ALCAT Test | The Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test

Food Panel Testing

2012-05-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

What Is Food Panel Testing?

Food panel testing is used to determine which food allergies and sensitivities you have. A blood sample is drawn and then tested in a lab to see if there is an allergic reaction to the various food allergens in the panel. Several companies provide food panel testing to help customers identify foods that may need to be eliminated from their diet.


Food Panel Testing

Claims
    A blood test that doctors typically perform to tests for food allergies that can cause reactions such as rashes, hives and difficulty breathing is the IgE antibody test. There are also several companies that provide tests for food “sensitivities” that measure other types of immune response not related to the IgE antibodies that white blood cells produce. For example, ALCAT Worldwide uses the antigen leukocyte antibody (ALCAT) test, which they claim can detect food sensitivities that contribute to migraines, aches, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders and other conditions. Another company, Sage Med Lab, tests for IgG antibody immune complex formation, which they claim can detect food sensitivities that can contribute to arthritis, multiple sclerosis and many other diseases.

Foods Tested

    The amount of potential food allergens tested is extensive. Food panels can include common allergens like nuts, dairy, soy and wheat, as well as less common ones like fruits, vegetables, spices, food additives and food colouring. The number of allergens tested depends on the company. For example, ALCAT tests for either 100, 150 or 200 different food allergens, while Sage Med Lab tests for 132 different allergens.

Cost

    Food panel testing from an independent lab can be expensive. For example, ALCAT currently charges $350 for a 100-food panel test and $595 for a 200-food panel test, plus the cost of obtaining a blood sample. Other companies, such as Sage Med Lab, require a referral from a health care professional, and some health insurance providers will cover the cost of testing.

IgE Testing Accuracy

    IgE antibody testing is considered an accurate alternative to the standard allergy test that doctors use, the skin prick test. The skin prick test involves pricking a patient’s skin to expose him to an allergen and therefore may not be safe for patients that have skin conditions or extreme allergic reactions. The IgE antibody test can be used safely on these individuals, although an estimated 10 to 25 percent of patients may have false negative results for foods that they are actually allergic to.

Accuracy of Other Tests

    Not all types of food panel tests are widely accepted in the medical community. For example, both IgG antibody and ALCAT testing were labeled as “inappropriate” allergy tests in a 2010 review article published in "Singapore Medical Journal." Consult with a medical practitioner such as a doctor or allergist/immunologist when selecting food panel testing procedures.

The ALCAT test will identify food sensitivities. With ALCAT, it is possible to diagnose chemical sensitivity, allergy, or intolerance in food. The ALCAT test is a variation, whereby a mixture of blood and food extracts is analyzed in an automated Coulter counter. For almost 25 years, ALCAT testing has been the key to accurate intolerance testing.

Food Allergy Testing article from ehow.

Common ADD-ADHD Symptoms

2012-05-04T01:58:00.001-07:00

ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is quite common in children and adults. According to several surveys, ADHD may occur in as many an 8-10% of school going children. Experts are not clear about whether children outgrow the symptoms of ADHD. That means that the disorder may be more prevalent among adults than previously believed.

ADD Symptoms

Symptoms of ADHD

In children, the most common symptoms are associated with lack of attention and concentration. They may be hyperactive and might tend to become bored or frustrated easily. Most sufferers act impulsively. The defining feature is that these symptoms interfere with the normal activities of the child. For instance, he might be disruptive in class or she might fail her exams, even though she is bright and intelligent.

Adults who suffer from ADHD find it difficult to concentrate on the work in hand. Organizational skills are lacking. Goal setting may be a problem. They may find it hard to follow instructions and complete projects on time. They may also have problematic relationships and a propensity towards addiction.

There are three major symptoms of ADD:
1.Inattention: The person may feel as if they are moving in a fog. They find it impossible to stay focused and are easily distracted by sounds or sights from the outside. Sorting through information is a tough cookie for these people, and organizational skills are almost nonexistent. Inattention ADD may lead to sufferers losing personal items. They may also live life in a disorganized clutter. They have big issues with time management. The symptoms of predominantly inattentive ADHD are somewhat difficult to identify because the person does not appear abnormal in any way except for the fact that they are slow to respond, lethargic or sluggish.

2.Hyperactivity: These individuals often show very high levels of activity. This may be in the form of physical or verbal hyperactivity. For instance, some children might seem like they are always on the move, as if driven by something. Excessive movement and fidgeting are common. These children try to monopolize conversations and may even give running commentaries of what is going on around them. They may create problems in the school or at work.

3.Impulsivity: These people have trouble controlling their behaviors and responses to external stimuli. They often say things in a hurry and jump into a conversation without understanding what the conversation is about. Since they try to be very fast in everything they do, they are often careless. Their impulsive behaviour may even prompt them to take on risky and dangerous situations without proper thought.

So far, there is no known cure for ADD or ADHD. However, some medications can alleviate symptoms. If treatment is undertaken at the right time, there is no reason why sufferers cannot lead a normal, fulfilling and successful life.

ADD Symptoms - For over 20 years, the ALCAT Test has provided both patients as well as healthcare professionals with a tool to successfully overcome a wide variety of conditions which result from chemical sensitivity and food intolerance.

Learn about the signs and symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD, its effects, and the treatment options at ALCAT.com. The approach ALCAT generally take in treating ADD, or any illness for that matter is threefold. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of ADHD/ADD, make an appointment with one of the experts at ALCAT. Call (954) 426-2304 today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2683762

Weight Loss

2012-05-02T00:16:00.002-07:00

Weight Loss Management - Are Food Allergies Doing You In?
Weight Loss Management - Are Food Allergies Doing You In?

These days, almost everyone you meet is on a weight management program. Being overweight is a universal problem. More than half the world seems to be battling it. Of course, lifestyle factors contribute to the problem. Fast foods and the lack of exercise are churning out a nation of unhealthy, overweight people. Curiously, even those who are eating healthy and in limited quantities are also unable to keep their weight down.

Weight Loss Management

One of the main reasons for people gaining oodles of weight is intense food cravings. Many of us develop seemingly insurmountable cravings for a particular kind of food. These types of food are high in sugar, salt or fats. Interestingly, these 'comfort' foods have the ability to dump large amounts of sugar into the bloodstream. Some examples include ice reams, pastries, fries etc. Why such foods? Surely, there cannot be so many people who love the same food? Studies show that many people feel the urge to eat these foods because of inherent food sensitivities, which ultimately give rise to metabolic problems that cause them to overeat. This leads to weight gain.

Let us look at a popular example - carbohydrate intolerance.

People who are carbohydrate intolerant are unable to digest carbohydrate and absorb sugars. Thus the carbohydrate entering their body remains unutilized. As a result the body experiences carbohydrate depletion and soon slips into a starvation mode. This is a stage where it clings tightly to existing fat deposits, drastically cuts down on the rate of metabolism and signals ever increasing hunger (so fat deposits can be built). In the end, sufferers end up eating more and their weight increases.

