Hypoallergenic Diet
How many times has it happened that we abstain from certain types of foods? I think quite often, at least for me. Food allergy is common. Have you ever wondered why? Well, a generic answer for it may be that one may not like the smell of it, the taste of it, and simply not liking it at all. Quite simple isn't it. Well there is nothing abnormal about it, it is in fact quite natural. But then there is more to it. The reason why you dislike certain food items is because our bodies react to it. And the reason for their reaction may be genetics or enzymes which are involved in the digestive process. In return, this results in the development of allergies.
What is a Hypoallergenic Diet?
A hypoallergenic diet is a special type of diet designed to minimize the effects of food allergies. Since most of us are allergic or sensitive towards some or the other food item, it helps us to develop less sensitiveness towards these food items. It must be noted that the intensity of reaction varies from person to person. People are allergic towards these foods, and if they are not kept away from it, the symptoms will persist or can even get worse. With more and more unnatural foods being made available, like processed and packaged foods, our bodies are showing distinctive genetic changes towards them. And this ultimately results in allergic reactions.
A hypoallergenic diet is also known as elimination diet. And the reason why it is known as elimination diet is, because in it you eliminate the foods which one is allergic to. This diet's recipes are those in which the person who is allergic to a particular food item is abstained from having it, and including those items in the diet with which are non allergic. Designing such a diet for a person who has multiple allergies can be a difficult task. Simply avoiding the allergic food is the most simplest and effective way. There are some food items which are more hypoallergenic because people are not allergic to them.
If a person shows allergic reaction towards certain foods he must be kept totally away from those food items. Sometimes, foods can be introduced back into the diet after a period of abstention. The more the person is exposed to the allergic food, the more antibodies will be produced by his body to defend itself from it. Peanut allergy is one of the most commonest food allergies. Some people are so allergic towards it that few airlines have peanut free flights!
Food allergies from milk, peanuts, corn, wheat, chocolate, yeast, soy eggs are most common. Food allergies in children can be complicated sometimes. It has been found out that milk is one of the most commonest food allergen for children (allergens are substances which induce allergies). If someone has an allergy from milk, they will need to eliminate milk and dairy products like cheese, yogurt, butter, cream, ice cream, etc. Brown rice is one of the most common food used in hypoallergenic diets.
Symptoms of Food Allergy
Symptoms of food allergies can be comprehensive. Few of them include headache, dizziness, wheezing, swelling, anaphylactic reactions, low energy, and chronic fatigue recurrent ear infection. Some other gastrointestinal symptoms includes gas, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, heartburn, etc. There are some kinds of foods which trigger symptoms leading to Attentions Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is advisable not to take the symptoms lightly cause immediate medical attention may be required.
There is no specific time frame for this diet. The time taken for a person to overcome varies from person to person, as each case is different. First of all, analyze what foods make you react and then it's worth trying a hypoallergenic diet. The process of elimination of these reacting foods can really help. Try eliminate one offending food at a time. The most important part is to understand what is making you allergic towards a food item. Look out for the ingredients in a particular food item to learn about allergens. Try using substitute of a food item you are allergic to as this may help a lot. If you've got pets at home and they too seem to be allergic towards specific foods you offer to them, it is advisable to see a vet and get it checked. Food allergies in dogs and cats are common, and hypoallergenic diet options for pets too are available out there in the market.
