I have been treated for depression and anxiety for 4 years now.And I finally found a doctor who is looking for a medical.Because I don't respond to treatment with psych meds .He thinks there might be a medical reason for this.Such as allergies can allergies cause depression or anxiety.I tend to be worse in the spring and summer.
7/12/08 2:31pm
Hi George,
There is not a direct link between the mechanism of allergic disorders, and depression or anxiety. People that have chronic and/or severe allergic problems may sometimes get depressed or anxious because of the poor quality of life associated with protracted or serious illness. Any severe illness may aggravate depression and anxiety in a susceptible individual. Because allergic problems are so common, other disorders may sometimes appear to be caused by them when they occur together.
For many years I've had referrals from other doctors for work-up of migraine headaches and attention deficit disorder (ADD), thinking these illnesses were allergy based because of reports associating them with allergic food and environmental triggers. Research has shown this not to be so in both instances (migraine disorders and ADD have no direct relationship to allergy).
Anxiety and depression may be aggravated by stress and many other factors. Some of these factors are thought to be genetic. Allergy relief may be followed by improvement in these two illnesses when the stress is chiefly caused by symptoms associated with the allergic based problem.
Research on asthma and chronic allergic rhinitis has revealed that anxiety and stress may complicate treatment of these disorders. Medications and counseling specific to anxiety and/or depression may be required to fully manage a patient that has allergy problems in this setting.
I know, it sounds a lot like "chicken vs. the egg" argument. In more simple terms, allergic problems may occasionally be complicated by anxiety or depression. Aggressive treatment of the allergy problems may help to resolve the psychological ones (if the allergic symptoms were the major aggravators). Otherwise more medical assistance will be needed to directly address depression or anxiety.
J. Thompson, MD
12/27/09 6:38pm
Hi Restoration,
Thank you for the link. I read it and found it quite interesting but not convincing. You are right about research if you look for it. But you also need to be careful about distinguishing clinical studies from testimonials. Missing from the linked information were well-controlled publications of studies cited in peer-review journals. It's a matter of separating fact from theory, or even speculation.
Let's begin with defining "allergy". The body of work that followed the coining of this term circa 1911 used the narrow definition that remains in place today with respect to certified allergy specialists. The broader definition of the term (used in the link) means you could regard any adverse reaction to almost any food or drug as an allergic response. This would be grossly wrong.
Gluten hypersensitivity is not a food allergy in the accurate sense of the term (allergy). People with celiac disease do not have to make IgE antibody to wheat, oat rye and barley. The immune reaction occurs at the level of the bowel wall (intestines), on the inside and involves other antibodies. The inflammation that occurs when wheat is eaten is not allergic inflammation, yet it can result in similar symptoms. As in the allergy setting, avoidance is a key solution.
Clinical ecologists and orthomolecular specialists may be on to something with some of their explanations but they have a long way to go to connect theory with proof, in my opinion.
There are endless accounts on the internet but again, the relevance if the research and commentary is where one needs to exercise caution. Conventional medicine becomes the ultimate stop when illness takes a serious toll, for most people (in the U.S.). But there is nothing wrong with reading and sharing.
And I thank you for sharing,
Best to you,
James Thompson, MD
4/ 4/12 8:51pm
For the past 30 years, April & May are always my worst months possible for the blues and I am certain it is because of allergies, mold in the ground, tree buds blooming, feeling big time spacy in the head, no energy, etc. I always know it will pass. It always does. RX & OTC meds do not agree with me at all so I avoid them. Sam-e works great for depression and anxiety with very low side effects and should not be taken by folks with bi-polar at all. I am not bi-polar and sam-e works great for me plus other well researched & highly effective herbal supplements. In addition, the use of an infared sauna will pull toxins out of your body as well as sitting in a bath with epsom salt. I catch a cold about every 12 yrs., haven't had the flu since the 70's, my last headache that I can remember was in the early 80's but I do get the blues and a sinus pressure when the season changes especially living in Mi. when the weather changes often. It just happens. Put me in the desert or on a cruise ship for weeks, the sinus pressure goes away fast. Climate will affect your moods for sure.
4/ 4/12 9:28pm
In addition, before I purchase any product or service, I check out the testimonials big time as well as the research over & over before I make my final decision. Put a lil vics vabor rub on your feet tonight & cover them up with socks, it will clean out your sinues fast. Works great, far better than under your nose believe it or not. Lemon juice with a full glass of purified water 1st thing in the am cleans out your liver fast & gets your intestines working, plus disolves kidney & gall bladder stones fast & painlessly. Have a lot of stones & pain? Drink lemon juice with water several times during the day for the 1st day, beats hitting the ER room plus lemon juice wards off cancer & many other health issues, lemon juice is high acid but when it hits your stomach, it turns into low acid & cleans out your body fast, extremely safe & super effective.
5/18/12 11:57am
Yes, They can.. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/health/12really.html
5/18/12 11:58am
Yes, They can.. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/health/12really.html
7/10/08 8:52am
Prior to finding a reputable doctor to treat my allergies, I seemed to be plagued with periodic bouts of depression. I learned that my allergies not only made me feel bad about 75% of the time, my allergies had also resulted in chronic sinusitis and the growth of polyps that blocked my sinuses. This, in turn, caused my sinus cavities to be inflamed and infected. My first step was to consult a surgeon for sinus surgery. After healing, I began a regimen of allergy shots. Nine months later, I feel better and the bouts of depression are gone. I believe there is a link between depression and allergies.
12/24/09 7:42pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
7/10/08 6:10pm
This is a very good question. I too have bouts of the "blues" and mood swings. When I stay inside and avoid crowds I feel better and my "mood" is better. Remember we are dealing witha chronic disease and all that that intails.
Personally I miss my friends and being more social (which can bring on the "blues") but I know that too much of the outside world (literally) can cause serious problems.
I would be very interested in learning if there is some sort of actual medical link between allergies and depression.
Great question.
12/24/09 7:43pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
7/11/08 10:03am
I have been fighting allergies and subsequently depression/anxiety for many years. I have found that when my allergies are really severe and I'm taking a lot of antihistamines that the depression gets exponentially worse. I asked a nurse- practitioner friend of mine and she said YES, most antihistamines when you have to be on them a lot CAN cause depression and when you step down the dosage/frequency of use of them again it can cause anxiety - almost like coming off a lot of caffeine. So I have to choose between feeling better physically/worse mentally, emotionally or vice versa ? Why can't someone find a way to help with the allergies and not blow us all out of the water mentally ?!? Sounds like you've found a doctor who may be able to help you; hope so !
12/24/09 7:45pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
4/13/10 12:51am
I too get very depressed from antihistamines, but thought I was the only one! I have turned to helping my seasonal allergies naturally. A good probiotic regimen and lots of vitamin C in addition to a good whole-food multi-vitamin/mineral work wonders for the immune system. Some other things to try are nettles (pill form), garlic pills, zinc, and there are lots of other choices that can work depending on the individual. Eating locally made honey helps build an immunity to airborne allergens. I used to have chronic sinus infections caused by allergies, but using these tips has drastically reduced my symptoms. I now get sick 1-2 times a year rather than at least once a month.
2/ 6/09 6:43pm
I am not a doctor but I too have struggled with anxiety/depression and allergies. In my case I do believe the allergies are the main agitator that cause both. The other thing that needs to be mentioned is that vestibular (inner-ear) problems can disrupt balance and cause vertigo and dizziness thus leading to anxiety/depression. And allergies and sinus problems are major vestibular aggravates. I want to mention a good book written by Dr. Harold Levinson called "Phobia Free" that speaks about all of this.
8/30/09 9:27am
I agree with you, I have had sinusitis chronic for years, and allergies, I notice in the fall
is when it is the worst, I have not taken anxiety med since 2007 and i do not feel depressed, but since fall is almost here my allergies are worst then ever and i have started to feel more anxious, sweaty hands and feet, and some anxiety and it has some what made me depressed., anyway the doctor wonts me to start 10 mg of proac
and i am scared, dont know what to do. I am thinking about going to an ent doctor first. But I agree, Allergies and ear problems do cause anxiety, especially when you get dizziness, in which i have alot of., it's like an off balance feeling which makes me nervous. Note i am a female 46 yrs old.
12/24/09 7:47pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
5/21/09 4:09pm
I know there is a lot of speculation about the link between allergies and anxiety. Have a look here. Our son who has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder is worse every spring. He also has tree pollen allergies. The verdict is still out in the medical community but you will likely get improvement if you treat the allergies. We note that the non-drowsy ones don't work for our son - just the old fashioned ones given at night.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2678838
12/24/09 7:53pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
7/18/09 1:59pm
I run a Hypnosis clinic and find that Hypnosis really helps reduce anxiety like nothing else I know of, reduce your anxiety level and you will see a huge change in the way you feel both on a mental and physical level.
12/24/09 7:53pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
7/31/09 7:17am
i have suffered from major anxiety with less depression for over 15 years now i have been on every drug possible with little or no lasting effects. one strange thing that brought me to this site, last week i was rubbing my ears and noticed that when i stayed on one single specific spot near the top point my anxiety disipated almost completely within seconds..i googled ear pressure points and intrestingly enough the point was for allergies? i was confusued so i googled more to see if there was a corelation between anxiety and allergies and wahlaaaa i ended up here! weird yeah?
7/31/09 10:00am
I'm going through a bout of depression and about a month ago I had stopped taking my Claritin. I get bad hay fever and congesting so I take a Claritin every day. For the past two weeks I've been feeling down and just not motivated to do much. I made the connection to my allergies because I get deep black circles under my eyes when my allergies are acting up. After reading all the comments I actually feel better about this because I know I'm not alone. Still the geek in me wants to know if this is some type of withdrawel to Claritin D or if this is the allergies. Who knows.
12/24/09 7:50pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
8/23/09 12:31am
It appears that several researchers are investigating links between depression and allergic symptoms; a study at the University of Maryland just ended and it will be interesting to see the results. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00770068
A 2002 study found a connection between ragweed (autumn) allergies and depression, but was not extensive enough to determine whether the correlation is mainly the result of poor sleep that many allergy sufferers experience. So it is not yet clear whether allergies "cause" depression or anxiety; but allergies and depression do appear related, and apparently some people do find their depressive symptoms relieved at least somewhat by better allergy treatment. It's certainly worth investigating, especially if conventional antidepressants are not working for you.
8/25/09 10:31am
OMG, I too have been suffering anxiety, stomach issues, insomnia and depression for many years and each major episode seemed to start with sinus stuff and such. I have been on anti-depression meds for years and they really do not seem to rectify the situation; rather, they allow me to cope better.
Well, back in January, I got tested for allergies and I am allergic to seasonal things (trees, grasses, etc.) as well as year round ones (dust, dust mites, dogs, cats, feathers, etc.) I opted to take allergy shots (meds. not good) and soon after I began them, I was not worrying a much and my sleep got better. Of course, with allergy shots, the build-up stage can be killer in that I reacted to each dosage increase with the same symptoms that I was being treated for. However, I have now reached maintenance so no more increased dosages.
I am looking forward to feeling better and better as I continue the regiment of allergy shots.
In summary, I truely feel that there is a connection!
12/24/09 7:51pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
10/27/09 3:11pm
Do you know, I think all the medical research/denial into link between anxiety/depression disorders and allergies is forgetting an important point: not all depression is the same. Yes, there's situational depression which stems from an unbearable situation (stress, illness, etc.) and will generally go away once stress is relieved. There's also chronic, or clinical depression-- those depression disorders which actually appear to have no cause. Then there's Seasonal Depression, where sufferers seem to be affected by the lack of sunlight and warmth in the world...
Many people are misdiagnosed as having Clinical Depression when they are in fact affected by outside influences. It is too easy to prescribe an antidepressant (or ask for one!) when a patient is unable to function in daily life. Time was, when a trip to a therapist was indispensable to recovery. Nowadays, we're medicated and sent home. If researchers have forgotten that "depression" is not a blanket-diagnosis, then of course they will fail to find a definite handshake between illness and depression triggers...
However... What one must ask themselves when looking at allergies as a source for depression isn't whether feeling bad all the time makes them depressed. What one should ask is, "Is fatigue a major symptom of my allergies? Do my allergies cause me to feel tired, lack focus, concentration, and does that lack cause me to be irritable? When I'm sick, do I generally sometimes feel like whimpering and going to bed?" I think most of us will answer "heck yeah!" So...
I don't think that allergies cause depression or vice versa. What I think is that the *symptoms* of allergies are mistaken for depression. Allergies depress the central nervous system, make us feel foggy, tired, unable to function... So maybe rather than doctors poo-pooing allergies as having no link to depression, perhaps they should simply take a closer look at their diagnosis... and ask themselves if the symptoms their patients are experiencing could *only* be caused by depression.
In closing, I'd like to mention that when I was 28, I came down with Mono. My family doctor of 10 years immediately prescribed me an antidepressant when I went to him with fatigue, mysterious pain, and tears. A followup with a different doctor produced a positive "Mono Spot" test and elevated liver count. 'Nuff said?
10/29/09 2:04am
I have noticed a very significant link for me between the use of medications for allergies and depression. At first I thought it a coincidence, but after being advised by my PCP to use an OTC antihistamine every day (rather than periodically when allergies were really bad) I had such intense irritabililty and depression my family was alarmed. I stayed with it for a long time, miserable but allergy free. Within three days of discontinuing, my mood returned nearly to normal. Now two weeks later it seems like a three month bad dream has ended. I can't find any real research on an antihistamine/depression link, but for me, it's definately a connection. I remember a relative stopping Seldane many years ago with the same complaints. I am starting to think this isn't rare. I do think it's possible that the same genetic variables that contribute to depression may be linked to allergies?
12/24/09 7:39pm
I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!
12/27/10 2:25am
I was finally diagnosed with high histamine which causes an anxious exhausted type of depression according to the orthomolecular approach. I had a lifetime of allergies, then anxiety, followed by hellish depression. Treatment took time but I am now cured of both allergies and depression.
3/ 1/12 8:57pm
Yes! I do believe there is a link between the 2!!! I started with a bout of depression about 5 yrs ago in which I had also started signs of IBS constipation.. I ignored the occassional constipation for awhile just thinking it was normal to be a little bloated.. Until it got worse and worse.. After 3 doctors not knowing what was wrong with me and kept telling me to eat more fiber in which i ate plenty (raison bran and benefiber...) I bloated up like a jellyfish.. Not to mention was always getting colds etc.. Finally started seeing a naturepath.. You see.. Natural Doctors know nutrition.. Medical docs know medicine..(but meds hurt the liver and arent fixing the probs) I cut out gluten and feel tons better.. I got rid of soda and processed food.. I eat a ton of fruit and veggies.. I also take herbs!! Herbs help a lot with your hormones to be balanced and help with sleep and energy, not to mention cleans your liver and helps you detox.. It takes a while for body to heal but i lost 10lbs and feel great .. My suggestions are PLEASE see a good Nature path! Get the Alcon test or do process of elimination diet.. Look up the Alcon blood test! Allergies and intolerances arent just about ichy watery eyes and runny nose.. They come in the form of headaches, ibs, fatigue, arthritis... Take control of your health.. clip on alcat test testimonials... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZpzX47SaIY
3/ 1/12 8:59pm
Yes! I do believe there is a link between the 2!!! I started with a bout of depression about 5 yrs ago in which I had also started signs of IBS constipation.. I ignored the occassional constipation for awhile just thinking it was normal to be a little bloated.. Until it got worse and worse.. After 3 doctors not knowing what was wrong with me and kept telling me to eat more fiber in which i ate plenty (raison bran and benefiber...) I bloated up like a jellyfish.. Not to mention was always getting colds etc.. Finally started seeing a naturepath.. You see.. Natural Doctors know nutrition.. Medical docs know medicine..(but meds hurt the liver and arent fixing the probs) I cut out gluten and feel tons better.. I got rid of soda and processed food.. I eat a ton of fruit and veggies.. I also take herbs!! Herbs help a lot with your hormones to be balanced and help with sleep and energy, not to mention cleans your liver and helps you detox.. It takes a while for body to heal but i lost 10lbs and feel great .. My suggestions are PLEASE see a good Nature path! Get the Alcon test or do process of elimination diet.. Look up the Alcon blood test! Alergies and intolerances arent just about ichy watery eyes and runny nose.. They come in the form of headaches, ibs, fatigue, arthritis... Take control of your health.. clip on alcat test testimonials... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZpzX47SaIY
3/ 1/12 9:00pm
Get Tested for food intolerances and food allergies!!!!!!!!! Check out the Alcon Blood test!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZpzX47SaIY
3/22/12 8:41pm
I don't know what the "researchers" are claiming but here's what I know. For the past six months I have been suffering from a sudden allergic reaction which included, sore throat, tight neck, chest pain, chills, sweats, headache and sinus problems. Oh and a rash on my back, face and chest that would not quit.
I have had a sinus surgery I didn't need. I've had blood work, cat scans, MRI's, Kinesiologists, you name it.
Finally two weeks ago a specialist diagnosed me with leaky gut, candida and parasites.
I have given up gluten, sugar and dairy. I am taking Nystatin and Diflucan along with parasite killers.
One thing that seemed to be concurrent with these episodes was getting upset anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours prior.
2 weeks ago I had blood drawn while having the reaction. My ige was 24 but nothing on the 50 allergy test came back out of range.
My rash is almost gone and I am not getting headaches.
However, this morning I went into a rage over a telephone automated teller and some business dealings with US Cellular.
Within a half hour sure enough, sore throat, tight neck, chills, sweats and my nose started running.
Shortly after I took a claritin (doc said benedryl but I didn't want to get drowsy) and an Ativan. The symptoms subsided.
So YES, you CAN have anxiety induced allergies. I am living proof of it!
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By george— Last Modified: 05/18/12, First Published: 07/01/08
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There's lots of research online if you look for it. I found this article about the relation of mental disorders and food allergies. I'm sure there are many more articles on google just by typing in mental illness+allergies or similiar searches.
http://www.wholeapproach.com/newsletter/archives/2003/04_April.html
I've been dealing with depression and allergies for many years. I was wheat free for 4 days & felt a noticeable difference in extreme fatigue - didn't spontaneously fall asleep. Due to stress I won't go into I did have one beer on two different occasions (which is wheat) and felt awful the next day. I won't bore you with the minute by minute details - but the point is since I've been cheating again just a little bit the symptoms are so much worse which is mentioned in this article as well. I'm also struggling with increased allergies because my mom has brought our neighbor's dog over while our neighbor is vacationing. I've noticed the severity of depression / suicidal thoughts / despair / hopelessness / regret have all increased dramatically. I've tried 6 different anti-depressants. They all make me sleep twenty-two hours a day after the first week until I ween off and stop. It's not depression for me. It has to be a food allergy. We can always see obvious wheat, but we've got to think of things we don't normally think of like beer or canned cream soups... read all labels of packaged items and do research online especially on the Celiac sites - they are up to the minute on hidden wheat. I had a grilled cheese tonight which was my last wheat / dairy .... Then I read this article which mentions eating dairy with wheat can increase each of the allergic reactions. I took a Clariton I'd had hanging around from years ago and the article gave tips to take Ester C and grape seed extract to offset allergic reactions. I had some so I took it along with Magnesium Oxide to flush everything out, Calcium to offset the increased Magnesium and some Fiber and lots of water to hopefully help it go through my system faster and feel better than what I would've normally. The best thing for me, though, will be to avoid it all together to give my immune system a rest from constantly fighting the allergens I keep putting in it, and to stop the constant inflammation that occurs with every allergic reaction. I hope this helps you! Don't give up!