By Dr. F. A. Attah
Health and nutrition have become top priorities for people trying to lead balanced lives in today’s fast-paced environment. Sadly, increasing number of world population are feeling unwell not because of any infection or disease but mainly because of the food they eat. Allergy may be defined as condition when the body’s defense system (immune system) sends an unpleasant signal regarding the presence of a “foreigner” in the body. A sizable portion of the world’s population battles with the complications of food allergies, which can have a substantial impact on their general well-being and quality of life. The three interwoven triads of health, food, and allergies are examined in this article, which also emphasizes their connections and the significance of regulating them for optimum well-being.
Allergies to some foods cause immune system responses to particular proteins in those meals. When a person with a food allergy eats the offending food, histamine and other immune system chemicals are released, which cause allergic reactions. These reactions might range from minor ones like itching and hives to severe and potentially fatal ones like anaphylaxis. Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish are examples of common allergies. It’s critical to distinguish between food allergies and food intolerance because the latter doesn’t affect the immune system and typically has milder symptoms. Food intolerance is the non life-threatening digestive issues that occur when after eating a food type.
The health, well-being, and happiness of an individual can all be profoundly impacted by food allergies. The potential of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can include difficulty breathing and unconsciousness, is the most pressing worry. Due to the removal of entire food groups from the diet as a result of poorly managed food allergies, growth and development, especially in children, can be negatively impacted. Additionally, the persistent worry about being exposed to allergens can result in anxiety, social isolation, and a lower quality of life, necessitating considerable lifestyle changes for effective management of food allergies. It becomes more negatively impactful when it’s a case of multiple allergies.
As food offers necessary nutrients for bodily activities, food is crucial to general health. A varied, well-balanced diet helps digestion, boosts energy levels, and supports the immune system. For those who have food allergies, it’s important to make dietary decisions that will help them get the nourishment they need. Fortunately, a wide variety of non-allergenic choices are readily available, allowing those with allergies to have a varied and wholesome diet. In other words, even a multiple allergy sufferer can still lead a happy and healthy life if deliberate action is taken to carefully select foods the immune system would not reject.
A thorough strategy is needed to effectively manage the interrelated triad of health food and allergy. It is crucial to educate people about certain allergies so they can identify symptoms and react to emergencies. The development of allergen-safe meal plans is made easier with the assistance of trained healthcare professionals, improving general health and lowering allergy-related risks. To ensure a safe atmosphere, people with allergies should always carry prescription drugs, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, and inform family members, friends, and coworkers about their allergies. It’s important to address the psychological effects of food allergies, and getting assistance from loved ones, friends, or therapists can help people manage their stress and anxiety over their illness.
In conclusion, a complex triad including our health, what we eat, and allergies has a big impact on how we feel. In order to guarantee that people with allergies can live satisfying lives while minimizing hazards, proactive care is required given the rising prevalence of food allergies. Food and drug regulators should sensitize and enforce manufacturers to clearly indicate in bold letters potential allergens in their products. This will help unsuspecting allergy sufferers from falling victims by avoiding ingesting such food/drug. We can encourage everyone to have a healthier connection with food by emphasizing the importance of healthy eating, knowledge, and allergy management. The general health of persons who have food allergies will improve thanks to ongoing research and awareness efforts that will lead to better allergy control techniques.
Oluwatosin Ademola (B.Pharm-in-view)
Francis Alfred Attah (PhD)
Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
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