Inhalant Allergies in Dogs and Cats

The objects in the environment that cause this type of allergies are called allergens. Some examples of these allergens are the following:

· Pollen from the surrounding flowering plants

· Dusts that have accumulated in several areas in the house

· Mites and similar tiny creatures that survive and live on dust

· Molds, fungi, and other similar low forms of plants. The spores from these can be inhaled by the pets

The pets, upon exposure to the above allergens will show several symptoms. Among dogs, the major symptoms are:

· Unstoppable itching in the face and in the feet

· Other itching and irritation in several parts of the body

· Occurrence of sores and discharges

· Loss of hair

Among cats, the symptoms of inhalant allergies are:

· Unspecific itching

· Intolerable itching in the face, neck, and thighs

· Inflammation and sores in different parts of the body

· Loss of hair

When the above symptoms are displayed, especially on certain seasons, such as spring and summer, the dog or cat is most likely affected by a pollen allergy. To accurately determine the occurrence of inhalant allergies, the pet should be taken to the vet. The vet will carry out a skin test to find out if, indeed, the dog or cat is suffering from an inhalant allergies. Some vets also conduct blood tests, but the results of this type of test are often times uncertain.

The best treatment is prevention or further worsening of the allergy. That is, the source of the allergens should be removed. Sometimes, this is easy if the allergens are the dusts and the mites that live in them. A good cleaning is all that a pet owner needs to do. But sometimes, removing the allergen could be difficult. That is, taking away the flowering plant may not be feasible.

Thus, owners resort to other treatments. Two of these allergy treatments are:

· Anti-itch medicines - These medicines suppresses the production of histamines. These can be taken orally or gently rubbed on the irritated area.

· Allergy shots - These can make the pets less sensitive to the presence of allergens. Vets can provide these allergy shots.

Not all cats and dogs suffer allergies when exposed to pollen and other inhaled allergens. The reason for this is their heredity. While other pets have genetic characteristics that predisposes them to have allergies.

Allergy Tests Effectiveness

Many people suffer from allergies. The problem that most allergy sufferers face is that it is difficult to pinpoint just what it is that they are allergic to. This is where allergy tests come in. But how effective are they in discovering exactly what it is you're allergic to? Are they accurate? Are there many ways to even perform the tests? We're going to try to answer some of these questions as well as explain how allergy tests work. Hopefully, by the time you're done reading this, you'll have a pretty good understanding of allergy tests are.

The basic premise behind giving allergy tests is very simple. Your allergist will inject you with small portions of each allergen to determine exactly what it is that you are allergic to. However, in reality, it isn't quite that simple. There are several methods to giving these tests and unfortunately all allergists give them differently.

The one method, which takes the longest, is to start with the smallest dose of allergen for each allergy. Since there are about 8 or 9 outdoor and 8 or 9 indoor allergies, this comes out to about 16 to 18 shots for each allergen at each dosage level. There are approximately 6 or 7 dosage levels for giving these tests. So by the time you are done testing, you could effectively have gotten as many 126 shots. While this may sound on the verge of insanity, it actually goes by very fast. Each dosage level is administered simultaneously in these standard kits. So you're getting about 8 shots at a time.

The way the test works is simple. After each dose is given, a period of about 10 minutes is allowed to pass. The allergist then checks to see if there are any signs of a reaction. If not, then they move up to the next dosage. Now, each allergen can react at a different dosage. So each reaction point has to be noted. Obviously, very detailed record keeping is involved here.

Other allergists simply go the direct route and administer the highest test dosage to start with and work their way down. This is not as accurate because an allergen that reacts at dose 6 may not react at dose 3 but will react at dose 4. Why does this matter? Because the ultimate serum created will actually be a little stronger than it needs to be. Granted, the difference is slight but many allergists feel that difference is significant enough.

But how accurate are these tests, even if you go the long route? Truthfully, they aren't as accurate as people want to think. The reason, as explained to me by my allergist, is because the skin, which is where the tests are given, reacts differently to allergens than the actual sinus passages. To get a more accurate result, you would have to inject each sinus passage, one shot at a time, and then what for a reaction. The amount of time it would take to administer these tests under those conditions would make testing virtually impossible. So skin testing is the best we can hope for.

