Food intolerances and allergies can make the lives of sufferers miserable due, not only to the symptoms they experience (bloating, eczema, stomach ache, lethargy, rashes, etc), but also to the fact that they have to avoid many common foods. Avoidance of certain foods can lead to some sufferers missing out on vital vitamins and minerals which can be replaced with vitamin supplements if required.
Simon Bandy, in-house expert for vitamin supplements company, Health Plus, says:
“Allergies are best treated at the root of the problem by strengthening the immune system with natural remedies, a balanced diet and exercise, rather than simply covering up the symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs.
“Vitamin supplements, however, can contain allergens, which could set off a severe reaction in many sufferers. To make matters worse, it is not always easy to see clearly which products are free from these ingredients.”
Health Plus manufactures the vast majority of their supplements free from common allergens such as wheat, lactose, sugar, yeast and gluten. The website has a handy symbol system by each product which makes it clear which allergens are not present and indicates who the supplements are suitable for.
Simon continues:
“As an allergy sufferer you have to be extremely careful to avoid ingredients which can trigger a reaction. We implemented this system to make life easier for sufferers, for whom life is already difficult enough!”
Allergy sufferers are often found to be low in vitamin C – a natural antihistamine - and vitamin B, both of which are destroyed when under stress, yet are vital for proper digestion, causing a vicious circle of cause and effect. It is therefore important for allergy sufferers whose symptoms include poor digestion, to ensure their diet does not lack B vitamins. Studies show that vitamin B5 not only decreases the severity of the reaction but also reduces the risk of developing an allergy in the first place.
An effective antioxidant which is notably lower in those with allergies, is vitamin A. Vitamin A strengthens the immune system, reducing the chance of suffering a severe reaction.
Other nutritional elements which can help people with allergies are Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant present in the liver known to be low in allergy sufferers; magnesium, which can lessen the symptoms associated with allergies; and vitamin E, a natural diuretic which helps the body to rid itself of excess fluids and toxins caused by allergies.
Health Plus supplements are available at www.healthplus.co.uk, www.amazon.co.uk and at all good independent health shops nationwide.
Important dates for your diary:
Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Week: 23rd – 29th January 2012
National Allergy Week: 23rd – 29th April 2012
