Did you know . . .

if you are allergic to ragweed you should avoid bananas and if the spring and summer grasses bother you, its best to leave the celery on the veggie tray?

Peaches, melons and tomatoes are also on the potential cross-reactive chart published by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for those who are allergic to grasses.

Children between the age of 5 and 10 are the age group most likely to suffer from food and air borne allergies. Their symptoms are frequently passed off as the common cold but there is a difference, allergies do not come with a fever. Both can make you feel sleepy, run down and often come with sneezing, itching eyes ,a runny nose and sore throat. Colds last a week or two while allergies can last for months, waning and peaking in intensity depending on exposure. Facial swelling of the eyes or lips are common among those who suffer from this condition and there is a higher incidence of asthma.  

Allergies are thought by natural health practitioners and modern medicine to be caused by an over active immune response to something that this protective system perceives to be a threat, but really is not. It’s an exaggerated response that produces anti-bodies when exposed to things like pollen, dust or pet dander even though these are not harmful.

Some people simply outgrow their allergies. About 20 percent of children with peanut allergies outgrow the sensitivity. The theory used to explain this is that the body became accustomed to the allergen and no longer over-reacts to its presence.

If you suffer from allergies, here are the 5 most common allergens according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; weeds, mold, grass, dust mites and pollen. Avoiding all of these completely is very difficult if not impossible. For simple ways to help make getting through the seasonal challenges easier and to see the potentially cross reactive food chart.