Seafood Allergy (Matsyavarga)

विशेषात्पयसामत्स्यामत्स्येष्वपिचिलीचिम: ।।

Seafood Allergy - Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Seafood Allergy is the hyper reaction of the body towards certain eatable organisms available from the sea. Shellfish is the most common type of seafood that causes an allergic response. Seafood Allergy is more common in adult women. Symptoms vary from mild to life-threatening. In Ayurveda, Matsyavarga (Group of fishes) is mentioned. These are said to cause adverse reactions in the body usually when combined with some mismatched foodstuffs. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is successfully managing a wide range of Seafood allergy-related cases.

Causes of Seafood Allergy

The proteins present in some seafood are misidentified as harmful substances by the body’s immune system and produce antibodies to expel them. Next time, when body is exposed to this protein again, these antibodies readily stimulate the production of histamines that initiates body’s immune reaction. Shellfish is the most common category of seafood responsible for allergic reactions. Shellfish is of different types each containing different types of proteins. Two major types of shellfish are Crustaceans and Mollusks. Crustaceans include crabs, lobster, prawns etc. and Mollusks include squids, snails, oysters etc. Some people may be allergic only to some types of shellfish while some others are allergic to all types.

Ayurveda suggests the use of certain marine food joined with other food like black gram, milk, honey, jaggery etc. results in adverse reactions.

Ayurvedic Reference of Seafood Allergy (Matsyavarga)

Symptoms of Seafood Allergy

Allergic response towards seafood may be manifested within minutes to one hour of exposure. Symptoms include:

Rashes and itching on the skin
Wheezing, breathing difficulties
Nasal congestion
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Fainting etc.

In severe cases, allergic reaction can result in anaphylaxis that may require medical emergency.

Skin eruptions, fainting, skin diseases, dysentery etc. are explained as some of the symptoms caused by intake of food like fishes with unsuitable combinations.

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is extending our hands to help all, who are suffering from occupational allergy, through Ayurveda. Ayurveda ensures tremendous relief from allergic diseases and IAFA is the paramount door to spread the grace of Ayurveda to all”.

Reach IAFA for real Ayurvedic healing!!!

– Allergist, Dr. Sahil Gupta

Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine & Surgery
Master’s in Health Administration

Diet in Seafood Allergy

Do’s (Pathya)

Light and compatible food
Freshly prepared food
Gooseberry
Pomegranate
Practice of exercise
Adequate sleep

Don’ts (Apathya)

Repeated use of allergic food
Excess consumption of Alcohol
Regular intake of seafood
Use of milk and milk products along with seafood
Junk food
Reheated and old food
Use of cold water

Yoga and Pranayama in Seafood Allergy

Yoga helps to attain physical and mental strength that in turn elevates immunity of body. Following Yoagasanas will be beneficial for people having seafood allergies:

Suryanamaskar
Padahasthsana
Matsyasana
Bhujangasana
Pavanamuktasasana

Pranayama (breathing exercise) will help to open up body channels and to relieve stagnant body functions by allowing free movement of Vata dosha.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Seafood Allergy

Ayurvedic medicines help to reduce the intensity of symptoms caused by seafood allergy and to avoid severe complications. Ayurveda advocates both purification therapy and pacifying medicines in the management of allergic conditions.

Internal Medicines

Following internal medicines can be advised according to the condition of the patient:-

Guduchyadi kashaya
Patoladi kashaya
Amritarajanyadi kashaya
Vilwadi gulika

Dasamoola haritaki lehya
Punarnavadi Kwatha

Purification Therapies

Virechana (Purgation)
Vamana (Emesis)
Raktamoksha (Blood-letting)

Single herbs used in the management of Seafood Allergies

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
Raktachandana (Pterocarpus santalinus)
Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa)

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Khadira (Acacia catechu)

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is seafood allergy?

Answer: Seafood allergy is the hypersensitivity reaction of body’s immune system towards certain proteins in seafood.

Question: What are the major symptoms of seafood allergy?

Answer: Symptoms of seafood allergy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.

Question: How does Ayurveda manage symptoms of seafood allergy?

Answer: Ayurveda treats with internal medicines that reduce the body’s adverse effects and purification therapies that expel accumulated impurities from the body.