Test Your Allergic Reaction

An allergy is actually a disease that most people have that manifests only at certain times when their body interacts with allergens. There are several times when you would be surprised that you react negatively to what seemed to be a simple occurrence or an object that has been around you for a while already.

Medical experts agree that allergies can actually be managed well if you are informed of what causes it. You may be able to undergo different tests to check which of the objects around you would create an allergic reaction from your body. There are three main tests you could go through: skin testing, blood testing, and elimination testing.

Skin testing is also called as prick or puncture testing. It involves the skin on your arms or the back, where most allergic reactions are very visible. When you undergo this test, the health personnel would look for possible allergens and puncture the skin with it. Sometimes, and especially when the test is done with the skin on your back, there would be like tables with grids. If the object is an allergen, your skin would exhibit reddish spots or swollen bites.

Blood testing, meanwhile, looks for antibodies called immunoglobulin and how its presence would affect your reaction to specific objects. In general, when the amount of the antibodies is very high, there is a greater probability that your body would exhibit allergic reactions. This is more of a predictive type of test because while an allergen may not cause reactions at the time you are tested, the amount of antibodies measured may indicate the likelihood of the same allergen doing so in the future.

Lastly, you may also undergo a more extensive test that is elimination. In this type of test, your diet is at the most of concern. You will be asked to consume foods that are probable allergens and then slowly removing these in time. The aim is to re-introduce the foods eliminated to check if they indeed cause the allergic reaction.

All of these tests are highly suggested to be done with the aid of medical professionals (nurses, doctors, etc.) to ensure that the results your body has posed are interpreted correctly and that the procedures are of course carried out with the appropriate tools. In the end, your cooperation is a great key for the success of these tests. If you have any general questions about allergic reactions or how to manage your general health, it's recommended that you consult your general practitioner, a trusted osteopath or nutritionist.

Hi. I'm Rachel Berret, a big advocate seeing an osteopath for your health complaints. I have a great osteopath Melbourne that helps me overcome my own aches and pains such as back pain, neck pains and headaches.

Original article

Mold Allergies - What You Can Do To Stop This Pesky Condition

Nearly everyone experiences some form of allergy including mold allergies. An allergy is simply an intolerance to a certain environmental or ingested product, such as pollen, dogs, peanuts or lotions. Allergies can cause many symptoms. These range from minor irritation of the affected area up to anaphylactic shock that can lead to death. Most often people with what they term "seasonal" allergies experience their symptoms during particular parts of the year, such as the spring or fall. If you experience the symptoms of allergies throughout the year, and they get worse when in certain indoor environments, you may not have seasonal allergies at all. Rather, you may be experiencing mold allergies.

What are Mold Allergies? Most people are exposed to mold throughout the day, every day. Tiny spores released by the fungus can be in the air you breathe, or you may accidentally eat food that has mold on it. For the most part, such small exposures will have no negative effect. For people with mold allergies, however, being exposed to too much mold, whether through breathing it or ingesting it, can cause unpleasant, and even dangerous, symptoms. An allergy to mold is like any other allergy, and should be recognized and dealt with as quickly as possible to prevent miserable symptoms and damage to health.

What are the Symptoms?

Mold allergy symptoms are similar to reactions to other allergens. They include itchy eyes, sneezing, a rash, difficulty breathing and headaches. If these symptoms are chronic, or get progressively worse when you are in particular environments, it is likely that your home, or another location that you frequent, has high levels of unseen mold. This mold may be in the walls or air circulation system. During certain times of the year, particularly warm months, there tends to be an abundance of mold spores in the air. This can cause you to experience your allergy symptoms with the same frequency as those who are allergic to pollen or grass.

How Can Mold Allergies be Prevented and Treated? Preventing the growth of mold in your home, or treating growth that has already occurred, is critical to the management of your allergy symptoms. One way to do this is to monitor and control the humidity level in your home. Using moisture-absorbers and dehumidifiers help to keep the air dry and cool which will inhibit mold growth. If mold is already growing, air purifiers can help remove the spores from the air, and cleaning products can help to kill the mold and remove it. Some types of mold are extremely dangerous and grow deep in walls or other areas that you cannot easily reach. When this happens you should consult professional cleaners to protect your home and your health.

How Can Mold Allergies be Treated?

Mold allergies can be very unpleasant. If you find that you have a mold allergy, there are measures you can take to limit your exposure and ease your symptoms.

Keep your home, particularly your basement, bathroom and laundry areas, as cool and dry as possible.Do not keep perishable food for more than 2 days after they are opened.Refrigerate opened food promptly.Do not smell foods that you think may be bad. This can cause you to inhale the spores.Use over-the-counter allergy medications to ease your symptoms

As you can see, while mold allergies are a serious problem, there are common sense steps you can take to combat them today!

Read more about Mold Allergies at Mildew vs. Mold blog. E.M. August is a vigilant enemy of mold and mildew everywhere.

Original article

Are Customers Getting Actual Benefits From the Advanced Technology in Vornado AQS?

When it comes to utilizing the web as an advertising tool, the successful Vornado Air company from Kansas doesn't do much that sets itself apart. Based on my knowledge, I'd even say Vornado likely does less.

What Vornado does which is the same as pretty much everyone, is Vornado lists features and benefits which it thinks will encourage you to buy the product. Yet, that's what company does. (Except for the companies that make things up. Another topic for another time.)

As Vornado made the commitment to being a serious presence in home air purifiers, it based it's strategy on one large thing it would do better than competitors. The intended outcome would be to instantly giving the company a leg up in the emerging air purifier market.

What was this one concept that Vornado wanted to use to compete with it's Vornado AQS? Basically Vornado always approached value to mean that you give the highest quality and best performing product you could in one single model. The strategy was to hold nothing back on pushing through the best technology available. Then you take that technology and make it work to attack the nagging issues customers had with the old air purifiers you'd perhaps see at the homes of older relatives who smoked.

Vornado AQS was designed to run quieter using advanced three-speed technology. (One user recalled that it sounded like a home computer on idle in the lowest speed.)

Vornado also meant to grab a larger area using advanced electrostatic technology and circulation methods. The result in Vornado AQS is an effective room reach of about 325 square feet.

In doing these two things, Vornado wanted to take the most common customer complaints about air purifiers: that they are really loud and that they really don't work, and overcome those complaints.

So how does the AQS perform? What are the customers saying in their assessments? Keep in mind that Vornado places great importance in word of mouth to both develop and then sell it's products. The Reviews not only matter. The Reviews are everything.

Well, performance ratings are overwhelmingly positive on a statistical basis. Performance in this case refers to the Vornado AQS creating a room environment you can really feel. An environment where the result you have is greater comfort and easier breathing.

One customer in his 60's from Delaware got his Vornado purifier from Home Depot. He had a prior history with the company and had appreciated the experiences he had with his space heaters and fans. He noted a cleaner and fresher breathing environment in his targeted room from day 1. He said the AQS would be especially valuable in the winter time, or if you have pets.

On the other side of the net, an Amazon customer made an interesting point about the air circulation methods of the AQS. He felt that since the air purifier doesn't force like the older air purifiers, that odor removal was compromised.

In fact, Vornado does use a different approach to air gathering more is based more on what the company calls "advanced vortex technology" coupled with electrostatic pull. Together, these two forces grab and filter the air. It is hard to conclude an observation like the one from this customer is totally without merit.

Cheryl Boswell is a writer and researcher on products for the home such as the Vornado AQS 500. You can save time and money by getting FREE in-depth news, features, and reviews on this air purifier and the home purifier market generally including discounts and best prices at http://airpurifiertalk.com/

Original article

Alen A350 Air Purifier Benefits For Your Health

If you are like the millions of people suffering from seasonal allergies, then you will benefit greatly by employing an air purifier like the Alen A350 air cleaner. If you are expecting a bad allergy attack like last year, you should take preventative measures this year and purchase this air purifier right away. What makes the purchase of this air cleaner worth its money is the fact that you will save a great deal on doctor's cost and medication expenses by cutting the allergens down in your home. This proves the fact that purchasing an air purifier will save you money rather than popping pills and using nasal sprays.

