How To

How to Use Holistic Medicine to Test for Food Allergies

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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There are a few different options if you want to test for food allergies. Skin tests include shots to the back or a prick test on the arm. These tests administer the allergen onto or into the skin. The skin is then examined to see if an allergic reaction occurred. Food allergies can result in general discomfort or bloating and cramping of the abdomen. They can spark headaches, nausea and weight gain or loss. It might also result in general fatigue. Another way to test for food allergies is the holistic method. Follow these steps to find out how.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Computer with Internet access

    Test for Food Allergies

  1. Step 1

    Keep an eye open for intolerance to certain foods. Any bloating, diarrhea or skin rashes may be signs of an allergy.

  2. Step 2

    Begin to test for food allergies by eliminating certain foods from your diet. Dairy, wheat and peanuts are common allergens.

  3. Step 3

    Test a specific food by removing it from your diet for several weeks or until the allergic symptoms disappear.

  4. Step 4

    Watch out for food cravings. They can be tell-tale signs of an allergy to that food.

  5. Step 5

    Reduce over-consumption of any one food. Eating too much of anything sets the body off-balance and can lead to allergy development. For example, it can happen if you eat too much protein.

  6. Step 6

    Reintroduce the eliminated foods one at a time. Watch to see whether any allergic reactions re-appear.

  7. Step 7

    Be sure to leave up to 2 weeks between each item of food you reintroduce. Sometimes it takes as long as 2 weeks for symptoms to appear.

  8. Step 8

    Listen to your body. Allergies can arise from stress in your life.

  9. Alleviate Allergies With Holistic Medicine

  10. Step 1

    Read about the ways holistic medicine can treat food allergies by buying a book like "Asthma and Allergies: The Natural Way of Healing" by the Natural Medicine Collective (see Resources below). It provides a good overview of many different holistic methods for treating all kinds of food allergies.

  11. Step 2

    Strengthen your immune system naturally by taking Vitamin C. Allergies are often a sign of an immune system out of balance.

  12. Step 3

    Use bioflavonoids as natural medicine. Bioflavanoids are found in the pigmentation of fruits and vegetables that are linked to working with Vitamin C to strengthen the immune system.

Tips & Warnings
  • It's best to reintroduce foods under the guidance of a health practitioner.
  • Testing yourself for food allergies is inexpensive.
  • If your throat swells or if you have difficulty breathing, go to an emergency room immediately. You may be experiencing a life-threatening reaction.
  • Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try holistic medicine, keep your doctor informed about the technique you undertake.

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