Something similar happens even when you eat other offending foods. Your body reacts by reducing serotonin levels, which in turn triggers the desire to eat carbohydrates. Obviously, when you overindulge in pastas, white bread, potatoes and pastries, you can expect little success in weight loss management.

Unfortunately, even though a very high percentage of people suffer from food cravings related to food intolerance, most people do not recognize the root cause. That is because these symptoms are very subtle. Many reactions occur after a period of one or two days, which makes it difficult to interrelate the cause and symptom. Often, even doctors miss out the correlation. People end up exercising rigorously and yo-yo dieting. All for nothing.

Food sensitivities can affect weight loss management in other ways too. Reaction to different kinds of food can lead to water retention and gastrointestinal problems, which hinder weight loss efforts. Many weight watchers take in supplements as a normal part of the dieting process. However, it is important to verify that the supplements you take in do not contain substances you are allergic or sensitive to. For example, people who are allergic to milk should not take in products that contain whey.

If you are overweight and want to make sure that your weight loss plans actually take off, begin by understanding food sensitivity and food allergies. Avoid offending foods. Weight loss management is a long term effort. Do not expect it to yield results overnight. However, by keeping away from foods that are bad for you, the effort becomes a lot easier. In the end, weight loss happens faster and in a healthier way.

Weight Loss Management - For over 20 years, the ALCAT Test has provided both patients as well as healthcare professionals with a tool to successfully overcome a wide variety of conditions which result from food sensitivity and chemical intolerance.

The ALCAT test method is much healthier when you are trying to lose weight. The ALCAT Diet is a nutritional plan that focuses on avoiding your potential food allergies or sensitivities as opposed to helping you lose weight. ALCAT food sensitivity testing with nutritionist specializing in safe, fast, weight loss, and diet programs.

An article By Tariq Ansar.

Autism Treatment

2012-04-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

How To Locate A Good Naturopath For Your Autistic Child
Autism is a big problem for our little ones. Believe it or not, more youngsters are presently identified to have autism compared to Diabetes, Cancer, Down Syndrome and AIDS!

Autism Treatment

Well known remedies have typically considered Autism to be a brain condition with therapies based interventions being advised. When these kinds of interventions are coupled with Biomedical Approach, your kid's condition will improve considerably.

Biomedical treatment may seem to unlock the brain, resulting in enhanced learning total capacity. Your kid can completely focus, remain still and pay attention much better. These types of advancements support greatly, permitting your little one to work with their specialist, getting the most out of the sessions.

Biomedical procedure looks at the entire body, reviewing every aspect of your kid's health, the pregnancy and the genealogy and family history. Autistic children frequently wake during the night caused by bloating and food sensitivities. Most children have gut dysbiosis and an over growing of unfriendly bacteria in their intestines. These germs greatly affect brain function. Typically, amounts of essential body vitamins and minerals are minimal and heavy metal poisoning is higher. A greater amount of children experience pyrrole illness. This tremendously disturbs feelings, sensory processing, resistance, peciali, rest and much more. There's also various other mistakes of metabolic process for example in methylation and sulfation systems.

It is suggested to do your analysis and arrange a time with the specialist to ask doubts and check their relevance. Some Naturopaths offer you a brief assessment specifically for this purpose.

Whoever you choose to help your Autistic baby, it may need time and effort, so be ready to dedicate yourself entirely to the treatment method to find success.

You can also get diagnosed through a food allergy test administered by a naturopathic nutritionist. People with autism are more susceptible to allergies and food sensitivities than the average person; and this is likely due to their impaired immune system. The particular ALCAT check is a food level of sensitivity check accustomed to recognize food that may bring about harmful responses for you to body.

Article source of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Diarrhea Treatment

2012-04-05T02:35:00.001-07:00

Easy diarrhea treatment

The ALCAT Test has provided patients with a tool to overcome a wide variety of conditions

Diarrhea is a condition in which patients pass loose watery stools more than three times a day. In acute cases, stools may be extremely watery and may contain mucus. In many cases, the urge to go is so strong that patients may be unable to deny themselves.

Diarrhea Treatment

There are many causes for diarrhea.

Bacterial infection from unhygienic food and contaminated water is the main cause of diarrhea in developing countries. Some viruses may also cause diarrhea. Viral hepatitis and herpes virus are examples. Some parasitic infections may also lead to diarrhea. Intestinal diseases like the inflammatory bowel disease and conditions like piles also lead to diarrhea. Some people experience runny bowels when they take in medications like antibiotics or antacids.

A significant number of people suffer from diarrhea because of food intolerance. Food allergies may lead to runny bowels. Common examples of food that are not tolerated are milk, oranges and sugary foods.

Diarrhea may affect people of either sexes and at any age. Generally, children are more vulnerable because they are more prone to bacterial infections.

In most cases, diarrhea goes away on its own. However, if symptoms persist, it is vital that treatment for diarrhea starts immediately. This is because prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and the loss of nutrients and minerals. In children, particularly infants, diarrhea can even lead to death, in as little as a day.

When should you seek treatment for diarrhea?

* If symptoms persist for more than 3 days

* If you experience severe abdominal cramps or pain elsewhere

* If diarrhea is accompanied by fever

* If you spot blood in the stool

* If you feel dehydrated

A simple home remedy for mild diarrhea is to mix sugar and salt in lemonade and have it every few minutes. Replacing lost water and minerals is vital.

Medications to stop diarrhea might prove dangerous if a bacterial or parasitical infection has caused it because the body is trying to flush out toxins through the stools. Stopping diarrhea will arrest this process.

In case there is no apparent reason for the frequent bouts of diarrhea, it is recommended that victims take a food allergy test. Several foodstuffs like milk, complex carbohydrates, roughage and eggs may lead to flatulence and diarrhea in people. Avoiding such foods is one of the best treatments for diarrhea. Sometimes, spicy food can also cause stomach irritation. The fact is Feature Articles, most people who suffer from intermittent diarrhea never make the connection between their symptoms and the food they eat. The result is that they have to suffer from the condition needlessly. Visit https://www.alcat.com

ALCAT Diarrhea Treatment: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder affecting the gastrointestinal. The origin of this disorder is still unknown. But its symptoms include bloating, gassiness, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and constipation. ALCAT provide you information on what Chronic Diarrhea is, what are its symptoms and causes. We also give you medical treatments and suggest alternative herbal remedies.

Diarrhea Treatment Article Source

Leaky Gut Syndrome

2012-04-03T01:51:00.000-07:00

Generally not recognized by conventional physicians, Leaky Gut Syndrome is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, making it less able to protect the internal environment, and making it less able to filter biological substances and nutrients. Due to this, incompletely digested proteins and fats as well as some bacteria, toxins and waste that is not normally absorbed can leak out of the intestines into the blood stream. This causes an autoimmune reaction, that can lead to problems such as excessive cramps, gas, fatigue, and abdominal bloating, joint paint, skin rashes, food sensitivities, and autoimmunity.

