Home Ayurvedic remedies for food allergies

Food allergies are suffered by many people around the globe. Just by consuming a food which might not suit the body, there could be numerous allergic reactions from the system. Often people suffer from food allergies not really knowing the exact problem of their ailments. Ayurveda helps you not just identify but also cure your food allergies forever. Junk food and food grown with inorganic fertilizers and with excess pesticides are a major cause for food allergies.

The body responds to different foods differently. While some may do good to it, others might trigger a negative response. The main reason behind this kind of reaction to foods is a weak immune system, causing low resistance in the body to allergens. There are many factors which lead the body towards a low resistance.

These are –

•    Today foods are mostly adulterated. From milk, to ghee, fruits, vegetables, food grains, pulses everything. The body is thus subjected to an onslaught of chemicals it is not supposed to intake, thereby weakening its resistance slowly.
•    Another reason is an imbalanced diet. A diet rich in one nutrient and lacking in another often leads it to be intolerant to atleast one of them if not both.
•    Stress, tension and emotional upheavals too cause allergic reactions in the body against different foods.
•    While many people have very sensitive stomachs and can not digest foods prepared either unhigenically or those which are too spicy; others are allergic to specific food items themselves. Some of these could be –fish, brinjal, cabbage, tomatoes, milk, wheat, potatoes etc.
Allergies bring out varied reactions in the body. Some of the most commonly found ones are – rash, swelling of the limbs, indigestion, constipation, asthma, hypertension, cold, running nose, eczema, fever, sneezing, vomiting etc.

Ayurvedic cures –

Ayurveda categorizes these allergies into the following types –

•    Kapha type allergy – people who have the problem of persistent mucous and phlegm building up in their lungs and throats. Foods like – milk, curd, cheese, cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes etc produce allergic reactions. Common allergic reactions include – colds, congestion, and cough, stomach ailments like slow digestion, heaviness and even trouble sleeping. Their body retains more water than usual. These allergies may manifest into asthma and bronchial congestion. Practitioners suggest a weekly vomiting ritual for Kapha patients. Add some salt to about half a glass of water and drink it. Then try and vomit out by rubbing your throat. This shall cleanse your system and bring out the entire cough and mucous. Liquorice (mulathi) tea also does good for this type of allergy.

•    Pitta type allergies – these are related to improper liver functions. Foods like – citrus fruits, spicy foods, tomatoes, potato, eggplant, fermented dishes etc are all a big no-no for people suffering from these allergies. Allergic reactions will include – acid indigestion, heartburn, nausea and vomiting too. Bloodshot eyes are a common symptom of these allergies. The best remedy for this allergy is purgation. You can try soaking isabgol in a cup of hot water and drinking it after 15 minutes, just before going to bed. Eating cooked apples just one hour before or after the meal is also helpful. Add cumin seeds and cook the apples in ghee.

•    Vata type allergies – these are related to acidity problems. People who are more prone to acidity develop these allergies. Food items causing these allergies could be raw foods and animal proteins. Some common allergic symptoms of these foods could be – gas, burping, bloated stomach, abdominal uneasiness and pain. People with these allergies may also have insomnia, nightmares, joint pains, sciatica and muscle spasms or twitching. Dashmoola enema is a good remedy for these allergies, in addition to liquorice tea made with ghee and honey.

A detailed analysis if the types of food you consume and then slow exclusion of each kind of food item over a period of time, leads you to identify the problem foods well. You may then take the specific remedy related to your type of food allergy and treat it naturally.