Allergies

The immune system protects the body from harmful microbes by producing antibodies that kill the invading organism. Sometimes however, the body overreacts and responds in the same way to harmless substances and produces irritant substances known as histamine. These histamines result in the allergic reaction.

There may be a genetic predisposition to allergies.

What you can do to help

Take Vitamin C with bioflavonoid at 1g daily. Vitamin C has an antihistamine quality.

Ensure you get plenty of Vitamin E which is a good stimulant to the immune system. (see ...)

Zinc and copper are believed to be deficient in many allergy suffers and should be taken as a part of a good multivitamin and mineral supplement, especially in children.

Magnesium deficiency can alter the immune system and this should be supplemented.

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of fresh water, sometimes with added lemon juice to assist with detoxifying the body.

Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

The herb gingko biloba has been used to treat asthma and allergies.