Diets for Leaky Gut Syndrome

The cause of Leaky Gut Syndrome may be from chronic inflammation, food sensitivities, damage from taking large amount of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), cytotoxic drugs and radiation or certain antibiotics, excessive alcohol consumption, or compromised immunity.

The Alcat test comes highly recommended. Many have felt relief by following their Alcat Diet and making smart nutritional choices. Finding out what foods you are sensitive to, and staying away from them helps to heal Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Leaky Gut is one of the major tenets of the ALCAT Test and a primary contributor to many of the inflammatory conditions that we face every day. Clinical Diagnosis available with ALCAT for Heavy metal toxicity and major gastro-intestinal issues, including leaky gut syndrome.

Asthma Treatment

2012-03-07T02:49:00.000-08:00

Asthma Treatment – What Medication You Need

Asthma is a chronic and a common condition that occurs when the main air channel of the lungs and bronchial tubes become swollen. It causes coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and difficulty in breathing. Asthma is a treatable condition. Treatments usually seek to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of your asthma attacks.

Though Asthma cannot be cured permanently, asthma treatment if managed effectively can prevent asthma attack. One of the Asthma treatments that are usually followed is using medications which can be taken orally or inhaled in vapour form. They reduce inflammation in your airways and prevent blood vessels from leaking fluid into your airway tissues.

Asthma Treatment

Asthma therapy needs to be flexible according to changes in symptoms, which should be determined thoroughly by your doctor and then the treatment can be adjusted accordingly. In case the asthma is kept well under control, your doctor may prescribe less medicine. However, if your asthma is not kept under control or has worsened, your doctor may accordingly raise your medication dose and also advise more frequent checking.

Asthma can be treated through several types of medications. A combination of long-term control medications and quick relief medications is generally used. The main types of asthma medications include:

Long-term-control medications, also called as preventers are used regularly and are taken long term to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. These medications are generally used every day for a long time, in order to control chronic asthma.

Quick-relief medications, also called as relievers are used for speedy, short-term relief during symptoms of worsening asthma attack.

Medications for allergy-induced asthma reduce your body's reaction to a particular allergy and prevent your immune system from reacting to allergies.

Due to a lot of different factors involved in asthma, a treatment plan will be different for different patients. Your doctor may prescribe and change the medications according to the severity of the asthma attack. It is advisable for you and your doctor to work together to control asthma, reduce severity and frequency of attacks and help lead a normal and active life.

Take a look at the symptoms & treatment for the asthma and more. We help you with solutions on the allergy and asthma cure. Treating Asthma & Allergy using The ALCAT test. Know early warning signs, symptoms and treatment for asthma with us.

Asthma Treatment Article Source

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

2012-03-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect many different joints and, in some people, other parts of the body as well, including the blood, the lungs, and the heart. Inflammation of the joint lining can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and redness. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. RA can last a long time and can be a disease of flares (active symptoms) and remissions (few to no symptoms). RA affects 2.1 million Americans, or about 1% of the adult population in the United States. This disease is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men, and generally affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. However, young children can develop a form of RA called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the United States, affecting an estimated 21 million adults. OA begins with the breakdown of joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. OA commonly affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles. When OA is found in a less-frequently affected joint, there is usually a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint. Work-related repetitive injury and physical trauma may contribute to the development of OA.

What Foods Cause Arthritis? The body can be allergic to any food; therefore any food allergy is capable of causing inflammation and arthritis. This includes RA, juvenile arthritis, and undefined joint pains. This is why it can be so difficult for one to recognize the relationship between their diet and their symptoms. Let’s use a dairy allergy as an example. If you eat any form of dairy, be it milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, or even dairy in the form of casein or whey in another food product, such as bread or milk chocolate, then you can potentially trigger the symptoms of your food allergy, in this case arthritis. Allergy symptoms may show up hours or even a day later, well after a food is absorbed into your system.

Eating certain foods or avoiding certain foods may help your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Cur-cumin has also been shown to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in people, reducing joint swelling, morning stiffness and walking time.

Read more information about Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms at Alcat.com.

Migraine Headache Symptoms

2012-03-02T00:14:00.000-08:00

Migraines are painful, sometimes disabling headaches that are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise, and smell. When describing migraine symptoms and causes, it first helps to understand what is a migraine.

What is a migraine headache?

A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.

Migraine Headache Symptoms

Migraine attacks commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the so-called "fight or flight" response, and this activation causes many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks; for example, the increased sympathetic nervous activity in the intestine causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    Sympathetic activity also delays emptying of the stomach into the small intestine and thereby prevents oral medications from entering the intestine and being absorbed.

    The impaired absorption of oral medications is a common reason for the ineffectiveness of medications taken to treat migraine headaches.

    The increased sympathetic activity also decreases the circulation of blood, and this leads to pallor of the skin as well as cold hands and feet.

    The increased sympathetic activity also contributes to the sensitivity to light and sound sensitivity as well as blurred vision.

Migraine afflicts 28 million Americans, with females suffering more frequently (17%) than males (6%). Missed work and lost productivity from migraine create a significant public burden. Nevertheless, migraine still remains largely under diagnosed and under treated. Less than half of individuals with migraine are diagnosed by their doctors.

Migraine headache is one of the conditions that are claimed to be identified by ALCAT testing. We help you in treating Migraine and Headache. ALCAT allergy and food sensitivity testing helps you to find the symptoms of migraines and additional discomforts.

Read more here - What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?

Inflammation Symptoms

2012-02-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

Chronic Inflammation Symptoms Can Be Reduced Naturally

Yes, you heard me correct you can naturally reduce the chronic inflammation symptoms with the help of regular dose of a fish oil supplement. Since, you do not have to take strong medications in this case; you do not have to worry about the side effects also.

Before understanding why fish oil is effective in reducing inflammation in the body, let us first understand, why do we have chronic inflammation symptoms at the first place?

Inflammation Symptoms

Inflammation, as claimed by many scientists is the part of body's defense mechanism. In case of an injury or infection, white blood cells present in the blood, get attached to the inner linings of blood vessels around the affected area. Hence results in redness, soreness, and pain in the affected area.

Now, if this soreness is left unattended or because of persistent presence of the foreign body, our body start treating its healthy cells as foreign material and as a defense mechanism attacks on its own tissues. This is known as an autoimmune disorder, and it is responsible for various chronic inflammation symptoms like hay fever, Atherosclerosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, etc.

To get relieved from pain in such painful conditions; doctors often prescribe Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Motrin, Aspirin, Advil, Alleve, etc. It is worth mentioning that after sometime because the body gets used to these NSAIDs, they also become ineffective in controlling the pain. In addition, because of their side effects like bleeding in the stomach, increased risk of heart attacks, etc., many studies were conducted to find out the effective and natural treatment of reducing inflammation in the body.

Usage of a fish oil supplement to control body's inflammation cycle is the outcome of many such researches. Fish oil is a rich source of DHA omega-3 fat. Once eaten, the body can convert DHA to a chemical called Resolvin D2. This chemical is a proven anti-inflammatory agent. Once the inflammation reduces, pain automatically vanishes.

