What role does nutrition play in the treatment of allergies?
February 23, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Petra Netz
Dear Doctor,
My name is Daniel Busse and I have been suffering from various allergies for a long time, which greatly affect my daily life. I have already tried various treatments, but it seems that my allergic reaction is not fully under control. I wonder if diet could play a role in the treatment of my allergies.
There are some allergies in my family, so I am aware that there may be a genetic predisposition to allergic reactions. However, I wonder if my diet could have an impact on my symptoms. I have already tried to avoid certain foods that I know commonly trigger allergies, but allergic reactions still occur. I am concerned that I may not be sufficiently informed about the relationship between diet and allergies.
Therefore, I would like to know from you what role diet can play in the treatment of allergies. Are there specific foods I should avoid to alleviate my symptoms? Are there also foods that could potentially exacerbate my allergic reactions? Are supplements or special diets helpful in the treatment of allergies?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and possible recommendations to better control my symptoms and improve my quality of life. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Daniel Busse
Dear Daniel Busse,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an allergist. I am sorry to hear that you suffer from various allergies that affect your daily life. It is understandable that you are concerned about the role of your diet in the treatment of your allergies.
Indeed, diet can play an important role in the treatment of allergies. Certain foods can trigger or exacerbate allergic reactions, while others may help to alleviate symptoms. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to your diet in order to control your allergic reactions.
First and foremost, it is important to avoid foods that you know commonly trigger allergies. These may include nuts, dairy products, gluten-containing grains, seafood, and certain fruits. If you already know which foods you are allergic to, it is crucial to avoid them to prevent further allergic reactions.
There are also foods that may exacerbate your allergic reactions. These may include histamine-rich foods such as aged cheese, chocolate, red wine, and certain types of fish. Additionally, food additives like preservatives, colorings, and flavor enhancers can trigger or worsen allergic reactions.
In some cases, dietary supplements can be helpful in alleviating allergic reactions. For example, omega-3 fatty acids can have anti-inflammatory effects and strengthen the immune system, which can be beneficial in the treatment of allergies. Probiotics can also support the immune system and improve gut health, leading to a reduction in allergic symptoms.
There are specific diets that can help in the treatment of allergies. The elimination diet is a commonly used diet for allergies, where potentially allergenic foods are completely avoided for a period of time, then gradually reintroduced to monitor for any reactions. This diet can help determine which foods you are allergic to and avoid them specifically.
It is important to work with a specialist in allergology to develop an individual treatment strategy for your allergies. Your doctor can help determine which foods trigger or exacerbate your allergic reactions, and which foods are suitable for you to alleviate your symptoms.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and assists you in better controlling your allergic reactions. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further questions or for personal advice. I am here to help improve your quality of life and effectively treat your allergies.
Best regards,
Petra Netz
