10 home remedies for food allergies

Food allergy can be described as an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. 

Dr Gabriel Omonaiye, a medical doctor, told Saturday Sun that a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. This is when the throat closes, and the victim is unable to breathe. He stated that many allergic reactions can cause death.

Omonaiye revealed that food allergy affects an estimated eight per cent of children under age 5 and up to 4 per cent of adults. "While there's no cure, some children outgrow their food allergies as they get older. It is easy to confuse a food allergy with a much more common reaction known as food intolerance. Even though it is bothersome, food intolerance is a less serious condition that does not involve the immune system," he said.

Symptoms

For some

people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe. For other people, an allergic food reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. 

The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include tingling or itching in the mouth, hives, itching or eczema, swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body. 

Other symptoms are wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting as well as dizziness, light-headedness or fainting.

 What is Anaphylaxis?

Omonaiye noted that in some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. He said that this can cause life-threatening symptoms, including constriction and tightening of the airways, a swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe, shock with a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse and dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. He added that emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis because if left untreated, it can cause a coma or even lead to death. 

Causes of Food Allergies

Another doctor based in Lagos, Emmanuel Ayobami said that when you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or a substance in food as something harmful. 

He noted that in response to consuming that particular food, your immune system triggers cells to release an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the allergy-causing food or food substance (the allergen).

He stated that the next time you eat even the smallest amount of that food, IgE antibodies sense it and signal your immune system to release a chemical called histamine, as well as other chemicals, into your bloodstream. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.

According to Ayobami, the majority of food allergies are triggered by certain proteins in shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab, peanuts, tree nuts, such as walnuts and pecans, fish, soy, wheat and milk. 

Risk Factors

Ayobami stated that food allergy risk factors include:

Family history: You are at increased risk of food allergies if asthma, eczema, hives or allergies such as hay fever are common in your family.

Other allergies: If you are already allergic to one food, you may be at increased risk of becoming allergic to another. Similarly, if you have other types of allergic reactions, such as hay fever or eczema, your risk of having a food allergy is greater.

Age: Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. As children grow older, their digestive systems mature and their bodies are less likely to absorb food or food components that trigger allergies. Children typically outgrow allergies to milk, soy, wheat and eggs, while severe allergies as well as allergies to nuts and shellfish are more likely to be life-long.

Asthma: Asthma and food allergy commonly occur together. When they do, both food allergy and asthma symptoms are more likely to be severe.

Ayobami said that there are factors that may increase one's risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction to food allergy and they include having a history of asthma, not having hives or other skin symptoms, and delaying the use of epinephrine to treat your food allergy symptoms.

Taking precautions

Omonaiye noted that when it comes to taking precautions regarding food allergies, one can't be too careful. He said: "Once a food allergy has already developed, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to know and avoid foods that cause signs and symptoms." 

"For some people, this is a mere inconvenience, but others find it a greater hardship. Also, some foods when used as ingredients in certain dishes may be well hidden. People should ask questions about ingredients in their food in restaurants and in other social settings. It is better to inform your hosts about your food allergies beforehand during social visits to avoid health emergencies," he added.

When to see a doctor

Omonaiye said you should contact your doctor or allergist if you have food allergy symptoms shortly after eating. He stated that one should see their doctor when the allergic reaction is occurring as this will help him or her make a proper diagnosis.

He added that doctors typically treat allergies with a variety of approaches which often include medications and allergy shots. There are, however, natural and home remedies for allergies that you might consider.

Home remedies for food allergies

Dr Ayobami noted that the best natural remedy for food allergies is avoiding allergens which cause your allergic reaction. "Some allergens are hard to avoid. After discussing your symptoms with your doctor, you might consider a home remedy for allergies to deal with the results of exposure to an allergen."

Listed below are some home remedies that prevent food allergies: 

1.     Eucalyptus essential oil

Advocates of natural healing suggest using eucalyptus oil as an antimicrobial agent by adding it to each load of wash during allergy season.

2.   Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pawpaw and pineapple. Medical practitioners consider bromelain to be effective at improving breathing by reducing swelling. 

3.Air conditioners and dehumidifiers

By removing moisture from the air, air conditioners and dehumidifiers can limit the growth of mildew and mould that can negatively impact allergies.

4.   Peppermint essential oil

A 1998 study showed that peppermint oil treatment had enough anti-inflammatory effects that reduced the symptoms of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis to warrant clinical trials. Essential oils can be diffused into the air but should be diluted in carrier oil if applied topically.

5.   Spirulina

A 2015 study indicated that dietary spirulina — blue-green algae demonstrated anti-allergic protective effects towards allergic rhinitis.

6.   Vitamin C

Practitioners of natural medication suggest taking 2,000 milligrams of vitamin c daily will reduce histamine levels and help alleviate the symptoms of food allergies.

 7.   Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense oil may help against perennial allergic rhinitis. You can dilute it in carrier oil and use it behind your ears or use inhalation by diffusing it into the air.

8.   Air filters

Consider using an air filter in your indoor environments. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are one type of air filter to consider. By trapping airborne irritants such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, HEPA filters reduce allergens in your home.

9.   Quercetin

It is believed that Quercetin stabilises the release of histamines and helps to control allergy symptoms. It is naturally found in broccoli, cauliflower, green tea, and citrus fruits.

 10.   Butterbur

Butterbur also known as Petasites hybridus is found to be equally effective for itchy eyes as a commonly used oral antihistamine. 

Precautions when using home remedies to treat food allergies

Don't use home remedies to treat severe allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis whose symptoms are trouble breathing, blood pressure changes, tightness in the lungs, dizziness, chest pains, rash, fainting and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.