Casein Protein Allergy Ayurvedic Treatment

Introduction

An immunological response that is triggered by consuming dairy and dairy products is known as milk protein allergy. This milk protein allergy is primarily caused by the immune reaction that occurs due to the protein present in milk and milk products i.e. casein protein. Casein protein allergy is one of the most common allergic conditions in children. In Adults it is also found but very rare.

In Ayurvedic classical texts, Ksheera Alaska is mentioned which aligns with casein protein allergy specifically with its type that is non-IgE mediated milk allergy in children. At the same time, in adults, it may occur due to toxin formation (Ama) which is the result of an incompatible food combination or Virrudha Ahara.

In this article, you will find out the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and Ayurvedic treatment for Casein Protein Allergy like Panchakarma Procedures (internal purification of the body), Yoga procedures, Single Herbs, Diet and Lifestyle modification, etc. The treatment helps in treating the incompatibility (Viruddha), toxin formation (Amavastha), and boosting immunity which will certainly help to treat Casein protein allergy.

What is a Casein Protein Allergy?

In milk, mainly two types of protein are present: Casein and Whey. While 80% of milk protein content is casein which is a digesting protein, Whey contributes 20% of milk protein. During digestion, casein forms a gel-like substance in the stomach which releases nutrients and makes it an excellent choice for sustained protein delivery. But in some children and adults, it can trigger allergic reactions due to which various digestive, and respiratory system-related issues and skin allergies occur, and this condition is known as casein protein allergy.

Casein Protein Allergy – As Per Ayurveda

Milk (Ksheera) is considered as Rasayana (rejuvenator), highly nourishing and Sattvic food as per Ayurveda, but due to weak digestive fire (Manda Agni), incompatible combination, etc. it may lead to an imbalance in Dosha mainly Kapha and Vata. As per Ayurveda, casein protein allergy when seen in children and infants due to immature digestive fire (Mandagni) results in difficulty in the digestion of milk and results in various symptoms like skin rashes, and various respiratory and digestive issues. This condition is related to Ksheeralsaka in children, especially the non-IgE mediated type of casein protein allergy. In Adults when toxin (Ama) formation occurs due to improper consumption of milk (e.g. milk with salty food or milk with fish, etc leads to allergic reactions such as skin inflammation, and respiratory and digestive issues but in adults this condition is rare.

Who Gets Affected by Casein Protein Allergy?

Children with underdeveloped immunity and immature digestive systems are more likely to get casein protein allergy while adults who consume incompatible food, and have a history of allergic tendencies are affected by this milk protein allergy.

How Common is Casein Protein Allergy?

Research suggests that Casein protein allergy is more common in children than adults and more common in females (2.4 %) as compared to males (1.4 %). In children, the prevalence is highest i.e. 2.2-2.8% in infants at one year of age and it affects 2% of children under 4 years of age. Research also suggests that Casein protein allergy typically appears at 3 months of age and resolves by five years of age. Surveys suggest that casein protein allergy is not well reported in adults but approximately 0.1 to 0.49 % of adults are affected by it.

Types of Casein Protein Allergy

There are two types of casein protein allergy:-

1. IgE- mediated Allergy
2. Non- IgE- mediated Allergy

1. IgE-mediated Allergy – This type of allergy involves quick symptoms related to the digestive, respiratory system, and skin quickly after consuming milk.

2. Non- IgE- mediated Allergy – This type of allergy primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract but in this type of allergy delayed reaction is seen.