In one of the clinical trials, it was observed that many chronic inflammation patients, who were put on regular dosage of fish oil, could get away with their prescribed medication to reduce pain.

Recent study has proven that mixture of hoki oil and tuna oil is more than twice effective in reducing chronic inflammation symptoms as in comparison to any other supplements available in the market.

You will be surprised to know that fish oil supplement not only lowers the chronic inflammation symptoms, but also is very effective in neurobehavioral issues like Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Bipolar disorder, Autism, Dyslexia, etc. It also inhibits the plague to get build up on arterial walls thus, reduces the risk of heart attacks, and strokes.

Inflammation Symptoms Article Source

Battling inflammation through food: Though it's an emerging field, proponents of anti-inflammatory diets point to growing evidence that foods like vegetables and fish can ease an overactive immune system. ALCAT system includes a leaky gut and detoxification protocols that appear crucial in reducing inflammatory symptoms in patients with autoimmune conditions.

IBS Symptoms

2012-02-04T01:39:00.000-08:00

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain or discomfort, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term but manageable condition. IBS is one of the most common intestinal disorders. Most people's symptoms are so mild that they never see a doctor for treatment. However, some people may have troublesome symptoms, especially abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not well understood. In IBS, the movement of the digestive tract is impaired, but doctors can find no change in physical structure, such as inflammation or tumors.

IBS Symptoms

Treatment will depend on the types of symptoms you have and their severity, as well as how they affect your daily life, and will likely involve changes to your lifestyle. Active involvement in treatment is important to managing it successfully. Treatment usually focuses on changes in diet and lifestyle, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, and managing stress.

IBS Symptoms Information Source.

Casein Test

2012-02-02T00:37:00.000-08:00

The Importance of a Casein Test

Milk and its associated products such as cheese, butter, mayonnaise or yoghurts are popular foods that are considered to be high in proteins and calcium while being tasty at the same time. Most popular foods like pizzas, pastas, sandwiches contain cheese in them to make them taste good while butter and toast is considered as the staple food for the majority of the population. While most people are able to have these as a part of their regular diets, there are others who suffer from milk allergy and have to refrain from these dairy products.

Casein Test

Casein intolerance

Cow's milk has been identified as one of the leading causes for food allergies among children which may lead to nausea, giddiness, diarrhea and other sickness. Adults are equally affected by milk and experience bloating, nausea, gas and heaviness after consumption. Inability to digest milk proteins happens to adults who are sensitive to milk and it finally leads to allergies. Allergies related to casein have serious symptoms such as vomiting, stomach cramps, and skin irritation and may lead to anaphylactic reactions in the body. In the long run it leads to weight loss as the patient is unable to absorb any nutrients from any food. Casein intolerance is a much more serious condition than lactose intolerance and can prove to be harmful for health. People who are allergic to casein have to avoid any kind of milk or milk based products since even traces of casein in their food might trigger a reaction.

About casein test

Milk constitutes of two important proteins namely Casein and Whey. Casein is derived from Latin caseus which means milk. It is the most important ingredient in milk and account for more than 80% of proteins in cow's milk and cheese. This phospoprotein is not soluble in water and is the thick part of the milk which helps in setting the curd. Whey is the watery part of milk which makes up nearly 87% of the milk. Some individuals are allergic to the casein in milk which others are sensitive to whey. Casein is found in all milks of mammals, but in varying degrees. A casein test helps in determining if a certain food product contains casein.

Research has shown that a casein free diet is better for autistic children since they are able to digest it much more easily. It is proven to be effective in their overall development. A casein test is very important to determine and label food and drinks which are casein free, since consumption of even traces of this allergen can be very harmful for individuals.

Chemical Intolerance - For over 20 years, the ALCAT Test has provided both patients as well as healthcare professionals with a tool to successfully overcome a wide variety of conditions which result from chemical sensitivity and food intolerance.

Casein Test Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3233551

Gluten Sensitivity

2012-01-06T23:46:00.001-08:00

Gluten Sensitivity and the Impact on the Brain

Several years ago, parents of a lovely nine-year-old girl, Karen, brought her to see me because she had poor memory. They indicated that she had difficulty in thinking and focusing, and because of these issues she was falling further and further behind in her school work. Interestingly, they stated that at times she was fine, while clearly at other times her brain function seemed to be different. They indicated that she had difficulty keeping her thoughts together and that she became profoundly frustrated when this would occur.

Because of her significant issues with academic performance, her parents elected to home school her. Her academic testing revealed that she was functioning at or below a third grade level in a variety of areas, including math skills, reading fluency, story recall and overall academic skills. Fortunately, she had no significant medical problems in her past and her overall physical, as well as neurological examinations were entirely normal. Routine, typical blood studies were unrevealing, so I was left to reconsider her history to see if there were any clues as to what might be causing this child's problems.

What caught my attention was the interesting fact that her problems were not constant, indicating that basically her brain was intact but something seemed to be detrimentally influencing her from time to time, causing her to have these significant issues with respect to how her brain functioned. In considering what factors change day to day in terms of someone's exposure, certainly diet is at the top of the list.

Recognizing that gluten sensitivity (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) is extremely common, I decided to perform a simple blood test to determine if this child was gluten sensitive. When the laboratory studies were completed, we were surprised to learn that she was profoundly sensitive to gluten. So at that point I instructed her parents to put her on a gluten-free diet. While they considered this diet to be challenging, eliminating all wheat, barley and rye from her diet, nevertheless they complied. Over the next two weeks, her parents observed a remarkable change in her cognitive function. Karen suddenly was able to focus much more readily on her school work and indicated to her parents that she suddenly noticed she was thinking much more clearly. Her parents maintained her on a gluten-free diet and over the next several months continued to notice further improvements in her school work. At the end of the school year, she was tested and her grade level equivalent for math calculation skills was 5.1, reading fluency 5.6 and story recall 8.4, which is to say, functioning at a level considered "normal" midway through the year for an eighth grader.

Read Full article on Gluten Sensitivity.

ALCAT - Gluten Sensitivity Testing. The ALCAT Food and Chemical Sensitivity/Intolerance Test. State of the art food allergy testing. Find hidden allergies.

Food Intolerance Symptoms

2012-01-05T01:56:00.000-08:00

Many food problems are a result of naturally occurring chemicals in foods. To explain further, food is composed of many naturally occurring compounds. Three that can cause major problems for some people are Salicylates, Amines and MSG – Mono Sodium Glutamate. Everyone has a threshold and your level of food intolerance is based partly on that threshold.

Our bodies can’t digest some foods that have high histamine levels because our digestive system lacks the enzymes it needs to ensure we don’t suffer from these symptoms. Eating foods rich in histamines like pizza, fish, some vegetables, and some fruits can cause these often cumbersome food intolerance symptoms. Drinks like coffee, cocoa, wine, and beer also have high histamine levels.

Food Intolerance Symptoms

Symptoms related to salicylates, MSG and amines are hives and swelling, headaches, mouth ulcers, stomach pains, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), nausea, sinus problems and a general feeling of being unwell. Reactions to naturally occurring chemicals can be just as debilitating as an allergy even though they are not the same thing.

