Allergies on the rise among modern people - Nutritionist's Column Vol.86 -
In other countries, there are many allergies such as food allergies and hay fever, but in Japan, it is said that one in three people have some kind of allergy, and atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis are relatively common.
What are allergies?
An allergy is a condition caused by an abnormal reaction of the immune system, which protects the body .
Humans have a defense system (immune response) that tries to eliminate foreign substances that invade the body. However, sometimes the defense system becomes overactive due to some trigger, and it can damage the body's own organs and tissues.
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system responds abnormally to normally harmless substances (called allergens).
Allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat, difficulty breathing, rash, itchiness, hives, and headaches, and other diseases with diverse symptoms and progressions.
In addition, if the severe symptoms occur, known as anaphylactic shock, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness can occur, and if prompt action is not taken, it can become life-threatening.
The main causes of allergies
There are still many aspects of the specific causes and mechanisms of allergies that have not been clarified, but here we will introduce two main substances that cause allergies.
1. Inhalant allergens
▶ Plant pollen : cedar, cypress, alder, birch, grasses, ragweed, mugwort
▶ Living environment : House dust, mites, mold, pet hair
▶ Lifestyle habits : latex (rubber bands and rubber gloves), precious metals, medicines, etc.
▽How to deal with allergies <br data-mce-fragment="1">The most important thing to do is to avoid inhaling or touching allergens.
Prevent inhaling allergens by ventilating the room, adjusting the temperature and humidity, cleaning and washing your bedding frequently, and wearing a mask and glasses when going out.
2. Food allergens
What causes allergic symptoms varies from person to person, but when certain foods are ingested, the immune system reacts abnormally, causing symptoms.
Examples of food allergens include:
▶ Specific ingredients : Eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, and crab. These are the seven ingredients that are most frequently involved in the number of cases and severity of illness. Labeling is required by law.
If you have allergies to any of the seven specific ingredients, be sure to check the food packaging.
*Glon's protein blend does not contain the "7 specific raw materials."
▶ Fish : Mackerel, tuna, salmon, etc., have a relatively high incidence in adults.
▶ Meat : Pork, beef, chicken. Generally, meat allergies are rare. It may be possible to consume meat if it is heated.
▶ Fruits and vegetables : Tomatoes, peaches, bananas, kiwis, mangoes, etc. People with hay fever in particular may experience allergic symptoms, mainly in the mouth, when eating vegetables and fruits. This type of disease is called "pollen-food allergy syndrome."
・Cedar and cypress pollen allergies: tomatoes / Alder and birch pollen allergies: peaches, soybeans, etc. ・Latex allergies: fruits
In addition, in recent years, genetically modified foods that contain ingredients may cause allergies in foods that do not normally cause allergies.
Food manufacturers rigorously evaluate the allergenic risks of genetically modified foods and then label them.
In addition, fertilizers used to grow vegetables and fruits contain nutrients necessary to promote plant growth, but it has been reported that excessive use can increase the amount of allergens in the plants, so producers are urged to use fertilizer appropriately.
Tips for preventing allergies
As such, there are various allergy-causing factors around us in our lifestyles, including our diet, so we have summarized some points to help prevent allergies.
▼Diet
It is important to actively consume foods such as vegetables and fruits that contain nutrients that boost the immune system, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.
-> Getting Vitamins from Food. Essential Nutrients ~Nutritionist's Column Vol.77
Recent research has focused on the relationship between the intestinal flora (intestinal environment) and the onset of allergies.
The intestinal flora plays an essential role in maintaining our health, and is involved in immune function, metabolism, and digestion and absorption.
Therefore, it is believed that abnormalities in the intestinal flora may increase the risk of developing allergies.
Therefore, it is important to actively consume dietary fiber, fermented foods, antioxidants, and water, and to live a diet that is conscious of improving your intestinal environment.
-> The close relationship between the intestines and bacteria ~ Nutritionist's Column Vol.71
▼ Moderate exercise and sleep
Regular exercise reduces stress and improves your immune system by balancing your autonomic nervous system.
Getting enough sleep is also important for boosting your immune system.
On the other hand, an irregular lifestyle and lack of sleep can weaken your immune system.
▼Stress care
Stress is one of the causes of weakening the immune system, so it is important to reduce stress.
Effective measures include finding time for hobbies and relaxation, exercising moderately, and living a regular life.
Once allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies develop, they can be difficult to treat and symptoms can persist for a long time.
If an allergy is suspected, it can be checked with a blood test, so it is important to see a specialist and receive appropriate treatment early.
If you think you may have an allergy, visit a medical institution that has an allergy specialist on-site.
Live your lifestyle with awareness of your own body on a daily basis.
