I have been having allergies to corn and tested positive on my allergy test. I also tested positive for grass. I am now having allergy symptoms when I eat oat meal and any other products that contain oats. What other foods may be related to corn? I already have a 4 page list of corn and corn byproducts so I am looking for other foods in the corn/grass family. Thanks for your help!

Just about everyone around you has suffered from some type of allergy at some time and who wants to be running to the doctor all the time? Wouldn't you rather deal with it naturally and/or find the underlying cause and de4al with it whenever possible.

Allergy relief does not have to be complex or worrisome because of the harsh chemicals. You also must remember that most modern medicine cures do no more than mask your symptoms.

The reason behind all allergies is the malfunctioning of the immune system so would it not make sense to use natural products to re-start the immune system. That means you would actually fix the problem and not mask it with over the counter or prescription drugs that only dealt with the symptoms providing allergy relief.

Allergy relief certainly makes us feel better on the outside but the trouble is nothing has really changed. That's why even though you might use the relief it is critical that you dig deeper.

It's really easy to get allergy relief from popping a pill but did you ever stop to think what the chemicals in those pills do to you. For example anyone with heart disease, heart failure, ore even high blood pressure is not suppose to use them. That's because the main ingredient can cause the heart to race and blood pressure to go up making this allergy relief deadly to the user. So even if you are healthy as a horse excluding your allergies you could put yourself in a life or death situation.

Now think about this for a moment. You are going to take a medication that will give you allergy relief but it can be hazardous to your health and in between time it will do nothing to actually resolve the problem with the immune system.

There are many natural supplements that can help boost the immune system and support the adrenal system. There are several of the vitamins, especially the B's, CoQ10, Grape seed, and Magnesium. You get anti-inflammatory qualities, immune boosters, and reduces stress to the body. Quercitin can actually help neutralize histamine which is an excellent allergy relief.

There are many reasons why the immune system suddenly goes crazy and there are some interesting theories as to why allergies are on the rise. Natural medicine believes much of it has to do with our overly stressful lives and our bodies that are no longer in balance. This means that if we were able to bring our body back into balance we wouldn't' be looking for allergy relief because we wouldn't have the allergies we have right now.

If you take a minute to think about it - it makes more sense than any other explanation we've had. Not only are our lives stressed because we are so busy but our body's systems are stressed because of toxins we ingest through our mouth, respiratory, and skin. That places a great deal of stress on organs and glands. And because our food chain lacks so many nutrients that it once had we are not able to refuel our body the same way we use to. And that's why before running out and buying some allergy relief you might also consider bring your body back into balance.

So you see allergy relief will only address the symptoms. Why not get to the bottom of the problem instead?

In Part 1: Understanding the Allergy Basics of the Allergy Control Products series on "The Secret to Living with Allergies," the differences between seasonal allergies and indoor allergies were covered as well as diagnosing allergy triggers, the causes of allergy symptoms and important steps to take to find allergy relief. In indoor allergies, the top three allergen sources include dust mite allergens, molds and pet dander. Although some allergy sources are harder to identify, pet allergies may often be self-evident as contact with the animal or pet can cause obvious allergy symptoms. What may not be as well known is what causes pet allergies, as it is not actually the pet hair that is at the root of the problem. In Part 2 of the Allergy Control Products "The Secret to Living with Allergies" series, what causes pet allergies and steps to reduce allergy symptoms related to pet allergies will be covered.

Step 1: Learn the Facts About Pet Allergies that Cause Your Allergy Symptoms

Many people believe that what causes pet allergies is the pet hair, but the allergy-causing material is instead a protein found in the animal's dander (made up of flaky skin cells and dried saliva), saliva or urine that triggers allergic reactions. These pet allergy particles are particularly small and your allergy symptoms begin as they are inhaled into the nose and lungs or come in contact with your eyes. In some cases, your allergic reaction may build up and occur hours after you come in contact with an animal. However, most often, an allergic reaction and the resulting allergy symptoms happen very quickly (within minutes).

Since all dogs or cats produce animal dander, unfortunately, none are hypoallergenic. Some animals may produce less dander and people with pet allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds than others. Symptoms of pet allergies can include sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, runny nose or nasal congestion and contact-induced rash or itching. For asthma sufferers, allergic reactions such as wheezing, shortness of breath and lung congestion can bring about even severe asthma symptoms.

Pet allergens (pet dander) are the highest in homes with pets, however, pet allergens can be found even in places where pets are not allowed. Pet dander is very sticky and can travel on clothing to public places. Pet dander can remain allergenic and cause allergy symptoms for long periods of time and important steps, covered in Step 3, should be taken to reduce contact with pet allergens.

Step 2: Millions Suffer from Pet Allergies, with Cat Allergies Being the Most Common Pet Allergy

Although many animals (from birds to horse to dogs) can cause pet allergies, the most common pet allergy is to cats. Cat allergy may be more predominant due to a higher potency of cat dander as an allergen or the fact that cats are not bathed as frequently as dogs and do more self-grooming, further increasing the presence of saliva and pet dander that leads to allergy symptoms. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 10 percent of Americans may be allergic to animals. Of these allergy sufferers, many may have asthma and 20 to 30 percent of asthma sufferers have pet allergies. These asthma sufferers include kids with childhood asthma. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains that allergic asthma (caused by allergens such as dust mites, cat and dog dander and other environmental allergens) is the most common form of asthma in children.

Taking important steps to control pet allergies can lead to a healthier life for you and your children and potentially avoid instances in which severe asthma or allergy reactions may take place.

