Food allergy its possible causes, common Signs & Symptoms and how Holistic Remedies can help.

Avoid self-medication even with natural remedies as they are not always safe, especially in chronic or serious health disorders – always seek professional advice.

Allergy is one of the most common health problems.

• There are 2 basic types of allergies that are inhalant and food allergies.
• Children are more susceptible.
• Studies show that breast-feeding reduces the frequency and severity of allergies in children as compared to bottle-fed babies.
• A food allergy is an abnormal immune reaction caused by the ingestion of certain foods mostly proteins or food additives.

Food intolerance or sensitivities are delayed type allergies,

that is merely difficulty digesting certain foods and do not actually involve the immune system!

A list of some common food offenders.

Most dairy products including ice cream, chocolate, cheese yoghurt and specially cow’s milk protein intolerance is thought to be the most common childhood allergy as they tend to produce mucus and excess mucus indicates an allergic response, that distract the immune system.

Certain other foods increase inflammation within the body, weaken the immune system and lead to digestive issues, such as:

• Eggs
• Nuts and Peanuts in particular
• Fish specially Shellfish
• Packaged foods
• Hydrogenated oils
• Corns
• Artificial flavourings, colouring or colourings
• Grains – as they contain gluten i.e. wheat, rye, oats and barley etc.
• Soy products
• Citrus fruits – oranges, lemons, grapefruits
• Yeast – all forms of brewer’s yeast, yeast-based spreads and fermented foods
• Tomatoes, capsicums, onions, garlic and potatoes etc.

Various drugs or medicines allergies:

All drugs do not give any reactions, but some may react to certain people at various levels as per their intensity.

The most common Drugs are:

• Antibiotics, such as penicillin
• Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen
• Anticonvulsants
• Monoclonal antibody therapy and
• Chemotherapy

Most Common signs & symptoms of food allergy may include:

• Digestive or Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, gas, cramping, bloating and or vomiting.
• Feeling of sickness and stomach cramps
• Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, eyes, and or face
• Wheezing and breathing difficulty
• Loss of consciousness, irritability & headache
• Eczematous or Hives like skin rashes
• Dry, cracked, or red skin
• Itchy eyes and skin
• Anxiety
• Fatigue and
• Thrush etc.

Food allergy vs food intolerance in nutshell:

• Allergy symptoms occur rapidly after contact usually within 2 hours while Food sensitivity or intolerance symptoms can occur up to 48 hours after ingestion.

• Allergy symptoms can be serious and even life-threatening in rare cases. Whilst food intolerance may be uncomfortable or annoying, but it does not have the potential to be serious.

• An allergy can cause an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. But Food intolerance is generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems.

• If you suffer from an intolerance, basically you can’t break down certain foods. If you have a food intolerance, you may be able to eat small amounts of the offending foods without trouble and prevent certain reactions.

Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Chronic food intolerance:

• Fatigue
• Fogginess
• Asthma
• Autism
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Vaginal Yeast Infection
• Canker Sores
• Ear Infections
• Eczema / Psoriasis
• IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Migraine / Headaches
• Chronic Sinus Infections
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Celiac Disease.
• Attention Deficit Disorder – ADD ADHD etc.

Common causes of food intolerance include:

• Absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. Lactose intolerance is a common example.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Sensitivity to food additives.
• Recurring stress or psychological factors. Sometimes the mere thought of a food may make you sick.
• Celiac disease this chronic digestive condition is triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains.

Prevention and helpful tips to avoid further deterioration.

Foods that we crave or eat on daily bases can be the main offenders for allergies. When a substance is suspected to be the primary culprit of an allergic reaction – we must need to identify that and avoid eating.

• Avoid sugar, sodas, sweetened juices etc., as they damage the immune system.
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, deep-fried, fatty, cold or raw foods.
• Avoid stress, negative emotions and exhaustion, as they weaken the immune system too.
• Get plenty of sleep and relaxation.
• Sunbathing for 20 to 30 minutes a day can be helpful to stimulate skin immunity and inhibit bacterial activity.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This will help to thin secretions, making them easier to clear.
• Fasting is one of the oldest methods to eliminate all possible food allergens and allowing the body a period of cleansing.
• During fasting only use distilled or spring water, vegetables and fruit juices.

Herbal Supplements and Home Remedies for food allergy.

Make sure to avoid any ingredient you are allergic to – discussed in this video!

For skin rashes, apply olive or coconut oils on the affected area. Being rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, they promote healing and skin renewal.

Regular application of aloe Vera promotes healing and reduces the redness and itching of the skin rashes.

Peppermint tea: steep one tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves in one cup of boiling water for five minutes. Then strain it and allow it to cool. Add one teaspoon of honey before drinking it. You can enjoy two to three cups of this tea daily until you get rid of your symptoms completely.

Top Essential oils for food allergies.

Aromatherapy is the use of plants extracts for healing.

Always dilute in a base oil like olive oil etc. and apply externally!

Use of certain essential oils can be a valuable addition to non-medicinal way of boosting your immune system and prevent from allergic reactions.

Chamomile – perhaps one of the most soothing, calming and balancing oils for physical as well as mental irritation.  Known for its reduction of histamine-related reactions, it is excellent for supporting with problems such as hay fever, asthma and eczema.

Basil – another great oil with an affinity for the respiratory system, this oil also helps with digestive inflammation, and is well known for any head symptoms.

Lemongrass – wonderful for the immune system, is also a tonic for the nervous system, for those who are always stressed.

When you’re stressed your body releases hormones that can make allergic reactions worse.

And lastly Sandalwood is soothing and balancing and generally calming.

It is particularly good for skin and respiratory issues.

Homeopathic approach for food allergies.

Homeopathy is one of the safest holistic system of medicines – that offers a unique, personalised treatment and has the potential to reverse a medical disorder.

If you never try it – you will never know!

Consult a qualified homeopath for a proper assessment and take tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, modalities and peculiar signs and symptoms etc.

Here are Top 6 homeopathic remedies for food allergies.

• Arsenic album is used for allergy from cold drinks, fruits, rotten foods that may cause stuffiness and copious watery nasal discharge, burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Natrum Mur is prescribed for wheat, milk, cheese, acidic foods and bread that may lead to sneezing, shivering, watery nasal discharge, headache that aggravates in the sun.
• Astacus – from all types of foods and liver disorders that cause urticaria or hives like symptoms.
• Pulsatilla is indicated for Baked and mixed foods allergies.
• Antim Crud for sour foods, vinegar, pickles etc
• Apis Mellifica for allergic skin reactions after certain foods and pollen, dust or sun exposure.

For your particular health problem(s), or to change your medications it is strongly suggested to avoid self-medication and consult your GP / health provider or Mind & Body Holistic Health Clinic.

You may also book your one-to-one consultation with one of our practitioners for your tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, peculiar signs & symptoms etc.  

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