Monthly Archives: February 2020

For Health’s Sake: The Pros and Cons of Taking Glutathione Supplements

There are two types of people: those with fair skin and others with a dark complexion. Ironically, people with fair skin go to tanning salons or go to the beach to get some tan lines. On the other hand, a lot of people with darker skin complexion reach for whitening products. However, make sure to consult an allergist doctor first before using any skincare product.

With so many beauty products available, it can be overwhelming to choose which one will suit you best. Some products might be effective for certain users and yield positive results. However, there are others that might experience adverse effects when using a product. This is one reason why it is a good idea to seek advice from an allergy physician first.

The role of glutathione in our body

There is nothing wrong with dreaming of pinkish, whiter skin. No wonder there are a lot of whitening products available especially in many Asian and other countries. One of the most popular whitening products mostly in Asian countries nowadays is glutathione.

In these countries, glutathione usually comes in capsule, liquid, or via injectables. A lot of skincare products sold in these countries include glutathione in the ingredient list. Better yet, make sure to visit an allergist specialist first before using any whitening products. You might also have to undergo allergy testing to avoid adverse reactions when using any topical products.

Aside from its whitening effect, glutathione also boasts of its antioxidant and immune system strengthening benefits. Our liver naturally produces glutathione and comprises three major amino acids: L-glutamate, glycine, and L-cysteine. However, our glutathione levels decrease due to several factors such as stress, age, and poor eating habits.

The lack of glutathione can lead to health problems like cardiovascular disease or lung and liver issues among a few. According to one study, it can also weaken one’s immune system and even cause premature aging. That is why glutathione supplements can do wonders for your skin and your health in general.

Benefits of glutathione supplements

A 2014 report said that we need to maintain good glutathione levels as it is crucial to our health. The same report said that this natural body component plays an important role in improving our immune system and proper nutrient breakdown. Glutathione is also said to provide protection against several health issues like:

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Hepatitis
  • High cholesterol levels

Aside from that, taking glutathione supplements can reverse the effects of aging. Likewise, it can lessen the risk of memory loss and even cancer. These are some noted health benefits of taking glutathione supplements. But before taking one, make sure to consult an allergist to prevent any adverse effects that might occur.

Are there possible side effects of taking glutathione supplements?

On the one hand, there are already several studies of the positive effects of taking glutathione supplements. However, there are also possible risks of using such. For one, some people experienced bloating and cramping after taking glutathione supplements. In the worst cases, it can cause allergic reactions as well.

It is also important to note that glutathione can also be found in certain foods such as meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. As also mentioned earlier, glutathione also comes in different forms including capsules, topical, or intravenous. For one thing, the FDA deems the oral forms as “generally safe”. However, IV glutathione forms may cause adverse effects such as:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Kidney or thyroid dysfunction
  • Skin rashes
  • Steven-Johnsons syndrome
  • Infection or other complications due to improper administration of IV glutathione drips

In the name of beauty and health

If you are planning to take glutathione supplements, you should inform an allergist doctor first. Other than that, here are some reminders in taking glutathione supplements or other health supplements in general.

  • Take caution when taking any supplements especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing allergies.
  • Never let kids especially those aged 5 and below take glutathione supplements. There is no established study yet about small children taking any related supplements.
  • Make sure that you don’t have liver disease as glutathione supplements can make your health condition worse.

There is nothing wrong with looking good as long as it won’t endanger your health. Make sure to take any health supplements that are FDA-approved. Likewise, you should consult an allergy physician in Germantown MD first before taking any health supplement.

All About Gluten Allergy: Symptoms and Proper Management

Food is life, at least for a lot of people out there. We need to eat so we won’t be grumpy and moody all day. It is also important to eat the right food to nourish our brain and body. However, we should still take note of what we should eat so that we will be healthy all the time.

Unfortunately, a lot of people experience the onset of allergies due to certain food items. Some are allergic to dairy, while others experience allergic reactions to grain and seafood. Food allergies, and other types of allergies for that matter, can cause mild to severe reactions. If you experience any signs of allergic reactions, better go to an allergy specialist doctor immediately.

All about gluten allergy

Gluten allergy or intolerance is a common allergic issue that affects millions of people around the world. As the name suggests, a heightened sensitivity to gluten causes this type of allergy. Gluten is a type of protein that is usually found in grains like barley, rye, and wheat.

Gluten allergies are often confused with celiac disease. The latter is also due to sensitivity to gluten, only worse. Unlike the former, celiac disease is considered an autoimmune condition caused by sensitivity in gluten. In the worst cases, celiac disease can damage an afflicted person’s digestive tract.

Meanwhile, gluten allergies are also mistaken as wheat allergy. The latter can be a potentially life-threatening condition and should be treated by an allergist immediately. Nevertheless, it is best to consult an allergy doctor to help manage your condition.

Common symptoms of gluten intolerance

Whether you have a gluten allergy or similar conditions, these can cause discomfort and affect your digestion. In such cases, you should visit an allergy specialist immediately. He or she will help you confirm whether you have gluten intolerance or other gluten or grain-related allergies.

Whether you have celiac or non-celiac gluten intolerance, it can still affect the quality of your life. Here are signs you need to look out for gluten intolerance. Each of these symptoms may vary but should be managed accordingly.

