FOOD ALLERGIES

Food allerge occour when your immune system becomes confused, and instead of gnoring harmless food protens that make their way to the bloodstream, t trigges a reaction that causes hstamine to be realeased. This is the chemical that s responsble for such symptoms as hves, skin rashes and swelling. Anaphylaxis or shock is a severe, life-threatening reaction.

SYMPTOMS:

• A rash (particulary around the muth)
• tingling of the mouth and tongue
• urticaria (hives)
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• swelling of lips or face
• running nose
• wheezing
• eczema
• tummy pain
• headaches
• breathing problems, pallor or loss conscipusness are anaphylactic reactions.

PREVENTION:

The incidence of allergies is increasing. The most common allergens (known as the big eight)are peants (and tree nuts), sesame seeds, soya, wheat, dairy produce, fish, shellfish and eggs.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby 's life  can reduce the incidence of food allergies significantly.

Otherwise, avoiding the problem fods entirely is the best way to prevent attacks.

There is some evidence that encouraging bowel healt by eating a fibre-rich diet and taking probiotics can help to prevent allergies.

CONVENTIONAL REMEDIES:

Antihistamines are offered to deal with symtoms if an attac occours or, in an emergency, adrenaline pens (EpPens)

can be used. Supplements may prescribed to make up for shortfalls in your diet.

Did you know?

Most serious food allergies begin in infancy or the preschool years, and are often outgrown. If you have a family history of food allergies or other allergic conditions, you are between 20 and 60 % more likely to tuffer yourself.

HERBAL REMEDIES

• horsetail tincture contains good level of calcium, wich is believed to be deficient in people who are suffering from food allergies
• Stinging nettle (infusion or juice) can help reduce the allergic reaction and supplement calcium
• Agrimony tincture can ease bowel irritation and the recovery of damaged mucous membranes.
• To soothe gastric sensivity and to heal mucous membranes, take goldenseal tincture three times a day in alittle liquid

NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE

• probiotics may be important in the control of food allergies because they improve digestion, helping the intestinal tract to control the absorption of food allergens. They also change the immune system response to food in the gut
• A multivitamin and mineral tablet will ensure you get any nutrients that may be deficent. Vitamins A,C and E are important for immune response.
• The nutrient quercitin (found i apples and onions) is rich in bioflavonoids and can reduce allergic reactions by reducing histamine release.
• Zinc is important for a healthy immune response. Take 35 mg per day
• Essential fatty acids (EFAs) have been shown to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. They are also responsible for general repair in the body including the gut.
• Flaxseed oil cold water fish oils and borage oil can be taken in capsule form