More and more people suffer from allergic diseases. Symptoms can occur regardless of age or lifestyle. Unfortunately, only one in three allergy sufferers has a correct diagnosis. Allergies cause a number of bothersome symptoms that often endanger health, so it is worth taking an interest in proven natural ways to fight this ailment.
What is an allergy?
Allergy is a series of symptoms caused by contact with allergens, which is related to the hypersensitivity of the immune system.
Types of allergies:
• Inhalant (e.g. animal hair, dust, grass pollen),
• Food (these are most often confused with food intolerances),
• Contact (e.g. chemicals),
• Injection (e.g. bee venom, intravenous drugs).
A skin allergy is caused by an antigen that triggers an adverse reaction of the immune system in the body and it can occur after eating food, a drug containing a given chemical or plant substance, or in contact with plastics or metals. The allergy can cause some physical symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, wheezing breath, bronchoconstriction and even life-threatening anaphylaxis.
A food allergy can be caused by almost any product. Proteins found in food, grass, house dust, animal hair are responsible for allergic symptoms. Interestingly, in adults, allergies are mainly caused by plant-based products, and in children, mainly by animal origin products.
Bearing in mind the incidence of food allergies, the most allergenic products include the following: egg white, peanuts, fish, cow’s milk, soy/lentils/peas, beef, shellfish, mustard, hazelnuts, coconuts, ham. The data show that in some regions in our country, as many as 40% of people suffer from allergic symptoms, and the most common form of allergy is a severe allergic reaction that occurs when contact with pollen. Conversely, 25% of people have allergic rhinitis and 10% are diagnosed with asthma. Due to the variety of allergy symptoms, their diagnosis is difficult. There is no single examination or test with sufficient sensitivity to uniquely recognize the disease.
Symptoms of food allergies
Symptoms of food allergies appear fairly quickly from the moment you consume the product. They are diverse and affect many organs and systems.
The most common symptoms of food allergies in adults:
· allergic stomatitis, recurrent aphthous stomatitis,
· gastroesophageal reflux disease,
· acute allergic reaction of the gastric mucosa (epigastric pain and vomiting), acute and chronic intestinal disorders, diarrhea,
· middle ear catarrh, laryngitis, asthma,
· skin changes (erythema, edema papules, hives with wheals), atopic dermatitis,
· angioedema.
How to treat allergies?
The treatment of food allergies is based on an appropriate diet, which suppresses the allergic and immune reaction, mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. An important part of the treatment is also to alleviate and eliminate reactions from other systems and organs. Consider an appriopriate diet before you decide to introduce a pharmacological treatment.
Plants that can help fight allergies
Due to the high risk of developing allergies, the skin needs skincare products without preservatives, artificial colouring, and fragrances. Dermocosmetics contain various compounds of natural origin, which are characterized by a wide range of activity and allow reducing the likelihood of disease progression. The most popular groups of compounds derived from plants are tannins, flavonoids, saponins and phytosterols. Tannins have anti-inflammatory, astringent, antipruritic, and antimicrobial properties. Flavonoids (e.g. quercetin, rutoside) and saponins (found in licorice, calendula, soy, etc.) have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Phytosterols (e.g. from oats, nuts) strengthen the epidermal barrier and have antiallergic effect on the skin.
Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found in vegetables and fruit. It is a dietary polyphenolic compound with potentially beneficial effects on health. There is growing evidence that it has a therapeutic effect in the prevention and treatment of allergies. Quercetin has antioxidant activity, scavenging free radicals and antiallergic properties, which stimulate the immune system, inhibit histamine release, and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Quercetin sources are apples, honey, berries, onions, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, as well as some herbs. Onions have the highest quercetin content among vegetables and fruits.
Natural ways to defeat allergies
For mild allergic symptoms, herbs are very effective. They should be used regularly and for a long time so that we can observe their healing effects. It is possible to use herbs in case of stronger types of allergies and medications prescribed by a doctor.
It is worth ensuring that our diet is a source of products that naturally contain antiallergic compounds. This group will include garlic, onions and green leafy vegetables, as well as fruit. Blackcurrant, thanks to the content of flavonoids and vitamin C, effectively relieves allergy symptoms. Vitamin C inhibits the release of histamine from cells and soothes inflammation. It is also worth reaching for strawberries, apples, cabbage and parsley, which contain a lot of this vitamin. In addition, allergic reactions are alleviated by plants such as: nettle, calendula, black cumin, chamomile, and green tea. Black cumin oil is one of the most effective natural remedies for allergies. In addition, spices such as anise, fennel, horseradish and mustard act as natural decongestants, so it is worth including them in the diet of an allergy sufferer.
Summary
There are many natural methods to counteract allergies. If you suffer from allergies, first contact your doctor for a thorough examination and advice. Allergy symptoms cannot be underestimated, as they can cause both discomfort and more significant health problems.
You liked this article? Share it