Should your symptoms show signs of improvement you may well be intolerant but it is always worth reintroducing the suspected food for a short period to see whether or not the symptoms re-establish themselves. At this point you have identified the offending food but before eliminating it from your diet permanently do ensure you consult with your doctor or dietician considering you will need to replace the nutrients lost by the elimination of this food.

Food intolerance is quite a bit different than an actual food allergy, although many people seem to confuse them. Instead of this being a response by the immune system, it is a problem that occurs in the digestive system. When a food causes irritation to the digestive system or people are not able to break down or digest certain foods, then this is known as an intolerance.

Food intolerance is sometimes mistaken for food allergy. Food allergies cause a person’s immune system to sit up and take notice, while food intolerances don’t involve the immune system. Neither are they linked to contaminated or spoiled foods; those cause food poisoning, not intolerance. Food intolerance describes the adverse physical reaction to the ingestion of certain foods; it is something that affects the digestive system.

Symptoms of food intolerance and allergies can take a bewildering variety of forms. They often include swelling of the lips, throat, and other areas. Skin rashes can result from a food intolerance as well as breathing difficulties. Digestive distress such as vomiting, pain, and diarrhea are also common to people suffering with food intolerances.

Food intolerance symptoms can range from slight bloating to more serious problems like migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. The trouble is that it is not always obvious which foods are making a person feel unwell.

Food intolerance testing is a cheap and easy way to find out which foods you are sensitive to. Food intolerance tests can be bought online or from your GP. The most popular food intolerance tests are simple skin prick tests. Order your ALCAT Food Intolerance Blood Test now!

Article Source

Food Intolerance

2012-01-02T23:13:00.000-08:00

Food Intolerance as a rapidly increasing problem that differs from food "allergy" in that symptoms are usually chronic and delayed, perhaps by several hours or even days. Hence they have received relatively little attention. Nonetheless, knowing what food you do not tolerate may be the most powerful tool for improving athletic performance and well being.

http://www.alcat.com/

Food Intolerance And Low Carb Diets

Food intolerance is a pharmacological reaction to the consumption of certain foods. In many cases, food intolerance may appear to be the side-effect of pharmacological drugs, but in fact, it is generally caused by the consumption of natural foods products, additives, or the combination of both.

The majority of food products that commonly cause food intolerance are high-protein.

As a low carb dieter, you will have abnormally- high exposure to high-protein food, including dairy products and meats, which means your chance of experiencing food intolerances (if you have any) will increase.

In contrast to food allergies, which are easily identifiable because they affect an almost instantaneous reaction of hives, shock, and a range of other symptoms, food intolerances are somewhat harder to identify.

Food intolerance generally has milder affects, such as minor headaches, general irritation, upset stomach, restlessness, and a loss of sleep. This makes it much harder to identify and treat.

If you are new to your low carb diet, you may have already experienced some of these symptoms, but attributed them to something other than food intolerance.

If you have been exhibiting these symptoms for less than three days into your low carb diet, they are more than likely related to withdrawals from caffeine or carbohydrates. They could also be related to dehydration. Conversely, if you have been exhibiting them for more than three days, they are more than likely the result of a food intolerance.

You should immediately start the process of weeding out foods that could be causing the intolerance.

The following is a list of foods you may be consuming on your low carb diet that are likely perpetrators: eggs, nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, pork, bacon, chicken, cheese, and tomatoes.

You should try to remove one of these from your low carb diet at a time. If you cannot solve your intolerance problem within a week, it would be wise to get off of your low carb diet and contact a physician to determine the source of your intolerance.

This article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as substitute for medical advice. Before embarking on any diet or fitness program, consult your physician.

Articel Source

Looking for information on Food Intolerance? You can find it here, along with articles that will help you sort out any confusion you might have with a Food Intolerance.

Food Allergy Test

2011-12-07T04:01:00.000-08:00

When Foods Becomes Toxins – Submitting to a Food Allergy Test
Why is fish healthy for you? Let me count the ways. Fish is healthy for you because the essential fatty acids in the Omega 3 which is found in fish help to keep our heart healthy.

They also play a role in our mental health. Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory properties. In fact a New Zealand company makes an oil out of Tuna and Hoki fish that has double the anti-inflammatory properties of other highly concentrated oils.

This oil has found a huge market for those that suffer from rheumatoidarthritis and other arthritic diseases.
When you ask why is fish healthy for you? I must tell you, fish may be good for you, but the heavy metals and the toxins found in most fish are not.

You see, the oceans of the world, with a few notable exceptions are polluted with mercury, lead and PCBs. These are all highly poisonous, and the toxins especially the PCBs are known to cause cancer.
These days, we really do need to take a daily dose of Omega 3/DHA fish oil to obtain the essential fatty acids that our body craves.

Do not let me put you off eating fish though. You can still eat fish, just do not eat it so often. If you eat fish once a month, you should be OK.

These toxins and heavy metals build up in the larger species of fish. So if you eat the smaller species of fish, you should have nothing to worry about. I like eating flounder and skate.

When you ask,why is fish healthy for you? I mentioned that it is good for our heart. This reminds me of the Greenland Eskimo’s whom the scientists studied years ago.

The scientists wanted to know just why the Eskimo’s did not suffer from heart disease, when they were eating so much fat. They discovered that the Eskimo’s diet was rich in the Omega 3 fatty acids, which helped to prevent heart attacks.

Scientists also studied the New Zealand Maori’s to find out just why they did not suffer from arthritis. The scientists discovered that the Maori’s diet was also rich in the Omega 3 fatty acids.

They also discovered another curious fact. The Maori’s were eating a lot of green lipped mussels. Further study showed that the green lipped mussel helped to protect them from arthritis.

Let me round off this article by saying that fish is OK to eat as long as you only eat small amounts of it, or eat the smaller species of fish.

Article source: rose-articles.com

Order your Food Allergy Test at ALCAT Worldwide.

The Weight Loss Management Insight

2011-11-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

Obesity is something very common at or after a certain age. It gets very difficult to maintain a perfect body as soon as age hits people. But it can be fought if you start understanding the needs of your body and controlling the growth to a beneficial way. Nowadays, many people are almost obsessed with dieting, maintaining a perfect body figure or controlling weight. Overweight can be a nuisance at times. So, people don't really ponder much before going through with many weight loss programs. Their sudden decision and lack of consciousness is the reason behind failed dieting. In these cases all the hard put through with a view to losing some weight goes in vain along with the additional risks of damaging the body. If you don't know what you are doing, you could end up worsening your state from where you had started. This is why weight loss management is crucial in getting your desired result.

