What role does nutrition play in the development of allergies?
November 2, 2023 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear doctor,
My name is Zofia Köhler and I have been suffering from various allergies for some time now, which significantly affect my daily life. I have noticed that my symptoms, such as skin rashes, itching, and breathing difficulties, have been occurring more frequently lately, and I wonder if my diet could be playing a role in this.
I have already been diagnosed with some food allergies, such as peanuts and dairy products. But I wonder if there are other foods that could worsen my allergy symptoms. I am already trying my best to avoid my allergens, but I am not sure if I have identified all the triggers.
Could certain foods that I regularly consume worsen my allergies? Is there a specific dietary approach that could help me alleviate my symptoms? I am concerned that my diet could negatively impact my allergies and I would like to learn more about how I can adjust my diet to reduce my symptoms.
Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to your expertise on this topic.
Sincerely,
Zofia Köhler
Dear Mrs. Köhler,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an allergist. I am sorry to hear that your allergies are impacting your daily life and that you are concerned about whether your diet may be playing a role in worsening your symptoms.
It is indeed possible that certain foods may exacerbate your allergies or trigger your symptoms. In addition to the already diagnosed food allergies to peanuts and dairy products, there are a variety of other foods that can cause allergic reactions. These include nuts, fish, eggs, soy, wheat, shellfish, and certain fruits and vegetables. It is important that you discuss with your treating physician the possibility of comprehensive food allergy testing to identify potential triggers.
A special dietary approach that may help alleviate your symptoms is called an elimination diet. Potential triggers are gradually removed from your diet and reintroduced after a certain period of time to observe how your symptoms change. However, this diet should be conducted under medical supervision to avoid deficiencies and ensure that you receive all necessary nutrients.
I also recommend keeping a food diary to identify possible correlations between your consumption of certain foods and the onset of your symptoms. This can help you better identify and specifically avoid your individual triggers.
It is important to regularly communicate with your treating physician and develop an individualized treatment plan together that also considers your diet. A holistic approach including both medication and dietary measures can help reduce your allergy symptoms and achieve a better quality of life.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for further questions. Thank you for your inquiry and all the best on your journey to better health.
Sincerely,
Erwin Ullmann, Allergist