So because the tests themselves are not that accurate, the actual allergy shot created for them is only going to be so accurate. This is why many people who take allergy shots get very little relief from them, if any.

Therefor, the alternative to allergy testing and allergy shots is simply to treat your allergies with natural foods and herbs. You can find such treatments by visiting our website.

To YOUR Health,

Steve Wagner

How Caffeine Can Affect Your Health

In a regular cup of coffee there are about 170 mg of caffeine and in decaffeinated coffee there are about 30/40 mg of caffeine.

On the stock market, Coffee is a 90 billion dollar industry but what is significant is that just in North America 85%+ drink 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day. A huge number of people are at risk for many of the issues surrounding coffee consumption.

Top Ten Reasons why you should consider switching to a "Healthy Coffee"

Top 10 Caffeine-Related Health Problems

Cardiovascular Problems

Caffeine increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure, and can contribute to the development of heart disease. Both decaf and regular coffee increase your cholesterol and homocysteine, the biochemical that science has linked to increased risk for heart attack. Caffeine is also linked to coronary vasospasms, the cause for 20% of all fatal heart attacks which kill otherwise perfectly healthy people.
Stress

Caffeine stimulates the excretion of stress hormones which can produce increased levels of anxiety, irritability, muscular tension and pain, indigestion, insomnia, and decreased immunity. Increased levels of stress from caffeine can keep you from being able to make healthy responses to the normal daily stress everyone is subjected to in their lives.

Emotional Disturbances

Anxiety and irritability are hallmark mood disturbances associated with caffeine consumption, but equally important is depression and attention disorders. Depression may occur as part of the let down after the stimulant effects of caffeine wears off. It may also appear during the recovery period after quitting caffeine while the brain's chemistry is readjusted. Caffeine rather than increasing mental activity actually decreases blood flow to the brain by as much as 30% and negatively effects memory and mental performance.

Blood Sugar Swings

Diabetics and hypoglycemics should avoid caffeine because it stimulates a temporary surge in blood sugar which is then followed by an overproduction of insulin that causes a blood sugar crash within hours. If you're trying to loose weight, this rollercoaster will actually cause weight gain since insulin's message to the body is to store excess sugar as fat.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Many people experience a burning sensation in their stomach after drinking coffee because coffee increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid leading to an increased risk for ulcers. Coffee, including decaf, reduces the pressure on the valve between the esophagus and the stomach so that the highly acidic contents of the stomach pass up to the esophagus leading to heartburn and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. With America 's high consumption of coffee, its no wonder the best selling over-the-counter drugs are the so-called antacids.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Caffeine inhibits the absorption of some nutrients and causes the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals, all essential elements necessary for good health.
Male Health Problems

Male Health Issues

Coffee is an irritant to the urinary tract and bladder. It is also a diuretic that aggravates conditions associated with frequent urination. Eliminating coffee and caffeine often relieves symptoms associated with frequent urination due to enlarged prostate glands.

Dr. Milton Krisiloff, M.D. has found that in the majority of cases, men can significantly reduce their risk for urinary and prostate problems by making dietary changes which include eliminating coffee and caffeine.

Female Health Problems

Fibrocystic breast disease, PMS, osteoporosis, infertility problems, miscarriage, low birth weight infants, and menopausal problems such as hot flashes are all exacerbated by caffeine consumption. Women on birth control pills are particularly at risk since they have a decreased ability to detoxify caffeine.

Adrenal Exhaustion

Caffeine consumption leads to eventual adrenal exhaustion which can leave you vulnerable to a variety of health disorders related to inflammation, autoimmunity, and fatigue.
Aging

Many people find in their forties that they can no longer tolerate the same level of caffeine consumption as they could in their twenties and thirties. The production of DHEA, melatonin, and other vital hormones start to decline and caffeine speeds up that downhill drop. Caffeine dehydrates the body and contributes to the aging of the skin and kidneys. It has been shown to inhibit DNA repair and slow the ability of the liver to detoxify foreign toxins.

