EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 3 minutes When we talk about food-related issues, we often throw around the terms "allergy," "intolerance," and "sensitivity." But do you know the differences between them? Not all reactions to food are created equal, and understanding the distinctions between them can help you identify the cause of your discomfort, seek appropriate treatment, and prevent future reactions. In this article, we'll break down the science behind food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities, and help you understand how they affect your body. Food Allergy Food allergy is a reaction of the immune system in which the body mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful. These proteins, known as allergens, trigger an immediate and often severe response by the immune system, causing symptoms such as hives, swelling, breathing difficulties, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction). Food allergies affect around 4% of adults and 4-6% of children and can be diagnosed through skin tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges.  Avoiding the allergen is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction, but medications such as antihistamines and epinephrine can help control symptoms. Talk to your doctor before using any new drug. Food Intolerance Food intolerance is a digestive system disorder in which the body is unable to digest certain components of food, such as lactose (found in milk), fructose (found in fruit), or gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye). People with food intolerance may experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or flatulence after consuming these foods. Unlike food allergy, food intolerance does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. Food intolerance can often be managed by avoiding the trigger food or replacing it with alternatives. For example, a person with lactose intolerance can replace milk with almond or coconut milk. Additionally, some people may benefit from special diets such as the low FODMAP diet which restricts certain carbohydrates known to cause digestive problems in some people. Finally, there are tests available from healthcare providers that can help identify food intolerances and underlying digestive issues. Food Sensitivity Food sensitivity is a delayed reaction to certain foods that may not involve the immune system or the digestive system. Symptoms of food sensitivity can be vague and include headaches, joint pain, fatigue, skin problems, and mood changes. Food sensitivity can be difficult to diagnose, and the trigger food can vary from person to person. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut syndrome have been associated with food sensitivity. Some people may be sensitive to certain foods due to a genetic predisposition, while others may develop a sensitivity due to changes in the gut microbiota.  There are several tests available from healthcare providers to identify food sensitivity, including an elimination diet. This involves cutting out certain foods suspected of being triggers and then reintroducing them one at a time to see how the body responds. However, don’t just do any sort of self-testing without the advice of a doctor. A medical specialist can determine the best avenue for treatment and diagnosis. Tracking symptoms in a journal can help you identify which foods may be causing issues for you. Conclusion Knowing the differences between food allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity can help you make informed choices about your diet and health.  If you suspect that you have a food-related issue, it's important to seek medical advice to determine the cause and seek appropriate treatment. If you have food intolerance or sensitivity, you can manage your symptoms by avoiding trigger foods and adopting a healthy, balanced diet. Don't let food-related issues stop you from enjoying life and living well.

Read Time: 4 minutes Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for some people, spring also brings seasonal allergies. Allergies aren't just annoying—they can impact your daily functioning and limit your enjoyment of this lovely season.  It can be hard to "stop and smell the flowers" when you have symptoms like sneezing, itching, inflammation, and congestion. If you're one of these people, we have some tips on how to thrive with spring allergies this season. How Are Allergies and the Immune System Connected? The immune system is responsible for fighting off infections and foreign substances, allergens included. It's made up of two parts: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.  The innate immune system is a first line of defense, using antibodies to tag invaders, then attacking them with cells like macrophages that engulf invaders.  Your immune system can also release white blood cells, which in turn release chemicals like histamines when they come across an invader. The adaptive immune system works more like detectives -- it looks at specific antigens on the surface of cells and makes long-lasting memories so it can recognize those cells later on.  This means you don't need to produce new antibodies every time you get sick. Instead, your body learns how to attack those specific pathogens based on prior experience with them (or something similar). Reduce Exposure If you're allergic to pollen, which is a common springtime allergy, the best way to avoid it is to reduce your exposure. Keep your windows closed as much as possible. Reduce the amount of time you spend outside (or at least avoid being outdoors during peak pollen times). Use a good quality air filter in your home or office: HEPA filters are great for trapping allergens and keeping them from circulating through the room. You could also try using an ionizer or purifier with an electrostatic charge that attracts airborne particles onto its surface where they can be collected by vacuuming them up later (this method works especially well when combined with HEPA filtration). Zinc Zinc is an essential mineral that's involved in many processes in the body, including your immune system. Zinc supports your immune system by encouraging healthy white blood cell function.  