People are prone to believing that once you get obese; the only way to return to normal is by starving yourself and doing workouts. Extensive workouts or physical exercises in these cases can be fatal to the body tissues and muscles. When the body gets overweight, naturally it requires more energy to go by a daily life. That energy is supplied by the food you eat or the fat you already have. When you start exercising that adds up to the energy consumption, which results in the body losing potential calories really fast. It burns up the fat in the body making it seem as if you are progressing. But in fact, you are risking your health. For instance your heart has to work harder than normal. If you cross your limit, you might end up with a mild stroke or even worse. So, it is important that you never starve yourself while working out. As well as don't over-stress your body. Gradually build up you workout speed and progress. That way, your body gets enough time to get used to the excess calorie burning.

The basic idea is to let your body burn out the unnecessary fat stored in your body, at the same time not let the body get refilled by fat. This is where the balanced diet comes in. You must eat, but eat something that would rather give you needed calories than adding more fat. This means nutritious food containing almost no fat, no junk food, food that would provide vitamins, minerals and other vital food nutrients, most importantly, food that would give you energy, other special recipes that would help dissolving the fat from the body, etc. You could also try some recommended medicines that help in reducing fat from the body. In these sorts of diets, you would be stuck having forced to eat nothing but vegetarian food for some time. Nutritious juices work pretty well though not always appreciated for their taste. You have to make sure that you don't take in any oil at all.
Other than the diet part, exercising calls for precautions. Don't push yourself too hard, be patient. You must progress slowly from bottom to top. Otherwise the muscles might rupture and you might end up with tissue damage. It is important to understand when resting is required and when you can continue working out. These are all part of ingenious techniques to weight loss management.

Article Source: Once you start abiding by such detailed routines, it is nothing but a matter of time before for body starts to respond and you begin to lose weight. So try out weight loss managements and be benefited thoroughly.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms, Natural Treatments and Remedies

2011-11-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis mainly seen in old aged people.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

1. Pain in the form of sharp ache or burning sensation
2. Inflexibility or stiffness of joint
3. Swelling
4. Crepitus or cracking noise while moving the affected joint.
5. Muscle spasm
6. Tendon contraction
7. The affected joint may appear larger than usual.
8. Tenderness at joints
9. Joint effusion due to accumulation of excess fluids within an affected joint.
10. Hard bony enlargements in smaller joints due to osteoarthritis.

Natural Treatments of Osteoarthritis

Medications like Acetaminophen, nonsteroidal pain reducing drugs like aspirin, naproxen, ketoprofen, and ibuprofen are usually recommended for treating osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate supplements are also being prescribed these days. Such supplements increase production of cartilage and have anti-inflammatory properties. If symptoms become too debilitating, one can also opt for joint replacement surgery. However apart from medication and surgery, it is also possible to manage osteoarthritis symptoms by changing life style and diet. Pain management can be done through several home based remedies. Here are some ways to tackle osteoarthritis naturally.

1. Regular exercise, yoga and breathing exercises are very necessary for osteoarthritis patients. Exercise not only reduces joint stiffness, but also strengthens muscles and promotes the growth of cartilages. Range of motion exercises and aerobics should be done by osteoarthritis patients. Breathing exercises relax mind and relieve stress. But high impact sports are to be shunned, for they will only cause further wearing out of damaged joints.

2. Massage therapy is very helpful to treat arthritis. Massaging should be done through smooth strokes and kneading. Massaging reduces muscle spasm and stiffness, improves blood circulation, and eliminates wastes like lactic acid from the joints. Rumatone Gold massage oil, Castor oil, olive oil, mustard oil or hot vinegar may be used for massaging ailing joints.

3. Sea bathing is effective for painful joints. The iodine rich sea water restores and regenerates damaged tissues.

4. Diet should be nutritious and should include antioxidants, Vitamin C, D and E, minerals like Calcium, omega3 fatty acids. Such a diet would keep bones strong and healthy. Thus oily fishes like tuna, salmons, herring, sardines, and mackerel are very useful for osteoarthritis patients. Patients should avoid consuming food items of the nightshade group such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Red meat is to be strictly avoided. Also orange juice should be avoided, for it acts as a stimulant for osteoarthritis pain. Food cooked in flaxseed oil is very helpful for osteoarthritis patients.

5. Herbal tea like that of alfalfa, ginger can relieve patients from swollen and painful joints.

6. The patient should keep the body weight in check by means of exercise and dieting.

7. Hot compress and warm wax application on the affected area may relieve pain.

Article Source: For more information about Osteoarthritis Symptoms , you can visits alcat.com

Migraine Headache Symptoms - Know Your Migraine Stages

2011-10-31T23:56:00.000-07:00

When considering migraine headache symptoms it is important to note that migraines develop in four stages but not everyone experiences all four stages. Those suffering from classic migraines, now classified by the Headache Society as migraine with aura, are the most likely to go through all four stages. Others suffering from migraine without aura may also experience the same stages but will not consciously be aware of them. Sometimes reference is made to a fifth stage which is the interval between migraines.

First Stage - Prodrome Or Premonition
This stage normally begins one or two days before the onset of the actual migraine headache. Many call this the premonition stage. Feelings and emotions during this period are all over the place. Some become giddy, ecstatic, vibrant and happy to a much greater extent than normal. Others are at the opposite end of the spectrum experiencing fatigue, weakness and irritability normally to a greater extent than normal. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to the prodrome.

Second Stage - The Aura
This affects only about twentyfive percent of sufferers and so is missed by most. For those it does affect the aura can start anything from a few minutes to as much as an hour before the headache starts. Auras are visual disturbances experienced by those who suffer from migraines. Objects may appear to have bright or flashing lights or halos around them. They may also "see" lightening flashes arcing across their field of vision or black spots that gradually get bigger until they become almost blind just prior to the pain starting.

Third Stage - The Headache
This stage can last for as little as four hours or go on for several days. The most usual pain is a headache that is one sided which throbs or pulses. It is often accompanied by gastric upset, nausea, vomiting, heightened sensitivity to light, sound or smell and may sometimes be a combination of all three.

Fourth Stage - Postdromal
The after effects of a migraine can often be as unpleasant as the build up to one. Often the relieved migraine sufferer will experience tenderness of the head, neck and stomach as well as feeling weak and fatigued.

Article Source:The different stages your migraine takes you can help you understand your migraine headache symptoms and allow you to find effective relief for them.

Migraine Headache Symptoms and Causes

2011-10-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

When describing migraine symptoms and causes, it first helps to understand what is a migraine. A migraine is not just an ordinary headache, as those who suffer from it will know only too well. A migraine headache can be severe and persistent and is accompanied by a wide range of other symptoms.

• Artery Constriction
Migraines are the result of a constriction of the arteries in the brain, which reduces blood flow to the brain. This is followed by dilation or widening of these arteries. Hence the often unique throbbing sensation experienced with a migraine headache.

• Symptoms Can Vary
Migraine symptoms vary greatly from one person to another. About one in every five migraine sufferers will have what is called a classical migraine. Associated with a classical migraine is a visual disturbance known as an aura. This is flashing light in front of the eye preceding a migraine. This can be in conjunction with pins and needles and an altered sense of smell and taste.

