INTRODUCTION

More people than ever seem to be suffering from allergies these days, and yet there is more and more confusion over what exactly an allergy is, what causes it and how it can be helped.

Another word for allergy is 'hypersensitivity'. The word allergy is derived from two Greek words that mean 'other work' or 'other action' - i.e. substances that bring about a reaction other than that usually expected. That is, an over-reaction by the body's immune system.

Most of us know that allergic reactions cause anaphylactic shock (breathing problems and collapse), but how many of us would attribute minor discomforts such as stomach bloating, dry eyes, acid indigestion or dry skin to an allergy? You could have a mild allergy or an intolerance to something you eat or have contact with every day without knowing it!

Many people are advised to stay away from the substance that causes the allergic reaction, but if the substance happens to be in the air that we breathe, what can we possibly do about it?

What is the difference between "allergy" and "intolerance"? The aim of these pages is to try and de-mystify the whole subject of allergy, and to offer you a simple and safe solution to the majority of allergy and intolerance problems.