There is more than meets the eye as far as the Alen A350 air purifier is concerned. Asthmatic children can enjoy clean air at home with the use of this system. If you are a snorer and have obstructive sleep apnoea induced by nasal allergies, then you will see a huge difference in your sleep quality once you start using the purifier. You will have a better, more energetic day at work by using the A350 as it gives better sleep quality at night. Sleep apnoea sufferers are also prone to have higher risks to heart disease and diabetes, etc. Naturally, these risks can be cut down with a better night's sleep by using a good air cleaner like the Alen A350. Not just adults, but small children and babies who are more susceptible to polluted air can also enjoy better health with the Alen 350. You can also solve your mold, dust, pet dander, and dust mite problems by regularly using this unit.

Apart from the above mentioned health benefits, you can enjoy the features like easy-to-use operation, cheap filter replacement and attractive looks of the Alen A350 air purifier. Customer reviews of the Alen 350 have also been very positive with some claiming there is less dust on their furniture since they started using the purifier. Upgraded air filters are also available to tackle even the most stubborn odor or smoke issues you may have in your home. The only disadvantage, a minor one, is the low humming sound at higher speeds of operation that might irritate you. You will ignore this drawback once you start reaping the several health benefits of this purifier. If you are a smoker or own a pet, definitely consider this air cleaning system for your health.

Original article

Dust Mite Allergy Solutions - Effective Home Eco-Cleaning Guide

Dust mite allergy problems are rising steadily. Unwelcome mites just love our warmth and hospitality because we feed them and keep them nice and warm in our beds and pillows at night. This is not the most appetising of conversations to bring up before dinner, but it's one that needs to be addressed quickly and effectively, because the common dust mite is becoming much more of a problem in every home than ever before. This is no fun for the millions that endure dust mite allergy symptoms like sneezing, a running nose, nasal congestion, streaming eyes, skin rash and breathing difficulties.

Nearly 33% of the population in the UK have some type of allergy, and there is no sight of this trend slowing down. Dust mites are microscopic critters that originate from the 'arachnid' or spider family of insects, and they are responsible for over half of all household allergies in the UK. Allergy UK maintain that over 20 million UK residents have some form of allergy.

There is no doubt about it - we must banish these unhealthy and unwelcome visitors from our home. They love to take up residence in our carpets, pillows, mattresses, sofa, and especially everywhere around the bedding area - oh yes! and in it too. Removing dust mites and harmful allergens in your bedroom dramatically reduces allergy symptoms and improves your health.

So how do we get rid of those '0.02mm' micro sized mites from our home? You will never completely get rid of them all from your home, but you can reduce their numbers to such an extent that you will find that your breathing at home becomes much easier, and those with allergies will find a marked reduction in the severity of allergy symptoms that they normally endure on a daily basis.

Avoid Chemicals For Dust Mites
Dust mite allergy symptoms can be difficult to cope with, but never find yourself tempted to use any chemical based cleaning solutions in your home, as this will simply add or multiply the amount of allergens and chemicals that are potentially inhaled by members of your family.

Carpeting in your home is the best place to start, because dust mites like to bury themselves in the warm, humid pile. If your home is wall to wall carpeting throughout, then there will be billions upon billions of them breeding in the carpet fabric. Many of those with allergies prefer rugs scattered around on wooden floors, because you can take them out to the garden and use a carpet beater to get all of the dust and debris out quickly and effectively. House dust mites prevention is also important. Tiled or wood flooring is an option worth consideration if your symptoms do not improve with cleaning.

Effective Dust Mite Vacuums
Start dusting your room from top to bottom so that it all falls on the carpet. Wipe off dust from tables, furnishings etc. Next you will need a competent HEPA vacuum cleaner to give the carpet a thorough clean. This should trap a high proportion of dust and their mites/faeces in the filter. Do not buy a HEPA vacuum if it does not have 'EN1822' authentication.

Many unscrupulous vacuum manufacturers will not divulge this information, and try to pass off an inferior HEPA vacuum as a 'true HEPA' cleaner. To be very honest about vacuums now, there is no point in buying a cheap vacuum cleaner, because they are more likely to emit more of the debris and dust that they pick up back into your home atmosphere - which defeats the whole purpose of dust particle retention.

I could ramble on all day about the importance of purchasing a high quality vacuum cleaner for your home. My opinion is that if you suffer from dust mite related allergies, you must have one of the better micro filtration or S-Class filter vacuum cleaners for your home. They are very effective in trapping the tiniest particles from your carpets and your home atmosphere. 'British Allergy Foundation' seal of approval vacuum cleaners are worth your consideration too as they have been tested for their filtration qualities, and how well sealed the unit casing is for minimal leak back of unhealthy particles.

Yes, Sebo and Miele vacuums are more expensive than others, but they are quality machines that you can rely on for years and years. Even if you do not suffer from dust mite allergies - it's still wise to buy a vacuum cleaner that traps over 99.98% of all dust, pollen, smoke particles, tiny hairs and those invisible pollutants that float into every home. Vacuums with a high filtration technique literally clean the surrounding air in your room as you vacuum your carpet. Invisible dust and chemical particles are filtered through the machine, ensuring that you do not inhale dusty, stale or used air.

Some people buy 3 cheap vacuum cleaners in 1 year because they break down after a short time, and they usually come with no warranty to fall back on. A premium vacuum manufacturer will supply you with a high quality cleaner and a long guarantee at the same time. Therefore you will always be in possession of a competent vacuum that gets fixed immediately if something goes wrong.

You really can't afford to buy cheap, especially when you or your family's health is in question. We spend most of our time at home, and we really should be sitting in a clean, fresh, hygienic atmosphere breathing in nothing but pure fresh air, rather than enduring nasty dust mite allergy symptoms.

Steam Clean Dust Mites
After you have dusted and vacuumed your entire home - it's time to get out the steam cleaner. There really is no better way to clean your home than with the natural power of pure, hot, dry steam without any caustic cleaning solutions that are on sale in the supermarket. There are some fantastic steam cleaners on the market that efficiently manage carpets, upholstery and hard flooring. Steam cleaning in your home is environment friendly, safe, and yields effective dust mite allergy relief. It effectively kills dust mites and eliminates allergens and chemicals, leaving very high indoor air quality. Many modern steamers come with every accessory that you need to clean your home from top to bottom.

Look for those with the 12 - 15 piece accessory set which enables you to steam the following - Windows, mirrors and glass, clean grout in between tiles, porcelain sinks, chrome objects, shower doors, plastic glass fittings, curtains, lamp shades, mattresses, bedding, all round the bed area, vinyl fabrics, synthetics materials, cotton and leather upholstery, window blinds, kids cuddly toys, cooker surfaces, oven interiors, garden furniture, jewellery, straighten out wrinkles on your favourite clothing, vegetation, clean algae on decking and exterior wooden surfaces.

Always use as little water or moisture as possible when applying to any surface, especially the carpet as this will take longest to dry naturally. Let dry naturally and ventilate your rooms for as long as you can. Most good steam cleaners come with a full set of instructions guiding you best on how to clean practically anything you desire in your home.

After you have vacuumed the entire house and finished steam cleaning curtains, carpets, soft furnishings etc - and everything has dried sufficiently, you will have a much fresher, cleaner, more hygienic home to enjoy with all the benefits that comes with living in a healthy atmosphere, free of dust mite allergy problems, stale air and allergens.

Dust mite allergy solutions are only a click away. With helpful information on how you can directly benefit from good advice - please feel free to have a good look at my Allergy Relief Report. It's packed full of info on reducing those nasty allergy symptoms. The best information is a powerful medium, especially if you are looking for effective allergy relief.

Original article

What Is An Allergic Reaction?

