What can I do if I am diagnosed with allergies?

An allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system and symptoms may include: asthma, eczema, IBS, skin problems, poor concentration and sleep difficulties. Your allergy test results will show you what substances your body reacts to and will suggest avoiding them altogether for a period of time. This may mean making major changes in your lifestyle to avoid them, and some allergens – like pollens – are impossible to avoid. Even if you do manage to, it can still take a long time for the body to repair itself and get back to normal.

Is there anything I can do to speed up this process?

While you reduce exposure to pollutants and allergens, you can work on strengthening your system at the same time. This means making sure that you are eating a varied and adequate diet, and you will reduce your chemical intake if you buy organic and cook from fresh as much as possible. Regular aerobic exercise stimulates the lymph system and encourages the cells to release their toxins for the body to excrete, but do check with your GP if you haven’t exercised for some time. Make sure you are drinking plenty of good, clean water to dilute the toxins and minimise your risk of unpleasant reactions.