Exhausted Adrenal Glands

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It causes the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline, the hormone your body depends on in emergencies to elevate your heart rate, increase your respiration and blood pressure for a rapid flight-or-fight response. When you overuse stimulants, the adrenals become exhausted. If your caffeine sensitivity has diminished or you're one of those who claims you can drink 3 shots of espresso and go right to sleep, guess what? Your adrenals have given up responding. This means you have less resistance to stress, which leaves you vulnerable to health hazards such as environmental pollutants and disease pathogens

Severe Blood Sugar Swings

Caffeine forces the liver to release glycogen into the blood stream. The pancreas responds to the sudden rise in blood sugar by releasing insulin, the hormone which causes excess carbohydrates to be stored as fat. Within the span of an hour or two, the result is a sharp blood sugar drop resulting in a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). That's when you think it's time for another cup of coffee and the whole cycle starts up again.

Acid Imbalance

Over 208 acids in coffee can contribute to indigestion and a wide variety of health problems resulting from over-acidity associated with arthritic, rheumatic and skin irritations. Many people experience a burning sensation in their stomach after drinking coffee because coffee increases the secretion of acid in the stomach. Optimal health calls for an alkaline pH balance in the body.

Essential Mineral Depletion

Coffee inhibits the absorption of some nutrients and causes the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals, all essential elements necessary for good health. Women need to be concerned about osteoporosis as menopause sets in. Studies show that women who drink coffee have an increased incidence of osteoporosis compared to non-coffee drinkers. Men are not immune to osteoporosis either.

These are a number of health conditions for which doctors advise their patients to eliminate coffee and all caffeine from their diet.

Acid indigestion
Anxiety, irritability and nervousness
Candida or yeast problems
Colitis, diverticulitis, diarrhea and other irritable bowel symptoms
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other auto-immune disorders
Diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Dizziness, Meniere's syndrome or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Gout (Elevated Uric Acid levels)
Heart disease or heart palpitations
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Insomnia and interrupted or poor quality sleep
Liver disease and gallbladder problems such as gallstones
Kidney or bladder problems including kidney stones
Migraines or other vascular headaches
Osteoporosis
Skin irritations, rashes and dryness
Ulcers, heartburn, and stomach problems such as hiatal hernias
Urinary tract irritation

IS THERE A HEALTHY COFFEE, BECAUSE I LIKE MY COFFEE?!?

Gano Healthy Coffee Products reduce the caffeine to about 7 or 8 mg per cup and give you the same energy boost without the health risks. De-caf Gano Cafe, Cafe Mocha and Tea, all blended with Ganoderma Mushroom extract, are available online at www.Healthy-Coffee-Shop.com. Ask for a free sample and try it for yourself.

Fat Head - A Homeopathic Perspective

Have you ever noticed that some babies have big heads like Charlie Brown and others have smaller ones? The ones with big heads are often babies who sweat on their heads and the back of their necks. They are the content babies; happy to sit and amuse themselves for hours with less need to be entertained than other children. And when these babies get sick, they are often the ones to get high fevers.

These characteristics are valuable in determining a homeopathic remedy should the fat baby get sick with a fever, for example. In homeopathy we determine which remedy will do the best work by using symptoms. In other words, we don't treat illness, we treat the person who is suffering from the illness. The symptoms are often characteristics of the person. In this case, although a large headed baby is within the range of normal, we still regard the child's appearance since it has been noted over the last 200 years of homeopathic reporting that this is a sign of certain characteristics. This is not to say that a large head is a pathology or is anything of concern, it is simply a description that aids us in predicting and then resolving forthcoming mild ills.

In homeopathy, we consider the symptoms key to the illness and an expression of what is going on in the body. But, the appearance isn't the only factor considered. We might also ask: Is this child hot or cold? Does he get colds often? Is there excessive perspiration? How about the mental state? Is he anxious, irritable or content? All of these idiosyncrasies are the expression of the child that needs to be measured. This is what makes homeopathy so unique and also effective. It views the person, not the disease. Homeopathy is a medical format that instead of covering up the symptoms, stimulates the body's ability to cure itself.

In the case of the baby described above, the remedy is likely to be Calcarea carb. This means that if this chubby-one gets sick, it is has been shown that Calcarea carb will address it in short order. In fact, these children are often the ones to get the high fevers, can be plagued with hernias and can be susceptible to allergies.

