Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Are Your Allergies Making You Crazy?!?

Now that spring is here, at last we can step outside and take some time to enjoy the sunshine and the warmer longer days.

However for many people this is not the case. For asthma and allergy sufferers spring can be a difficult time, as they struggle to control their symptoms.








In this edition of the NFC Newsletter Dr. Jesika DiCampli discusses the link between allergies and nervous system function in children and we also have some great information on how to beat asthma and allergies with Austin Air filters.






Helping to Fight Asthma

Today a staggering 24 million Americans suffer from asthma and nearly half of those are children.

It is generally thought the main factors that contribute to asthma are a combination of genetics and our environment.

Environmental factors include dust mites, pollution, pet dander, molds, tobacco smoke and chemicals.

Medications such as inhalers and steroids are used in part, to treat the condition. However sufferers must also avoid these environmental triggers, which is not always easy to do. By using effective air filtration and eliminating indoor pollutants, people can enjoy cleaner air and greatly reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

The filters used in Austin Air cleaners contain True Medical Grade HEPA and activated carbon, which is by far the most effective method of air filtration available. It is this filter technology, together with a unique 360 degree air intake design, that guarantees clean air is delivered faster and more efficiently than any other air cleaner on the market.

To learn more about Austin Air filters, the different types and cost, please contact our office 602-493-2273


FOOD ALLERGY, ADDITIVES, AND ADHD
Dr. Jesika DiCampli

This month the FDA has started investigating food dyes and children’s behavior. The age old question is can these additive dyes cause hyperactivity and behavioral issues? Some say yes and some say no. The Center for Science in the Public Interest wants the FDA to ban eight artificial food dyes particularly Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, which make up 90 percent of the food dyes on the market. http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf
Their stance is based on a 2004 meta-analysis. Many of the studies concluded that there, indeed, was a cause-and-effect relationship between food dyes and hyperactivity. The authors stated that dyes “promote hyperactivity in hyperactive children, as measured on behavioral rating scales” and that “society should engage in a broader discussion about whether the aesthetic and commercial rationale for the use of [artificial food colorings] is justified”.

Two recent studies sponsored by the British government on cross-sections of British children found that mixtures of four dyes (and a food preservative, sodium benzoate) impaired the behavior of even non-hyperactive children (Bateman, Warner et al. 2004; McCann, Barrett et al. 2007). As a result, the British government told the food and restaurant industries to eliminate the dyes tested by the end of 2009, and the Europe- an Parliament passed a law that will require a warning notice on all foods that contain one or more of the dyes tested after July 20, 2010. The notice states that the dyed food “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” (Parliament accessed February 20, 2010).

So why are we having such a difficult time warning/banning these substances in the U.S.? Maybe because it is more cost effective to use the artificial dyes than natural forms. Many companies that distribute to both England and U.S. have been recommended to use natural forms of dyes in England but will not do the same for U.S. unless required.

To learn more about how Additives, dyes, and other food sensitivities could be affecting your child come to Dr. DiCampli’s discussion
Are Your Allergies Making You Crazy?!? on Wed May 18th

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