It can be found in a variety of foods, but you may need to take a supplement if you don't get enough zinc from food sources.  Vitamin C and D3 Vitamin C and D3 supplements can support a strong, healthy immune system as well.  Vitamin C is known to act as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant, and studies show it may support the immune system in countering symptoms of allergies like inflammation and swelling.  According to research by the CDC, Vitamin D3 may aid immune function when taken regularly over time. It supports a healthy immune response when foreign bodies like allergens enter the body, and a supplement can be especially helpful for people in colder, less sunny climates who may not get enough sunlight to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D on their own. Acupuncture If you're suffering from seasonal allergies, acupuncture may be able to help. While acupuncture cannot cure conditions, it can be used to alleviate symptoms in many situations, including seasonal allergies. While research has yet to prove conclusively whether acupuncture works for treating seasonal allergies (or anything else), many people have found it to be helpful after having treatments performed by an experienced practitioner.  So, if you've got spring allergies that are keeping you indoors and miserable this year, consider giving this ancient Chinese practice a try! Self-Care to Minimize Stress The stress and frustration of allergies can be managed with some effort and self-care. If you have allergies, don't let them keep you from enjoying the outdoors or your life. Here are some self-care tips: Don't forget to take your allergy medication before going outside. This will help prevent symptoms from getting worse so that they won't bother you as much during the day (or night). Keep water on hand and hydrate—you'll need it when those sneezes and coughs start kicking in!  Also, try taking breaks inside if possible. This will give your nose a chance to rest up before heading back out into pollen-filled air again later in the day or evening hours when pollen counts tend to be highest outside. EZ Immunity Support  Springtime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but allergies can be a strain on the quality of your life if left unmanaged.  We’ve combined our top three supplement picks for immune support into a bundle, so you can have all three delivered right to your door. Our Essential Immune Bundle includes Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, and Zinc, so you feel comfortable going outdoors this spring.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read Time: 3 minutes Nutrition is one of the biggest influencing factors on our health and wellbeing, so it’s probably why people are always trying to modify their diets to meet their wellness goals. Living gluten-free is becoming increasingly popular in mainstream culture, with celebrities and health influencers alike touting its many benefits. However, a gluten-free diet for people with certain health conditions like Celiac’s Disease is not a choice; it’s mandatory.  It’s hard to know fact from fiction surrounding gluten with so much information circulating out there, so let’s break down some common gluten-free facts and myths. Gluten-Free Diet Myths and Facts Gluten is Bad. Myth. Gluten isn’t bad or good. It’s simply a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. Our bodies don’t have the enzymes needed to metabolize the proteins in gluten completely.  But good news: our immune system can help with that, and unprocessed gluten ends up in the small intestines on its way out. You Can Lose A Lot of Weight By Going Gluten-Free. Myth. There is such a wide spectrum of nutrient-dense and nutrient-void foods that it’s possible to lose OR gain weight if you go gluten-free, depending on pre-existing medical conditions and/or food choices. Many gluten-free foods are higher in fat and carbs while being low in fiber and whole grains, and the latter are needed for metabolism and digestion.  A Gluten Allergy Is the Same as a Gluten Sensitivity. Myth. There is actually no such thing as a gluten allergy. A gluten sensitivity, or gluten intolerance, is a non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  With NCGS you may feel sick or bloated. Someone with Celiac’s who eats gluten can negatively impact their health in the long run. If You Suffer From a Wheat Allergy You Must Follow a Gluten-Free Diet. Myth. A wheat allergy doesn’t equal a gluten allergy as well. Gluten is a protein found in wheat. Gluten-free foods are often made with wheat, and some foods that are labeled wheat-free contain gluten. If you have either a wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity, make sure you learn how to read the label.  If You’re Allergic to Wheat and Eat It, It Can Result in a Severe Reaction. Fact. Consuming gluten won’t cause an immediate life-threatening reaction in people with gluten intolerance or Celiac’s. However, eating wheat with a wheat allergy CAN definitely result in a severe reaction, as any food allergy can do.  Gluten is Only Found in Wheat. Myth. People think that gluten is only found in wheat, but it is a binding protein found in rye and barley as well.  A Gluten-Free Diet Can Help With Diabetes Management. Fact/Myth. The jury is out on this one. Foods with heavy carbohydrates create a glucose imbalance in people with diabetes.  Avoiding gluten doesn’t necessarily help manage diabetes. While gluten is found in products with carbohydrates, gluten itself does not affect blood glucose levels. For example, there are sauces, cooking ingredients, soups, and other sources low on carbs that contain gluten.  Other studies suggest that there could be a link between diabetes and a diet high in gluten. It’s always best to consult a medical professional before starting a new diet, especially when you have pre-existing health conditions. Gluten-Free Supplements EZ Melts supplements fit your diet and lifestyle, regardless of whether you eat gluten or not. Our vitamins are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements! 

Read Time: 5 minutes It’s not wise to use blanket statements, but in this case, we think it’s appropriate to assume most people enjoy going out to eat or have a few drinks to unwind. There are no dishes, no mess to clean up in your kitchen, and no time-consuming food prep required to enjoy a night out at a restaurant, bar, or lounge.  However, for people with food allergies who are limited in what they can order off a menu, it can be hard to feel included in a night out. It can be a huge source of stress to try and find an option that won’t make them sick—or worse. While some restaurants and venues are knowledgeable about food allergens and train their staff accordingly, there are still many places that are unable to guarantee their menu items are allergen-free. Do you have an allergy? Minimize the stress and hassle of planning a night out with these five tips.  Be the Fearless Food Leader Worried a loved one might forget about your allergy when they make a reservation? Are your group of friends trying to find a brewery to meet up after work?  Instead of worrying about what venue they might pick, take control and ownership of the plans. It’s worth having a conversation with close friends and family about your needs, and tell them that it would be less stressful for everyone involved if you picked a place you know is going to have safe options.  They will probably appreciate your initiative to assume the responsibility of the planning, and you eliminate the anxiety of wondering if you can even order.  Keep a List for Easy Decision-Making Are you finding it hard to keep track of all the safe places to eat out? Or maybe you always recommend this one restaurant, but your partner wants to switch it up this weekend.  Save a note on your phone with a list of two or three options you like for each cuisine you enjoy. Whether it’s Italian, Thai, or Indian, you’ll always have some backup places when a family member is feeling picky.  Look Online and Call Ahead Now we know it’s not fair to make planning a night out always fall on one person just because they have allergies. Inevitably, there will be a day when your friend really wants to check out the newest nightlife spot in town, or you don’t have time to assume the responsibility.  The easiest solution these days is to look online for a menu, then call the venue or restaurant in advance to double-check that they have cocktails and food you can safely order.  For example, if you have gluten intolerance and are going to a brewery for beers with some coworkers, check the menu online and call the venue to ask if they have gluten-free options like ciders or hard liquor alternatives to beer, which typically contain this allergen. There are also apps that track allergies at restaurants and bars so that you can feel further assured before heading out for the evening. Order Simple The closer to whole, unpackaged, and raw, the less likely it will be that the food you order contains allergens. Obviously don’t play hard and fast with your health, but a good way to guide your decision is to look for menu items that contain as little as possible in their ingredients and are in their natural state (think organic vegetables, fruits, meat without GMOs, etc.)  In addition, it’s a good rule of thumb to stay away from fried dishes or meals with a lot of sauces. Oils, dressing, and marinades with a lot of ingredients are harder to quality control, as they are often bought by the restaurant from a third party or have a lot of preservatives that could be cross-contaminated.  Share Your Concerns and Ask the Staff Questions Many hosts and serves will now ask if anyone in the party has food allergies, but if they don’t take that precaution, make sure you do. When a staff member doesn’t ask, it doesn’t mean there isn’t contamination. Ask questions to gauge their knowledge of their food and beverages. Some questions could be: Is there a chance for cross-contamination? What oils or marinades do you use and can you say for certain that a dish does not have this specific ingredient? Does the kitchen cook food separately when they are told there is an allergy?  If they aren’t certain or can’t tell you for sure, don’t feel bad about leaving to find another place. Worrying about what the staff or your loved ones will think if you get up and walk out is not as important as your health and safety. Besides, we would like to think your friends and family would be equally as concerned as you.  Allergen-Free Supplements You Can Feel Good About  If you’re looking for further ways to get good nutrition but have allergies, find supplements that are guaranteed to be free of the Big Nine Allergens.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free of artificial flavors and cross-contamination with the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements!