Instead of using surgery, drugs or allergy shots, it would be invaluable to contact a professional homeopath to put the little one on the right track. This method is favored for its impeccable record of safety and gentleness. Homeopathic remedies carry no risk and offer nothing but gentle resolve. Homeopathy has been the choice of mothers throughout the world for the last 200 years. It is of particular value when treating common childhood illnesses and viewing the child as a whole is key to the success of treating homeopathically. The remedy Calcarea carb is a very useful remedy for big-headed, phlegmatic, fat babies. It will put this endearing tike in good order so that when illness comes his way, he'll be strongly girded for his life ahead.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The reader is encouraged to make independent inquires and to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider.

When Bird Allergy Flies Your Way

Bird allergy is a normal reaction of your body's immune system to the feather dander, or more popularly known as feather dust, and droppings or fecal matter coming out of birds.

People who work closely with birds and those who take care of birds as pets are the most at risk to develop bird allergy. Farm workers, bird fanciers and zookeepers are the most common bird allergy patients in hospitals in the US alone.

However, medical statistics reveal that globally, the ratio of people allergic to birds are far lower compared to those allergic to other animals like dogs and cats.

Be also aware that bird allergy is an allergic reaction that indicates the immune system's efforts to defend you from what it senses or perceives as a health threat. In reality, bird allergy should not be considered as a harmful or deadly disease. Take note that complications to bird allergy kill, not the bird allergy itself.

During the process of an on set of bird allergy, the feather dust becomes an allergen that is not wanted by the body's system. When it manages to make a contact with your body, it will automatically trigger or cause the immune system to retaliate and produce antibodies or counter substances. Hence, you have the symptoms.

Symptoms of bird allergy

People with bird allergies exhibit manifestations or symptoms that are sometimes similar to those for hay fever or allergic rhinitis. It is alarming to know that most of the time, people with this allergy often ignore the onset of the symptoms thinking that these are just petty reaction to some weather or dust elements.

Symptoms for bird allergies can be divided into two groups. One, those symptoms that are considered lesser or less severe. These include watery eyes, sneezing, postnatal drips, sore throat, stuffy nose, coughing, hives itchy eyes and allergic shiners or the presence of black circles in the area below the eyes.

For the more serious form of bird allergies, the symptoms may vary. Take note that suffering from a severe attack of bird allergy can reduce your lung's capacity, that may potentially pose a detriment not just to your health but also to your life.

Such symptoms may appear in a long term like two years of regular or constant exposure to allergy-causing birds like budgies and pigeons. In some cases, bird allergy appears after as long as 10 to 20 years after initial exposure to allergens.

Such cases are determined by finding the following symptoms in a patient: prolonged coughing, breathing difficulties occasions, occasional fever and chills, weight loss and dry cough that lasts for some time.

How is bird allergy treated?

Usually, your doctor will have to delve deeper into your medical records to determine or to make sure the disease is pin pointed at bird allergy.

Take note that most or basic symptoms of bird allergy are minor and therefore needs no further and serious medical treatment. Just like other allergies, bird allergy can disappear on its own without the help of any drug or treatment.

Avoiding or discontinuing exposure to allergens, in this case the birds and their feathers, will surely help cease the bird allergy attack.

Physicians often prescribe antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids to relieve the person from a bird allergy attack. Antihistamines block symptoms to allergic reactions, not just to birds, but also to all forms of allergies.

Decongestants relieve swelling of the nasal area and stops secretion of mucus or the stuff that runs through your nose when you have a bad cols. Corticosteroids are drugs that treat inflammation due to allergic and other medical reactions.

Allergy shots, of course, will also greatly help to curtail the onset of bird allergy.

Prevention

The most effective measure to avoid bird allergy, if ever you are allergic to birds, is to avoid getting near these animals. Hygiene is the best combative defense against any form of diseases and will also be effective in fighting attacks of bird allergy.

Safe and Natural Ways to Treat Depression During Pregnancy

We live in a stressful environment, we don't eat as healthy a diet as we should, and even though we are always rushing to and fro, we get very little beneficial exercise. No wonder so many people are on anti-depressants these days. While anti-depressants often alleviate symptoms, there are many people who can't take them. Is there another option other than taking prescription drugs for treating depression? I recommend holistic therapies combined with fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids to alleviate depression.

