Natural Allergy Relief: Nutrition

Feeling foggy after lunch?  Have bloating and digestion problems?  Nagging headaches?  If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you may have a food allergy and not even realize it.

The truth is, not everyone breaks out into hives, has trouble breathing or gets swollen lips from their food allergies. Many foods can produce allergic reactions that pass “under the radar,” so much so that they even seem to be a normal part of everyday life.

Below are two of the most common food allergies and the symptoms you may be experiencing. Reducing or eliminating these foods (and adding new, exciting foods!) can help you find natural allergy relief.

1. Wheat (gluten).  Gluten is a naturally-occurring protein compound found in many grain products such as wheat, barley, rye and oats.  However, many people have difficulty absorbing it because they are sensitive to the protein.  So that inexplicable feeling of tiredness or headache you get might be the result of your body trying to cope with excess gluten.  Other people experience cramping, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea; everyone reacts differently.

Unfortunately, whole wheat products contain gluten and won’t help relieve your allergy symptoms.  The good news is that you can buy many gluten-free products and baked goods at health food stores that are just as delicious. While all supermarkets carry corn and brown rice, many have now begun to carry quinoa, amaranth, gluten-free oats and more “exotic” alternatives to wheat.

2. Dairy (lactose, whey and casein).  Lactose is found in all animal dairy products: milk and cheese from cows, goats and sheep.  A baby needs milk until the age of two or three years old, after which time the pancreas can stop producing the lactase enzyme that breaks down lactose. Once this enzyme wanes, dairy products can become an allergen.

Many people who have dairy allergies suffer from gas, belching, constipation, acid reflux and diarrhea.  However, casein is also an an allergen and excitotoxin (a chemical that overactivates nerve cells) and can produce anxiety and insomnia in many people.  So that glass of milk before bedtime might actually be keeping you awake!

Fortunately, companies have made huge strides in improving the taste and texture of dairy alternatives.  Organic, Non-G.M.O. soy and almond milk are both healthful and delicious.  Some brands contain more calcium than regular cow milk.  Likewise, you can find soy yogurts, cheese (casein-free) and even ice creams that many people enjoy just as much as their dairy alternatives.

Looking for more tips on allergy-fighting foods and healthful alternatives to common foods that cause allergic reactions?  Check out Dr. Bennett’s e-book The 7 Day Allergy Makeover