Have you experienced having rashes after eating a round of shrimps? And, if things get even worse, you may even experience symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath or even coughing. If this happens to you again, visit your physician right away. These reactions or symptoms may actually be linked to an allergic reaction to an external stimulant. But, what exactly is an allergic reaction.

By definition, an allergic reaction is actually a condition involving the hypersensitivity of your body's immune system to a certain substance, called allergens. Allergic reactions mostly occur when you are exposed to an object or a substance that you deem normal. For example, eating eggs would not cause an allergic reaction to your sister, but it would to you. This means that your immune system reacts differently and defensively against the eggs in a way your sister does not. As medical experts say, this is only natural.

The common symptoms of an allergic reaction are reddish eyes, itchy skin, coughing, difficulty in breathing, and runny nose. You might find your body giving out different reactions to various allergens, or the things that cause the allergic reaction.

There are different categories of allergens. One of them is food. With a variety of foods available in the market such as meat, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables along with processed foods and preserved products, it is quite understandable that your body would find something it does not agree with.

When it comes to treating allergic reactions, prevention is still better than cure. It is always better to just stay away from things or substances causing the allergy rather than to search for what could cure the reactions of your immune system. As the reactions are similar to flu, it entails that the virus and the allergens are difficult to eliminate. Thus, it would take long before you are finally cured.

The best way to prevent allergic reactions is to know what causes them. Particularly, you should know what types of allergens you are allergic to. There are different tests to determine if your body would still react negatively to the allergens. The two common tests are skin and blood tests. With skin tests, small portions of the allergens are introduced into the skin to check if the body would react. Blood tests, on the other hand, are implemented to check the internal make up of your body to determine how you would react to different allergens.

An allergic reaction can be quite difficult to treat and manage. Hence, it is important that you keep away from anything that can cause your body to react negatively. This way, your discomfort is minimized as much as possible. If you are unsure about your general health, it is advised that you consult your general practitioner, a trusted osteopath or nutritionist.

Hi. I'm Rachel Berret, a big advocate seeing an osteopath for your health complaints. I have a great osteopath melbourne that helps me overcome my own aches and pains such as back pain, neck pains and headaches.

Original article

How Do You Test For An Allergic Reaction?

There are various kinds of tests that can be done to test people for allergic reactions on certain medications, materials, or food. Three of the common methods of testing for an allergic reaction are: skin tests, blood tests, provocation, and elimination-type tests.

Skin tests

Skin tests are probably the most common procedures done to test skin reactions of people to various stimulants such as food, substances that cause rhinitis and asthma such as pollen, mold, animal fur, and the likes; penicillin, venom, and allergic contact dermatitis.

There are various methods of doing skin tests. One specific method is referred to as prick test. This involves applying an allergen, specifically a suspected allergen which can cause allergy to the patient, on the skin, particularly on the forearm or back. The skin with the allergen will then be pricked so that the allergen will enter the body. After 15 minutes or so, the skin will swell and will turn red once the person is allergic to the substance applied.

Another method of skin testing is called intradermal skin test. This method is done by directly injecting the allergen into the skin and will wait for a few minutes for the signs of an allergic reaction. This method is used in determining if you have allergic reactions with something more specific like venoms or stings.

Blood tests

Blood tests on the other hand, is done when skin tests are not appropriate or if it does not show results. Blood tests measure the amount of antibodies your blood has to specific allergens. Blood tests have two other types: the absolute eosinophil count and the total lgE level.

Elimination test

Elimination tests, on the other hand are done to test allergies in food. This method is done through eliminating food that are suspected to be the cause of allergic reactions of a person. After not allowing the person to consume this type of food for two weeks or so, the food will be re-introduced to see if the body will have any allergic reactions to it.

Provocation test

Lastly, the provocation method is a method that can cause serious allergic reactions and should only be done by a doctor. This method involves exposing the person to allergens that the doctor or the person suspects as the reason for the allergic reaction. Examples of this method is exposing you to specific types of food that may cause allergies and sniffing into pollen or fur.

If you have any general questions about allergic reactions, consult your general practitioner, a trusted osteopath or nutritionist.

Hi. I'm Rachel Berret, a big advocate seeing an osteopath for your health complaints. I have a great osteopath Melbourne that helps me overcome my own aches and pains such as back pain, neck pains and headaches.

Original article

Allergies Making You Miserable? Seek Help From an Allergist

Allergic reactions are not limited to pollen from outdoors or pet dander indoors. Many people suffer from allergies to foods, medications, and other aspects of their environments. You should seek help from an allergist if you know or suspect that you have an allergy and are unable to control the reactions or obtain relief. An allergist is a special type of doctor that has the training and experience to diagnose and treat allergy related illnesses. There are several types of tests that he can perform to help gain information about your body and how it reacts to allergens.

If you suffer from allergic reactions but are unable to pinpoint the source, your doctor may perform a skin test to help with a diagnosis. During a skin test, your skin is pricked by a very small needle containing possible allergens (one allergen per needle). If your skin reacts with a welt, then there is a good chance that you are allergic to that allergen. For instance, your doctor may prick your skin with allergens such as dust mites, milk, peanuts and eggs. If you react to any of these, your skin will show it by swelling slightly (about the size of a mosquito bite) and itching. This allows the allergist to better assist you in coming up with a plan to avoid the allergen and treat reactions.

Some allergies affect lung (pulmonary) function and breathing. You may have asthma or asthma-like symptoms that are triggered by allergens. Tests are available that will allow your allergist to create a plan to alleviate your symptoms and get you on a path to better health.

One thing to remember about allergies is that often the best plan of attack is the process of elimination. If tests are not definitive, you may need to keep trying until you find the culprit. While not the most streamlined method of diagnosis, it is likely the only way to find out what plagues your body. It is important to explicitly follow the instructions of your allergist to get the best results possible. He will work to help you as much as possible, but you have to be a willing and active participant in the process.

In some cases, it can be a bit difficult to get an appointment with this type of doctor. Since all insurance plans vary, you need to find out whether or not you need a referral. Once you can schedule the appointment, be sure to let the receptionist know how acute your symptoms are. Patients that are in acute distress are sometimes given a priority appointment to alleviate their symptoms. It never hurts to call and see if there is anything available sooner rather than later.

Working with an allergy specialist takes time and patience, but most patients agree that the results are worth it. If you suffer from allergies, this may be your best course of action as it certainly beats continuous suffering.

Original article

The Best Laundry Detergent Is No Laundry Detergent! But How Can You Wash Without Detergent?

Every day more and more people are turning to hypoallergenic laundry detergent because of an allergic skin reaction to detergent and other laundry products such as fabric softeners, bleach and dryer sheets. Perhaps you yourself suffer from skin allergies, chemical allergies, or fragrance allergies.

Have you been forced to turn to sensitive skin soap and non-toxic products in order to avoid allergic reactions?

Unfortunately, not only are these products costly but they probably aren't completely effective. If you have a soap allergy you will probably find that nothing you try, even a natural laundry detergent, will provide complete relief.

The answer? - Get rid of all laundry detergents and, as a result, say goodbye to your laundry detergent allergy.

If only it was that simple right? Everybody knows that you can't get your clothes clean without laundry soap; can you? Well, you can and I am here to tell you how.

So... If you use laundry detergent, bleach, hot water or fabric softener when you wash your clothes read on because this is going to get interesting.

A couple years back I discovered something that saves me money, does an incredible job of cleaning my clothes and helps the environment at the same time. I read about a device that you attach to your washing machine to eliminate the need for detergent, hot water, bleach and fabric softeners.

How does it work?

Water from your cold water tap enters the machine and is infused with natural gases like oxygen and hydro-peroxides. The same natural gases are created outside by the sun and lightning and are in the air we breathe everyday. The treated water then flows into your washing machine where it does its magic on your laundry. The gasses bubble up through the fabric removing dirt and sanitizing the material. Your clothes come out clean, fresh and sanitized.

I was intrigued but did not know anyone that had any experience with this technology.