Step 3: What to Do for Pet Allergy Relief

If you have pet allergies and there is a pet in the home, it may be necessary to find a new home for the pet. This step can be difficult to do and the necessity may be dependent on the severity of your allergic reaction. If your pet stays at home, the pet must be kept out of the allergy sufferer's bedroom and you should wash hands or clothing after any contact. In either instance, cleaning steps throughout the home should be undertaken as it is important to get rid of pet allergens or keep levels as low as possible.

For effective pet allergy relief, begin with cleaning steps in your bedroom. Create a barrier between yourself and pet allergens that have accumulated in your bed by covering pillows, mattress and other bedding in allergy-proof bed encasings. Wash your linens and any other bedding frequently, and even consider replacing bedding items. The carpet can be the second largest allergy-causing source after the bed, and removing or treating the carpet will reduce your continued exposure to allergens that have built up in the soft carpet surface. Vacuum any remaining carpet regularly, and it is particularly important to use a HEPA filtration vacuum, as these vacuums are designed to contain small allergy particles such as pet dander. Air filters in your vents will keep pet allergy particles from circulating in the home, and special filters over an air vent in the bedroom provides an extra level of filtration in the allergy sufferer's bedroom.

Using HEPA air cleaners or HEPA air purifiers can be particularly good for people with pet allergies, as the tiny pet allergy particle stays in the air for longer periods of time. The HEPA air filter has a better chance to capture these particles before they settle to the ground, for improved air cleaning. Give your pet frequent baths to help remove dander on the surface of skin or fur and reduce your pet's need to groom itself.

I don't know if I have cold or allergy. I've been having this "cold" since Oct 2006 but I have never really recovered from it. I would get better for a few weeks and then the "cold" comes back to me again. For these few weeks, I've been sneezing a lot. I feel cold but the sneezing feels like I'm having allergy. I feel cold and sneezed alot especially when I wake up (either morning or after a nap). But I still sneeze throughout the day and my nose feels itchy. Sometimes I get runny nose. I've tried nyquil/dayquil/sudefed/chinese tea etc. I don't know if its the weather that is killing me because here in Los Angeles, it turned so cold during the start of the year and recently, its warm one day and cold another. So please help me. I'm dying.

I read all the time that you should perform a skin allergy test 48 hours before dyeing your hair. What does that mean? What is the test like?

I don't get rashes but I get itchy in many places. My nose starts getting runny. My eyes may get red if I scratch it. It's a curse that I am determined to overcome.

I had a bichon who passed away a few months ago and am starting to consider getting another dog. Problem is, I'm allergic to most breeds. I'm not ready to get another bichon - I loved the last one too much to get a "replacement" for her - and I'm not the biggest fan of purebred poodles, so I'm a bit stuck when considering options. I'd love to be able to get a rescue or mutt this time around, and have have been thinking about poodle- or bichon- mixes. I am worried, however, about the allergy issue. Is there any type of "rule of thumb" for mixes that indicates whether they will be as allergy-friendly as the parent? Alternatively, is there any way to test a dog for allergy-friendliness (since I think the allergies are to dander, not hair)? I don't want to bring a dog home and find out I'm allergic to it - too emotionally stressful for both parties involved. Thanks for any insight you can provide. It's much appreciated.

I bought a pillow that is specially designed to protect against allergans. Should I put my regular pillow cover on it or should I buy an allergy resistant pillow cover? Or should I use a pillow cover at all. Thanks.

I have allergy and I have been getting the allergy shot once every week. The allergy doctor told me that this shot will get me immune to everything I am allergic to. But, I just went to see another doctor and he told me to stop getting the allergy shots because it won't be effective on adults and that my allergy symptoms can get more serious. Is this true? If so, Whats the best way to be safe from allergy symptoms?

Allergies plague millions of people worldwide each year. Different people are allergic to different types of irritants, but the pain and discomfort they feel is always the same. The stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and other adverse affects caused by allergies, can make you miserable anytime of the year. Many people resort to using expensive and often unsafe medication to treat their allergies, just to get a little bit of relief. However, there is a better way to get relief, natural allergy cures are both inexpensive and effective, and can often provide you with instant relief.

Prepare a Clean Environment

The first step in treating your allergies with natural methods is to create a clean home environment. Take the time to clean every inch of your home, and to wash all of your clothing and bedding in an allergy free detergent. Removing irritants from your home will ensure that you can breathe easier there.

Consider investing in an air purifier for your home that is made for reducing allergy causing irritants. An air purifier will take in and cleanse the air in each room of your home. They come in a wide variety of sizes, and can clean anywhere from one room to an entire house within a few hours time.

Stinging Nettles

Once used for joint relief many years ago, stinging nettles are also useful when used as an expectorant. They are a wonderful natural allergy cure for helping to clear up your sinuses and solving any breathing problems you may be having as well. The best part is that they are available in convenient capsule form, and can be taken every day.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba is a sacred Chinese medicine that has many different healing properties. As a natural cure for allergies, it is often used to treat pressure in the sinuses. This unique substance helps to increase circulation of blood and remove discomfort, especially from behind the eye area.

Eyebright

As its name might imply, Eyebright was originally used in Greece to treat diseases of the eyes. Since then, it has been found that Eyebright is effective in treating congestion of the chest, and reduces the allergy symptoms in those who are suffering from hay fever. This herb can be purchased at any health or vitamin store, and is inexpensive as well.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an ancient natural allergy cure once used only by the Native Americans. While Echinacea cannot directly cure your allergies, it can help to boost your immune system, so that your body is better able to fight the effects of allergy symptoms. Since allergies destroy and tear down your immune systems defenses, Echinacea can also help to keep you from becoming ill.

There is no reason to spend a lot of money trying to fight your allergies. Natural allergy cures do exist, and they are just as, if not more effective than expensive prescription medications. With safe natural remedies like the ones listed above, you can breathe easier, and recover faster from debilitating allergy symptoms.