Researchers estimate that about 1/4 of the population will have an adverse reaction to food during their lifetime.Food allergy and food intolerance are on the rise. Often times, they are life-threatening. Symptoms of food allergies include rash and hives, coughing, wheezing, swelling of the tongue, lip, throat or face, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
Severe food allergies often lead to other health problems. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, it might be best to stay away from other foods that are common allergens. Natural food allergy treatments include certain supplements, anti-inflammatory foods and essential oils.
Food Allergy Treatments and Natural Remedies
1. Avoid These Foods
Food allergy treatments at home include following an anti-inflammatory diet. The following foods should be avoided because they increase inflammation in the body :
- Packaged foods – Packaged foods are usually highly processed. They may contain GMO’s and other hidden ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
- Sugar – A diet high in sugar can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the body, which causes a weakened immune system and inflammation.
- Artificial flavorings – Processed foods are often loaded with artificial flavorings that can exacerbate food allergies. Always read ingredient labels.
- Gluten – Even if you do not have a gluten allergy, wheat and gluten can cause digestive problems and inflammation.
2. Remove These Allergy Triggers From Your Diet
Over 90% of food allergies are caused by the foods below. It’s best to eliminate them from your diet to avoid a reaction:
- Cow’s Milk – Allergies to cow’s milk is most common in children, but it can continue through adulthood. Adults may experience a food intolerance to dairy, but not an allergy.
- Eggs – Egg whites contain a protein called ovomucoid. This protein has been shown to be the dominant allergen in eggs.
- Wheat – The proteins in wheat and other gluten grains can lead to allergy symptoms.
- Soy – While 50% of children will outgrow their soy allergy by the age of 7, soy remains a common allergy for many.
- Peanuts – Peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions in people with highly sensitive immune systems.
- Tree nuts – Hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews and almonds are most commonly responsible for allergic reactions to nuts.
- Fish – Many people suffer from a fish or shellfish allergy. For an anti-inflammatory diet, it’s best to avoid both.
3. Eat These Foods
For food allergy treatment at home, fill up on anti-inflammatory foods. Food allergy natural remedies include:
- Green leafy vegetables – Spinach, kale, collard greens and argugula are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxoidants that boost the immune system.
- Probiotic foods – Probiotic foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, miso and kombucha support immune health.
- Bone broth – Bone broth provides the body with amino acids and minerals needed for repair. It restores gut health and supports a healthy inflammatory response.
- Coconut Milk – Coconut milk is free of dairy, soy, lactose, nuts and grains.
- Seeds – Flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and they are not common allergies.
4. Try an Elimination Diet
An elimination diet can help you pinpoint which foods are causing your symptoms. Eliminate all possible allergens, then reintroduce them back into your diet one by one and check for an allergic response. Common allergens include gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts, corn, eggs and artificial flavorings.
5. Try Essential Oils
You can use certain essential oils as food allergy natural remedies. Try:
- Peppermint Oil – Peppermint oil helps reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive tract. It can also be used as a food allergy treatment to help relieve symptoms such as headaches and itching. Take 1-2 drops internally with a glass of water or apply topically to the temples, abdomen or bottoms of the feet.
- Eucalyptus Oil – Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It also works to help cleanse the body of harmful toxins. Diffuse 5-10 drops at home or apply 102 drops topically to the chest and temples.
6. Use Supplements
Food allergy treatments can include supplements to strengthen the immune system. Try:
- Digestive Enzymes – Digestive enzymes help the body break down food particles. Incomplete digestion can be linked to food allergies.
- Probiotics – The good bacteria probiotics provide can help strengthen the immune system.
- Vitamin B5 – Vitamin B5 can be used as a food allergy natural remedy. It supports adrenal function and boosts the immune system.