Fast Facts about food Allergy
- Food allergy is a sudden reaction of the immune system that is experienced by an individual soon after they consume a certain food.
- 1 in every 3 kids has food allergies.
- Approximately 15 million people in America alone are living with food allergies. 5.9% of that cohort belongs to children below 18.
- It is also a fact that 30% of all kids with food allergies are allergic to more than just one food.
- Every 3 minutes, someone with a food allergy is sent to the hospital’s emergency room
- Annually, families in the United States spend $25 billion in expenses, on caring for kids with food allergies.
When someone is allergic to a certain food, their immune system triggers a reaction by swelling up the airways. Even a small amount of the food can cause the immune system reaction and the patient must be rushed to the hospital immediately for stomach cleaning, as the airways can get completely swollen and disrupt the passage of the oxygen to flow in the body causing a painful death. It is preventive but can be life-threatening if not cured on time.
A number of different risk factors that increases one’s chances of developing a food allergy, most common being hereditary or environmental factors. Any of these can entice a reaction. When the allergens –proteins in the body responsible for causing an allergic reaction –cross the gastrointestinal lining and enter the blood stream, an allergic reaction is caused throughout the body. Food allergies are most common in kids below the age of 18 and in those who are atopic (born with an inherited tendency)
Symptoms
The symptoms of food allergic reactions differ from person to person. Some suffer from a mild reaction while others get severe ones where they can experience shortness of breath, eczema and nausea. For them, the symptoms can be scary. The scariest thing about food allergies is that it only gives the sufferer a few minutes to a few hours before getting treated.
Some general symptoms include:
- Itching
- Tingling
- Hives
- Eczema swelling of the lips, throat or tongue
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Fainting
- vomiting and nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Diarrhea
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage food allergy, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing food allergy and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for food allergy. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with food allergy:
Quercetin
Quercitin reduces inflammation. It works as a natural bioflavonoid which stabilizes mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. People who frequently suffer from allergic reactions can incorporate this in their daily diets. It is affective as a long-term remedy and can also be taken weeks before the allergy season or consuming anything that may trigger one.
Ginger
Ginger has many anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Although, it may not heal one directly form an allergic reaction, it helps alleviates most of the symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal aches, inflammation etc. it improves the body’s overall health and thus must be included in one; daily diet to prevent any food allergies to be triggered.
Marshmallow
Who would have thought that it won’t only be a delightful treat to devour but also possess a number of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties? Marshmallows have a soothing effect that reduces the swelling and inflammation experienced in the mucous membrane when a food allergic reaction is triggered.
Burdock
Burdock is a renowned herbal medication known for its blood cleansing properties. It also cleanses the liver gently of any harmful chemicals that may trigger food allergy. The plant contains insulin and is diuretic and immune-stimulating. It alleviates multiple symptoms of food allergies such as wheezing, nausea, swelling and nasal congestion etc.
Dandelion
Many people know of the plant because of its antibacterial properties as it comes highly recommended for many environmental allergies. However, it has also proven effective in treating cases of food allergy and food intolerance. It does so by helping the liver to function properly. Capsules containing its extracts can help fight many symptoms of food allergy including itching, lightheadedness or dizziness etc.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing food allergy, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.