The Body Is A Complex Interconnected Machine
The first thing we need to understand is that everything in our body is connectedand that includes the gut microbiome, hormones, and all other bodily systems. We know that inflammation is at the root of most allergy symptoms, says Dr. Z. So the key is finding balance in the bodyincluding hormonal balanceto get rid of the inflammation that is wreaking havoc in so many ways.
Because hormones play an essential role in regulating activities throughout the body like hunger and sleep, imbalances can cause weight gain, loss of sex drive, brain fog, insomnia, and more. Imbalances of certain hormones such as histamine, cortisol, and thyroid hormones can result in allergy symptoms.
Antihistamines Can Make Allergy Shots Easier
Taking an oral antihistamine before each shot can help reduce side effects and reactions. “We really encourage patients to take them beforehand, especially as they get closer to their maintenance dose and their local reactions can get pretty bad,” says Dr. Dziadzio.
And if that’s not enough reason to pop a pill beforehand, some research even suggests that pre-treatment with an antihistamine during the build-up phase of allergy shots can improve the shots’ effectiveness too.
What Is The Relationship Between Antihistamines And Weight Gain
The major study which somewhat demonstrates the relationship between antihistamines and weight gain come from the journal of Obesityin 2010 which used the National health and Nutrition Examination Survey data set to study the issue. The NHANES is an annual health survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics , where the NCHS staff drive trailers across the United States and conduct interviews, medical histories, physical examinations, and laboratory testing to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for major diseases. This data is then available to the public for research.
This seems to suggest that antihistamines could be a factor in weight gain. However, the important thing to note is that this is a cross-sectional study and just because in this case antihistamine use and weight gain are related, it doesnt mean one necessarily causes the other. Also, the study looked at only prescription antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Allegra not over-the-counter medications like Benadryl .
Still, from clinical experience and solid scientific research demonstrating how histamine affects our appetites, it is safe to say that anti-histamines probably do affect weight gain. Moreover, antipsychotics like Zyprexa have a significant anti-histamine effect and are well known to result in dramatic weight gain.
Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Make You Feel Flushed
How Allergies Are Making You Fat
definitely1. Are you sure youre tracking calories correctly?www.fitday.com2. Do you know what real hunger feels like?3. Lack of nutrientspica4. Lack of exerciseGAIAM TVExercise raises histamine levels, please check with your doctor before beginning any exercise. 5. Overestimating how many calories exercise burns
Evidence Of Antihistamine Weight Gain
Older antihistamines, such as Benadryl , have well-known side effects such as drowsiness. While others, like Allegra , tend to have less of these side effects.
A study published in the journal Obesity found an association between the use of antihistamines and obesity. Of the almost 900 people studied, those taking antihistaminessuch as Zyrtec and Allegrawere more likely to be overweight or obese than those not taking antihistamines.
The reasons for this weren’t clear, and it’s important to note that this association doesn’t mean that antihistamines directly cause weight gain.
The researchers theorized that antihistamines have a similar chemical structure to certain psychiatric drugs that are known to be associated with weight gain. Antihistamines may also increase appetite, which can cause weight gain.
Anecdotally, people using Xyzal an antihistamine similar to Zyrtec they have noticed they have put on extra pounds, which is what a very small percentage of patients who used the drug during trials experienced.
Older antihistamines, such as Periactin , have actually been used for the purpose of increasing appetite and weight gain in underweight children and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Cause Swollen Glands
Here Are The Most Important Points Ive Learned In Losing And Keeping Off The Weight:
Get that inflammation under control.some of the upsides of histaminealways lifestyle change rather than a dietDont deprive yourselfSurround yourself with supportive peopleStop blaming food for your weight gainhere
WELCOME!
Yasmina was an award-winning broadcast journalist with a decade of experience covering war zones for CNN and the BBC. She devoted her journalism skills to researching and writing about histamine. Each post is carefully and fully referenced with the latest scientific research. Not sure where to start? Heres a four week meal plan and overall Histamine Reset.
4 WEEK HISTAMINE RESET
What Type Of Asthma Do I Have
Allergic asthma causes inflamed airways to become irritated and over-respond when an irritant is inhaled, triggering an asthma attack. The muscles around the airways tighten, making the airways swell and overproduce mucus. The risk of developing asthma if you have allergic rhinitis is significant, Bassett says.
Recommended Reading: Keflex Allergic Reaction Symptoms
Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss And Asthma Control
The first study investigating the effect of surgically induced weight loss on asthma was published by Macgregor and Greenberg in 1993. Forty morbidly obese patients with asthma who had gastric restrictive surgery more than two years earlier were examined, and they found that 48% had complete asthma remission, defined as no symptoms and no use of asthma medication overall, 90% of the patients experienced improvement in asthma symptoms. Objective assessment of airway function was not included in the study. In keeping with this, Murr et al reported a 100% remission rate after an average 30 months after bariatric surgery in a very small group of morbidly obese asthmatics older than 50 years, although it should be taken into account that asthma status was not the main outcome variable of interest.
