Milk Allergy occurs when the immune system of the body identifies certain milk proteins as harmful. The immune system triggers the production of immunoglobulin IgE antibodies to neutralize the allergen. As a result, the antibodies recognize them and produce histamines or other chemicals causing allergic symptoms to develop. The protein known as casein is the main cause of milk allergy. Milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance which is caused due to lactose which is a sugar found in milk.
What are the Symptoms of Milk Allergy?
An allergic reaction starts soon after the intake of milk. The symptoms include:
- Tingling feeling around lips or mouth
- Vomiting
- Hives and wheezing
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Rhinitis
- In babies, colicky pain is also the symptom
- Diarrhea
- Frequent crying in infants
- Fever, giddiness, and pain
Causes of Milk Allergy – According to Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, milk allergy can be correlated to Ksheeralasaka. It is a multi-system disorder. Alasaka is a type of ajeerna (indigestion) that is caused due to Agnimandya or weak digestive fire. Ksheeralasaka is more similar to non-IgE mediated cow’s milk protein allergy and is also comparable to food allergies caused due to the intake of peanuts, eggs, etc. Lactose intolerance or lactose overload can also occur with cow’s milk protein allergy or food allergies. It is caused due to vitiation of all the three doshas and rasa dhatu.
What is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Milk Allergy?
Ayurvedic treatment of Milk Allergy focuses on the condition of the patient. The severity of the disease depends on the degree of Ama (toxins) or Agnimandya (low digestive fire) which is involved and the treatment is also selected accordingly.
At the Institute of Applied Food Allergy (IAFA)®, milk allergy is successfully managed with help of herbal remedies, home remedies, and changes in diet and lifestyle.
Herbal Remedies for Milk Allergy by IAFA®
1. Aahar Amrutham Ras
Aahar Amrutham Ras manufactured by IAFA is a unique herbal formulation that contains the goodness of five potent herbs. These herbs work synergistically to provide relief in various types of food allergies including milk by eliminating ama and help in gastrointestinal repair. The major ingredients of Aahar Amrutham Ras 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 prepared from the bark of Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) tree. It is a classical Ayurvedic preparation for treating the wide range of gastro-intestinal complaints. The bark of the kutaj tree tones the digestive system and is useful in diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain associated with milk allergy. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha doshas and provides relief in milk allergy.
Dose: Take 1 tablet twice daily.
3. Aahar Amrutham Gulika
Aahar Amrutham Gulika is a proprietary Ayurvedic medicine manufactured by Institute of Applied Food Allergy (IAFA)®. It is an excellent gut friendly preparation and possesses digestive enzymatic stimulation with immune modulator action. Ingredients of Aahar Amrutham Gulika are: Vacha (Acorus calamus), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Parpata (Fumaria indica), Hrivera (Valeriana wallichi), Nagara (Zingiber officinale), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Shati (Hedychium spicatum), Dhaniya (Coriander sativum), Dadima (Punica granatum) and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus).
Dose: Take 2 tablets twice a day in between meals.
4. Aahar Amrutham Chai
Aahar Amrutham Chai by IAFA is a herbal tea for supporting the complete digestion of a wide range of foods. It is prepared by choosing 6 natural ingredients such as Parushaka (Grewia asiatica), Kharjura (Phoenix dactylifera), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Kamal pushpa (Nelumbo nucifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides). This herbal tea is the best substitute for tea and coffee. It can be continued even after recovery from milk allergy.
Dose: ½ teaspoon for 1 cup of tea to be taken twice a day.
Some Home Remedies for Milk Allergy
1. Fennel and Cumin Water
Take fennel and cumin seeds in equal quantities and steep them together. Drink this water regularly twice a day. This water helps in secreting digestive enzymes, improves absorption and clears the accumulated toxins as well.
2. Ginger
Take 2-3 slices of ginger and rock salt before taking food. Ginger, being aam pachak (digests waste product) and anti-inflammatory in nature, therefore helps in providing relief in milk allergy.
3. Belgiri Juice (Juice of Aegle marmelos)
Take fresh belgiri juice once or twice a day as it helps in controlling the frequency of bowel movements and also protects the inner lining of the intestine. It prevents ulceration of the inner lining of the stomach and intestine. Being anti-inflammatory in nature, it provides relief in milk allergy.
4. Apples
The anti-inflammatory property of steamed apples is quite helpful in milk allergy. Apples are also known to reduce toxins within the system. Steamed apples should be consumed once or twice a day for milk allergy.
5. Fenugreek Seeds
Boil some fenugreek seeds in water for 10 minutes. Add some jaggery powder to it. This mixture can be taken on an empty stomach for getting relief from a milk allergy.
Diet in Milk Allergy
- Avoid milk and milk products.
- Intake of spices such as turmeric, fennel, cumin seeds should be included in the diet.
- Fresh pomegranate juice should be included in the diet.
Yoga Postures in Milk Allergy
- Merudhandasana,
- Pavanmuktasana,
- Bhujangasana,
- Salabhasana,
- Gomukhasana are quite useful.
Conclusion
Thus, Ayurvedic herbal formulations along with home remedies and changes in diet and lifestyle can help in the successful management of milk allergy. You can also contact us for ayurvedic consultation regarding your health concerns.