Food allergies are immune-based diseases that have become a serious health concern in the United States, with an estimated 32 million Americans dealing with food allergy symptoms according to the food allergy research organization FARE.

Despite the risk of severe allergic reactions and even death, there is no current cure for food allergies. The condition can only be managed by allergen avoidance or treatment of food allergy symptoms.

Fortunately, there are natural allergy fighters that can help boost the immune system and enhance the gut microbiota, which helps reduce the development of food allergies and food allergy symptoms…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

What Are Food Allergies?

Food allergies consist of immune system responses to disagreeable foods. The body senses that a protein in a particular food may be harmful and triggers an immune system response, producing histamine to protect itself. The body “remembers” this, and when this food enters the body again, the histamine response is more easily triggered.

The diagnosis of food allergies may be problematic because nonallergic food reactions, such as food intolerances, are frequently confused with food allergy symptoms. Intolerance derived from an immunological mechanism is referred to as a food allergy, and the non-immunological form is called a food intolerance.

Food allergies and intolerances are often linked, but there’s a clear difference between the two conditions.

A food allergy comes from a reaction of the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E antibody that is found in the bloodstream. Non-IgE-mediated food allergies are also possible. This happens when someone is exposed to a food that causes signs and symptoms of an allergy, such as allergic contact dermatitis.

A food intolerance is an adverse reaction to foods or food components but not due to immunologic mechanisms.

For example, a person may have an immunologic response to cow’s milk because of the milk’s protein, or that individual may be intolerant to milk due to an inability to digest the sugar lactose. The inability to digest lactose leads to excess fluid production in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea. This condition is termed lactose intolerance because lactose in not an allergen, as the response is not immune-based.

Food intolerances are nonspecific, and the symptoms often resemble common medically unexplained complaints, such as digestive issues.

IgE-medicated food allergies are the most common and dangerous of adverse food reactions. They cause your immune system to react abnormally when exposed to one or more specific foods. Immediate reactions to IgE-mediated food allergies are caused by an allergen-specific immunoglobulin E antibody that floats around in the bloodstream.

When IgE is working properly, it identifies triggers that could be harmful to the body, such as parasites, and tells the body to release histamine. Histamine causes allergy symptoms, such as hives, coughing and wheezing.

Sometimes IgE reacts to normal proteins that are found in foods — and when the protein is absorbed during digestion and enters the bloodstream, the entire body reacts as if the protein is a threat. This is why food allergy symptoms are noticeable in the skin, respiratory system, digestive system and circulatory system.

According to a 2014 comprehensive review published in Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology, the prevalence of food allergies in infancy is increasing and may affect up to 15 percent to 20 percent of infants. Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine suggest that food allergies affect as many as 6 percent of young children and 3 percent to 4 percent of adults.

Updated reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 6.2 percent of adults in the U.S. have food allergies, while 5.8 percent of children do.

Researchers suggest that this increase in the prevalence of food allergies may be due to a change in the composition, richness and balance of the microbiota that colonize the human gut during early infancy. The human microbiome plays a vital role in early-life immune development and function. Since IgE-mediated food allergies are associated with immune dysregulation and impaired gut integrity, there is substantial interest in the potential link between gut microbiota and food allergies.

Common Food Allergies

Although any food can provoke a reaction, relatively few foods are responsible for a vast majority of significant food-induced allergic reactions. Here are some of the most common food allergies.

1. Cow’s Milk

Cow’s milk protein allergy affects 2 percent to 7.5 percent of children. Persistence in adulthood since tolerance develops in more than 99 percent of children by age 6.

Numerous milk proteins have been implicated in allergic responses, and most of these have been shown to contain multiple allergenic epitopes (targets that an individual target binds to). IgE-mediated reactions to cow’s milk are common in infancy and non-IgE-mediated reactions are common in adults.

A 2005 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that the prevalence of self-diagnosed cow’s milk allergy is 10fold higher than the clinically proven incidence, suggesting that a sizable population is unnecessarily restricting dairy products (for allergy purposes). READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

2. Eggs

After cow’s milk, hen egg allergy is the second most common food allergy in infants and young children. A 2012 meta-analysis of the prevalence of food allergies estimated that egg allergy affects 0.5 percent to 2.5 percent of young children.

Allergy to eggs usually presents itself in the second half of the first year of life, with a median age of presentation of 10 months. Most reactions occur upon a child’s first known exposure to egg, with eczema the most common symptom.

Five major allergenic proteins from the egg of the domestic chicken have been identified, the most dominant being ovalbumin.

3. Soy

Soy allergy affects approximately 0.4 percent of children. According to a 2010 study conducted at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, 50 percent of children with a soy allergy outgrew the allergy by 7 years old.

Prevalence of sensitization after the use of soy-based formulas is around 8.8 percent. Soy formula is commonly used for infants who are allergic to cow’s milk, and research suggests that soy allergy occurs in only a small minority of young children with IgE-associated cow’s milk allergy.

4. Wheat

Gluten-related disorders, including wheat allergy, celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, have an estimated global prevalence close to 5 percent. These disorders share similar symptoms, making it difficult to make a clear diagnosis.

A wheat allergy represents a type of adverse immunologic reaction to proteins contained in wheat and related grains. IgE antibodies mediate the inflammatory response to several allergenic proteins found in wheat. Wheat allergy affects the skin, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.

Wheat allergy shows greater prevalence in children who commonly outgrow the allergy by school age.

5. Peanuts

Peanut allergy tends to present itself early in life, and affected individuals generally do not outgrow it. In highly sensitized people, just trace quantities of peanuts can induce an allergic reaction. Research suggests that early exposure to peanuts may reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy.

According to a 2010 study, peanut allergy affects approximately 1 percent of children and 0.6 percent of adults in the U.S. Peanuts are inexpensive and frequently eaten in unmodified form and as components of many different prepared foods. They cause the largest number of cases of severe anaphylaxis and death in the U.S.

6. Tree Nuts

The prevalence of tree nut allergies continues to increase worldwide, affecting about 1 percent of the general population. These allergies begin most often during childhood, but they can occur at any age.

Only about 10 percent of people outgrow tree nut allergies, and frequent lifetime reactions caused by accidental ingestion are a serious problem.

Nuts that are most commonly responsible for allergic reactions include hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews and almonds. Those that are less frequently associated with allergies include pecans, chestnuts, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, pistachio, coconut, Nangai nuts and acorns.

A 2015 systematic review found that walnut and cashew allergies were the most prevalent types of tree nut allergy in the U.S.

7. Fish

According to a study published in Clinical Reviews of Allergy and Immunology, adverse reactions to fish are not only mediated by the immune system causing allergies, but are often caused by various toxins and parasites, including ciguatera and anisakis. (See the list of fish you should never eat.) Allergic reactions to fish can be serious and life-threatening, and children usually don’t outgrow this type of food allergy.

A reaction is not restricted to the ingestion of fish, as it can also be caused by handling fish and intaking the cooking vapors. Prevalence rates of self-reported fish allergy range from 0.2 percent to 2.29 percent in the general population but can reach up to 8 percent among fish processing workers.

8. Shellfish

Allergic reactions to shellfish, which comprises the groups of crustaceans (such as crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, krill, woodlice and barnacles) and molluscs (such as squid, octopus and cuttlefish), can cause clinical symptoms ranging from mild urticaria (hives) and oral allergy syndrome to life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.

Shellfish allergy is known to be common and persistent in adults, and it can cause anaphylaxis in both children and adults. The prevalence of shellfish allergy is anywhere from 0.5 percent to 5 percent. Most shellfish-allergic children have sensitivity to dust mite and cockroach allergens as well.

A phenomenon called cross-reactivity may occur when an antibody reacts not only with the original allergen, but also with a similar allergen. Cross-reactivity occurs when a food allergen shares structural or sequence similarity with a different food allergen, which may then trigger an adverse reaction similar to that triggered by the original food allergen.

In the shadowy underbelly of the ongoing War on Drugs, a chilling narrative unfolds – one that lays bare the grim realities of the drug trade and the heart-wrenching consequences it leaves in its wake.

At the epicenter of this dark and twisted saga stand figures like Dexter Lee Williams, whose actions etch a haunting reminder of the depths to which humanity can plummet when ensnared by the tantalizing allure of power and profit.

Against the backdrop of history’s notorious drug lords, such as El Chapo and Pablo Escobar, Williams solidifies his name as a haunting presence, orchestrating a vast and malevolent drug ring that casts a long, ominous shadow over the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

The saga unravels over a span of five tumultuous years, punctuated by law enforcement’s relentless pursuit and unwavering resolve to dismantle the sprawling drug empire. Wiretaps weave a damning tapestry of incriminating conversations, recorded phone calls that reverberate with the sinister whispers of a nefarious criminal network…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

A symphony of arrests unfolds, each connected strand leading inexorably to one central figure – Baxter Lee Williams. It doesn’t take a seasoned sleuth to discern that Williams’ criminal past is far from pristine, with prior arrests for cocaine and marijuana distribution foreshadowing the malevolent undertones that have always permeated his existence.

Yet, Williams seems driven by an insatiable desire to transcend the boundaries of a mere small-time operator, to ascend the ranks to the echelons of a formidable drug kingpin. This grim trajectory climaxes in March 2020, a pivotal moment that echoes the crescendo of his criminal pursuits.

Authorities intercept a colossal shipment, containing a staggering 87 pounds of cocaine – a haul valued at nearly four million dollars. This seizure serves as a potent reminder of the seismic impact of Williams’ operations, an abrupt departure from the minor infractions that previously marked his criminal escapades.

As Williams finds himself ensnared within the relentless grasp of the law, a hallowed courtroom metamorphoses into a stage for his reckoning. The judge’s voice reverberates with gravity, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of the drug trade and the grave peril it poses to the community at large.

Williams, resolute yet undoubtedly apprehensive, absorbs the full weight of his actions as his attorney endeavors to mount a defense. Amidst this legal tableau, the echoes of his past crimes reverberate, building to a crescendo that culminates in a sentence that will rob him of his liberty for the next four decades.

Each sentence pronounced in the courtroom underscores the unyielding gravity of drug-related offenses, painting a stark portrait of the devastating consequences that accompany such actions. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

The judge’s words serve as an unwavering reminder that society will not tolerate the degradation of its very fabric. In the midst of this legal maelstrom, Wallace Bigger emerges as a figure whose journey from drug network operator to defendant unveils a sordid tapestry of crime, substandard operations, and a brazen disregard for the lives ensnared by his machinations.

Within the confines of the courtroom, the judge’s gaze bores into Bigger, a man who has boldly navigated the shadowy underbelly of the drug trade. The judge’s stern commentary on Bigger’s lifestyle underscores the dire choices he has made, as well as the lives forever altered by his actions.

The judge’s words echo with a resounding admonishment – Bigger’s actions were far from inconsequential, and the consequences will reverberate throughout the annals of history.

The courtroom’s theater unfolds further as Benjamin Bundy steps into the spotlight, a name that evokes chilling echoes of the infamous serial killer, Ted Bundy. In a poignant moment, tears cascade down Bundy’s face as he grapples with the gravity of the lives lost due to his actions. The weight of guilt hangs heavy in the air, a marked contrast to the audacity that characterized his criminal enterprise.

Amidst the courtroom drama, moments of anguish and heartbreak pierce through the veneer of criminality. The families of the victims lay bare their pain, their voices quivering with raw emotion. In the face of such palpable grief, Bundy’s veneer of stoicism crumbles, giving way to tears and a vulnerability that belies the ruthlessness of his actions. The courtroom becomes a battleground of emotions, a space where the intersection of justice and personal tragedy paints a poignant tableau.

In the grim world of drug lords, Charles Crusty emerges as a figure that defies conventional categorization. Operating as a real-life Kingpin, he weaves a sinister tapestry of violence and manipulation, forcing addicts into a nightmarish servitude through brutality and fear. The judge’s condemnation of Crusty’s actions pierces the courtroom, casting a stark light on the twisted web he has spun. The judge’s words leave little room for ambiguity – Crusty’s actions will bear consequences that reverberate for generations to come.

In a world marred by the darkest facets of humanity, the courtroom stands as a crucible of accountability. Whether it is Dexter Lee Williams, Wallace Bigger, Benjamin Bundy, or Charles Crusty, their journey through the legal labyrinth is a testament to the inexorable pursuit of justice.

Within the courtroom’s hallowed halls, the voices of victims and perpetrators interweave, forming a tapestry of raw emotion, palpable consequence, and the unending struggle to grapple with the enigmatic forces of criminality that threaten to consume us all.

When this amazing and brave homeless man found a life-changing amount of money, he didn’t hesitate to do the right thing and reunite it with its owner.

His name is Elmer and he was homeless when he found the $10,000 check. As someone who had been dealt a tough hand in life, Elmer could have done anything with that check but he decided to return it to its rightful owner. His honesty ended up setting him on a path that would ultimately change his life for the better.

The money belonged to real estate agent Roberta who had lost the check on a busy intersection and didn’t realize it had disappeared until the next day…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Elmer said the first thing that came to mind when he found the check was, “I got to look for this person.” He said he didn’t think about cashing it for himself. “It never crossed my mind because I made a decision to turn my life over. I’ve been clean for three years,” Elmer told CBS News

When Roberta found out that the check had been returned she was determined to find Elmer and thank him personally. “I expected to find a guy all nice, clean shaven and blue suit,” she said. Instead she got Elmer, who had brought a friend with him as his English wasn’t very good who told Roberta that Elmer was homeless. “It shattered the stereotypes,” Roberta said. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

When Roberta handed Elmer a check to say thank you he cried. Roberta streamed her meeting with Elmer on Facebook Live in the hope of shattering the myths surrounding homeless people.

There are many reasons why a person can find themselves homeless and Roberta understands this all too well after finding herself living in a shelter as a teen mom with just $400 a month to care for herself and her son. Roberta managed to work her way out of poverty and now runs her own multi-million dollar real estate company.

In the year that followed their meeting Roberta has also given Elmer a helping hand. Not only did she find him an apartment and pay his rent for 7 months, she also put him through real estate school so he can become an employee of her company.

Now the two plan on building a transitional house for homeless teenagers and young adults that will provide the kinds of services that Elmer said are crucial. “I know what it is to be homeless. Nobody deserves to live like that,” he said.