A mother of two was pregnant and feeling very down. Her physician recommended anti-depressants but this mother had a sensitivity to many medications and the side-effects often made her condition worse. She also feared what the consequences might be to her fetus if she took an anti-depressant medication while pregnant. Yet, her emotions and feelings were taking a toll on her, her husband, and her children. She was caught in a terrible bind. A friend recommended this expectant mom to me for holistic care.

She had heard that fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate depression. Scientists now believe that these healthy fats are beneficial to the brain development of a healthy baby while in the womb. But, there was one problem. This mom had an allergy to fish! She believed that by eliminating the allergy and supplementing with the vitamin fish oil, she could have her sense of well being back again.

I have holistically treated patients with depression many times, and have seen their serotonin levels improve while their symptoms diminished or were totally alleviated. Approximately 70 percent of the body's serotonin comes from the gut or small intestines. If the brain isn't getting its fair share of serotonin, people will feel depressed. By reprogramming the message in the brain regarding serotonin, we can re-establish normal serotonin levels naturally and regain a sense of wellness. However, caring for this particular patient was my first experience treating the blues without attempting to balance serotonin levels.

It took a few sessions to naturally eliminate the fish allergy. There were no shots or medication involved. The patient's body was " reset " to not react - to fish. And it took the patient ten weeks of supplementing 1000 mg. of fish oil daily to disperse the overwhelming feelings of despondency.

Now the mom comes to our facility with her new baby as happy as can be. No postpartum depression or anxiety. And, she can eat grilled fish without any symptom.

Yes, there is a way to treat depression without drugs. Seeing a holistic practitioner may help you overcome underlying emotional connections, re-establish hormonal balance, and eliminate any nutritional allergy.
It is interesting that in the February 8th issue of Newsweek, it was reported that antidepressants are no more effective than placebos. That after 10 years of scientific research, it has been concluded that; taking a sugar pill or tic tac works as well as antidepressants.

Medical Supplies You Should Keep Handy While Traveling

In the midst of travel preparations, when transportation options, lodging plans, and expectations of exciting activities occupy your mind, it is easy to overlook the importance of bringing along a well-thought-out pack of medical supplies. However, despite its many attractions, traveling carries with it some health risks especially as you move farther and stay away longer from your own residence. That is why a medical kit should be an important inclusion in your luggage when you travel. The type and quantity of medical supplies to carry depend on the length of your trip, your destination, and the kinds of activities you plan to engage in. There are, however, basic medical items that you should always have in your travel medical provisions.

Bring sufficient prescription and non-prescription medication.

If you are under medication for diabetes, hypertension, or any other serious afflictions, it is necessary to have your prescription drugs in your possession at all times while traveling. When traveling abroad, check and comply with the customs policies of your destination country. Another thing you should prepare for is the inevitable encounter with common illnesses that travelers experience. Water, food, environmental conditions, and stress usually leave travelers suffering from diarrhea, fever, cuts, burns, insect bites, stings, and the like. To counteract these unpleasant travel consequences, bring appropriate over-the-counter medications including pain relievers, antihistamines, and antibiotics.

Carry a personalized first aid kit.

Commercial first aid kits for travelers are readily available, but they are often insufficient. To make a first aid kit truly useful in a medical situation, you need to add more to its contents. Make sure it has bandages and sterile gauze, cotton, sutures, needles, syringes, small scissors, tweezers, gels and creams for burns and insect bites, a thermometer, closure strips, water purification tablets, a bottle of antiseptic, and anything else that might come in handy depending on your destination. Along with what's inside, consider the first aid container itself. If you will be doing water activities during your vacation, for example, then it would be wise to bring along a waterproof first-aid kit.

Have room in your bag for miscellaneous health and medical items.

These are the provisions that are too bulky for your first aid kit but are equally important to have around while you travel. When traveling, it is a good idea to have with you some or all of these items: hand and feet sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, medically tested sunscreen, a tube of lip balm, hot and cold compress, and vaso-constrictor or cleansing eye drops. Other items that you might include in your list depending on existing medical conditions include a nebulizer, an inhaler, and allergy shots. For accurate health monitoring while traveling, you may also carry items such as electronic blood pressure monitors, pulse rate gauges, blood sugar monitors, and the like. Finally, mobility aids such as medical crutches, canes, slings, and braces are also useful if you encounter minor injury or if you are hampered by pain while traveling.