Allergies And Vitamin Supplements

Allergies are a noteworthy issue in this day and age. Pollution, factory smog, and the proliferation of grasses and vegetation creates problems for a lot of people prone to allergy attacks. The most common manifestations of an allergic reaction are hay fever, some types of asthma, and hives. These may incite a reaction to a few regular, but normally harmless substances.

Grass, tree pollen, and house dust are also common irritants for those prone to allergies.

Immunoglobulin E is an immune molecule created after someone comes into contact with an allergen. Scientists aren't sure how it first came about but the belief is that it was the body's defense against worm infestations. There exist other types of this immune molecule and each will react differently to particular allergens.

When somebody is first subject to a potential allergen, the body will produce large amounts of the Immunoglobulin E immune molecule. These release full-strength chemicals to catalyze blood platelets, and attract secondary inflammatory cells. These chemicals released include histamine, and heparin. These mediators of inflammation can lead to allergy symptoms including sneezing, itching, runny eyes, and wheezing. This immune system molecule can also help prevent anaphylactic shock which is a potentially fatal allergic reaction.

Vitamin A, selenium, and zinc are nutrients that are instrumental in maintaining the health of mucous membranes, and the external layer of our skin. If our mucous membranes are in good health you have a greatly lowered chance of suffering from allergies. The mucous membrane is the layer of cells that have within them infection-fighting biomolecules. Mucus also protects cells from substances that catalyze allergies, such as pollen and other types of allergens.

Mucous membranes also shield cells from environmental hazards like smog. Friends and family who are sensitive to air poisons an increased chance of developing significant allergies. Environmental hazards can come from factories, automobiles that are maintained, and even the harvesting of food crops. An allergic reaction encourages the creation of unstable molecules (called free radicals) that harm mast cells and make them more prone to releasing histamine. Health supplements such as vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene, help neutralize the free radicals and prevent healthy cells from suffering harm.

Some of the strongest allergic reactions are food related. Friends and family with serious food allergies should be tested to find out which foods they should refrain from eating, or coming into contact with. A few foods can result in such a bad reaction that it could be deadly. Peanuts are one food that can produce profound and life threatening reactions in those suffering allergies to them.

A medical specialist can help find out which foods are a potential problem. People are most commonly allergic to milk, peanuts, nuts, eggs, soy and a few seafoods. Gluten, which is a protein that is in most grains, can also cause allergy related gastrointestinal problems in those affected. One sign of a possible allergy is if you suffer from a lot of colds, sinus, or congestion problems. If this is the case, it is worth getting tested by a doctor to establish whether you have any severe allergies.

Some doctors suggest ingesting a vitamin and mineral supplement that will help manage allergic reactions. A doctor can determine whether it is advisable for you to take any health supplements or minerals to help with your allergy problems.

More information on allergy supplements and vitamins here.