With a leap of faith (how is this possible without using detergent?) I sent in my order and anxiously awaited the delivery of this new "miracle machine". When it finally arrived I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it attached to my washing machine and how simple it was to operate. The directions said to run 2- 3 washes without any laundry in order to "clean" the washing machine and set up the device for its first load.

I started my washing machine and Wow! - The water smelled like a thunderstorm had just passed delivering a fresh country rain. I was starting to feel pretty good about my purchase, but...

Could it actually clean my clothes?

My question was answered in short order. After a couple washes I found that our clothes not only smelled fresh but they were just as clean as they would have been if I had used my regular laundry detergent.

Then came the surprise! If all this device did was to eliminate the need for detergent and hot water, I would have been satisfied, but to my delight, it did much, much more. One of my faded shirts came out a bit brighter than expected. Was I imagining it? How could this device add color to my shirt? Not possible, but...

After each wash my shirt and other clothes kept getting brighter and brighter until they looked almost new again. What was happening?

Apparently detergent remains in our clothes after each wash and eventually weighs down and fades the material. The laundry unit was removing this residual detergent and bringing "life" back to the fabric. Our towels became brighter and more fluffy with every wash. Now the shelf that easily held all of our towels was almost too small and I had to force the last few towels in.

I was sold. This device was worth its cost and more. Even better, I was saving money. I figure I recovered my cost within the first year and a half of usage. (U.S. statistics claim a savings of about $400/year for a family of 4)

Imagine saving about $1.20 every time you wash a load of clothes. - The average family can get a 40%-100% annual return on their investment.

I have now owned my miracle laundry machine for over 2 years and I am thrilled with the results I am getting. Our clothes last longer, smell like they were hung outside to dry and the colors are brighter than ever.

BONUS:The mold smells I had in my front load washer disappeared within 2 washes.

And the bottom line?....

Using this device to wash your clothes is healthier for you, the planet and your pocketbook. Your clothes last longer, smell nicer and the colors stay brighter.

What is the Down Side?

By now you are probably wondering (as I did) what if this machine is a piece of junk that doesn't do what it promises or breaks down after a few months when the warranty has expired?

You will be happy to hear that the manufacturer offers a 30 day satisfaction or your money back guarantee AND they have a full 3 year parts and labor warranty. What appliance manufacturer do you know that offers that kind of piece of mind when you buy their product?

If you want more information I will be happy to answer any questions you may have including where you can get your hands on one.

Contact me through EzineArticles.com or my website below.

"Give me 10 minutes and I will show you how this New System for Washing your Clothes can Improve your Health, your Pocketbook and the Environment."

Who wants to be next? Now you can invest in this wonderful detergent free laundry system that will save you money year after year while providing the cleanest, freshest laundry you have ever experienced, guaranteed.

Its a Win / Win / Win solution you can implement now. Ask me how.

Stephen Calver
http://www.your-water-treatment-world.com/washing-machine-water.html

Original article

Allergy Air Cleaners - 5 Mistakes Not To Make When Choosing An Allergy Air Purifier

Suffering with allergies isn't fair, or fun, but you can improve your quality of life with the right air purifier. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes to avoid when choosing features in your cleaner.

Buying The Wrong Size - The technical specifications online or a hard copy of the product manual will let you know how many square feet the unit is designed to clean. It is important to accurately measure your home so that you can match the unit's capacity to the space you have. Choosing a cleaner that cannot clean the amount of less space that you have is a recipe for disaster.

Instead match the size of the space that you have with a cleaner that can clean that amount of space or even more square footage than you have. Oversizing rather than under sizing will give you a better chance of reducing the level of pollutants. And a lower level of irritants can mean a decrease in the number and severity of allergy flare ups.

Cheap Cleaner - You know the old saying "you get what you pay for", well it's true. A low cost cleaner usually means that there is no filter or only one filter. And the fewer filters a cleaner has the less effective it will be. A cheaper cleaner can also have a motor that is not able to provide continuous filtration. Pollutants don't take a break and neither should cleaner.

Instead choose a cleaner with multiple filters. The more filters the longer it will be before a filter change is needed. Fewer filter changes mean it will ultimately cost less to filter your air.

High Maintenance - Often you don't have a choice about high maintenance people in your life, but paying money for a cleaner that needs constant attention doesn't seem like a smart move. Many times maintenance can mean interruption in filtration which allows pollutants to build to a level that can cause symptoms that range from annoying to debilitating.

To avoid frequent interruptions in filtration, look for a filter that requires little maintenance and one that does not require you to go inside the unit or turn off while performing maintenance. The best units at most may require an occasional vacuuming on the outside and usually have filters that can last for 5 years or more.

No Warranty - This should be a huge red flag. If the manufacturer won't stand behind the unit it shouldn't come as a surprise when it doesn't last. 6 month and one year warranties are better than nothing, but just barely.

Look for a purifier that not only has a warranty on the purifier, but pro-rated filter warranty as well. This kind of backing from the maker is a clear vote of confidence in the quality and longevity. Chances are you'll never need to cash in on either one.

Limited Operation - If you're not very careful; you could wind up with a cleaner that can only be run for a certain number of hours a day. Sometimes this is because running it continuously would cause a safety issue like overheating.

A split capacitor motor is essential if a cleaner is to be effective at consistently keeping allergen levels low. This type of motor can run 24 hours a day every day without taking a break. This feature can help insure that airborne irritants stay low and your quality of life remains high every day.

See the air purifier that can drastically improve air quality and your quality of life by taking out airborne allergens 24 hours a day at http://purerair.com/allergy_machine.html

Original article

Celiac Condition Necessitates a Gluten-Free Diet Plan

CELIAC DISEASE

The actual only condition which necessitates a gluten-free diet, a celiac condition is an extreme manifestation of gluten intolerance or simply gluten sensitivity. Gluten actually is truly the bad boy for individuals alongside this particular disease.

Celiac condition is in fact a well-known hereditary disorder affecting 1 throughout 133 people in the United States. A autoimmune disorder characterized by some sort of irregular response with gluten, it causes serious damage in order to the particular mucosa that lines the actual small intestine. The disease commonly develops within early childhood, it is sometimes caused by events including surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, and / or extreme emotional stress.

When a person with celiac condition ingests gluten, the actual villi throughout the tiny intestinal tract happen to be damaged and / or ruined. Usually the outcome is a substantial reduction within the surface area of the intestinal mucosa which usually the intake related to nutrients occurs. In addition, the secretion related to intestinal enzymes which aids throughout digestion turns out to be impaired. Without healthy villi plus adequate digestive enzymes, a person turns out to be malnourished.

Symptoms of celiac condition fluctuate between people. Within childhood, celiac disease manifests itself generally alongside digestive signs or symptoms which include chronic diarrhea; vomiting; constipation; abdominal bloating and pain; pale, foul-smelling stools; plus weight loss.

Due with nutrient malabsorption, an infant or child can currently have some other difficulties like delayed growth, short stature, delayed puberty. Irritability is additionally a well-known symptom within children.

Celiac Signs or symptoms

If perhaps celiac condition develops within adulthood, it really is less likely to result digestive symptoms. More commonly, adults can develop signs or symptoms particularly exhaustion, unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, and not to mention joint problems, depression or perhaps anxiety, canker sores within the mouth, infertility or skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis.

It's completely possible for a person with celiac condition to have no symptoms at all.

Celiac condition has long been under-diagnosed and / or misdiagnosed. As noted with regard to a 2011 research, the particular prevalence related to undiagnosed celiac condition seems with have improved dramatically within the United States in the course of the past 50 years. As more actually learned about the type of symptoms that individuals experience plus because better blood tests are developed, more individuals happen to be being diagnosed. In the event that blood tests or an intestinal biopsy which is truly the best way to confirm the diagnosis.

Celiac Treatment

Gluten-free eating is the actual diet that might eliminate the symptoms, aid to heal damaged regions of the intestinal tract, and in addition avoid further damage. A person alongside celiac disease need to stay focused on the eating plan for the particular eliminate gluten from their lives.

