Allergies (food)
Synopsis of Allergies (food)
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain food proteins as harmful, triggering an immune response that can range from mild (itching, hives) to severe (anaphylaxis). Food allergies are different from food intolerances, which involve digestive difficulties without an immune response (e.g., lactose intolerance).
In food allergies, exposure to even tiny amounts of the offending food can provoke symptoms. The most common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish (commonly referred to as the "Big 8"). While some children outgrow certain allergies, others persist into adulthood. Food allergies can be life-threatening and require careful avoidance of trigger foods and prompt treatment of reactions.
Types:
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IgE-mediated food allergy: Immediate immune response involving immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Symptoms occur within minutes to 2 hours.
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Non-IgE-mediated food allergy: Involves other parts of the immune system; symptoms are often delayed (hours to days).
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Mixed IgE/non-IgE food allergy: Combines immediate and delayed symptoms.
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Oral allergy syndrome (pollen-food syndrome): Cross-reactivity between pollen and raw fruits/vegetables, causing localized mouth/throat itching.
Common Causes (Triggers):
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Common food allergens: Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts), soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame (in some regions).
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Cross-reactivity: Pollen allergies can trigger reactions to certain fruits and vegetables (oral allergy syndrome).
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Genetic predisposition: Family history of allergies, eczema, asthma, or hay fever increases risk.
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Immature immune systems: Infants and young children may be more prone to developing food allergies.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening allergic reaction causing throat swelling, breathing difficulty, rapid drop in blood pressure, and possible death without immediate treatment (e.g., epinephrine).
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Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE): Chronic allergic inflammation of the esophagus, often triggered by food allergens.
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Chronic digestive issues: Non-IgE allergies can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or failure to thrive (especially in infants).
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Nutritional deficiencies: Restricted diets to avoid allergens can lead to deficiencies without proper planning.
When to See a Doctor or Allergist:
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Suspected food allergy symptoms (hives, swelling, vomiting, respiratory distress) after eating specific foods
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Severe reactions requiring emergency treatment (anaphylaxis)
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Unexplained digestive issues or failure to thrive in infants/children
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To confirm diagnosis with skin prick testing, blood tests, or oral food challenges
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Management of restricted diets to avoid nutritional deficiencies
Natural remedies for Allergies (food)
Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium strains): Support gut health and may help modulate the immune response, potentially reducing allergic sensitivity. Found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut or as supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce inflammation and support immune regulation, which may lessen allergic reactions. Include fish oil, flaxseed, or chia seeds.
Vitamin D Supplementation: Supports immune system balance and has been associated with lower allergy risks. Maintain optimal blood levels through sunlight exposure or supplements.
Quercetin (Bioflavonoid): Acts as a natural antihistamine, stabilizing mast cells and reducing histamine release. Found in apples, onions, and as a supplement.
Turmeric (Curcumin): Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating, turmeric may help reduce allergic responses. Incorporate into meals or as a supplement.
Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and soothing to the digestive system, ginger may reduce allergic inflammation. Consume as tea or fresh in meals.
Local Honey (for pollen-related cross-reactivity): May reduce sensitivity to pollen allergens (though not recommended for severe food allergies). Use with caution in mild cases of oral allergy syndrome.
Avoid Processed Foods: Helps reduce exposure to hidden allergens and food additives that may exacerbate symptoms. Focus on whole, minimally processed foods.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Allergies (food)
2'-Fucosyllactose
activated charcoal
akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
amino acids
amylase
ashwagandha
bacillus coagulans
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
coating
coconut milk
cucumber
turmeric
exo-peptidase
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
ginger
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
immunoglobin G
l-histidine
l-theanine
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactobacillus paracasei
lactococcus lactis
licorice root
natural flavor
omega-3 fatty acids
pear
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
quercetin
rhodiola
selenium
streptococcus thermophilus
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
water
zinc
bentonite
shen-chu
herbal blend (proprietary)
enzymes blend (proprietary)
2-Fucosyllactose
Agmisode
Aldimine
Amylase
Activated Charcoal
Amylase (gamma)
Almond Oil
Activated Charcoal
Alkyl (unspecified)
Ancylostoma brasiliense
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Aloe
Aromatic acid (unspecified)
Amino Acid Blend/Complex
Arabinogalactans
Acidophilus
Amylase (mixed amylase)
Arabinogalactan
Adsorbant
Blend (Combination)
Bentonite
Bifidobacterium longum
Bifidobacterium
Bee Pollen
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium (various species)
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifobacterium (mixed)
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
benzenoid (unspecified)
Beta-Glucans
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis
Bioflavonoid
Bioflavonoids (mixed)
Bifidobacterium (mixed)
Bee hive
beta-lactoglobulin
Bifidobacterium bifidum
berry
Buttermilk
Bacillus (mixed)
Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake)
Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil Supplement)
Bioflavonoids
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bacillus (unspecified)
Bacteria (unspecified)
Bifidobacteria (unspecified)
Blend (combination)
Bacteria
blend (herb/botanical)
Bacillus Coagulans
Bacteria Blend
Bifidobacteria
Beta Glucans
Blend (combination)
cucumber
Casein Glycomacropeptide
Colostrum
Cortisol
Colotsrum
Coating
Common madia
Carbon
Clostridium butyricum
Clay
Cystine
Capsules
capsule
Diamine Oxidase
Digestion resistant Maltodextrin
Diatomite
Delivery system
Epidermal Growth Factor
Enzyme (unspecified)
Excipients
Exopeptidase
Enzyme Blend
Flavor
food additive (unspecified)
Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS)
Filler
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
Flavor
Fruit acid (unspecified)
Flavor/Color (Natural & Artificial)
Fructo-Oligosaccharides
Flavanoid (mixture)
Gelcap
Glucoside (unspecified)
Growth factors
Goat milk protein
Galactooligosaccharides
Glycoprotein (unspecified)
Glycoprotein (unspecified)
Hoenelen
Herbal Blend
Hyperimmune milk peptides
Humic acid
Huang Hua (unspecified)
Immunoglobulin G
Kefir
Kefir
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus delbrueckii lactis
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus (unspecified)
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus (various species)
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus johnsonii
Lactobacillus mixed)
Lactoglobulin (mixed)
Lactobacillus (unspepcified)
Larch arabinogalactan
Mannanoligosaccharides
Magroside
Marine colloids
Oil (unspecified)
Oligosaccharide (unspecified)
Oligosaccharide (unspecified)
Oligosaccharide
Oligosaccharides
Oat Oil
Ovalbumin
omega-5 fatty acids
Pungent Principles
Proanthocyanidins (unspecified)
Prebiotic (unspecified)
Proprietary Blend (Vitamin)
Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. Shermanii
Proanthocyanidins (unspecified)
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
Protein
Probiotics
Proprietary Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total diet
Phosphorus oxide
Polypeptide (unspecified)
Propionibacterium freudenreichii shermanii
Physalis angulata
plant (unspecified)
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Phenolic (unspecified)
Pungent compounds (unspecified)
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Rosmarinic Acid
Stabilizers
Saccharomyces cerevisiae peptides
Spice (unspecified)
Seasoning (unspecified)
Streptococcus Thermophilus
Sodium Ascorbate
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Tyrosinase
Tablet
Type-A Polymers
Tomato
Vitamin B5
Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate)
Vitamin C (unspecified)
Vitamin C (mixed)
Vegetable Source
Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
Vitamin (unspecified)
Yogurt
Yogurt
Zinc Yeast
Zeolite
