cover image ALLERGY FREE NATURALLY: 1,000 Nondrug Solutions for More than 50 Allergy-Related Problems

ALLERGY FREE NATURALLY: 1,000 Nondrug Solutions for More than 50 Allergy-Related Problems

Rick Ansorge, Eric Metcalf, Editors Prevention, . . Rodale, $19.95 (544pp) ISBN 978-1-57954-392-1

This comprehensive look at allergies first distinguishes between traditional allergy treatments and environmental and alternative treatments. Rather than focus on specific causes or stresses (cat hair or mold spores), alternative allergists focus on how all of a range of stresses from environment, physical and emotional can cause a body to react in a variety of ways. Heredity, nutrition and emotional or physical makeup might determine a type of allergic reaction. The book identifies and explains an enormous number of common allergic reactions to pets, foods and outdoor elements such as pollen. Especially useful are the detailed summaries on creating an allergy-free environment at home; an allergy-free diet, with a special focus on children; and solutions to common allergies, such as what to do to combat reactions to insect bites. Traditional physicians might argue that the book goes too far in its focus on natural treatments, but since diagnosing and curing allergies is difficult, anyone suffering from severe allergies will find this book beneficial, both for self-diagnosis and when dealing with physicians. Detailed but accessibly written, this book is a solid addition to all home medical libraries. (Oct.)