Eating gluten-free signifies excluding many products.

By R. Lombardi. More one celiac disease can be found at Glutenfreelisting.com.

Original article

Is It Possible to Prevent Allergies?

Prevent Different Allergies Using Different Methods

Know simple methods to prevent various types of allergies

Allergies are a malfunction of the immune system where innocuous pollen, mold, food or dust is treated as a threat. Allergic reactions involve the antibody called IgE, which has the ability to communicate through cells found in the lining of the intestines, skin, nose and stomach to induce reactions. The reactions are induced by the release of chemicals, including histamines.

This is one reason why allergy medications typically contain antihistamines. Unfortunately, some medications have unwelcome side-effects like drowsiness, while others fail to work at all. Such medications also tend to target hay fever, while food allergies are a different matter.

The best strategy for preventing allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen. This is simpler to imagine when dealing with foods allergies, where once the troublesome ingredient has been identified a person can try not to eat it. A comprehensive knowledge of what is in food helps greatly, which is part of the thrust behind accurate ingredient listing for processed foods.

Other allergens pose different problems. Pets, pollen, mold and dust mites are four reaction causers that are complicated to avoid.

Though not having pets in your home is the best avoidance strategy, this may not be possible for various reasons. There are ways to minimize the allergens that accumulate and the likelihood of a reaction.

1. Keeping pets in areas that are not carpeted or upholstered, and out of bedrooms.

2. Wearing gloves and a dust mask if you expect to be near a rodent or small animal.

3. Washing your hands and cleaning your clothes after handling animals.

4. Avoiding soiled litter boxes or cages.

5. Frequent dusting.

Pollen is impossible to avoid at certain times of year, but there are ways to minimize exposure.

1. Do not venture outdoors between 5-10 AM. The best time, early or late, is after a heavy rain as pollen levels will be lower.

2. Keep home and car windows closed. Avoid the use of attic fans for cooling purposes, if possible. Air conditioners are fine.

3. Use a dryer for drying clothes instead of hanging them outside, or hang them inside if there is a suitable space to do so.

4. If allergic to grass, have someone else cut it or wear a mask while cutting it. In either case, keep grass short. It may also work to use ground covers that produce little pollen such as dichondra.

5. If allergic to some types of trees, the trees most suitable to be planted on your property (least likely to be allergenic) are dogwood, crape myrtle, fig, palm, fir, redwood, redbud, pear and plum. Maple, elm, cottonwood and ash are some trees which are suitable if they are female cultivars.

Molds can be more difficult to avoid because they grow indoors and outdoors, but there are ways to reduce the amount of it in your home or yard.

1. Keeping inside temperatures cool and relative humidity below 50%. A dehumidifier can help to reduce moisture. Venting bathrooms and clothes dryers to the outside can also help keep moisture low.

2. Leaving windows open in the home or car when first activating an air conditioning system, to let mold spores disperse.

3. Checking ductwork, faucets and pipes for leaks.

4. Clearing the yard of decaying leaves or other organic debris. If you must do this yourself, wear a mask and gloves and avoid doing this on a hot or humid day.

Dust mites, microscopic things that feed on flakes of dead skin from humans or pets, will always be present in a home. The following suggestions can help you reduce the number of mites, somewhat alleviating dust mite allergies.

1. Encasing your pillows and mattress in special dust-proof covers.

2. Washing all bedding once a week in hot water to kill mites, or freezing bedding if it is not supposed to be washed.

3. Using synthetic materials for bedding.

4. Removing carpets in favor of bare floors, or using a special HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to trap allergens removed from the carpet. A mask is recommended while vacuuming.

5. Dusting with a damp rag. A dry rag would only stir up allergens.

The humidity tips listed for mold work equally well for dust mites.

One way currently used to decrease allergic problems is immunotherapy. Patients are injected with progressively larger doses of allergens to gradually reduce allergies. This vaccination method is the closest thing to a cure for allergies, and has been proven through studies to work. It requires a long-term commitment.

Alternative treatments exist. They include homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine, applied kinesiology and traditional Chinese medicine. Hundreds of rigorous studies by the Mayo clinic failed to show any beneficial effect to these methods, compared to a placebo.

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Original article

Eating Gluten Free - The End of a New Beginning

Life without gluten, is it really the end? Gluten is a protein found in certain types of flours including wheat, barley, and rye. The problem is that some cannot digest this protein. Their symptoms can range from mild gluten intolerance to extremely severe challenges that lead to celiac disease. It is a condition that is not to be fooled around with. The way to deal with this health problem is to begin eating gluten-free, which is the end of an old life and the beginning of a new and exciting way of eating.

The first step to eating gluten-free is to gain a new attitude. The challenge is that Americans are bombarded with wheat-flour in everything from baked goods, fast food restaurants, and sit down meals at home. Frequently, bread is a common part of many meals out of the day. Wheat filled products are also sold and advertised everywhere. The new thinking that must emerge is, "It is okay if the body can no longer handle the gluten protein." Instead, searching for fun arrangements of food that do not contain this protein can be an adventurous beginning to a new way of eating.

What types of food are naturally gluten-free? The answer to that question is the keyword "naturally". Nature provides food in the state that the body can use for vitamins and nutrients. Begin with writing a list of all of the fruits and vegetables that are delicious. Being open-minded and trying new fruits and vegetables will help. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into the diet will make this transition easier.

Next, think of all of the nuts and seeds that are good. Make a list of all of the combinations of nuts and seeds that tempt the taste buds (without all of the added oils and salt). Adding raisins and dark chocolate chips to the mixture can make a great snack, replacing gluten filled crackers. It is also more fulfilling to snack on personalized trail mixes than on quick carbohydrate snacks, which make it impossible to keep eating gluten-free.

If being a vegan is not the goal, there are many meats to choose from that are free of gluten. Beef, chicken, pork, fish, etc. can be added to any meal. A lunch or dinner containing a meat, vegetable, and fruit fills the appetite and provides sufficient energy throughout the remainder of the day. Getting creative with meat, vegetable, and fruit combinations can provide more variety. A good combination can include a meat piled on top of a hearty green salad, which will help with this new diet.

Finally, flour filled foods do not need to be a thing of the past. All the comfort foods that were so tempting do not need to be excluded. Instead, wheat, barley, and rye need to be replaced with gluten-free flour. That includes brown rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, millet flour, sorghum flour, etc. It takes some experimenting and research to figure out how to use these flours. They do not contain gluten and do not stick together as well. All of these flours by themselves do not replace wheat flour. There are certain combinations that work best according to personal preference. For example; brown rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch work together. Or, for a different flavor, millet, sorghum, and tapioca can be combined. Have fun experimenting to make the right combinations that result in a flour worth baking with.

Eating gluten-free does not mean that life is over. It is simply an end to a new and adventurous beginning. It first begins with changing attitudes and misconceptions. It will require being open-minded and experimental with new food combinations. Begin the journey by recognizing that consuming natural gluten-free foods will make it easier to live this new lifestyle. Finally, seeking out gluten-free flours and experimenting will satisfy the need for old comfort foods. The possibilities for eating gluten-free are endless. Embrace this new way of life and enjoy it.

Jennifer Rigby invites you to visit Natural Cooking Recipes at http://www.naturalcookingrecipes.com/. While there, check out all of the natural recipes that fit your lifestyle. These recipes range from natural recipes, gluten-free recipes, and dairy-free recipes. If you are looking for specific gluten-free dairy-free recipes, follow this link http://www.naturalcookingrecipes.com/category/natural-gluten-free-dairy-free-recipes/.

