Natural Treatments for Food Intolerances

Food intolerance refers to difficulty in digesting certain foods. The symptoms of food intolerance tend to take longer to appear compared to food allergies. For example, not being able to digest milk because you are lactose intolerant is different from being allergic to milk. When you have a food intolerance, then your immune system is not responsible. Most of the time, it is a problem with digesting the food. In some cases, food intolerance is caused by a lack of a particular enzyme.

The most common symptoms of food intolerance include hives, bloating, stomach ache, irritable bowel, cough, runny nose, etc. In some cases, certain chemicals in foods and drinks can cause intolerance, including caffeine found in chocolates, tea and coffee, and amines found in some cheeses. The undercooked beans can have aflatoxins, which can cause extremely unpleasant digestive problems. But, fully cooked beans do not have toxins.

Some fishes, which have not been stored properly, can have an accumulation of histamine as they rot and this can lead to some symptoms, like nausea, skin rashes, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. There are different types of food intolerances and the right treatment will depend on the type that you have. If you have some food intolerance, then you need to talk with your doctor before you use some of the below-mentioned home remedies, so in this way, you will avoid possible side effects. Here are some natural treatments for food intolerances:

Natural Treatments for Food Intolerances:

Rotate Your Plate

You should rotate the foods that you are able to eat, so you do not consume them more than once every four days. You should include oils, condiments, and beverages in this rotation strategy. When you prevent overexposure to foods in this way, you will decrease your sensitivity to them and also, you will reduce your chances of developing food allergy symptoms.

Ginger Tea

This type of tea has many health benefits. Ginger root is known for its ability to decrease the symptoms of abdominal discomfort and nausea. This can mitigate irritable bowel syndrome and it will support the levels of digestive juices in the gut. Ginger tea is a good home remedy if you have lactose intolerance.

Ginger will ease the inflammation in the intestines and it can alleviate spasms. Also, you can drink ginger tea to ease the upset stomach. You should boil few slices of ginger root in plain water. Then, strain the fluid and take it as tea.

Quercetin

This is an antioxidant found in apples, onions, and other products. It has an antihistamine effect which can help to people who suffer from histamine intolerance.

Fish Oil

If you have gluten sensitivity, then fish oil is a good home remedy for you. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to repair the damaged gut wall and prevent further inflammation. You can find fish oil in capsule form in many drugstores.

Kombucha

If you have caffeine sensitivity, then kombucha is the right choice for you. It has natural carbonation and has significantly lower amounts of caffeine than tea. This can be your health and energy-boosting choice. Also, it is a great lower–sugar alternative to soda.

Lime Juice

This is a great home remedy if your lactose is intolerant. It can help you to get relief from the stomachache caused by lactose intolerance. You can prepare it as a tasty drink by just adding it to water. You can drink this home remedy two or three times per day, so you will avoid bloating and gas which are causes of stomach aches. It is recommended to drink on an empty stomach in the morning and in every meal to facilitate the process of digestion. This is one of the most common home remedies which is used to treat lactose intolerance.

Wheatgrass

This home remedy is a source of essential vitamins and minerals. It may not be the tastiest choice, but it is very effective if you have caffeine intolerance. A shot of wheatgrass will give you a little extra burst of energy without caffeine.

Stinging Nettle

If you are sensitive to histamine, then stinging nettle is one of the best choices for you. This home remedy can be used as a natural antihistamine. You can find it online or in your local health food stores.

Chamomile Tea

If you suffer from gluten intolerance, then chamomile tea is one of the best home remedies that you can use to treat this condition. This herb has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to lessen the discomfort from bloating and it will give you a soothing effect, while at the same time, it will relax the digestive tract. You should drink this herbal as much as needed in the day to get relief from the symptoms.

Bromelain

This component is found in pineapples, but you can find it in supplement form too. It can be used as a natural treatment for histamine intolerance.

Turmeric

This natural cure is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and it can help people to speed up the healing process. You can take a turmeric pill, but talk with your doctor about the recommended dosage.

Apple Cider Vinegar

It has been shown that apple cider vinegar can help to alleviate a myriad of stomach dilemmas and gluten digestion is one of them. Apple cider vinegar is enzyme-rich vinegar, which aids inflammation, digestion, and fights against constipation. Also, it can help to encourage the growth of good bacteria, so it is one of the best home remedies for gluten intolerance. It is suggested to dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water.

Cocoa

If you have lactose intolerance, then you can use cocoa as your home remedy. You can include cocoa in your diet, because this can help to ease stomach bloating and cramps. You can take cocoa in your diet ac chocolate or other alternatives.

Mushroom Elixir

If you want to drink a warm beverage that mimics the earthy flavor of coffee and you want to increase your energy, then you can take mushroom elixir mix as your natural treatment for caffeine intolerance.

Marshmallow Root

This is a traditional staple of alternative medicine, which can be used for digestive issues. It is thought that it can help to repair your gut’s lining and it can reduce gas and inflammation. It can be used as your home remedy for gluten intolerance.

Cumin Seeds

You can use cumin seeds as your home remedy for lactose intolerance. They are part of the Indian kitchen for tempering the food. They can help in the digestion process and they can prevent bloating, which is providing its efficiency as one of the best lactose intolerance cures. You can boil 4 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds to it. Then, boil it down and strain this home remedy. You should drink two to three times per day so you will get instant relief from lactose intolerance. Also, it is recommended to add this home remedy to your daily diet, so you will avoid digestion problems.

Chicory

You can make an herbal substitute for coffee by mixing chicory and herbs, such as dandelion. This can be one of the best home remedies which you can use for treating caffeine intolerance. It can be the perfect warm and flavorful replacement for a daily coffee.

Echinacea

This is one of the best immune boosters which can help your body naturally overcome many of the symptoms of gluten intolerance.

Omega – 3 Fatty Acids

Fatty fish has healthy Omega – 3 fatty acids which can help to coat the intestinal tract and this can give you relief from the damage which is caused by gluten. Omega – 3 fatty acids are a good home remedy for people who suffer from gluten intolerance.

Peppermint

This is a great ingredient that is used in almost all kitchens. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to calm the pain during lactose intolerance. It works in the same way as ginger. It can give you relief from digestive discomfort and it will decrease intestinal irritation. You can get fresh peppermint leaves and boil them for 15 minutes in plain water. Then, strain the liquid, add a tablespoon of honey to taste, and take it as tea. You should drink it two times per day and you will see improvements in your condition.

Yogurt

Yogurt has a bacterial culture which is very important for proper digestion. It is high in lactose, but its lactose amount decreases the symptoms of lactose intolerance. This can influence in the calcium level in the body. Dairy products with active cultures may reduce typical symptoms which are related to lactose intolerance.

References

1. The 8 Most Common Food Intolerances. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-food-intolerances#section1 . Published January 25, 2018
2. What is a food intolerance? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263965 .
3. Types of Food Intolerance. https://www.allergyuk.org/information-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/586-types-of-food-intolerance .
4. Food intolerance. http://www.allergy.org.nz/Allergy+help/Food+intolerance.html .
5. Symptoms of a Food Allergy or Intolerance. https://www.testyourintolerance.com/food-intolerance-symptoms/ .