Non-Food Allergies & Diet 17 My Story

Non-Food Allergies & Diet Is there a link?

By Charlotte Meschede - Nutritionist

As we enter the winter period, and hence cooler temperatures, the resurgence of allergies or allergic symptoms, to be more precise, is evident. Sometimes allergies are seasonal and only appear when the pollen counts are high, but there are people who constantly suffer from allergic symptoms, such as typical nasal symptoms (blocked nose, rhinitis, post-nasal drip), upper respiratory tract symptoms such as wheezing, asthma, coughing and tightness in the chest, to skin presentations such as rashes, hives, dermatitis and non-specific pruritis (itching).

When there are food allergies, it is obvious that there will be dietary implications. If the specific allergy includes a whole food group, for example, fish, then the individual should see a dietician to make sure that he/ she is eating sufficient nutrients that would otherwise be provided by fish.

However, when it comes to non-food allergies, I am often asked: “Can diet affect the severity of my allergic symptoms when exposed to allergens? For example, many people assume that eating dairy foods can aggravate allergic symptoms such as excess mucous, post-nasal drip and cough.

What are allergies and what are the most common non-food allergens?

An allergy occurs when your body’s immune system sees a certain substance as harmful. It reacts by causing an allergic reaction. Substances that can cause allergic reactions are allergens. There are many types of allergies as well as different types of allergic responses. Allergies have been classified into 4 different types (by British immunologists Coombs and Gell). Type I, II AND III are called immediate allergies as they are expressed within 24 hours of exposure to the allergen. Type IV is a delayed allergic reaction because it occurs 24 hours or more after exposure to the allergen.

Type I – These reactions are mediated by specific proteins called IgE. These proteins cause swelling and inflammation and are an emergency if the patients stops breathing (anaphylaxis). Typical Type I allergies include pet dander, dust mites, food and pollen.

Type II – These are known as cytotoxic reactions and are the result of the formation of proteins called IgM or IgG antibodies. These reactions are common in autoimmune disorders such as haemolytic anaemia, immune thrombocytopenia and autoimmune neutropenia.

Type III – these allergic reactions are also initiated by IgM and IgG antibodies and they are responsible for the allergic reactions seen in Lupus or serum sickness.

Some allergies are seasonal and others are year-round and will occur on exposure to the allergen4. It is important for you to be advised by your doctor, either through skin-prick testing or blood tests, or both, as to what category your specific allergic response is.

Common allergens include:

• Medication Allergies to drugs (medicines) occur in only a small number of people. Most drug reactions are not allergic but are side effects of the properties of the medicine. A diagnosis of the cause of the drug reaction is usually based only upon the patient’s history and symptoms. Sometimes skin testing for drug allergies is also done.

• Food There are different types of allergic reactions to foods. There are differences between IgE-mediated allergies, non-IgE mediated allergies and food intolerances.

• Insect bites and stings Bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants are the most common stinging insects that cause an allergic reaction. Nonstinging insects can also cause allergic reactions. The most common are cockroaches and the insect-like dust mite. Allergies to these two insects may be the most common cause of yearround allergy and asthma.

• Latex A latex allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex gloves, balloons, condoms and other natural rubber products contain latex. An allergy to latex can be a serious health risk. Some people with latex allergy may also be allergic to certain foods that are structurally similar to latex. These foods include apple, avocado, banana, carrot, celery, chestnut, kiwi, melons, papaya, potato (raw), and tomato.

• Pollens Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as “hay fever,” but experts usually refer to it as “seasonal allergic rhinitis.”

• Mould Mould and mildew are fungi. Since fungi grow in so many places, both indoors and outdoors, allergic reactions can occur throughout the year.

• Pets Allergies to pets with fur are common. It is important to know that an allergyfree (hypoallergenic) breed of dog or cat does not exist. 1 & 2 .

Whether you suffer from constant or seasonal allergies, is there anything one can do to help manage these somewhat debilitating symptoms?

What foods can help with allergies?

• Foods that are high in a plant compound called quercetin, which occurs naturally in the following foods: onions, peppers, berries and parsley. According to research, quercetin may reduce a histamine response, which is part of the allergic reaction. • Foods that are high in Vitamin C.

Whilst all fresh fruits do contain vitamin C, citrus fruits and kiwis provide more than most. • Omega 3 fatty acids have been

shown to reduce incidences of hay fever and asthma. Foods that are high in these dynamic nutrients include all the fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines as well as flax seeds, sesame and pumpkin seeds. • Fermented foods such as natural yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and pickles will boost the gut bacteria and reduce allergic symptoms. • Honey, especially honey cultured in your own area. There is some debate that local honey will help you develop a tolerance to pollen that is prevalent in your own area.

Raw and not heated honey would be preferable. Bear in mind that honey cannot be given to babies under 1 year old.

An allergy to anything, whether it is environmental or chemical needs to be taken seriously. Individual responses to allergens vary from mild such as in hay fever to having an anaphylactic response, which can and is, frequently, fatal. Avoidance of the allergen per se, is the ONLY way of avoiding the allergy completely. Allergies causing anaphylactic shock can never be cured, so this advice and information does not pertain to these conditions.

REFERENCES 1. https://www.southfloridasinusandallergy. com/the-5-most-common-non-food-allergies/ 2. https://www.aafa.org/types-of-allergies/ 3. https://foodallergycanada.ca/food-allergybasics/food-allergies-101/what-are-foodallergies/non-food-allergens/ 4. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_ the_four_types_of_allergic_reactions/ article.htm

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