| Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, offers a | | | | intestinal flora producing toxins and may cause |
| scientific approach to food allergy by determining the | | | | respiratory allergies |
| correct diet based upon an individual's constitution ( | | | | Symptoms of food allergy include diarrhea, vomiting, |
| vata, pitta, kapha) & seasonal alterations. | | | | constipation, swelling of lips, tongue, abdominal |
| Pitta people are allergic to hot, spicy foods, | | | | cramps, cough wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, |
| fermented foods, sour fruits, tomatoes, potatoes. | | | | blocked nose and rashes on skin. |
| Kaphas develop allergies to dairy products and cold | | | | Food allergy can be managed by : |
| beverages. Vatas are allergic to hard-to-digest foods | | | | ** Avoiding the foods which cause allergic reactions. |
| such as popcorn, beans and raw vegetables. | | | | ** Having a regular routine of life as it stabilizes the |
| When foods, (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) | | | | immune system |
| having different attributes, tastes, heating or cooling | | | | ** Practicing yoga and meditation as it balances mind |
| properties, and post-digestive effects are eaten | | | | & body thereby reducing allergic symptoms. |
| together, agni (gastric fire) will be slowed down. The | | | | ** Taking a balanced diet with enough proteins, |
| foods can then remain in the stomach for seven to | | | | calories, minerals and vitamins. |
| eight hours. These same foods, if eaten separately | | | | ** Selecting food with suits the individual constitution |
| might well stimulate agni, be digested more quickly | | | | and seasons. |
| and even help to burn ama (toxins) | | | | ** Combining the foods to improve tolerance. Diet |
| Thus, according to Ayurveda, one should eat | | | | should be made wholesome by appropriate |
| according to one's constitution and take fruits, | | | | combination of different foods. |
| starches, proteins and fats separately at different | | | | ** Combining the foods to reduce intolerance. The |
| times of the day. Combining foods improperly can | | | | suitability of food is improved by appropriate |
| produce indigestion, fermentation, putrefaction and | | | | processing. |
| gas formation. This condition, if prolonged, can lead to | | | | ** Slowly adapting to the unsuitable food. |
| toxemia and disease complex. For example, eating | | | | **Ayurvedic herbal preparations - Rasayanas are |
| bananas with milk can diminish agni, change the | | | | traditionally used in treating food allergies. |