Allergy is an inflammatory response of the immune system in which it is produced, among other substances, histamine. This substance is responsible for the main allergic symptoms: itching, runny nose, etc. The production of histamine and, therefore, allergy symptoms occur when an allergen, or substance to which we are allergic, overcomes the first defensive barriers of the body, the skin and mucous membranes, and our immune system responds to this in an exaggerated way.

You may experience mild allergic symptoms, which may even go unnoticed, or severe symptoms that require urgent medical intervention. The good news is that with some habits we can contribute to its prevention.

Digestive health and allergy prevention

For prevent allergies (whether they are of food origin or not), it is of vital importance pamper our digestive systemsince 70% of the immune system resides there. Furthermore, the correct liver function.

The intestinal hyperpermeability (damage to the integrity of the intestinal wall), caused by irritating foods such as coffee, dairy products, sugar or refined products, and accumulation of toxins in a saturated liver They favor the appearance of allergies, both seasonal, food or other types.

For this reason, it turns out It is essential to take care of the intestinal wall, its mucosa and the microbiota, so that the intestine can perform its functions: guarantee the absorption of nutrients, act as a barrier against pathogens and generate beneficial substances for the body.

Benefits of the hypoallergenic diet

The hypoallergenic diet is one that focuses on a diet that reduces or eliminates allergic reactions by providing nutritional resources and habits that allow the immune system restores its balance.

This dietary proposal is not only used to alleviate specific food allergies or eliminate the products that cause the allergy. It can be considered a style of eating that, thanks to its effects on the immune system and metabolism, allows you to combat and prevent practically all types of allergic responseseven bee stings, animal hair and pollen, to give some non-food examples.

Therefore, we can assure that the hypoallergenic therapeutic diet It is a natural remedy to combat allergies.

What is a hypoallergenic diet like?

To carry out a hypoallergenic diet it is essential to consume those foods to which the human body is evolutionarily best adaptedso that there is less risk of allergic response both in the short term after ingestion, and in the longer term. It is a diet that promotes overall immune health. Its pillars are:

• Eliminate harmful foods. That’s why ultra-processed products are eliminatedbut also some very common foods in our daily lives those who scientific research indicates as those to which we are not well adapted.
• Strengthen the intestinal wall. A key factor is ensuring that foods provide the nutrients needed to recover and maintain the intestinal wall and immune system.
• Stable over time: The anti-allergy regimen should be maintained for a longer or shorter time, depending on the personal situation and, if possible, following the instructions of a specialized professional.
• Let the digestive system rest: It is also part of the therapeutic process to perform between two and three meals a day with high nutritional densitywithout meals between them, in order to promote digestive rest.

What should be avoided in the hypoallergenic diet

Some of the foods most likely to cause an allergic response are: soyhe gluten (wheat, barley, rye, Kamut, etc.), the egg whitehe seafoodthe peanuts, some nuts and seeds such as sesame or nuts, dairy, sugar, sweets and ultra-processed foods.

The reason dairy products are eliminated is that dairy can cause allergy and intolerance: the allergy It is caused by milk proteins and affects two out of every hundred adults, while intolerance It appears because lactose, the milk sugar, cannot be metabolized. In the Mediterranean, one in two people is intolerant.

Allergies to foods are also common. fruits of the rose familylike peaches, raspberries, strawberries, plums…

Other foods that must be eliminated are nightshade (peppers, eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes), due to their richness in solanine, a substance found under the skin that promotes inflammation.

Safe Hypoallergenic Diet Foods

The foods that make up the anti-allergy diet They are those that promote intestinal repair and the reduction of intestinal hyperpermeability, one of the influential factors for the production of an exaggerated inflammatory response.

• Egg yolk and legumes Well cooked (soaked, sprouted and cooked) they are appropriate for a hypoallergenic diet.
• Vegetables such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts…), onions, garlic and leeks, asparagus, spinach, baby beans, artichokes, green leaves, such as lamb’s lettuce or arugula, are also allowed, as are carrots, beets, turnips and zucchini.
• Regarding fruitsPears, apples, tangerines, oranges, pomegranate, blueberries, mango, papaya or avocado do not usually cause allergies.
• Other foods that can be incorporated They are algae, adding them in small quantities to broths, legume stews, vinaigrettes, sauces, creams, etc.
• Sweet potatoes, parsnips or pumpkin are also recommended.which should be cooked and allowed to cool for a minimum of 24 hours to obtain resistant starch, which feeds the microbiota.
• It is recommended to include antihistamine foodswhich are those rich in quercetinlike apple, onion or capers. Other essential nutrients for the intestine are zinc, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids and glutamine, among others.
• In general it is important, during the hypoallergenic diet, take special care of the liver: Take boldo infusions to improve the ability to digest, purify and cleanse toxins, which can also cause an allergic response. This action is also reinforced by bitter tasting foodssuch as endive, arugula, endives, artichokes, watercress, etc. You can add sour tasting foodssuch as lemon or apple cider vinegar, since according to traditional Chinese medicine they promote the proper functioning of the liver.