Can Joint Pain Be Treated
To help understand joint pain, your doctor will first try to determine an underlying cause. Once you discuss the potential causes with your doctor, treatment options can vary based on the reason for the joint pain.
As with back pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help with moderate to severe joint pain. If you have milder pain that is not accompanied by inflammation, it is possible that taking Tylenol for a short period of time will provide relief.
Other drugs that may help reduce joint pain include antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs and muscle relaxants that can treat muscle spasms. Some people may find relief by taking two drugs at once, such as muscle relaxants and NSAIDs. It is important to consult with a doctor before doing this.
You May Like: Zurtech
How Can I Manage My Allergies
While avoiding allergens is the most effective management technique, this is not always possible.
To identify any possible allergies you may have, take an allergy test. Once you know this, it will be easier to protect yourself against or properly control your allergies.
If you suffer from environmental allergies, take over-the-counter allergy medicine or use nasal spray when exposed to said allergen. People can also receive weekly shots over a period of time, which serves as an allergy vaccine and can help dissipate allergies over time.
If you have a food or medication allergy, avoiding that substance and all traces of it is imperative, especially if your allergy is severe. If you feel yourself having an allergic reaction to a food or medicine, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Eat Slow Wait 20 Minutes
Your brain takes some time to process the fact that youve had enough to eat. Eating quickly means you dont realize youre full until well after youve hit that point, typically resulting in overeating.
Try slowing down. Eat a reasonable serving of food. Then, wait at least 20 minutes and drink a glass of water. Often, youll find yourself feeling full once that break is up.
Recommended Reading: Eatz Toffee Peanuts
Can Food Sensitivities And Food Allergies Cause Weight Gain
The terms food sensitivity and food allergy are often used interchangeably. However, there are some important distinctions between the two. A food sensitivity occurs when your body is unable to digest certain compounds, such as the proteins found milk, eggs, wheat or soy. After you consume a food that contains these compounds, you may later experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as bloating and lethargy.
On the other hand, a food allergy occurs when your bodys immune system incorrectly perceives a certain food as harmful. After you consume this food, your immune system attempts to protect your body by releasing natural biochemicals to fight off the allergen. These unneeded antibodies can cause an immediate allergic reaction, which can range in severity from a mild skin rash or hives to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
What Exactly Are Allergy Shots
Allergieswhether they’re seasonal or year-roundcan put a serious damper on quality of life in some cases, they can even be deadly. But for certain types of allergies, allergen immunotherapy can be a big help.
They may require a lot of time and effort, but the benefits of allergy shots can be life-changing and long-lasting for people of all ages. Their effectiveness for children and young adults is well known, and a 2016 study also found that they can be effective for older adults, as wellreducing symptoms of hay fever in people ages 65 to 75 by 55% after three years, and reducing the need for medication by 64%.
“Everyone is different, and it’s true that some people don’t have a good response,” Laura Dziadzio, MD, a pediatric allergist and assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, tells Health. “But for others, it’s like night and day. I have lots of patients who were really miserable and are now doing much better, and can finally enjoy the things they couldn’t before.”
If you’ve tested positive for an allergy and are considering immunotherapy treatments, here are 10 things you should know.
Recommended Reading: Flonase Sleeplessness
Joint Pain: Youre Not Alone
In a recent national survey, nearly one out of every three adults in the US reported having joint pain within the last 30 days. In this survey, deep pain was the most common complaint, followed by shoulder and hip pain
Joints connect your bones together, providing your body with support as you move. Joint pain can impact just about any part of your body, including the ankles, feet and hands. While joint pain can occur at any age, it becomes increasingly common as a person ages.
Damage to your joints caused by injury or disease cannot only interfere with movement, but can also be a common cause of pain. Some of the most common conditions leading to painful joints include rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, gout, strains, sprains and other injuries, such as in sports.
As with back pain, joint pain can vary greatly in terms of severity in the amount of time that it lasts. For example, joint pain that resolves within a few weeks is referred to as acute. However, many people suffer from chronic joint pain, or pain that lingers for weeks or months at a time.
Other common causes of joint pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Seasonal allergies
Type B Food Allergies
Craving and overeating particular foods may be the sign of a Type B food allergy, according to nutritionist Marilyn Glenville, Ph.D., author of the book, “The Foundation of Health.” While a Type A food allergy will cause an immediate, often dangerous, physiological reaction, such as the anaphylactic response often generated by allergen exposure in people with shellfish or peanut allergies, Type B food sensitivities can cause more long-term, delayed reactions, including weight gain, fatigue and aching joints, Dr. Glenville reports. Delayed food allergies may not cause an inflammatory response until three days after ingestion, and continuing to eat the triggering food can cause cumulative effects. Current food allergy testing techniques can help identify many Type B food allergies, as can eliminating foods one by one from the diet for an extended period of time.
Recommended Reading: Dextromethorphan Antihistamine
Chinese Medicine And Inflammation
Chinese medicine calls inflammation fire or heat. Its a very old medical system with terminology that has not changed very much in the last 3000 years. It has always explained inflammatory conditions as mostly caused by faulty diets and stress. Those conditions were largely found in the West where people had poor diets and too much stress.
