Podcast E14 – Christmas Allergies

The festive season is a time to celebrate with family and friends, usually with lots of eating an drinking!

Although, Christmas can also present with some unique allergy triggers. There are some common Christmas allergies to keep an eye out for.

Nitrates in Ham and Turkey

Nitrates and nitrites are chemicals used to preserve foods. They are often in cured, smoked and processed meats, but also occur naturally in some vegetables.

Those who react to these chemicals typically experience headaches, hives and random itching.

The link between seafood and dust mites

Some people find that when they eat seafood regularly, or more so over the holidays, they suddenly start to get classic allergy symptoms like eczema, itching skin and hay fever.

Sometimes that due to the high histamine content in seafood, but there’s actually a fascinating link between shellfish and dust mites. Up to 15% of those allergic to dust mites, also react to prawns and shellfish.

The link here is that both dust mites and shellfish contain a compound called tropomyosin. So, those who react to that specific component can react to both the dust mites and the shellfish.

Phenolics

Phenolics are aromatic compounds that are found throughout our environment including in foods, pollen, and a range of chemicals.

They are responsible for colour, smell and taste. They are high in anything aromatic, so include Christmas candles, Christmas trees and other ornaments.

Chlorine and Sunscreen

Many people react to sunscreens due to the salicylates they contain.

To make things worse, chlorine used in swimming pools is absorbed into the skin and can trigger reactions. Chlorine is also processed using the same sulfation pathway in the liver as salicylates, so can trigger salicylate intolerance flare-ups.

Natural Allergy Treatment

At Health & Wellness Australia (HWA), we use a technique called muscle testing or kinesiology to help identify your sensitivities. Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address the reactions triggering allergy symptoms using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).

PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, that;

draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
aims to re-train your body
may reduce your reactions to food and environmental substances that may be causing or exacerbating your symptoms

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the food and environmental substances triggering your allergy symptoms.

Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms.

We stimulate acupressure points down the spine with a chiropractic tool called an ‘Acustim’, while you are holding onto a sample vial of the substance, which aims to to re-train your body to no longer react to the substance.

Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.

Get in touch

Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
Send us your question HERE
Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE

Please note this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.