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Here’s your chance to discover the top easy-to-adopt lifestyle recommendations for dealing with and finding relief from allergies. Includes research-based natural approaches that work, as well as personal accounts of what’s been helpful over the years. Malia Curran, MS, MPH is a nutrition consultant and speaker, and sees clients in the Boston region.
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I agree completely with the recommendation of probiotics, however it’s a real challenge to find probiotics that are not cultured on dairy. Hopefully more varieties will become available in the future.
Gina
http://www.allergymoms.com
April 14th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I just wanted to let you know that I have been using the Sinus Buster Allergy formula for some time and it is FANTASTIC! With in a couple of days of starting Sinus Buster Allergy my symptoms were gone. I have not had that happen in years. It is a product that people should definetly try!!!
April 14th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Okay, that’s the 2nd thing I’ve heard about probiotics — definitely need to strongly consider using them!
April 15th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Gina,
I have just started researching probiotics and was wondering, since we have a milk allergy in the house, if you could list some probiotics that are dairy-free.
TIA,
TinaMarie
April 15th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
My son has nut and egg allergies. I have seasonal allergies. I can definitely feel a difference when I went on a whole foods diet and incorporated EFA oils
and probiotics just like the podcast said.
April 15th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I agree with everything the podcast said. I can definitely feel a diiference when I went on a whole foods diet and incorporated EFA oils and probiotics just like the podcast said.
April 15th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
My son has terrible allergies and I have been giving him fish oil supplements in addition to medication prescribed by his doctor. I will be looking into probiotics for children as well.
April 15th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I’m happy that more people are understanding the relationship between allergies and the digestive system. Maybe the reason we have so many more allergies in this generation is because we sterilize our foods and don’t get the natural phytonutrients and friendly flora. I also am constantly looking for a non-dairy, non-corn, non-rice, non-grape probiotic.
April 15th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Thanks for the information, I’ve never explored holistic solutions for my son’s allergies!
April 15th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I wonder if somebody could recommend proper dosages for children on some of these supplements?
Thanks for the ideas. I plan on trying some for myself for this allergy season.
Kathleen
April 15th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I agree with Gina. It’s tough to find probiotics that are not cultured on dairy. We recently found a Wildwood Soy product that uses probiotic and is dairy-free. My son loves it. Can we get that at Whole Foods? Hope so!
Also, would love to hear more about how to introduce Omega 3 fats into a diet of someone who is allergic or potentially allergic to fish/seafood. Are there substitutes that are safe?
April 15th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Thanks for the reminder to get back on my Flax seed oil. My homeopath also recommended a remedy for me, I use pulsatilla- but everyone is different. I also like a neti pot when I get stuffed up. And of course, avoidance is key!
April 16th, 2008 at 5:59 am
I listened to all 3 podcasts and was especially interested in #3. The discussion about probiotics intrigued me so much i listened to the podcast 3 times! I agree probiotics is something we all take for granted but is essential to keeping our bodies running smoothly. I found encouragement in this piece of information and look forward to researching it more to help find ‘relief’ for my daughter who has several food allergies and a grain intolerance. Thanks!
April 16th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Thank you for producing these podcasts. We have been using probiotics for years and cannot imagine a day without them.