For over 850 years Chinese medicine held the belief that the immune system is rooted in the digestive system. The root of immune problems is addressed by healing the digestive system. I had seen great results in treating allergies and autoimmune conditions purely with Chinese medicine applying these very principles. I have always tried to explain everything I learned about Chinese medicine theory in the scientific model if possible. Maybe I feel this urge because I was first trained in Western medicine. But with this piece, I always struggled. There was really no literature talking about a direct link of the gut and the immune system that would satisfy me. This changed with the research of the gut microbiome.
The Facts About Asthma And Weight
Theres been a growing awareness in recent years that many asthmatics are overweight. This has been a cause for concern, since studies show that people who carry extra weight could increase their chances of having chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But for some asthmatics, its very complicated to maintain a healthy weight because in many cases, their breathing issues do not allow them to engage in activities that could help them manage their weight.
Don’t Miss: Difference Between Fexofenadine And Cetirizine
How Common Is Severe Asthma
It is estimated that as many as 250,000 Canadians suffer from Severe Asthma. Fatalities are higher in this group compared to patients with mild-to-moderate disease. Each year, about 250 Canadians die from asthma. Globally, 250,000 patients with asthma die prematurely on an annual basis because of their condition.
Seasonal Allergies And Gut Health Does One Affect The Other
Dont you hate it the sneezing, the itching, the runny nose? If you are one of the more than 50 million people who suffer from allergies, you know what Im talking about.
As an allergy sufferer, what do you do? Take over-the-counter medications? Keep the air-conditioning on even on a beautiful day? Stay inside as much as possible? Its challenging trying to avoid allergens!
But guess what? Emerging research indicates a link between seasonal allergies and gut health.
You May Like: Do Rolos Contain Nuts
Do Antihistamines Cause Weight Gain
The short answer seems to be yes. While occasionally taking a Benadryl for sleep probably wont lead to significant weight gain, chronic use of antihistamines can interfere with weight loss efforts. If you need an antihistamine for frequent allergy symptoms, however, the best choice is Claritin because it does not cross into the brain and has less effect on appetite and sedation. Otherwise, steroid nasal sprays, decongestants, and just reducing exposures to allergens are other options.
They’re A Big Time Commitment
Allergy shots are given in two phases. In the “build-up” phase, you’ll need a shot once or twice a week for about three to six months. After that, you’ll enter the “maintenance” phase and receive them less oftenabout once or twice a month, for several years.
Sticking to this schedule is important, for the shots’ effectiveness and to reduce your chances of having a bad reaction. “For some people it’s absolutely worth it, but some people just don’t have that time to spare,” says Dr. Dziadzio. And while the shots themselves only take a minute, you probably will have to wait those 30 minutes in your doctor’s office after each one.
Also Check: Which Works Faster Claritin Or Zyrtec
Managing Your Seasonal Allergies
One of the most important things someone suffering from allergies can do is to identify the triggers. While some people seem to blame one trigger, it is possible that there are actually multiple triggers. It is not uncommon for those who suffer from spring allergies to show symptoms throughout the year. Some ways to avoid triggers include:
- Shower after being outdoors.
- Monitor pollen and mold counts, which are available on TV or in the news.
- Stay inside during peak pollen counts, which is the middle of the day of the afternoon.
- Wear a filter mask when working outdoors.
- Take preventive medication.
You can take other precautions as well, such as bathing and shampooing your hair each day to completely remove the pollen from your hair and skin. You should also wash your bedding in hot soapy water at least once a week.
You may need to wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from pollen. Those with severe allergies might find that a facemask is helpful during times when daily pollen counts are very high. It is also important to avoid line drying your bedding or clothes outdoors if the local pollen counts are high, as pollen can settle on these items.
These Brands Have The Greatest Impact On Your Weight
The Yale study specifically looked at two types of antihistamines which, at the time of the study, were only available by prescription: Zyrtec and Allegra. Today, these brands are available as OTC allergy treatments alongside Benadryland the Obesity Medicine Association reports that because they “have the same strength as the prescription versions,” they most likely trigger the same side effects. And for more on essential medical news, If You Take This Medication, U.S. Officials Have a New Warning for You.
Read Also: Antihistamine Effect On Blood Pressure
Asthma Medication Side Effects
Weight gain is a less common medication side effect when steroids are taken through asthma inhalers as opposed to oral medications because the doses administered through asthma inhalers are far lower and go straight to the lungs, explains Gerbstadt.
In contrast, other asthma medications such as beta-agonist bronchodilators, which relieve the symptoms of asthma by relaxing the muscle of the bronchial tubes, are not associated with weight gain, but they have their own medication side effects. Beta-agonists can cause jitteriness, dilate pupils, and increase heart rate, says Gerbstadt.
There is also an unhealthy cycle connected to asthma and weight. People with asthma may be reluctant to exercise for fear of triggering their asthma symptoms. Lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain. And being overweight can, in turn, make exercise more difficult because excess weight can compress your lungs and make breathing during exercise more difficult. Weight loss, therefore, can help improve your asthma and help improve your workouts.
