Allergies

What are allergies?

Allergies are hypersensitive reactions triggered by a particular immune defence mechanism in response to substances that would not normally induce reactions in the majority of people.

Our immune system is in homeostasis when there is a constant movement and exchange between the TH1 and TH2 immune pathways, as the two systems of both inhibit and complement each other.

In a skin wound, for example, the presence of foreign substances leads to the dominance of the TH2 proinflammatory pathway. The immune system can remain stuck in a TH2 dominant state when this pathway does not amend itself and return to equilibrium. Allergies and asthma are considered TH2 dominant conditions.

Depending on the organ or system affected, allergies can exhibit themselves in a variety of ways. The skin and respiratory system are the two organs that are most affected by allergies, with the primary symptoms being rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma.

The most common allergen is pollen, but mould, dust mites and animals are also common irritants. Allergic reactions can also be triggered by foods, medications or insect bites and stings.

Nutritional recommendations and general healthy habits for the maintenance of a good state of health

• Have a varied diet.
• Do not take foods that are too hot or too cold.
• Consume water in abundance.
• Avoid toxic environments and contaminated with smoke, tobacco …
• Stroll through natural areas, parks … where you can breathe purer air without polluting.
• Avoid meat products, especially red meat and derivatives such as sausages.
• In general, you can not take baked goods or pastries.
• You should also avoid the consumption of pre-cooked and dried fast-food type soup soups.
• Avoid or reduce salt consumption to a minimum. When you consume it, choose preferably unrefined salt. You can substitute the garnishes of the meals with spices, for example.
• To cook and dress your dishes, always use extra virgin olive oil, prioritizing its raw consumption.
• Our advice is to take fatty or semi-fatty fish (blue fish) 2 to 3 times a week. Varies the fish: salmon, red mullet, sardines, horse mackerel, bonito, tuna, mackerel, anchovy, etc.
• Increase the daily consumption of vegetables.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not consume industrial processed products rich in sugars, salt, oils and additives that are harmful to health (cookies, toast, bread, industrial cereals …).
• It prioritizes the consumption of whole grains and avoids refined flours (white bread, pasta, biscuits …).
• The techniques of preparation of preference are: cooking, steaming or iron. Do not take fried, breaded, barbecued or barbecues.
• It is important to perform some activity that improves breathing or lung function, deep breathing exercises, outdoors, yoga ..
• Perform some relaxing activity such as meditation to regulate stress levels.
• Eat seated and relaxed. Rest before and after meals especially in chronic lung disease.

References