How are food allergies treated? (if you eat something you're allergic to..)

Natural therapies can help with a variety of food allergies.  If tests have not been obtained I would recommend functional lab tests, live blood analysis and broad range food allergy tests.

Regardless of the above, a hypersensitivity situation often occurs when someone develops an allergic reaction to a food they may have eaten with no problem, in the past.

Herbal and homoeopathic remedies are used to normalise gut/digestive function.
Live bacteria's, enzymes and sometimes colstrum (depending on symptoms), supplements
in form of trace minerals and vitamins if diet inadequate.

This link may help you further.
http://lyncravencorporatehealth-naturopath.com/documents/assimilate.pdf

It depends on the severity of the food allergy if your child has an anaphylactic reaction they should be equip with an epi pen and know the steps to put in place to administer and treat the exposure to the allergen.

Complete avoidance is often recommended with anaphylactic reactions, however if an accident does happen you must be prepared.

If it is an intolerance and doesn't produce this type of reaction then maintaining a lowered intake of the offending food allergen or chemical can help to reduce or alleviate the reaction on the system.

For example, if your child has reactions to amines (naturally ooccuring food chemical in chocolate, strong cheese and banana's) then it would be worth reducing and limiting foods high and moderate in amines for a period to reduce the load on the system and promote recovery.

Food allergy can be a diificult spectrum to manage, however is there are systems in place it is easier to manage.

Allergy
Gearing up the body's own immune systems to effectively combat allergens is exactly what Maharishi Ayurveda suggests as the long-term, effective solution to allergies.

In the spring, impurities inside the body are melting due to the rising temperature in the environment. The liquefied toxins clog the channels of the body. When the channels are blocked, nutrients are not delivered properly to the cells, and the body's immune systems for resisting allergens become overwhelmed. In the spring, as flowers burst into bloom, they fill the air with pollen. So the allergens in the environment are increasing at the same time that the body's defenses are being challenged. That's the reason for the incidence of allergies suddenly shooting up in the spring.

 Maharishi Ayurveda explains that in respiratory allergies, a particular sub-dosha of Kapha, called Shleshaka Kapha, which is responsible for maintaining moisture in the upper respiratory tract, is involved. As the Ama (digestive impurities) in the body starts melting, it combines with Shleshaka Kapha to form a thick, sticky toxin called shleshma, which starts to fill the respiratory tract and sinus cavities.The entire respiratory system, as a result, becomes a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and infection. This is the reason many allergies end up as secondary sinus and respiratory infections.

Strengthening the Body’s Defense Systems
So what can one do to help the body combat allergens? It is not enough just to quell the symptoms. The long-term solution is to delve into the root cause of allergies and build up the body's immune system to effectively withstand allergens. Special Ayurvedic herbal formulations help remove toxins from the body and strengthen the body's immunity, block toxic reactions, improve digestion, and decrease sensitivity to allergens by nourishing and purifying the liver. These herbal formulations are designed for all kinds of allergies, because it enhances the body's overall capability to fight allergens.

What about diet? Researchers have found that a diet that includes regular intake of spices with anti-allergy capabilities can reduce vulnerability to plant-induced allergies. These spices contain allergy-fighting chemicals that include flavonoids and phenols – for example, turmeric is rich in curcumin, a compound that is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can also help improve digestion and balance the flow of bile. Sage, red pepper, cumin and coriander are some other spices that are known to be allergy fighters. Sauteing a combination of ground turmeric, cumin and coriander in ghee and using the mixture to season vegetables is a way of incorporating some of these allergy fighting spices into your diet.

From the Ayurvedic perspective, it is important to follow a Kapha-Pitta pacifying diet. So some professional advise and tailoring to your unique situation and state of balance will be necessary. When allergens attack the body, the body’s immune system releases various chemicals. So it is considered essential to pacify Pitta because Pitta regulates chemical functions in the body.  It is also important to pacify Kapha to counteract sluggish digestion and congestion. This is especially true in the Kapha season (spring).

Understanding that it is important to strengthen the body’s defense systems to effectively combat allergies is important. Appeasing symptoms provides only temporary relief!! 

Digestion is the corner stone of good health. When your digestion is strong you can eat life!
For more practicle solutions and tips check out this pagewww.morningtonmeditation.com.au/pages/maharishi_ayur_veda.html or our new health solutions website www.ayurveda.org.au.

The treatment plan you follow will depend on what type of signs and symptoms your are seeing with the allergic reaction. If your child is showing any signs and symptoms that their breathing has been affected such as breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, noisy breathing or swollen tongue then if you have one use your Epipen immediately, if you do not have call 000. If you have seen a  paediatric immunology/allergy specialist than you follow the plan they have given you. 

The best way to avoid allergic reactions is to avoid the food your child is allergic to, if accidental ingestion occurs then treat the symptoms you are seeing. In a mild to moderate reaction where the skin or stomach has been affected than use a antihistamine and monitor your child closely for signs of a severe or anaphylactic reaction. Please see ASCIA website for accurate information relating to childrens allergy. 

I have to agree with both Peta Adams and Jenny Rogers. Allergic reactions and food intolerances are differing conditions with differing approaches. In all cases, espicially children, allergy tests should be completed to determine which catagory the person falls into and which approach is best. If the person has an anaphalactic reaction “strengthening the gut” will make no difference, complete avoidance is the only solution and medical treatment should be sort immediately if the food is ingested.

Your GP, local childrens hospital and an accredited practising dietitian (see the DAA website for qualified dietitians) are all useful in defining allergies, intolerances and the appropriate treatment.

Best of luck
Joanna Baker
BHSc. RN divI. GC human nutr.