Original article

Food Allergies in Kids: Be His Advocate

I always wanted to be a mom. Finally at age 26 our first born son arrived in our life. STOP THE BUS! It was NO fun at all. From birth he was the fussiest baby I had ever been around. We would run a vacuum for 45 mins. to help soothe him (so the old wives tale goes). Nothing worked. I stopped eating dairy while I was nursing. Then we put him on soy formula. The poor kid was miserable and mom and dad were right there with him. At this rate, we were NOT going to have more children. The pediatrician thought everything was "normal". He was "colic". Sorry, I am not doctor but I had been around enough kids to know this wasn't just a fussy baby. By age 2 he had had C. Diff and we couldn't get rid of it. C. Diff is not typical in children. We were starting to see outbursts of rage, not typical tantrums. His Ear, Nose and Throat doctor would not allergy test him until he was 5. That's when I decided I was his only advocate in this world. I couldn't rely on what the pediatrician and E.N.T. thought was best for him which was to stay on soy milk and come to terms with his behavior. So many kids are diagnosed as autistic and I thought we were headed down that road. (I used to think Jenny McCarthy was a quack with her gluten free hysterics but I would soon totally agree with her.)

In my job I deal with several medical offices. On this one particular day I was spilling my guts to one of the nurses and she felt one of their doctors would be willing to see our child. After our first meeting this doctor knew that I was a very concerned mom and agreed to move forward with allergy testing at age 2 1/2. On December 31, 2008 our son was tested for IGE (food allergies) and IGG (food sensitivities) through a very simple blood draw.

What did I expect the result to be? "Yes, we have found your son to be very allergic to dairy." What was the result? When we saw our doctor for the follow up our 2 1/2 year old had pretty extreme sensitivities (IGG) to DAIRY, WHEAT, SOY and EGGS. His sensitivity to dairy was actually the casin protein. His allergy to wheat was the gluten protein. Wow, was I floored, overwhelmed and incredibly angry at all the doctors who didn't want to believe this first time mom! Immediately we removed all of the above from his diet. This was so hard and extremely overwhelming. Over the weeks and months to come we figured it out. We found great resources in our local Whole Foods stores, Meijer grocery and even Kroger. Almost immediately we saw a dramatic change in our child.

Over the next 3 years of his life we remained off dairy, soy, wheat and eggs. His breakfast consisted of gluten free, dairy free waffles or pancakes, some corn based dry cereal and of course Rice Dream Vanilla Rice Milk. Bread was definitely the hardest product to substitute. Many brands try very hard but bread just cannot be reproduced with rice flour, tapioca flour, etc. without being dense and hard. We used lots of corn and rice pasta. We found Daiya shredded cheese to be our best alternative for him. We bought So So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt and we were all set to go. I found myself crying about how incredibly different this child was (normal) with the diet his body required. What if I hadn't been an advocate for him? What if I hadn't fought? What if we had listened to the first doctor and never pursued the testing until age 5?

This past summer at age 5 1/2, 3 years into his new diet, we suddenly saw some changes in his behavior and tantrums that were not age appropriate for a 5 1/2 year old. Again, we went back to our doctor and requested to be retested. It was done on the spot at our request. Again, SHOCKER for mom! Our son's allergies had really changed. There is a difference between sensitivities and true food allergies. He had always just been sensitive to foods. (Although not to down play sensitivities, they can be extremely hard to live with.) The new test results showed that we had crossed the line from sensitivities to true food allergies. He was now truly allergic to corn. Well, why not? His whole diet for 3 years straight was full of corn. All of our wheat substitutes were corn products. HOWEVER the best news was to learn from this 2nd round of testing that after 3 years of eliminating certain foods at age 5 1/2 he was no longer allergic to dairy or wheat.

So now at almost age 6, we are off all corn. Which to most seems very overwhelming but when I encourage parents I say that all the effort of finding the right foods, products, extra money that is spend on groceries, is SO worth having a HAPPY, HEALTHY child. Right? So we are off corn. We have slowly reintroduced wheat and he seems to be doing well. We have introduced milk products but not pure milk. He still drinks Rice milk and he is still off all eggs.

The point behind all of this is that you have to be an advocate for your children. You might not be educated in the medical field BUT you know your children better than anyone else. No one else is going to stand up for, defend or love your kid like you will. Keep searching for doctors until you find one who listens and respects you as a parent. Talk with other parents about their struggles and experiences. I hope someday my child understands how much I love him and how his life is different because of the fight I put up for him.

Original article

Allergic Reactions - Some Typical Reactions

Allergies are becoming more and more common in individuals in western world. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in the USA. Allergic reactions differs from a runny nose or minor skin irritations to severe breathing complications.

Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction arises when a foreign substance like pollen or food enters the body and the immune system produces more protection than it needs. This over stimulation results in simple, bothersome symptoms or those that are more extreme leading to death.

Anaphylactic Reactions

Anaphylaxis is the most hazardous form of all allergic reactions. This is commonly caused by insect bites, some foods, or medicines. The disorder generally requires medical attention.

Anaphylatic reactions may include swelling in specific locations, reduction in blood pressure, and major breathing difficulties. Usually, symptoms can be relieved with an injection.

These types of reactions happen in minutes and the sufferer often do not have time to seek any medical help. That is why many individuals who have a history with anaphylactic reactions keep Epinephrine Auto-Injectors with them and take the shot immediately after made vulnerable to the irritant.

Breathing Difficulties

Asthma is caused by airborne allergens like pollen and mold. Medication includes those breathed in through the mouth and dilates the bronchial tubes to return normal breathing. Some oral medicines are also effective.

Digestion Problems

There are foodstuffs and medicines, such as some prescription antibiotics, that could induce diarrhea, nausea, and/or pain and bloating in the abdomen. Even though these symptoms can be rather bothersome, they're typically not dangerous and disappear within a few of hours.

Skin Conditions

Allergies cause eruptions, bumps on the skin, eczema and hives. Many allergic skin conditions are on-going or they might crop up quickly and then disappear. An eruption might cover an area of the body and be gone in a couple hours to a few days.

The same is true with hives that are big red, raised bumps on the skin that hurt and itch at the same time. There are plenty of effective hives treatment selections available that can easily offer substantial alleviation from the symptoms.

Cold-Like Problems

Hay fever or pollen, mold, dog dander and some food allergies create runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing and stuffed up ears.

These reactions can be on-going, but in most cases they cease when the cause is gotten rid of. Allergy shots, given on a schedule, generally aid get rid of or relieve the problems.

Allergic reactions are typically not hazardous and can easily be handled by having antihistamines or allergy shots. Nonetheless, there are also more severe kinds of reactions which need an immediate medical attention. It is also typical that the intensity of allergic reactions reduces, or they even entirely disappear, as the person gets older.

Do you suffer from allergic hives? There are plenty of natural home remedies for hives. Visit hives-treatment.info/home-remedies-for-hives for more information.

Original article

Gluten Allergy - What Does Gluten Do to Your Body?

You can't go to your local allergy/asthma specialist and have them mix up a cocktail to inject you with, repeatedly, so eventually become desensitized.

This is not like your classic ragweed, or food allergy. Symptoms/reactions are so vast; it's very hard to an exact symptom list together. The symptoms, like people, are not very homogenous. Some people experience just stomach problems, while others experience neurological difficulties, such as being always dizzy and confused.

Here is a very short list of possible symptoms:

- Tired, exhausted, lethargic

- Bloated and gas troubles-Feeling of, 'trapped gas,' or excess gas

- Abdominal Pain

- Gastric reflux/heartburn

- Diarrhea and constipation -Symptoms of IBS/IBD

- Weight problems (under or overweight) - General weakness

- Catching One Flu After Another

- Chronic Illnesses-Bronchitis, Sinusitis

- Infertility-Miscarriage, delayed puberty in girls, irregular menstruation

- Joint Pain

- Clumsiness

Some find they have to completely and strictly eliminate all dairy and soy, as well as gluten. Some people are reactive to the similar protein makeup of these three foods that the body rejects.

While removing additives can make you feel better, it's not until some went gluten/dairy/soy free that some feel normal again.

I suggest the elimination approach. Eliminate ALL gluten, dairy and soy from your diet for at least two weeks. Gradually, re-introduce one at a time, over a course of several weeks and see how you feel.

Also, try keeping a strict food diary - what you ate and, what your subsequent symptoms are and the TIME. The TIME is so important, because for some, it takes a few hours, for some it takes a few days to feel a result.

A lot of people have trouble getting an, 'official' diagnosis of intolerance, or celiac, because it's not always accurate and is often debated which testing is the most accurate. The only way to really tell if you have celiac disease, is to get a biopsy of the small intestines.

If you feel better excluding gluten from your diet, you could consider yourself intolerant anyway-you just won't be formally diagnosed with celiac.

For many people this is fine: they just understand that they need to be 100% gluten free and don't feel a need to get a formal diagnosis. Sadly, some people need a firm diagnosis for their family to be able to support them, or children need one to get school accommodations.

You have to become a champion label reader. Most gluten free diets consist of meat, vegetables, fruits, corn, rice and potatoes, homemade dressings, etc., but you may not be as sensitive as others, or your triggers may be different.

Also, you have to be on the look out for, 'hidden gluten,' and for cross contamination.

So, in summary, if you are contented just knowing gluten makes you sick, just don't eat it!

I congratulate you for having found a piece in the puzzle of getting your health together!

Come visit my website at http://www.getyourglutenfree.com/ for more information on gluten intolerances and even a FREE recipe book, to get you started on your new lifestyle.

Because I care so much about you and your health, at http://www.getyourglutenfree.com/ I'm also offering a FREE report Why You Should Consider Switching to a Gluten Free Diet.

Lisa was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, then thyroid cancer. She (and her doctor's) believes her autoimmune response was, 'turned on,' by gluten. She accept as true, her many years of suffering and even her cancer, could have been totally avoided, if she just had known what was and what was not safe to eat.

Since then, she has become an advocate for those suffering and has made it her mission to expose the dangers of consuming gluten and how simple and easy it can be to change the way you feel.

Original article

Finding Effective Ways to Deal With Pollen Allergy Symptoms

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A Template for Understanding and Dealing With Milk Allergy Symptoms

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Effective Allergy Solutions - 5 Ways To Effectively Manage Airborne Allergies

Being allergic to common indoor pollutants such as dust, dust mites, and pet dander can really take it toll on your physical and emotional health. Here are 5 not too hard ways to clear the air of these problem causing allergens.

Change Filters As Needed----Your central heating and air conditioning system has filters. Check them regularly and change them whenever they start to fill up.

Once you know about how long it takes for them to need changing, plug a reminder into your mobile device or laptop so that you stay on schedule.

The amount of time between changes may vary according to seasons, so stay alert and move the schedule to a shorter or longer period to compensate.

Wash Linens Regularly---Dust mites are most often found in the bedroom and are one of the most potent allergy triggers known. Every home has them regardless of how clean it is. But you can significantly decrease their number and most probably your symptoms by washing your linens weekly with water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since these bugs are killed by sunlight, letting your bed remain uncovered while you launder the linen is another way to reduce their numbers. Be sure to wash your pet's special pillow or bedding frequently too.

These natural solutions are effective, non-invasive, and cost effective. Sprays and pesticides for mites increase the potential for health problems, discoloration of rugs and fabrics, and need to be repeated so they are labor intensive too.

Furnish Your Home With Allergies In Mind---Rome wasn't built in a day, and unless you are buying a new house and all new furniture, it will take time to affect this change. But with this as a goal, it will happen as you need to make changes.

Hard surfaces for floors such as tile, linoleum, wood, faux wood and stone are easier to clean and they take no prisoners in the form of mites. Small throw rugs scattered about are easier and less costly to clean.

Materials that can easily be cleared of particles such as blinds and shades keep the number of particulates lower than draperies and other elaborate window treatments.

Clean With Water---When possible remove dust by damp wiping surfaces. Steam clean floors your floors where possible. This cuts down on the amount of particles that are sent into the air and really takes them out of circulation.

For rugs and other areas where water or steam is not appropriate, use a HEPA vacuum. This type of cleaner has a filter that will keep particles that it removes from going back into the air.

Use a HEPA Air Purifier---One of the best ways to continually remove allergy irritants from the air is to continually filter the air with a purifier that contains a high efficiency particle arresting filter. This is the type of technology that hospitals use to keep the air clean.

This type of filter can remove airborne particulates as small as.3 microns which is far smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. Continuous cleaning of the air along with the other 4 suggestions in this article will increase your chances of lessening your allergy symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Get help removing indoor airborne allergens from your air with the air purifier from PurerAir.com at http://purerair.com/allergy_machine.html

Original article

What Triggers Your Allergies? The Big 3 Indoor Allergens To Avoid

If you have airborne allergies, chances are something in the indoor air is causing you to sneeze, cough, become congested, and generally feel poorly. And if you're like most people it's probably a combination of triggers that send your body into overdrive. Here are 5 potent allergens to avoid.

Pet Dander---I've got this under control you might think particularly if you don't have pets. Over 60 million homes have warm-blooded pets that shed dander. And just because you don't happen to be one of them, doesn't mean you don't have dander.

Dander is sticky stuff so if you work with someone or your children go to school with others who have pets; you've got some of it in your home. It sticks to clothes, book bags, and hair and is easily transferred on contact.

Once they are in your home, shaking out clothes or putting them on the bed or with other clothes simply spreads the allergen. If your daily routine brings you in constant contact, its easy to understand how the amounts in your home will increase even though you don't have a pet.

If you do have a pet such as a cat, dog, bird, ferret, bunny or other warm fuzzy friend the production of these dead skin flakes will continue all through your pet's life. So being able to effectively keep the levels low can help lessen the frequency and intensity of allergy and asthma flare-ups.

Dust Mites---Dust mites feed on dead skin cells. They don't really care about the source. Human or pet dander is acceptable.. Their favorite room in the house is the bedroom, and more specifically your bed. They thrive in moist, warm, and dark places which make your bed or your pet's bedding a haven for increasing their population.

It is the protein in their feces (that they drop everywhere) that is such a potent trigger. Being able to minimize their numbers can prevent them from causing respiratory issues and from exacerbating existing ones.

Dust---This is an accumulation of fine particles from many sources. What it contains is slightly different in each home. Taking a piece of it and putting it under a microscopic can tell you volumes about what's in it.

Generally it has fine pieces of textiles from clothing, upholstery, rugs and other fabrics. It also usually contains tiny pieces of paper from magazines, mail, and paper products. Body parts from insects, pet and human hair, small pieces of feces from mites and other insects as well as bug body parts can add to this collection.

Unfortunately these allergens are a permanent fact of indoor living. Making sure that the levels remain consistently low can stabilize your health and provide relief from symptoms that can range from annoying to debilitating. The best way to manage allergies is to avoid the trigger. And the best pro-active yet non-invasive way to do that is to filter the continually. This will decrease the allergens and can increase quality of life for good.

Let the Allergy Machine Air Purifier from PurerAir.com remove airbone allergens continually from your air 24 hours every day.  See it now at http://purerair.com/allergy_machine.html

Original article

Can Food Allergies Be The Cause Of Your Depression?

Millions of patients in the U.S. alone are on all sorts of medications for depression and anxiety. If you are such a person, have you ever thought of being tested for food allergies?

The question arises because although it has long been recognized in the scientific literature that food allergy can impact moods, mental states, and so on - hardly ever does a doctor prescribe a food allergy test for someone suffering from depression.

If your doctor has not done so, it may be advantageous for you to arrange one for yourself. Reputable food allergy tests can be found at many places online and they are not that expensive.

One of the earliest studies showing the relationship between food allergies and mood states was performed by Dr. Joseph Egger in the mid 1980's. The study took place at the University of Munich in Germany and involved thirty patients who had a history of anxiety and depression. The test was a double blind, placebo controlled test so that no patient was sure of what they were being given to eat at various times.

The patients were first tested for allergies. Once the test began, they were given either small quantities of foods that they were allergic to or placebos. But they never knew what they were being given. The outcome of the test was eye-opening to say the least.

