Seafood Allergy (Matsyavarga)
विशेषात्पयसामत्स्यामत्स्येष्वपिचिलीचिम: ।।
Seafood Allergy
Seafood Allergy is the hyper reaction of body towards certain eatable organisms available from the sea. Shellfish is the most common type of seafood that causes 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 body usually when combined with some mismatched foodstuffs. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is successfully managing 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 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 use of certain marine food joined with other food like black gram, milk, honey, jaggery etc. result in adverse reactions.
Ayurvedic Reference of Matsyavarga - Seafood Allergy

Symptoms of Seafood Allergy
Allergic response towards seafood may be manifested within minutes to one hour of exposure. Symptoms include:
- Rashes and itching on 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 IAFAis 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 paramountdoor 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 allergy:
- 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 vatadosha.

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 condition.
Internal Medicines
Following internal medicines can be advised according to the condition of the patient.
- Guduchyadikashaya
- Patoladikashaya
- Amritarajanyadikashaya
- Vilwadigulika
- Dasamoolaharitakilehya
- PunarnavadiKwatha
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 (Picrorrhizakuroa)
- Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Khadira (Acacia catechu)
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist