines, and so on. Uncomfortable, and sometimes life threatening symptoms can occur. The most common symptoms of allergic reactions are skin eruptions, stuffy or runny nose, wheezing or coughing.
While true allergies are reactions to specific substances, the immune system can produce similar symptoms when triggered by non specific factors such as temperature or weather changes, overexertion, stress, strong emotions, or infectious disease.
Many women are sensitive to certain foods, which can result in symptoms ranging from intestinal distress to weight gain. Common culprits are dairy foods, wheat and other gluten-containing foods, corn, and food additives. It is fairly common to be sensitive to one or two foods. However women with multiple food allergies that are resistant to simple dietary changes often have a history of some type of abuse, or they continue to live in dysfunctional relationships or to stay in overly stressful jobs. There is a tremendous relationship between lifestyle choices, stress, and the parts of the immune system that maintain bowel and vaginal health. Supporting their bodies nutritionally, as well as learning to support themselves emotionally and psychologically helps many women to regain their health. Studies show that this helps to normalize immune response and replenishes the immune system.
