Allergies (Food)

Allergic reactions are the immune system’s response to perceived invaders in the body such as mold, dust, or certain food. A food allergy is an allergic reaction to certain food such as milk, shellfish, nuts, chocolate, or soy, or food additives, such as preservatives and colorings. An allergic reaction can range anywhere from mild to severe and include skin rash, headache, hives, stuffy or runny nose, gastrointestinal upset, or shortness of breath. Certain people develop life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis in which there is a difficult breathing, rapid swelling of the throat or tongue, and a sudden drop in blood pressure, also the person may become unconscious. To deal effectively with food allergies a person must eliminate the offending food, but may find natural remedies helpful in reducing the severity of symptoms when the food is accidentally consumed.

See also, Hay fever

             Eczema

             Urticaria (Hives)

Home Remedies

• Take equal quantity of cumin seeds, fennel seeds and white sesame seeds
     (25 gram each) and dry-roast each seeds separately. Mix the roasted seeds
     and 1/2 teaspoon rock salt. Store in a glass jar. Chew a handful of this
     mixture after eating any food which will aid digestion and help to prevent
     any kind of food allergy.

• Make licorice tea made from 1/2 teaspoon licorice root powder and 1
     teaspoon ghee. Add 1/2 teaspoon honey only after the tea starts to cool
     and drink this tea. (Note: People with high blood pressure should not drink
     licorice tea) 

Do’s

• Take diet rich in vitamin B and E. Eat one or two banana daily. If you are
     not sensitive to banana.

• Drink 6-8 glasses of pure water daily.
• If the allergen is airborne, clean living and working spaces frequently.
• Wear a face mask when doing chores.
• Get rid of dust, molds, and mildew. 

• Manage stress. Try deep breathing and relaxation exercise.

• Do yoga.

   

Don’ts

• Avoid allergen triggering food which may include eggs, strawberries,
     berries, peanuts, nuts, chocolates, cheese, tomatoes, soy products,
     shellfish and many more.

• Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, cola drinks, and chocolates.
• Stop smoking, if you smoke. Smoking exacerbates allergic reactions.

• Avoid foods containing any food additives, such as preservatives and
     colorings.

See Doctor                                 

See doctor immediately if:

• Develop breathing difficulties, swelling of lips and tongue, and a rash
     within a few minutes of eating a suspect food.