Allergies
You can be allergic to dog and cat fur, dust, mold, certain food, ragweed or pollen. The reasons may differ but the symptoms are common--nose congestion, breathlessness, chest pain, sneezing, itchy red eyes and sinus or migraine headaches. As if these symptoms are not debilitating enough, they further lead to a host of other complications, such as irritability, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings, fatigue and depression. Some doctors call it the allergy blues. So, depression is one of the symptoms of the allergy itself. But it can also be a side effect of allergy medication.
Overall, people with allergies don't sleep well, and lack of sleep has an immediate affect on the mood. Many people take antihistamines before going to bed. This may give them four hours of sleep, but once the effect of the medicine wears off, they will find themselves wide awake. Over a long period, insomnia can lead to depression.
Cytokines
People with allergies may also feel depressed because of cytokines. Cytokines are anti-inflammatory proteins that the body releases to protect itself from pollen or other allergens. These cytokines affect the central nervous system and cause the release of IL-1 beta. This is a chemical found in the brain which induces a feeling of being low, lethargic, weak and unable to concentrate. A person suffering from ragweed allergy releases cytokines through the nose and lungs. Severely depressed patients have a higher concentration of cytokines in their cerebrospinal fluid.
There is a deep relationship between food and mood. But many people are not aware that food allergies are the cause of their health problems. Intolerance to certain foods affects the limbic portion of the brain, which in turn controls emotions, sexuality, sleep, hunger, thirst, memory and body temperature. If one is allergic to milk and dairy products, then it is imperative to avoid these products. However, this can lead to a deficiency in Vitamin B12 or D. Prolonged deficiency of these vitamins can affect the mood and finally lead to depression. It is an indirect way to depression.
The Way Out
So what is the way out? It is important to find out if you have any allergies. Also, it is recommended to use a HEPA filter to clear the air off allergens and asthmatic pollutants from your house. One should avoid known allergy aggravators like cigarettes, mono sodium glutamate (MSG), birth control pills and coffee. Roughly 85 percent of people suffering from migraines could get relief if they excluded the 10 most common food allergens. These are wheat, milk and dairy products, eggs, soy, peanuts, other nuts, seafood, shellfish and the food additive sulphite.
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