How to Prevent Food Allergies Naturally?

Food allergy is defined as a response to the immune system to a particular type of food or food component. When a susceptible person ingests a particular food, his/her immune system reacts with a release of histamines and other chemicals that trigger symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening.

Mild symptoms of food allergy include itching, hives, swelling etc.

The sensitivity to allergens to foods and other substances can create conditions that range from food sensitivities to full blown allergies. The use of preservatives in food, processed foods, junk foods, stale food and food that is cooked or stored improperly can cause food allergies. Even some natural foods such as citrus fruits, wheat, milk, soya, cashew nut fruit etc. cause allergies in some people.

Many people are allergic to dairy products as well because they lack the enzyme necessary for the digestion of dairy products. Some of the people are allergic to the modern methods of production of dairy products like cows are given vaccines, hormones etc. for the production of milk. Intake of incompatible food items is also the cause of food allergy. As a result, there is a formation of ama (toxins) within the system.

Ayurveda distinguishes food allergies according to the dosha constitution of an individual.

• The food allergies and sensitivities, mostly to corn, beans etc. are very common in people with Vata constitutions.
• People with Pitta constitution are often allergic to cashew nuts, peanuts, tobacco, sea food etc.
• People with Kapha constitution are allergic to dairy products.

There are natural food allergy treatments that can help to boost the immune system thus help in preventing the food allergies naturally.

Top 7 Ways to Prevent Food Allergy Naturally

1. Dietary Changes

Various changes in diet might help in reducing allergic reactions. For example, a low-fat diet which is high in complex carbohydrates that include whole grains, beans, fresh vegetables etc. is really effective.

2. Avoid Packaged Foods

Packaged foods increase the inflammation withing the body, weaken the immune system and lead to digestive issues.

• Packaged foods contain corn, soy, canola and other chemically refined vegetable oils that can cause food allergies. So, avoid the intake of processed, canned and packaged foods.
• The artificial flavours present in packaged foods can exacerbate food allergies. The dyes used in packaged foods can cause adverse health impacts in children as well.

3. Ginger

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties.

• It is an excellent home remedy for treating various gastrointestinal discomforts like indigestion, nausea, bloating etc.
• It is an excellent for the prevention of food allergies as well.
• For prevention of food allergies, consume 2-3 cups of ginger tea twice a day for few days.

4. Trikatu

To strengthen the digestive system and prevent food allergies, take 25 mg of trikatu and 10 mg of asafoetida twice a day regularly for one week. Trikatu churna is a simple mixture of three Indian spices. Trikatu powder contains three spices in equal proportions:

1. Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
2. Long Pepper fruit (Piper longum)
3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

This powder stimulates the stomach to produce enzymes. Hence it helps in digestion. It is hot and pungent in nature and useful in relieving Ama (toxins).

5. Dry Ginger Powder

Dry and fresh ginger are quite similar in action expect that the dry ginger is preferred to fresh during summers.

To prevent allergy from milk, boil milk with a pinch of dry ginger powder before consuming it.

6. Supplements

Add supplements such as zinc, Vitamin A, E, flaxseed oil etc. in the diet. These supplements help in easing some of the most common symptoms of food allergy.

7. Yoga and Meditation

Stress also plays a vital role in susceptibility to allergies. So, manage stress effectively with yoga and meditation. As the stress decreases, the working of immune system improves. The immune system becomes more effective and accurate at processing the information your food gives to the body. Yoga techniques and Meditation are really effective to help ease the allergy symptoms.

Conclusion

The natural treatment for food allergies focuses on eating seasonal foods and taking herbal supplements according to one’s body constitution. Food allergies can also be managed or prevented with proper Ayurvedic nutrition. Ayurvedic treatments are specifically designed to help ease allergy symptoms.