Unexpected Ways Your Body Responds to Allergens

By Stepy Kamei

It seems like it would be a pretty straightforward thing when it comes to determining any sort of allergic reaction, doesn't it? Often, it is easy to tell when you are allergic to something, whether it be food, flora, or fabric. However, there are times when the body is much more subtle when it tries to alert you to an allergen in the area, to the point you may not realize you're having an allergic reaction at all. It's a good idea to acquaint yourself with some of the lesser-known symptoms of an allergic reaction so you can be better in tune with your overall sense of health and wellness. In addition to sneezing, itchiness, and watery eyes, pay attention to these signs.

Aches and Pains

Yes, you can get aches and pains throughout the body due to heavy lifting or spending prolonged amounts of time in uncomfortable positions. But if neither of those reasons seem to explain your discomfort, an allergen or sensitivity may be to blame. For instance, many healthcare experts have reported that patients with reactions to mold often complain of muscle pain. Reactions to metals such as nickel have also been known to cause muscle soreness. 

Physical and Mental Fatigue

There are plenty of reasons to experience tiredness -- maybe you didn't sleep well the night before, or maybe you haven't eaten enough during the day. But if you're experiencing both physical and mental fatigue, a food intolerance could be to blame. Consider journaling in a food log in which you record everything you eat, and how you feel physically and mentally both before and after consuming each food. Over time, you may begin to notice a pattern. For example, you may see that every time you eat corn, you notice a sharp dip in your energy levels within the hour. 

Bloating and Weight Gain

Bloating is no fun to deal with, as it's often your body's way of telling you that it is having a hard time tolerating something you've recently consumed. Dairy products are often to blame for this issue. However, what you think is bloat may actually be weight gain, which can also be caused by regular exposure to an allergen. 

If you've been experiencing symptoms like these for a while now, with no discernable cause, consider speaking with your doctor about possible allergy tests. This knowledge could greatly improve your health and well-being.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.