The clear result showed that the allergens alone were able to induce feelings of depression and anxiety. And even though most of the foods that the people in the study were allergic to where wheat, milk, sugar, and eggs - the result would no doubt be similar to those who are allergic to other foods. The common term coined for these types of allergies are brain allergies.

Other studies since then have shown that many people are allergic to many of the preservatives that are put into modern processed foods. It doesn't take much of a leap to notice the startling increases in the number of people suffering from all sorts of mental problems to make the link between these problems and the food choices that we make.

In reality, even though it is easy to find out, very few people today have any idea of what foods they are allergic to. And, if you are suffering from any type of mental problems, your doctor or psychiatrist should ultimately be the person whom you listen to. But, you have to take some responsibility for your health as well. And a start would be to at least pinpoint your own food allergies to determine if going on an allergy free diet could also improve your mental health.

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How an Air Purifier Can Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms

While the spring season brings with it warmer and sunnier days, it also causes many flowers to bloom and release their pollen to the spring air. Most allergy sufferers do not look forward to the stuffy noses and teary eyes that come with spring. This seems to be a common annual occurrence for many Americans. Anyone who suffers from allergies can appreciate how it feels to be able to breathe freely without that clogged-up nose feeling. Sometimes it feels like you are drowning and you are nowhere near the water. Some measure of relief is on hand with the use of personal air purifiers.

Aside from pollen, there are many other contaminants in the air that can exacerbate these allergic reactions conditions. These would include, pet droppings, allergens, dust or some chemicals. When one breathes, it is inevitable that these substances get into the person's body, especially the lungs. While it may not be possible to clean all the air around us, especially when we go outside, there are still certain things that can be done about the air inside your room, for starters. Using personal air purifiers to filter the air inside the room can already help in many ways to reduce air pollution inside the house.

When contaminants are no longer present in the air indoors, the chances of an allergy attack is considerably lessened for the sufferer, especially among children. The toxins found indoors can easily be eliminated from the air inside the house with a personal air purifier. Harmful substances like chemical fumes, tobacco smoke and dust can be absorbed into the filter of an air purifier. Most air purifiers have been proven to be the most effective way to keep indoor air clean and safe. It has been shown that they can filter out 99.7% of all particles found in indoor air, leaving clean uncontaminated air for us to breathe.

There are a number of ways that a homemaker can take on how to reduce air pollution inside the house. There are some simple precautions that can be taken to prevent allergy attacks such as keeping pets outside, not smoking inside the home, vacuuming rugs and carpets often or dusting all furniture as many times during the week as is practicable. One may also decide to dispense with hanging drapes and curtains on windows that only tend to collect dust. Or, you may decide to invest in non-allergenic pillows and mattresses as well as in other bedding items. It is also important that these items be vacuumed periodically and often. Keeping these areas clean is an important step in finding a solution to reduce air pollution inside you house and lessen the allergy attacks of whoever is most vulnerable in the house.

One of the most effective ways is to eliminate the source of these allergens and irritants in the first place. Having a personal air purifier, especially in your bedroom, may be the ideal solution.

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Indoor Air Quality and Seasonal Allergens

Seasonal allergens cause misery for millions of allergy sufferers each year in the form of sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and scratchy throats. The quality of the air indoors can have a considerable effect on the seasonal allergy symptoms that appear in those that are susceptible and reducing the amount of seasonal allergens in the indoor air is the most effective way to obtain seasonal allergy relief.

Important Indoor Allergen Reduction Tips

While it is impossible to change the amounts of pollen and allergens outdoors, following a few simple tips can improve the indoor air quality of your home and bring relief to the seasonal allergy sufferer.

Keep Pollen Outdoors

During the times of year when seasonal allergens are high, try to keep the pollen outdoors as much as possible. Here are some suggestions:
Keep doors and windows closed to prevent the wind from blowing the pollen indoors.Use the heating and cooling system to regulate the temperature and control the humidity indoors.Use air filters that are capable of removing allergens from the air flowing through the system.If possible, remove exterior clothing near the door when returning to the home from a long period outdoors to prevent the spread of pollen throughout the home.

Vacuum Frequently

Your vacuum cleaner can be your best friend during seasonal allergy season as you use it to remove allergens from your home.
Carpets and rugs should be vacuumed at least once per week.Small rugs and blankets that can be washed should be washed weekly in hot water.Upholstered furniture and large pillows should be vacuumed to remove allergens that could be released back into the air as you and your familyuse your furniture.

Use a Dust-Trapping Duster

When removing dust from hard surfaces, use a duster that traps the dust in the duster instead of brushing it off of the surface and back into the air.

A few things to keep in mind:
Feather dusters and foam dusters merely push the dust around instead of removing it, but many damp cloths and wipes actually trap the dust particles so that they can be thrown away.Sweeping with a broom can also return dust and dirt to the air, so you may want to try using the vacuum for cleaning your hardwood, tile, or laminate floors.

Fewer Indoor Allergens is Good for Your Health

Having good air quality in the home is important for anyone that suffers from seasonal allergies or asthma and ensuring that the indoor air is free of allergy triggers like dust and pollen is one of the best things you can do to reduce allergy symptoms and improve overall health.

Jim Gates, CAFS, is the brand manager for Quality Filters, Inc. ( http://qualityfilters.com/ ), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality home and commercial air filters. The company's products are available online at BuyFilters.com ( http://buyfilters.com/ ).

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Do Not Let a Dust Mite Allergy Kick You Out of Your Home

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Developing a Mold Allergy Does Not Have to Be a Debilitating Experience

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Can You Develop a Bee Pollen Allergy?

Many have asked the question of whether or not you can develop a bee pollen allergy, and the simple answer is no. Sure, it is that simple, and while there really isn't an allergy some are concerned about pollen and the challenges that it causes along the way.

Everyone reacts differently to different things, so I will discuss a few points of interest here in the components of pollen and what causes various reactions.

Pollen and Bee Stings Aren't the Same

I have people ask me all the time if pollen and bee stings contain the same thing.

No, they don't but it's a reasonable question to ask.

When someone gets a bee sting, what is in the stinger that causes a racing heart is bee venom. This can cause a number of reactions, but those who feel like their heart is racing and end up breaking out into a cold sweat are obviously having an allergic reaction to the sting.

It's a common question, but the only thing that could make your heart race is just the high level of B vitamins in the pollen.

This is part of the reason why it is beneficial to take only a little bit of pollen at a time. You need to take the minimum dosage so that you can tell how tolerant you are of the pollen, and whether or not you can take more.

Ragweed in Pollen

Did you know that there could be trace amounts of ragweed in your pollen?

Those who do have this allergy may be sensitive to pollen if ragweed is present, and those who do will know right away. Those who have a ragweed allergy may experience itchy, watery eyes, and possibly a bit of a runny nose.

Don't worry about it, because this is a common reaction for those who do have a ragweed allergy. The best way to test the waters to find out is by taking the minimum dosage, and then if no reaction, you can increase the dosage to see how you react to it.

Pollen Can Help Alleviate Allergy Symptoms

While so many are contesting that users could have a bee pollen allergy, just as many people are using it to get relief from nasal allergy symptoms.

This is because pollen is loaded with antioxidants which are helpful in fighting off bacteria. Those who suffer from allergies usually find that they get relief from vitamins A and E, and pollen contains both.

Pollen also contains Zinc which is also useful in helping the immune system, which is still critical in avoiding allergies.

Pollen appears to be more beneficial than it is harmful, but it's ultimately up to you to try it and see how it serves you. If you are skeptical about how you will react then check with your doctor first to be sure that it's right for you.

Otherwise, just try it and see how things go, and if you don't react well, then stop taking it until you find out more.

Lang is a health researcher who runs several health related websites, that promote healthy living and fitness.

This amazing natural supplement is transforming the health of its users, find out more at http://www.bee-pollen-diet-pills.com/

Learn more about Using Bee Pollen For Allergies

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