Read Time: 3 minutes Allergies are becoming more common in the US, and we aren't just talking about seasonal allergies here. There is a drastic increase in rates of people experiencing mild to severe symptoms, including asthma, food allergies, dermatitis, eczema, and even anaphylaxis.  Allergies can develop early or later in life due to genetics, environmental factors like pollution, and infections. No one can predict if someone will develop allergies, but a sizable hereditary factor is involved.  But recently, scientists have made a surprising discovery: vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, could be a factor in developing allergies. And it's more common than you might think — according to recent studies, about 42% of Americans today are vitamin D deficient.  How are nutrient deficiencies linked to allergic reactions? Read on to find out.    Causes & Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency Time in the sun can stimulate vitamin D production, but it's easy to develop a deficiency if you don't get enough, have pre-existing conditions, or have an unbalanced diet. Other factors include: Celiac's disease Chronic kidney/liver disease Taking some long-term heartburn medications Being elderly Having melanated skin In addition, vitamin D deficiency is linked to: Muscle weakness Mood swings Fatigue Bone and back pain Becoming ill often Hair loss Bone loss   The Connection Between Vitamin D and Allergies Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, rashes — all these and more are symptoms of an allergic reaction. They can happen when an allergen, like peanuts, shellfish, or pollen, enters your body and triggers your immune system. When allergens alert your immune system, it releases antibodies to fight back against the intruder—hence, an allergic reaction. In recent studies, low vitamin D levels have been linked to symptoms like asthma, eczema, and more. As we said before, it's not clear why different people experience different immune system triggers.  Some scientists believe that there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and an increased likelihood of allergic reactions because vitamin D is crucial in supporting your immune health. Many environmental and hereditary factors are at play in developing allergies, and studies show that vitamin D deficiency might be one more factor to add to the list.   The Easiest Way to Get Vitamin D Vitamin D deficiencies are on the rise in the US, probably due to working indoors, wearing sunscreen (a good thing), and unbalanced diets. It's even more important to take care of your health and make sure you are getting enough nutrition.  One of the easiest ways to boost your vitamin D intake is a supplement. Taking vitamin D for allergies can have many benefits. While you may be able to find vitamin D supplements elsewhere, it's finding quality products that count when it comes to your health. Make sure you choose a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body! EZ Melts supplements are all zero-sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, so you know that you are getting effective supplements that won't cause you harm. Try our newest vitamin D3 + K2 supplement here today. Thank you for being a part of the EZ Melts community!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Read time: 3 minutes Food allergies are much more common than you would think. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 32 million people in the United States have serious food allergies. When Congress passed the Food Allergen Labeling Act of 2004, 8 of the most common allergens were named and they stated that brands must label accordingly if any of these Big 8 are or could have been in contact with the product. In 2021, sesame was added to the list to total 9 of the largest food allergens. Here they are in no particular order and how common they are.   The 9 Major Food Allergens PeanutsPeanuts are the second most common allergen for adults in the United States. About 3 million Americans are currently diagnosed with a moderate to severe peanut allergy. Only about 20% of children outgrow a peanut allergy over time, and it can cause serious or life-threatening symptoms, so it is important to diagnose early on. While peanuts are not the same as tree nuts (technically they are legumes), they are considered a nut allergy.ShellfishIn adults, shellfish ranks as the #1 allergen currently. Approximately 2% of the population has a shellfish allergy, and it is most often a lifelong condition. There are two categories of shellfish: crustaceans and bivalves or mollusks. Allergies to crustaceans such as shrimp or crabs are more common, however it is possible to be allergic to both types.FishNot to be confused with shellfish, fish allergies affect 1% of the United States population. Salmon, tuna, catfish, and cod are the most common types of fish to which people report having allergic reactions. Interestingly enough, about 40% of people have their first allergic reaction to fish in adulthood, not childhood.MilkMilk is the most common allergy found in children, followed closely by peanut and egg products. In fact, it affects about 2-3% of children under the age of 3. An allergy to milk is often confused with a digestive condition called lactose intolerance, but is actually very different. Like many food allergies, it can go away or lessen, but often is a lifelong condition.EggsAllergies to hen’s eggs is the second most common food allergy in children and infants. Unfortunately, as many as 2% of children in the United States are allergic. While it does show that about 70% of children grow out of this allergy by age 16, it is still a serious condition and can last a lifetime.Tree NutsTree Nuts, including almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and more, are a common allergen. About .5% to 1% of adults have a severe tree nut allergy. About 30% of adults who have a peanut allergy also have a tree nut allergy, and it is common to be allergic to some types and still be able to consume others. A doctor should be able to help determine this.WheatAllergies to consuming wheat or inhaling wheat flour is common and as wheat is a large staple of the American diet, it is one that many with this allergy have to be extremely cautious about. Wheat allergy is sometimes mistaken for celiac’s disease, which does affect one’s ability to consume it, but with celiac’s, it is due to gluten, which is found in wheat. Up to 1% of the US population has a wheat allergy, and while children display symptoms, about 65% of children’s immune systems resolve this by age 12.SoybeansWhile soybeans are the least common allergen, they still affect about .3% of the general population, both children and adults. As soy is in many vegan, vegetarian, grain, and baby food products, it is one that needs to be looked out for when buying food. Soy allergies are often outgrown as children reach adulthood, but it can be a lifelong condition.SesameSesame is the most recent addition to the Big Allergens list—just added in April 2021 by the FDA—and for good reason. About 1.5 million Americans may have an undiagnosed allergy to sesame seeds and its related products, and about 1.1 million adults and children currently have a severe allergy.The EZ Melts DifferenceUnlike many major vitamin brands, EZ Melts supplements are free from the Big 9 Allergens, harmful toxic ingredients, artificial flavors, and GMOs. We carefully source our ingredients to deliver the highest standard of quality, so you won’t have to wonder what’s going into your body. Try us out and see the EZ Melts difference! ___Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens