Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHome RemediesOther RemediesMild Food Allergy SymptomsWhen to Go to the ERPreventionFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Food Allergies GuideFood Allergies Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Home Remedies
Other Remedies
Mild Food Allergy Symptoms
When to Go to the ER
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Food Allergies Guide
About 32 million people in the United States have food allergies.Afood allergyoccurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to a food, identifying it as a threat and triggering a protective response.
Although there is no cure for food allergies, they can be managed withtreatment and prevention. Severe reactions from food allergies can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical attention, but mild reactions can usually be treated using home remedies.
This article will discuss home remedies to help treat mild food allergies.
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Food Sensitivity vs. Food Allergy
Home Remedies for Mild Reactions
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has been used to treat many ailments, includingnauseaand digestive problems. It remains a popular home remedy to ease an upset stomach and fight inflammation.
According to sinus experts, inhaling the steam from ginger tea can also help alleviate congestion.
Probiotics
Unbalanced bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known asdysbiosis, is believed to play a role in many chronic conditions, including food allergies.
Although more research is needed, many studies suggest thatprobioticsprovide healthy bacteria to repopulate the gut, which can help prevent food allergies.
Foods rich in probiotics include:
Alternatively, you can discuss taking aprobiotic supplementwith your healthcare provider.
Antihistamines
Benadryl(diphenhydramine) is often the most popular antihistamine used to treat food allergies because it starts to work pretty quickly (15-60 minutes) and is easy to find in stores.Zyrtec(cetirizine) is also a promising treatment option because it provides symptom relief with less drowsiness than Benadryl.
Lemon
Lemons are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain arobust immune systemand protects against infection and disease.
One older study found that long-term lemon use reduced symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes associated with severe allergic rhinitis.
You can slice a lemon, put it in water, and drink it throughout the day, or squeeze the juice from one or two lemons and dilute it with water to get the potential benefits of lemons.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can help fight inflammation. Some studies suggest it can also hindermast cell activationand block histamines.
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in green tea, may help stabilize the cells that release histamine in the body, resulting in an antihistamine effect. It also has other potential health benefits, such as protecting against heart disease and cancer.
Moreover, animal studies suggest quercetin may help control apeanut allergy.However,green tea allergiesalso exist.
Ginger
In addition to helping relieve stomach discomfort, ginger works to block histamine. It’s also beneficial for your immune function.
Some scientists believe ginger extract may be as effective as Claritin(loratadine) at treating nasal symptoms and quality of life in people with allergic rhinitis.
Ginger can be used dried, powdered, fresh, or dried. It’s also a great addition to many dishes and juices.
Carrot Juice
Carrot juice is a more uncommon home remedy used to alleviate allergy symptoms. However, it is chock-full of nutrients, providing carotenoids, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to increase immune cell numbers and activity.Vitamins A and C can protect immune cells fromfree radicaldamage and support a strong immune system.
Although carrot juice is beneficial, drinking large amounts can lead tocarotenemia, which can cause your skin to turn slightly yellowish.
If you continue to notice a particular food causing a reaction, the best thing to do is stop eating it. Because symptoms can vary from one exposure to the next, making it impossible to predict the severity of the following reaction, do not try to eat the food again.
Although more research is needed, some studies suggest traditionalChinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medication, may provide symptom relief.
Acupunctureis the practice of inserting hair-thin needles into the body at strategic points to relieve specific symptoms.
If you’ve experienced a food reaction in the past, your healthcare provider may also prescribe anepinephrineautoinjector (EpiPen), which is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
Symptoms can affect different areas of the body and range from mild to severe. They usually appear within a few minutes to two hours after exposure to the trigger food. Mild symptoms include:
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Food allergy symptoms that seem mild initially can quickly become a medical emergency. If you notice rapidly worsening symptoms, you may be experiencing a potentially life-threatening condition calledanaphylaxisand should seek help immediately.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
The only way to prevent mild and severe reactions is to avoid the food that triggers a response. If you cannot narrow it down to a specific food or ingredient, consider visiting with your healthcare provider, who can conduct a series of tests to help pinpoint food triggers.
Additionally, carefully checking food labels to avoid foods that cause allergic reactions is vital.
Thankfully, the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) was passed to help those with food allergies and their caregivers to identify and avoid foods that contain major food allergens.Manufacturers of packaged foods must identify any of theeight common food allergens(egg, milk, soy, fish, peanut, tree nut, wheat, and crustacean shellfish) in their products.
Summary
These remedies can help you feel better. However, preventing the reaction is key to avoiding feeling unwell. Remember, just because an initial response is mild doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t experience more severe symptoms after the next exposure. Reading food labels and being mindful when eating out can help avoid contacting potential food allergens.
It depends. Allergies to eggs, milk, soy, or wheat may disappear. However, allergies to tree nuts, shellfish, peanuts, and fish tend to remain lifelong allergies.
If you experience hives, swelling, tingling of the mouth, or stomach discomfort soon after consuming a particular food, you may be allergic to it.
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21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts and figures.Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A.Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials.Food Sci Nutr. 2018;7(1):96-108. doi:10.1002/fsn3.807Sinus & Wellness Allergy Center.Allergic rhinitis.Pratap K, Taki AC, Johnston EB, Lopata AL, Kamath SD.A comprehensive review on natural bioactive compounds and probiotics as potential therapeutics in food allergy treatment.Front Immunol. 2020. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00996Stanford Medicine.Data from twins suggests that gut bacteria are important in food allergies.Park JH, Godbold JH, Chung D, Sampson HA, Wang J.Comparison of cetirizine to diphenhydramine in the treatment of acute food allergic reactions.J Allergy Clin Immunol.2011;128(5):1127-1128. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2011.08.026Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin c and immune function.Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211Vazouras KG, Partheniou J, Dimoliatis ID.Alleviation and prevention of severe allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis following long-term lemon juice use: a case report.Cases J. 2009;2:8971. doi:10.4076/1757-1626-2-8971Maeda-Yamamoto M.Human clinical studies of tea polyphenols in allergy or life style-related diseases.Current Pharmaceutical Design. 19(34):6148-6155. doi:10.2174/1381612811319340009Mount Sinai.Quercetin.Shishehbor F, Behroo L, Ghafouriyan Broujerdnia M, Namjoyan F, Latifi SM.Quercetin effectively quells peanut-induced anaphylactic reactions in the peanut sensitized rats.Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010;9(1):27-34.Yamprasert R, Chanvimalueng W, Mukkasombut N, Itharat A.Ginger extract versus Loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2020;20(1):119. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-2875-zMount Sinai.Beta-carotene.American Academy of Family Physicians.Antioxidants: what you need to know.DermNet.Carotenoderma.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.Li XM.Traditional chinese herbal remedies for asthma and food allergy.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007;120(1):25-31. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2007.04.030Johns Hopkins Medicine.Acupuncture.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.MedlinePlus.Anaphylaxis.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling (Edition 5).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts and figures.Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A.Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials.Food Sci Nutr. 2018;7(1):96-108. doi:10.1002/fsn3.807Sinus & Wellness Allergy Center.Allergic rhinitis.Pratap K, Taki AC, Johnston EB, Lopata AL, Kamath SD.A comprehensive review on natural bioactive compounds and probiotics as potential therapeutics in food allergy treatment.Front Immunol. 2020. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00996Stanford Medicine.Data from twins suggests that gut bacteria are important in food allergies.Park JH, Godbold JH, Chung D, Sampson HA, Wang J.Comparison of cetirizine to diphenhydramine in the treatment of acute food allergic reactions.J Allergy Clin Immunol.2011;128(5):1127-1128. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2011.08.026Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin c and immune function.Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211Vazouras KG, Partheniou J, Dimoliatis ID.Alleviation and prevention of severe allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis following long-term lemon juice use: a case report.Cases J. 2009;2:8971. doi:10.4076/1757-1626-2-8971Maeda-Yamamoto M.Human clinical studies of tea polyphenols in allergy or life style-related diseases.Current Pharmaceutical Design. 19(34):6148-6155. doi:10.2174/1381612811319340009Mount Sinai.Quercetin.Shishehbor F, Behroo L, Ghafouriyan Broujerdnia M, Namjoyan F, Latifi SM.Quercetin effectively quells peanut-induced anaphylactic reactions in the peanut sensitized rats.Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010;9(1):27-34.Yamprasert R, Chanvimalueng W, Mukkasombut N, Itharat A.Ginger extract versus Loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2020;20(1):119. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-2875-zMount Sinai.Beta-carotene.American Academy of Family Physicians.Antioxidants: what you need to know.DermNet.Carotenoderma.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.Li XM.Traditional chinese herbal remedies for asthma and food allergy.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007;120(1):25-31. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2007.04.030Johns Hopkins Medicine.Acupuncture.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.MedlinePlus.Anaphylaxis.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling (Edition 5).
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts and figures.
Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A.Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials.Food Sci Nutr. 2018;7(1):96-108. doi:10.1002/fsn3.807
Sinus & Wellness Allergy Center.Allergic rhinitis.
Pratap K, Taki AC, Johnston EB, Lopata AL, Kamath SD.A comprehensive review on natural bioactive compounds and probiotics as potential therapeutics in food allergy treatment.Front Immunol. 2020. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00996
Stanford Medicine.Data from twins suggests that gut bacteria are important in food allergies.
Park JH, Godbold JH, Chung D, Sampson HA, Wang J.Comparison of cetirizine to diphenhydramine in the treatment of acute food allergic reactions.J Allergy Clin Immunol.2011;128(5):1127-1128. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2011.08.026
Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin c and immune function.Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211
Vazouras KG, Partheniou J, Dimoliatis ID.Alleviation and prevention of severe allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis following long-term lemon juice use: a case report.Cases J. 2009;2:8971. doi:10.4076/1757-1626-2-8971
Maeda-Yamamoto M.Human clinical studies of tea polyphenols in allergy or life style-related diseases.Current Pharmaceutical Design. 19(34):6148-6155. doi:10.2174/1381612811319340009
Mount Sinai.Quercetin.
Shishehbor F, Behroo L, Ghafouriyan Broujerdnia M, Namjoyan F, Latifi SM.Quercetin effectively quells peanut-induced anaphylactic reactions in the peanut sensitized rats.Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010;9(1):27-34.
Yamprasert R, Chanvimalueng W, Mukkasombut N, Itharat A.Ginger extract versus Loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2020;20(1):119. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-2875-z
Mount Sinai.Beta-carotene.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Antioxidants: what you need to know.
DermNet.Carotenoderma.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food allergy.
Li XM.Traditional chinese herbal remedies for asthma and food allergy.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007;120(1):25-31. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2007.04.030
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Acupuncture.
MedlinePlus.Anaphylaxis.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling (Edition 5).
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