10 foods that can help manage allergies
Many people have an allergic reaction after eating peanuts, eggs, milk, and certain other items. Such food allergies are triggered because the body considers specific proteins in these foods a threat. As a result, it performs a range of internal protective maneuvers, leading to inflammation and allergies. Thankfully, certain foods can also reduce inflammation and help manage allergy symptoms. This article lists ten such allergy-fighting foods and some peanut allergy immunotherapy treatments.
Ginger
Ginger has been a natural remedy used to treat allergies for centuries. The root is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidative phytochemical compounds that can curb inflammatory conditions that lead to swelling and nasal passage irritation.
Kale
Kale is a dark green leafy vegetable rich in carotenoids, pigments known to fight inflammation. Carotenoids can also restrict the release of histamine, a chemical compound that contributes to allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny nose.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene. These properties are known to ward off inflammation in the body triggered during conditions like a food allergy.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, an active ingredient that can inhibit the activation of the cells that release histamine in the body, thus reducing allergy symptoms.
Salmon
Fish like salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids capable of relieving an itchy throat and puffy eyes, common symptoms experienced during food allergy and other allergies.
Pineapples
Pineapples have an enzyme known as bromelain that can ease allergies. The protein can significantly soothe irritation and inflammation linked to a runny nose or itchy eyes.
Kefir
A probiotic-rich drink, kefir helps build a robust immune system by monitoring and maintaining healthy bacteria in the gut. Drinking it can help reduce the possibility of food allergy, skin allergy, and other allergic reactions.
Berries
Apart from being tasty, berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. When combined, these properties are known to help keep food allergy symptoms at bay.
Red onions
Onions contain high levels of quercetin, a powerful natural antihistamine. Quercetin is known to relax the cells that react to allergens like dust mites or pollen. One can also find this natural antihistamine in apples and berries.
Garlic
Garlic is effective in treating allergies as it can soothe different forms of inflammation. It also reduces histamine release from mast cells, reducing the severity of the symptoms.
Immunotherapy treatments for peanut allergy
When it comes to treating a peanut allergy, immunotherapy is a good option. The treatment focuses on helping the patient build a tolerance to peanuts. Different types of peanut allergy immunotherapy treatments include:
Oral immunotherapy (OIT): This involves using oral medications, such as PALFORZIA®, that have small amounts of peanut powder.
Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT): Here, doctors attach a Viaskin™ Peanut adhesive patch to the skin. The patch has a tiny dose of peanut protein.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): SLIT involves placing peanut protein drops extract under the tongue for two minutes before swallowing.
Biological medications: Biological medications like omalizumab and etokimab are currently being studied for peanut allergy treatments.