Most patients commonly see zigzag patterns of brightly colored lights flashing or even a blind spot in the form of a hole, usually in one eye only. This aura can last from about 10 to 30 minutes. This is usually followed by the headache, but not always as some migraine sufferers only experience the aura. This is known as an ocular migraine.

In most cases the main migraine symptom is a moderate to severe headache. This is usually confined to one side of the head and can alternate from one side to the other. It is often a throbbing or pulsating headache and will get worse with physical activity. Often there is pain behind the eyes, which can be relieved with pain killers or a cold compress.

More Symptoms
As well as migraine symptoms of the head, a migraine sufferer may experience a variety of other symptoms. These include:
• the feeling of nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea
• very cold hands and feet.
• If the patient is having a visual disturbance, feelings of dizziness and disorientation can occur.

Be Cautious
One very disturbing migraine symptom is that of temporary paralysis on one side of the body. This is known as a hemipleic migraine and can be very frightening if experienced for the first time. As this can mimic the signs of a stroke it is always important to have these sort of migraine symptoms checked out by your doctor to confirm that it is a migraine.

Article Source: Migraines often go undiagnosed and untreated. If you experience migraine symptoms it is well worth keeping a diary or record of your attacks.

Food Allergies Or Food Intolerance and Nutrition

2011-10-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of confusion around the difference between food allergies and food intolerances.
A person with a food intolerance is unable to digest and process that food correctly, usually due to a lack of a certain enzyme or enzymes. It usually occurs when too much of a particular food is eaten, or too often. Common offenders are wheat and dairy, as well as eggs, oranges and sugar. If you avoid these foods for a few months, you may find that you will be able to tolerate them again in small quantities.

A food allergy, on the other hand, occurs when a person's immune system generates an antibody response to the ingested food. Food intolerances can lead to allergy, however, if protein particles of undigested food manage to enter the bloodstream and cause a reaction.

Allergies are often similar to an addiction, in so far as it's often the food you desire most that you're allergic to.
Food intolerance are very common, and true allergies less so. If you suspect you have either, it's best to see a nutritional consultant or allergy specialist who can test you and also advise you on how to deal with any underlying digestive imbalances that provoke allergies.

By following an appropriate diet and taking a few supplements, most cases of food intolerance can be dealt with.
In the meantime, Vitamin C, calcium and magnesium, a digestive enzyme, and quercetin can be very helpful. L-Glutamine, Butyric Acid, Vitamin A and Essential Fatty Acids will help heal the gut so that allergies or intolerances become less of a problem, if at all.

Allergies and Food Intolerance - Here are some Dietary Suggestions

Follow a generally healthy diet.

Avoid foods which you suspect might be causing you problems. Especially avoid wheat and dairy, as these are the most common allergens.

Other common allergens are yeast, strawberries, eggs, corn, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine and sugar.

If you appear to be sensitive to lots of different foods, visit an allergy specialist or qualified nutrition consultant, to ensure you still receive a balanced diet and sufficient nutrients.

For children especially, food colourings are a common problem, and monosodium glutamate (flavouring) often causes skin rashes or hot flushes (Chinese Takeaway Syndrome).

Article Source: Hopefully this general information will be sufficient for many people to conquer their food intolerances, but others will require specialist help as mentioned above.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Dehydration

2011-10-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

When you suffer from dehydration symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, learning how to cleanse and re-hydrate your body will improve your physical energy as well as reduce brain fog, headaches, skin problems, joint and muscle pain, poor digestion and cravings.

When dehydrated, our internal cleansing system becomes congested and stagnates like dirty dish water. It's amazing how much importance we place on cleaning the outside of our body, and how little importance we place on cleaning the inside!

What are the Symptoms of Dehydration?

Not being well hydrated manifests itself in many ways. Here are some of the more common symptoms reported by those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome:

Feeling tired and sluggish
Dehydration can be a cause of fatigue when you have chronic fatigue syndrome. Nearly all body functions are about fluid balance, and even small changes in fluid balance can affect our performance and daily life. If this fluid is not replaced blood volume can drop. As a result, the heart has to work harder in order to supply the skin and muscles with oxygen and nutrients.
As dehydration progresses, the body redirects blood to the working muscles and away from the skin, impairing your body's ability to diffuse heat. The increase in internal heat then results in muscle cramps, light-headedness, and fatigue. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you will identify with this symptom.

Headaches
Many chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers report frequent headaches. Headaches are a consequence of physical and/or mental stress and can result from not being properly hydrated. Headaches caused through poor hydration are a condition shared by many sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Brain Fog
If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, the lack of fluids in your system can be very detrimental to decision making. When the brain suffers from poor hydration, mental fogginess, poor short term memory, dizziness, severe headaches and poor balance results.

Dry Skin, Rashes and Skin Problems
Those with chronic fatigue syndrome often report skin problems. Our body is mostly water, so we need to replenish and maintain an optimum fluid level. Water helps flush out toxins in the body and helps to keep skin supple and healthy.
Water is the skin's own moisturiser and just as the rest of your body requires hydration and nutrients, so does your skin. When our skin suffers the affects of dehydration, skin problems occur. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome and skin problems, you may be suffering from dehydration.

Pain and Joint Swelling
The pain and joint swelling that is so often associated with chronic fatigue syndrome can also be the result of joint dehydration. The cartilage that protects the surface of our bones at the joints is made up of a lot of water. If the joint is well hydrated then the friction between the bones is minimised.

Muscle Pain
As the immune system attempts to deal with bacteria and viruses, poisons and toxins enter the lymph system to be disposed of from the body. Good circulation assists with this process, but if you have chronic fatigue syndrome, pain often prevents you from exercising. The lymph glands can become blocked and then the toxins remain trapped.
When you drink sufficient water, your body dilutes these toxins and your kidneys more effectively flush out the poisons. You're likely to feel worst before you feel better. But continue to drink lots of water so that your kidneys can flush out all the impurities. You may find Lymphatic Massage helpful.

Cravings
Dehydration can cause cravings, and this symptom is common amongst chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers. If you crave different foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugars and so on, your body is really disguising its thirst signals.
Water is a natural diuretic and helps prevent you from feeling hungry. If you drink at least four pints of water daily, you will notice that you can more easily distinguish between real hunger and thirst. The net result of this is that you will have fewer cravings and find it is easier to control your weight.

Poor Digestion
Poor digestion is a common symptom experienced by those with chronic fatigue syndrome. To digest food properly you need to drink plenty of water (but not with a meal, because it dilutes stomach acid).
Drink at least half a pint of water one half hour before you eat. The water passes through the stomach and into the intestine and within half an hour, it is secreted back into the stomach and into the mucous barrier. This barrier retains the sodium bicarbonate that is required to neutralise acid as it attempts to pass through the mucus. Those that are suffering from dehydration have inefficient mucous layers. The acid creeps through and causes pain.

Article Source: Dehydration can result in the body producing excess histamine which can trigger allergies. This of course, interferes with the body's ability to resist infections, a common pattern with chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers.

