One of the most terrible allergies that have shaken the world in a massive way is caused by nuts, precisely, peanuts. Speaking of numbers, peanut allergy affected 1 in 125 children in 2002. However, there is now 1 in every 17 children (over 1 million in the USA) suffering from “peanut allergy.”
To tell you the truth about the natural remedies available to patients suffering from nut allergy, unfortunately, there are none. However, scientists and herbal medicine experts have been tirelessly working toward getting the ultimate formula to cure the allergy. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be prevented or controlled.
Immunotherapy: Using The Allergen To Build Immunity
Good news, on the other hand, is that the new research that was conducted recently suggested that peanut allergy can be cured naturally by peanut itself. It stated that if you give kids with peanut allergies small doses of peanut flour, eventually they can safely eat peanuts again. The experimental immunotherapy has already proven effective at a mindboggling 84% success rate.1
[pullquote]Note: Immunotherapy should be conducted only under the guidance of the expert.[/pullquote]
Andrew Clark of Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK, who co-led the team that developed the treatment, reportedly said, “We’ve shown fantastic results, with 80 to 90 per cent of children being able to tolerate eating peanuts regularly after treatment.”
Before this, the only option to prevent an allergic reaction was to avoid eating food containing nuts or to avoid any sort of contact with them. Moreover, most doctors also regularly prescribe an injection of epinephrine and advise patients to ensure they always have a ready supply of antihistamines.
FAHF-2: Food Allergy Herbal Formula
Also, prior to the immunotherapy, among the most noted researches seeking cure for peanut allergy, a Chinese herbal formula FAHF-2 (Food Allergy Herbal Formula) is also underway.2
Privately funded research on FAHF-2 has been tested in a mouse model in well-designed studies at reputable US institutions (Mount Sinai and Johns Hopkins). They found that the formula protected mice from allergic reactions from peanuts. Eventually, the FAHF-2 has been given a green light for human trial. The trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of the remedy for a variety of food allergies including peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish.
Let us hope that the natural formula to treat peanut allergy might find its way to the medical stores soon. However, immunotherapy is the most natural cure that one can get.
Peanut allergy is uncommon but devastating. Even a tiny trace of peanut can cause an anaphylactic reaction and death. Thus, patients with such allergy should take utmost care of what they eat and where they eat.
Prevention Of Nut Allergies
- Avoid foods that may contain nuts.
- Always check food labels, even for products you know, as ingredients can change. Avoid foods with the label arachis as it is an alternative term for peanut.
- Avoid foods with unknown ingredients.
- Don’t eat from buffets as it is most of the times cross-contaminated.
- Take your own snacks or lunches to parties or picnics.
- Everyone in your family and friends circle should know your food allergy.
- Do not give nuts or food containing nuts to your child before the age of three, especially if you have an allergy.
- Be aware that if you have a peanut allergy you might also react to some vegetables, legumes like soy, green beans, kidney beans, baked beans and green peas because these foods contain similar allergens to peanuts.
- Be aware that alcohol can make an allergic reaction worse.
References