April 16th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Some people with dairy allergy can tolerate Kirkmans probiotics. WF had a bunch of different EFA supplements–even ones that dont have fish oil.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
This totally confirms the guidance provided by my son’s chiropractor. We turned to him to treat my son’s chronic ear fluid and allergies. He recommended a vegetarian and dairy free probiotic by Original Medicine, and fish oil supplements. We’ve seen a world of difference! In 1 month his ears were free of fluid and he had such a healthier winter! There really is something to this.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
IM A MOTHER OF 3 WHICH 2 OF THEM HAD PEANUT ALLERGY. NOW A GRANDMOTHER OF 3 WHICH 2 OF THEM HAVE PEANUT ALLERGY. I CANNOT EXPLAIN THE TIMES IVE SPENT IN EMERGENCY ROOMS AND DOCTOR OFFICES IVE SPENT WITH PEANUT REATION. MOSTLY FROM HIDDEN INGREDIENTS IN MEXICAN AND CHINESE FOODS. BE CAREFUL WITH RESTAURANTS AND FLYING IN AIRPLANES THAT PASS OUT PEANUTS FOR A SNACK. OUR FAMILY HAS EPI PENS EVERY WHERE AND THANK FOR HIS GOD GRACE FOR THE TIMES HES HELPED. MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THIS FAMILY. I FEEL THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE PUBLIC AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS AND RESTAURANTS ABOUT THIS. MY FAMILY CAN HAVE AN ATTACK BY JUST SMELLING THE PEANUTS.
April 16th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I have been giving my daughter (with several allergies) probiotics and omega oils supplements.
But I am not sure of how much is appropriate for her. I give her a 1/2 a acidophilus tablet once in
a week and 1 fish oil capsule once in 2-3 days. Does anyone have any suggestions on how much is appropriate?
April 17th, 2008 at 7:59 am
I thought this was really interesting, my daughter has severe milk and egg allergy. I might try some of this information. Thank you for making this available
April 17th, 2008 at 8:14 am
I am curious about getting the omega 3 into diets with fish and seafood allergies as well as Denise mentioned. My husband has severe allergies to these as well as other allergies
Thank you to Gina for giving us this link it was definitely worth listening to the podcasts. Thank you for helping us help each other.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Be careful with the oils that you use. Some cant use fish oils. Others will have trouble with flax if there are seed allergies. And some EFA/DHA blends have sesame which is becoming a more common allergen.
April 17th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
After discovering my daughter had milk and egg allergies, I am wanting to read and discover all I can about food allergies. Since neither my husband nor myself have food allergies, I feel like it is something I ate, or came in contact with that may have caused her allergies. I want to maintain a healthier lifestyle, and heard some wonderful ideas mentioned in this podcast. Thank you
April 18th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I am going to find probiotics. It was nice to know that taking flax oil like I have been doing was smart.
April 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Hi, I learned a lot from the podcast. Our whole family has some type of allergy or rhinitis. I like the ideas of more fiber, keeping hydrated and looking for any food allergies. I have heard of probiotics and know they are making products with them. I have used the liquid form. Also, essential fats need to be gotten from food like
walnuts, fish and flaxseed. Thanks,Cindi
April 21st, 2008 at 1:17 am
Very interesting. I need to start doing some of these things (probiotics), since my dd has allergys like her father and I want to avoid medicines at all costs.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Great information. I have horrible allergies and didn’t want to accept that allergy shots were my only option/
April 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I found this series to be very informative. Thank you for posting it.
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:24 am
This was my favorite part of the series. I had never really heard of the diet/allergy connection. These things are SO doable. Im going to amp up my water intake for sure and start taking EFAs again, THANK YOU!!!!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:49 am
Wow great podcast. learned a lot. some I know – drink lots of water. But probiotics is something new. Not having enough of the right biotics in your tummy. hummmm. thank you for the information and the help it will bring to my family. Very helpful.
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I never realized that diet had so much to do with my allergies. I will definitely try to eat healthier to get them under control
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
This is awesome information! Thanks!
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
My husband and I have not had much of a problem with allergies but we are doing some things right: high fiber diet, limit processed foods, plenty of water, etc..I have heard of probiotics but have not yet purchased/used any of these products.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
My son and husband have allergies…these tips are great!
Especially the water drinking…so easy to do, but it could make a big difference!
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
One more thing, are probiotics suitable for infants under age one?
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
modmom.blogspot.com told me to come check out these podcasts. I’m going to subscribe. This is great!
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I didn’t realize diet would have such an impact on allergies. It makes sense though.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 am
.