Bloating

People with gluten intolerance often feel full, gassy, and uncomfortable. In fact, one study revealed that almost 90 percent of people suffering from gluten intolerance experience discomfort due to bloating.

Constipation/diarrhea

We all experience diarrhea and constipation from time to time. But if it happens frequently, you might want to check what you are eating. It may be a major sign of gluten intolerance. In the worst cases, those with celiac disease (a severe type of gluten intolerance) might experience inflammation in the gut lining.

Skin breakouts

Apparently, gluten intolerance can also cause skin issues. For one, gluten intolerance can cause dermatitis herpetiformis. Other common skin problems caused by gluten intolerance may include urticaria, alopecia areata, and psoriasis.

Other signs of gluten intolerance include the following. If you experience the following apart from the abovementioned symptoms, you should go to an allergy clinic immediately:

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Anemia due to lack of iron

Gluten intolerance and other health conditions

Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are two different things. However, these can greatly affect one’s quality of life, as mentioned. Plus, it can lead to health complications if left untreated.

For example, several studies have shown that celiac disease has a strong link with fertility problems. According to said studies, people with celiac disease experience infertility. However, experts cannot pinpoint exactly what causes fertility issues.

People with gluten sensitivity are also at high risk of having ADHD. However, there are also reports saying that there are improvements after removing gluten from their usual diet. It may be because of removing sugary and processed foods, which mostly contain gluten.

Managing gluten intolerance

Nonetheless, there is nothing wrong with improving your diet if you have gluten sensitivity. You can also consult an allergy physician for other ways of managing your gluten sensitivity. For one, you should avoid any food with rye, wheat, barley, and other derivatives.

It is also better to remove common food and beverages that contain gluten such as pasta, baked goods, beer, malt, and some sauces. You can eliminate those foods completely or lessen their consumption slowly and surely. These kinds of health condition might be permanent, but you have the power to manage it. Find an allergy doctor in Manassas VA to help you manage your condition.

When Getting Fit Does Harm than Good: Ways to Manage Exercise-Induced Asthma

To have a healthy mind and body, we need to have some kind of regular physical activity to keep your health in check. There are many reasons why we need to exercise. For one, we need to have an exercise to aid in weight loss. Regular exercise can also help in better heart health and strengthen our bones and muscles. It can also help in making us feel and look better than our actual age.

However, there are some people who dread exercise not because they do not like getting sweaty. Rather, it is because of the occurrence of exercise-induced asthma. This situation occurs when a person engages in certain physical activities and then experience difficulty in breathing. If you are one of those who experience exercise-induced asthma, you should consult an allergy doctor immediately.

What is exercise-induced asthma?

Also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), exercise-induced asthma can limit one’s physical capabilities. Like any other type of asthma, it can restrict one’s breathing that can cause complications if left untreated. It occurs when there is an obstruction in airflow, especially during exercise.

EIB does not occur immediately when you begin exercising. In fact, it usually manifests itself a couple of minutes after starting exercise and may begin to get worse about 5 minutes after you stop exercising. Some even experience another “wave” of EIB 12 hours after the last exercise. Once you feel breathing difficulties, it might be a good idea to visit an asthma doctor to help manage your condition.

What triggers exercise-induced asthma?

Contrary to popular belief, EIB does not happen due to exercise itself. Rather, it can be triggered by several factors. We tend to breathe harder, faster, and deeper when we do any intense physical activities.

Also, we tend to breathe more through the mouth when we exercise. In effect, breathing through the mouth can make the air cooler and dryer. In return, the cooler and dryer air can trigger bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. Apparently, EIB can be more likely to be triggered when you are doing physical activities with dry and cold air.

In addition, EIB can also be triggered by other factors such as pollution (smoke and fumes), pollen and dust, or colds. EIB can be more likely to occur if you have a history of asthma that runs through your family. In such cases, you should get asthma treatments to avoid further complications that can worsen your condition.

Symptoms and treatment

If you experience the following symptoms, you need to consult an allergist specialist for proper treatment. If left untreated, the symptoms can last for about an hour or so. It can also lead to worse complications if you do not visit an allergy physician immediately. You should look out for the following symptoms if you think you’re having an EIB attack:

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Fatigue especially after exercising
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Coughing/wheezing
  • Poor physical performance

People with a history of asthma and even professional athletes can be prone to EIB. Likewise, frequent exposure to dry and cold air, pollution, intense physical activities, and even chlorine from swimming pools can trigger EIB as well. If you are already struggling to breathe and no signs of improvement even using an inhaler, it is best to rush to the nearest allergy clinic immediately.

However, it doesn’t mean that you are already doomed not doing any kind of exercise anymore. After all, exercise is still one of the best ways to become healthy and free from certain diseases. However, you need to consider your choices when it comes to physical activities especially if you are prone to EIB.

For example, you can do some jogging or a relaxing walk instead of doing long-distance running. You can also engage in other sports and exercises that won’t take a toll on your breathing such as golf, gymnastics, or yoga. However, you can still do other intense physical activities just as long as you get the go-signal from an allergy specialist.

Keeping the mind and body healthy

Suffering from EIB does not mean you cannot do any physical activities anymore. It’s just a matter of choosing the right kind of exercise that won’t cause stress in your breathing. After all, we all need to have some kind of physical activity to be healthy physically and mentally. If you are experiencing the abovementioned symptoms of EIB, you should visit the best allergist in Germantown MD for proper treatment.