Inflammatory Arthritis - Types, Causes and Symptoms

2011-09-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

There are many forms of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is any form of arthritis that involves the immune system and inflammation. The characteristic symptoms of inflammation are swelling, heat, redness of skin, pain, and loss of function. There are different types of inflammatory arthritis.
Autoimmune Disorders

The body treats it own tissues as a foreign object and reacts to this foreign object with inflammation
Rheumatoid arthritis - antibodies produced by the body attack the synovial membrane that encloses each joint
Lupus - systematically affects connective tissues and organs
Ankylosing Spondylitis - a progressive form of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and large joints
Reiter's Syndrome - a chronic, progressive disease that can affect the joints, tendon attachments, skeleton, and the eye's conjunctiva and mucous membranes
Psoriatic arthritis - causes inflammation of the skin and joints
Inflammatory bowel disease - inflammatory arthritis can be associated with this disease

Other Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis can be caused by other conditions, as well. Reactive arthritis is caused by certain types of bacteria and can develop from an infection in another part of your body. The deposit of crystalline structures in the joints causes gout and pseudogout. Elevated blood levels of uric acid, which is a waste product, can form in the joints when the kidney does not properly dispose of the waste.
Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis
The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can include the following:

Pain in one or more joints
Swelling in one or more joints
The affected joint is usually warmer than other joints
Stiffness and decrease of ability to move affected joints
Symptoms may appear after a minor illness or emotional stress
Skin around joints may become red and tender

Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis
The inflammatory symptoms can be treated with medicines or natural remedies. However, it is very important to find the cause of the arthritis so that the root problem can be treated as well. Medications can be used to treat the pain and inflammation, but there are many natural remedies that have been more successful in treating the cause of the inflammatory arthritis. If you use medications to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, be sure to learn of any side effects or reactions to other medications or food.
Some natural remedies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis include:

Exercise - a regular exercise regimen helps to avoid stiffness of the joints associated with inflammatory arthritis
Water aerobics - endorphins produced in the brain during water aerobics can help ease the pain of inflammatory arthritis
Valerian - this can be used to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis. This natural medication is a known sedative and caution should be used - some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly.
Comfrey - a comfrey salve can be used to reduce the inflammation of the affected joints
Mangosteen - this fruit has been shown to relieve both the inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory arthritis
Omega-3 fatty acids - can be found in foods such as cold-water fish, walnut, and flaxseeds.

Diet for Inflammatory ArthritisDiet is also another way that you can prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with inflammatory arthritis. A healthy diet is important for overall health. There are some foods that can trigger the onset of inflammation in the joints and some foods that decrease the onset of inflammation. If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis, you should eliminate milk and milk products. You should avoid polyunsaturated fats and products that are made with partially hydrogenated oils. The best kind of diet for those who suffer from inflammatory arthritis is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Some of the common foods that can trigger the symptoms of arthritis are milk and dairy products, beef, corn, and wheat. Avoiding these foods can help you to avoid triggering the symptoms.
Article Source: In general, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you to avoid many of the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.

ADHD Causes - Food Allergies

2011-09-07T02:24:00.000-07:00

The typical allergic reaction operates when an antibody called IgE reacts with a provoking agent called an allergen. This reaction is actually the allergic response which many of us are familiar with - watery eyes, hives, swollen tongue, and so on. In the case of ADHD, the specific antibody mechanism involved is a type called IgG. IgG allergic reactions differ from IgE reactions in two ways: first, there is a significant time delay before any IgG reactions appear. (This mechanism will be explained in greater detail below.) Secondly, IgG reactions disrupt the brain wave activation patterns, making the nervous system either slow down or speed up, and can cause chronic hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. IgG food allergies can also explain the other health problems that occur with ADHD, like asthma, eczema, and insomnia. Although a wide range of foods can cause IgG food reactions, the most common ones are wheat products (which contain gluten), dairy products (which contain casein), citrus fruits (particularly oranges), soy, and refined sugar.

Due to the high-dairy, high-sugar content of our diets, food intolerances can explain a good number of ADHD cases. Unfortunately, most medical doctors will say that food allergies do not cause ADHD, and will waste no time writing a prescription for ADHD medications. Even if you do find a doctor or a health care practitioner who accepts this theory, it is difficult to identify what particular food your child is allergic to.
Traditional allergy tests are designed to account for IgE antibodies, which usually have an instant effect. For instance, if a child is allergic to shrimp, he or she experiences an immediate reaction if the child eats shrimp. Unlike IgE, IgG reactions experience a time delay; in some cases, it can take as long as 72 hours before any symptoms appear. To understand how this happens, view the child as a barrel being filled up by several allergens. Let's say that the child is sensitive to chocolate, soy, and seafood. As long as the child eats only chocolate and soy, the barrel remains partially full. One day, he has a dish with soy sauce for lunch, crab for dinner, and chocolate dessert. The presence of all these allergens will fill up the barrel in no time, causing the symptoms to appear.

Fortunately, there are tests that can determine which food allergies may be responsible for your child's ADHD symptoms. There are special blood tests and muscle testing via Applied Kinesiology that can detect delayed allergic reactions. If any allergies are found, all allergens have to be removed from the diet for at least a month to see if the symptoms improve. In most cases, the disorder is aggravated by gluten (from wheat) and casein (from dairy).

Article Source: Since it is difficult for children to stay away from their favorite foods, another option is to make use of desensitization techniques. These measures will prevent IgG antibodies from being formed when an allergen enters the body, subduing the symptoms of ADHD.

Symptoms Of Leaky Gut Syndrome

2011-09-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

Diagnosing the symptoms of leaky gut is sometimes complicated for many doctors and even some specialists. The main reason for this is that each person who suffers from this condition will react differently to the many different symptoms caused from it. This causes these professionals to treat each person and symptoms individually per case which, as you could see, leads to missing the underlying factor of their problem.
Now before leaky gut symptoms begin you may want to know a bit on how they develop. It starts when the lining of your intestines become irritated and inflamed which prevents them from doing their job correctly. Now your intestines begin to leak harmful toxins into your bloodstream which then triggers your body's immune system to react. Even though your immune system is meant to protect you it also kills necessary cells you need along with the bad ones. A few symptoms that follow are bloating, constipation, heartburn and diarrhea.

The harmful toxins that were leaked into your bloodstream will also affect your organs and tissues. Your organs will begin shutting down and deteriorating from the chronic state of inflammation. As you can guess, this will lead to medical conditions like allergies, kidney disease, acne, headaches, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Candida (A Leading Symptom of Leaky Gut). Unfortunately your body is not out of the woods yet. The first organ that is affected by leaky gut is your liver and with all the harmful toxins that are leaking in your bloodstream causes your liver to put in many more hours of work that it is not used to.

Just like anything else in life that is overworked, your liver will begin to tire out and not properly function. If your liver is not able to help your immune system filter out these harmful toxins they will be released back into your bloodstream opening more doors for infection. Your kidneys also help fight off infection with aid from the adrenal glands which sit on top of your kidneys.

Article Source: Leaky Gut Syndrome will not allow your adrenal glands to function correctly, again causing fatigue.