I didn’t realize diet would have such an impact on allergies. It makes sense though.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:47 am
This has been great as my husband just recently developed allergies.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:23 am
Great info – thanks!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
So interesting, thanks!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 am
Very interesting
April 24th, 2008 at 7:45 am
My husband has been using conventional treatment for his allergies and his symptoms just don’t seem to subside anymore. I think the answer may be treating him in a more natural way.
April 24th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I didn’t realize how much diet affected allergies!
Thanks!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Thank you! As parents of a child with food allergy we are always looking to hear new things. Hear experts talking about it, and just raising public awareness.
April 25th, 2008 at 8:30 am
thanks for all this great info..i have been using for several years now,the added info was something i was looking for ! thanks again
April 25th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Homeopathic nasal sprays rock! I’m glad they recommended them, because they really work and they’re so much easier than a neti pot for me.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I totally agreed with everything in this podcast. It just makes sense! I have infertility issues (which isn’t an allergy, but I digress) and I’ve heard great things about how switching to whole foods can really help many women be successful in achieving pregnancy!
April 25th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Excellent ideas that I had not considered with both myself and my egg-allergic preschooler.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Thank you for the info on diet and allergies (and the link between the immune system and the gut). Apart from pro-biotics, I found the part about acupuncture very interesting.
I was referred by modmom
April 25th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I agree with the podcast. I have seasonal allergies and control with diet. Loved the podcasts! Thanks!
http://www.allergymoms.com
April 27th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I was always taught to have a teaspoon of local honey daily to counteract allergies.
April 27th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
My Daughter has nut allergies hopefully this site will be helpful..
April 27th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
So much good info for my family. I have horrible seasonal allergies and my son has peanut allergy. We’ll definitely be trying probiotics.
April 27th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Thanks for the interesting info about probiotics.
April 27th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Thanks for this information. I’ve heard of probiotics but am unsure of how to introduce them to my dairy-allergic daughter. We do give her flax seed when we can – mixed in with other items that she eats.
April 28th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Thank you for all this great information. I haven’t explored any of these avenues yet, but will look further.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I found the probiotic approach interesting, I’d never heard of or considered it for my dairy-allergic daughter.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:45 am
I definitly agree that probiatics made a difference in our diets!
April 28th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I definitly agree that probiatics made a difference in our diets! My son has bad season allergies and severe tree nut allergies.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
I believe in using probiotics, but have always been hesitant since my son is severely allergic to dairy and it is hard to find SAFE choices. I really like the information, though. MD’s won’t usually give you any of this info.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:52 am
These podcasts have been very helpful. All three of my children are allergic to dairy and I look forward to supplementing some of these options into our life. Thanks!
April 29th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I think that what I got out of it is that water is really important for the mucous to stay moist to help defend allergens,
as well as I would like to try some of the homeopathic nasal sprays that are offered at whole foods.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
The info on good fats was particularly helpful, esp concerning keeping the gut healthy and fighting off the allergic response. Thanks!
April 29th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Diet and allergies are linked together. wow I would have never guessed. I want to try supplements for allergies.
Sarah F
April 29th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Nice information!
April 30th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Great info, especially on probiotiocs.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:48 am
Thanks for your comments and questions. Regarding amounts of EFAs for children, here are some details:
EFA supplementation for babies? The Institute of Medicine (IOM) tells us that the adequate intake for omega-3s for infants is 0.5 g/day, which is based on average breast milk levels. (Breast milk or fortified formula should supply adequate omega-3s up to 6 months, so no supplementation should be needed for baby if mom’s intake and/or the formula is adequate. After 6 months, a combination of breast milk and complementary foods should supply adequate intake. If complementary foods and breast milk or formula are not supplying the recommended 0.5 g/day, we recommend working with your health care provider to determine the best course of action for supplementation. (Note that if supplementation is recommended, wait until at least a year for fish oil supplements due to allergy concerns. Instead, consider algal-derived DHA supplements or DHA-enriched foods.)
