What is an Allergy? Diet and Home Remedies for Natural Treatment of Allergies

An allergy or an allergic reaction is an abnormal response of the body to an allergen. An allergic reaction occurs, when your body is susceptible to a specific allergen, such as dust, pollen, fur, animal dander, certain foods, etc.

What is an Allergy?: Allergies and Immunity

The immune system comprises of Cellular and Hormonal immunity. The cellular immunity comprises of white blood cells including lymphocytes which attack, though a process called 'phagocytosis'. On the other hand, hormonal immunity comprises of immunoglobulins, which develop antibodies to various antigens including dust, pollen, fur, etc.

It needs to be understood that allergies are associated with overactive immune response to certain antigen, which may include dust, pollen, food allergy, etc. Allergies are largely associated with an overactive hormonal immune system.

Causes of Allergies: Allergy Cause

Some of the common causes associated with the development of an allergic reaction includeDietary error is the principal cause for allergic reactions

• Erratic and inconsistent lifestyle pattern is another significant factor. Unhealthy dietary practices, which excessive intake of processed and refined foods can be a leading cause.
• High susceptibility to a particular allergen. This allergen can be in the form of dust, pollen, food item such as peanuts etc. Gluten allergy is one of the most common type of food allergy found in adults.
• Stress, can be an important contributing factor for the development of different types of allergies.

Common Symptoms of Allergies: Common Allergy Symptoms

Frequently experienced symptoms associated with allergies include:

• Discharge from the nose or runny and watery nose
• Respiratory tract symptoms including cough, wheezing and breathlessness may also be present
• Nervous symptoms include headaches, giddiness, etc
• Skin symptoms like rash over the skin, itching and burning sensation on the skin may also be observed
• Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, irritability, and crabbiness.

Home Remedies for Treatment of Allergy: Diet to Manage Causes of Allergies

The most effective treatment plan for allergies is to embark on an ‘elimination diet’. You need to identify the allergen and steadily avoid it. Eliminate all refined, processed and denatured foods from your diet; they are loaded with lots of preservatives and additives that tend to trigger an allergy.

The following foods detoxify your body and strengthen the immune mechanism.

1. Lemon: Lemons flush the entire system off all poisonous wastes and accumulated sludge. It sluices and brushes the intestines clean and acts like a powerful anti allergy food. Additionally, lemons are loaded with vitamin C, a potent anti oxidant and immune system booster. Lemons promise to fight cough, allergic rhinitis, urticaria,fatigue and also decrease the body’s susceptibility to allergens.
2. Vegetable juices: A combination of beet juice, carrot juice, and cucumber juice is beneficial in the treatment of allergies. This blend supplies your body with essential vitamins and minerals and makes up for dietary insufficiencies. These vegetables strengthen your immune system and stave off allergies effectively.
3. Castor oil: Castor oil is an effective home remedy for allergies. 5 drops of castor oil added to 1 cup of water purges the GI tract, the skin as well as the nasal passages. Virtually, all cases of obstinate allergies can be managed by administrating castor oil.

Natural Treatment for Allergies: Treating Allergy Symptoms

Herbs have been found to be very effective in the treatment of allergies. Here are two simple natural herbal treatments to manage the symptoms associated with allergies

• Mint: Mint tea is ideal to fight allergies, particular when the manifestations are: abdominal cramps,indigestion, acidity, wheezing and breathlessness. Mint tea also pacifies skin rashes effectively. Boil about 10 leaves of mint in water and consume lukewarm.
• Rose water: Urticaria, rashes, blotches and allergic inflammatory skin conditions are treated with rose water. Rose water soothes the skin and allays itching and skin irritation almost instantly. Add 10 drops of rose water in your bath tub.