Food Allergies and Intolerances – Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Allergy is considered as a disorder of the immune system. The allergic reactions occur when a hypersensitive immune system reacts to a common or unusual substance. Food Allergy is defined as the hypersensitivity to certain foods. These foods act as antigens and give rise to the reaction in the body which involves the production of certain substances known as histamine in the body.

What are the Symptoms of Food Allergies and Intolerance?

• Atisara (Diarrhoea)
• Grahani (Unformed Stools Sticky in Nature)
• Udarshula (Colic)
• Adhmana (Bloating)
• Oshta Shotha (Swelling of The Lips)
• Shitapitta (Urticaria)
• Shwasa (Difficulty in Breathing)
• Durbalaya (Fatigue)
• Vicharchika (Eczema)

What is the Concept of Food Allergy – According to Ayurveda?

Satmya is a word used in Ayurveda which means tolerance. Asatmya is a term which is used for intolerance. This tolerance or intolerance can be towards any food, medicine, weather etc.

According to Ayurveda, food intolerance or allergies occur due to the imbalance of Doshas and Agni. When the digestive fire is low and the person eats food that is heavy to digest, the food is not digested properly and causes malabsorption. This improperly digested food is known as Ama or endotoxins leading to the clogging in the channels of circulation. Various other factors such as mental strain, improper diet and lifestyle, anger, grief etc. disrupt the immune system.

The allergic reactions may manifest immediately or slowly. In Ayurveda, three types of manifestations have been explained based on the duration of manifestation after exposure to the food allergy. These are:

1. Sandhyanasha (Acute/Immediate Hypersensitive reaction)
2. Rogajanaka (Mediated immune complex reaction leading to autoimmune disorders)
3. Kalantaranasha (Delayed Hypersensitive Reaction)

Thus, according to Ayurveda, food allergies and intolerances are due to the following factors:

• Mandagni (weak digestive fire)
• Formation of Ama (accumulation of toxins)
• Weak immune system
• Amount of allergens
• Imbalanced doshas in the body such as Vata, Pitta and Kapha
• State of dhatu (tissue) and agni (digestive fire) which determines which tissue or organ system will be affected.
• Bija dosha (genetic predisposition)
• Intake of Virudh Ahara (incompatible food combinations)
• Other factors such as suppression of natural urges

What is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Food Allergies and Intolerances?

The experience of Ayurveda can be utilized to accelerate the successful management of food allergies and intolerances. The understanding of this ancient wisdom may prove to be of immense importance in patients suffering with food allergies. Ayurvedic treatment of food allergies and intolerances is quite effective, safe, and free from side effects. IAFA (Institute of Applied Food Allergy) treats food allergies in a natural way. IAFA has treated a large number of patients with food allergies successfully. IAFA treats patients of food allergies on the principles of Ayurveda such as Nidan Parivarjana (avoidance of causative factors), prescription of agni deepana medications (digestive and appetizers to correct the functioning of digestive fire) and Ahara-Vihara (correct diet and lifestyle). Dr. Gupta at IAFA is the first Ayurvedic physician who treats food allergies naturally. Ayurvedic Treatment of Food Allergies by IAFA includes the following herbal formulations:

1. Aahar Amrutham Ras

Aahar Amrutham Ras by IAFA contains the goodness of five potent herbs. These herbs are quite effective in the treatment of food allergies due to their ama (toxins) eliminating action. These herbs prevent the formation of toxins as well. The major herbs are: Chotti Dudhi (Euphorbia thymifolia), Shrifal (Aegle marmelos), Bhoomi amla (Phyllanthus niruri) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa).

Dose: Take 1 tablet twice a day.

2. Kutaja Ghan Vati

Kutaja Ghan Vati is a classical Ayurvedic preparation obtained from the bark of Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) tree. The bark of kutaj is anti-inflammatory in nature and has the property of expelling toxins from the body. It helps in proper functioning of the intestines as it reduces toxins within the system.

Dose: Take 1 tablet twice a day.

3. Anthra Mitram Gulika

Anthra means intestine and Mitram means friend. So, as the name suggests Anthra Mitram Gulika by IAFA is very effective in different food allergies as it is a Parpati preparation that works on malabsorption in the intestinal tract. It contains herbo-mineral ingredients such as Praval Panchamrut Ras, Piyush Villa Ras, Mukta Panchamrit Ras, Kutajaghan Vati, Giloy Satv, Godanti Bhasam, Swarnmakshik Bhasam, Mukta Shukti Pishti, Vijay Parpati, Suvarna Parpati and Panchamrut Parpati.

Dose: Take 1 tablet twice a day.

4. Aahar Amrutham Chai

Aahar Amrutham Chai by IAFA is an herbal tea that contains the goodness of six Ayurvedic herbs that support the digestion of a wide range of foods and manage allergies naturally. This tea can also be taken in place of regular tea or coffee and can be continued even after recovery from food allergies and intolerance. Ingredients of IAFA Aahar Amrutham Chai are: Parushaka (Grewia asiatica), Kharjura (Phoenix dactylifera), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Kamal pushpa (Nelumbo nucifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Padamaka (Prunus cerasoides)

Dose: For adults: ½ teaspoon for 1 cup of tea to be taken twice daily. For children: 1/4^th teaspoon for 1 cup twice daily.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Fresh buttermilk spiced with roasted cumin, pepper, and rock salt should be taken to stimulate the digestive fire.
• Drinking lukewarm water or herbal infusion helps in eliminating Ama by improving Agni.
• Coldwater and cold drinks should be avoided as they slow down digestion.
• Processed, junk foods, pastries, cakes, biscuits should be avoided.
• Avoid sedentary lifestyle, day sleep, and excess sleeping.
• Yoga postures that stimulate Agni are Paschimottasana, Pavanmuktasana, Balasana, Matsyendrasana etc.

Conclusion

During Ayurvedic treatment of food intolerance at IAFA, patients are treated with the help of natural herbs, natural remedies, changes in diet and lifestyle which help in improving and maintaining good health. Thus, food intolerance treatment in Ayurveda is safe and has a holistic approach. Book your appointment now to consult with our Health Expert – Dr. Sahil Gupta.