Essential fat supplements for toddlers: The “Children’s DHA” product from Nordic Naturals is for ages 3 and over. In this case, contacting the company will be the best way to find out the rationale regarding product age recommendations. http://www.NordicNaturals.com or 800-662-2544. Most of the children’s EFA products on the market are chewable or in liquid form.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:13 am
Probiotics for kids? Yes! there are specific probiotic supplements available for children, actually. See the box for dosage details, or contact the company directly for more specific information. Of course, food is a great way to get them too – look for yogurt with live active cultures.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:22 am
Omega 3s for those who are allergic to fish and seafood:
Walnuts, flaxseeds (ground), pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and canola oil are all sources of omega 3 EFAs in the diet. Omega-3 enriched eggs are also helpful. There are dairy-free omega-3 supplements available as well, such as flaxseed oil. Thanks!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:24 am
Probiotics for kids? Dairy-free probiotics? Yes to both questions! For children: There are specific probiotic supplements available for all ages, actually. See the box for dosage details, or contact the company directly for more specific information. Of course, food is a great way to get them too – look for yogurt with live active cultures.
Dairy-free: Yes, many probiotic formulas may contain dairy, but there ARE dairy-free probiotic products available. One name to look for is SOLGAR. They have several probiotic powders and capsules that fit the bill. They have children’s products too. Thanks!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:28 am
I love probiotics and am glad that they’re keeping people informed.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:25 am
I had heard about probiotics for GI issues, but not allergies. Interesting
May 1st, 2008 at 8:21 pm
when probiotics break down in your belly it makes
hydrogen peroxide which give the enzymes necessary
to digest lactose. If you buy 35 percent food
grade hydrogen peroxide instead of the acidphilus tablets
which is ingestible (unlike the 7 percent topicle H202 that is
not meant for ingesting) you will find it is
the least expensive (you only need 3 drops per quart)
You have to be very careful though handling it with
gloves, it can burn the skin. I use dish gloves
when I put a few drops into a quart of water or juice daily
and drink it. The Only place I could find food grade
H202 in my area (Ann Arbor, MI) is the Better Health
Food Store across from Trader Joe’s on Washtenaw Ave.
Most places sell it only in the topical 7 percent
Just put the milk and kefir on the counter overnight everynight and walla you got your own yogurt fresh made daily.
grade form. Another thing, most people don’t know is it is the enzymes in milk that are killed
during pasturization that help digest lactose… you may want to try raw milk from goats or cows and make your own yogurt with kefir and raw milk cheeses too to avoid lactose intolerance. To make your own yogurt…
All you need it a glass of raw milk and a little piece
of kefir placed on the edge… the kefir will grow and live forever. You can break off a piece and share with friends.
BTW – another thing most people don’t know is that human
breast milk contains natural occuring hydrogen peroxide.
Colostrum has the highest levels. That’s why babies
get the best benefit from breast feeding. But if a child
has allergies to breast milk… it may be the mother
is not producing enough of the main enzymes in her body that come from food she eats passed onto her baby to help
the baby digest the fat, sugar or protein in their own body…
Enzymes in our bodies are divided into two groups and created by our cells: digestive enzymes and metabolic enzymes. There are three types of digestive enzymes amylase, protease and lipase. Amylase, found in saliva, pancreatic and intestinal juices; breaks down carbohydrates (sugars). Protease, found in stomach, pancreatic and intestinal juices; helps digest proteins. Lipase, found in stomach and pancreatic juices also enters the body via food we eat; breaks down fats.
So if you don’t produce enough of these enzymes naturally.
You need help from good raw food sources that give you those enzymes. I just wish we had more raw resources available
on the market. I’m sad to say, I get my own raw milk
from a farm up north who is not presently accepting
any more cow share contracts at this time. BUT Whole Foods does sell raw milk ROSEWOOD Cheddar Cheese – that is an excellent source of dairy food! It comes in mild, medium
and sharp. We buy the mild and eat it daily for snacks
and at bedtime. It does not hurt my one son and husband who are both lactose intolerant.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:09 pm