Posted on 29 Nov, 2011 -
Could your symptoms be an allergy? Or are you an HSP?
What are YOU allergic to? It could be anything from dust or eggs… to NSAIDs or even wool!
Some first-step tips on spotting, treating and dealing with allergies for the 40% of the population who are now affected
Or are you part of the 20% of the population who are said to be Highly Sensitive People?
Dear Reader,
This week’s email deals with sensitives of two types:
1. People who are generally sensitive to over-stimulation and life. Or, in the words of expert Dr. Aron, “the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) has a sensitive nervous system, is aware of subtleties in his/her surroundings, and is more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment.”
2. Allergies and what to do about them.
I will deal with allergies first because they have been in the news a lot lately and are said to affect as much as 40% of the population.
If you suffer from unexplained symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, itchy eyes, hives, and rashes then you could be affected. Other symptoms including digestive problems, skin problems and headaches could also be a sign that you have an intolerance to a certain food.
Allergy UK estimates over 12 million people living in the UK are allergic to their own homes.
Dr Jonathan North, a consultant immunologist in Birmingham, told the BBC: “We used to say that 15% of the population had an allergy of some sort, now the figure is nearer 40%.
NHS figures suggest 12 million people receive allergy treatment in any one year and six million are so seriously affected they require specialist help. Hospital admissions for allergies have risen over the last two decades.
So what might you be allergic to?
The most common allergies are to dust mites, pets, pollen and mold.
The most common food sensitivities are to cows’ milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, nuts, fish and shellfish and soy.
Some people are also allergic to certain medicines including penicillin and NSAIDs.
Skin allergies can be caused by latex, plants such as poison ivy, beauty products, perfume, nickel jewellery, suntan lotions, cleaning products, fragranced tumble dryer sheets and even rough fabrics like wool.
So what can you do?
If you think you have a dust mite allergy (an allergy that often gets worse when you’re in your bedroom), Allergy UK has the following suggestions: dust regularly with a damp duster followed by a dry cloth; wash bedding once a week at 60 degrees or higher; regularly steam-clean carpets and curtains or remove carpets for extreme cases; use allergy protectors on mattresses, duvets and pillows; replace the mattress every eight to 10 years and buy new pillows every year.
Eat foods or supplements that contain the plant quercitin. The plant quercitin works as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps block the release of histamines from your body. It also works as an antihistamine, preventing watery eyes and runny noses. Some foods that contain quercitin include onions, garlic, parsley, tomatoes and broccoli.
The herbs Echinacea and astragalus are often prescribed as an allergy remedy. Used for centuries in Chinese medicine, they are each effective in strengthening the body’s natural defenses.
Apple cider vinegar can help reduce the symptoms of allergy. Take at the onset of symptoms or as a daily preventative.
Try the herb known as butterbur. Swiss researchers found that taking one tablet of the herb butterbur 3 times a day alleviated allergy symptoms just as well as popular antihistamines, without causing drowsiness.
Using a saline solution to flush the nose may help soothe upper respiratory allergies by removing irritants that become lodged in the nose. It may even wash away some of the inflammatory cells themselves.
Sufferers of asthma, bronchitis, sinus problems and allergies may also be very pleasantly surprised by the fast symptom relief and trigger-removing offered by a salt pipe . Mimicking the healing effect of salt mines on the lungs, many sufferers find they offer significant relief. And you can try one out on a generous 30 day trial thanks to my publishers here
Peppermint tea is a great tea for allergy sufferers. The hot water and steam themselves can give relief from a stuffy nose and inflamed mucous membranes. The peppermint oil acts as a decongestant and anti-inflammatory.
If you have an allergy to pets, make sure they’re washed frequently as this washes away the allergen.
Are you a Highly Sensitive Person?
The term Highly Sensitive Person was first created by clinical psychologist, Elaine Aron in her book, The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. It is now a term that is being accepted by mainstream psychology and counseling.
According to Dr. Aron, HSPs have often been called “shy,” “timid,” “inhibited,” or “introverted,” but these labels miss the nature of the trait which has many positives. Many HSPs are often unusually creative and productive workers, attentive and thoughtful partners, and intellectually gifted individuals.
You can find out more about HSP at the website www.hsperson.com. Or try this quick quiz here:
Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?
As with anything in life, it pays to know what you’re up against!
Best wishes
