HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR WHEAT ALLERGY

A wheat allergy occurs when your immune system has an abnormal reaction to any of the proteins present in wheat. When a person with a wheat allergy comes into contact with wheat, their body perceives the wheat as a threat. The body sends out antibodies to attack it. This immune response can cause many symptoms, some of which are potentially life-threatening.

Although wheat allergy is commonly confused with celiac disease, the two are separate conditions that are diagnosed differently and have different symptoms. Celiac disease causes an abnormal immune response to gluten, which is one of the proteins found in wheat. Celiac disease may not cause immediate symptoms, but causes long-term damage to a person’s intestines. Another condition called non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes digestive problems in people who do not have celiac disease or wheat allergy.

Causes

If you have wheat allergy, exposure to a wheat protein primes your immune system for an allergic reaction. You can develop an allergy to any of the four classes of wheat proteins — albumin, globulin, gliadin and gluten.

Sources of wheat proteins

Some sources of wheat proteins are obvious, such as bread, but all wheat proteins — and gluten in particular — can be found in many prepared foods and even in some cosmetics, bath products and play dough. Foods that may include wheat proteins include:

·         Breads and bread crumbs

·         Cakes and muffins

·         Cookies

·         Breakfast cereals

·         Pasta

·         Couscous

·         Farina

·         Semolina

• Spelt
• Crackers
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Soy sauce
• Meat products, such as hot dogs or cold cuts
• Dairy products, such as ice cream
• Natural flavorings
• Gelatinized starch
• Modified food starch
• Vegetable gum

If you have wheat allergy, it's possible you might also be allergic to barley, oats and rye. Unless you're allergic to grains other than wheat, though, the recommended wheat-free diet is less restrictive than a gluten-free diet.

Wheat-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis

Some people with wheat allergy develop symptoms only if they exercise within a few hours after eating wheat. Exercise-induced changes in your body either trigger an allergic reaction or worsen an immune system response to a wheat protein. This condition usually results in life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Symptoms

A child or adult with wheat allergy is likely to develop signs and symptoms within minutes to hours after eating something containing wheat. Wheat allergy symptoms include:

·         Swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat

·         Hives, itchy rash or swelling of the skin

·         Nasal congestion

·         Headache

·         Difficulty breathing

·         Cramps, nausea or vomiting

·         Diarrhea

·         Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis

For some people, wheat allergy may cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. In addition to other signs and symptoms of wheat allergy, anaphylaxis may cause:

·         Swelling or tightness of the throat

·         Chest pain or tightness

·         Severe difficulty breathing

·         Trouble swallowing

·         Pale, blue skin color

·         Dizziness or fainting

Risk factors

Certain factors may put you at greater risk of developing wheat allergy:

·         Family history. You're at increased risk of allergy to wheat or other foods if your parents have food allergies or other allergies, such as hay fever.

·         Age. Wheat allergy is most common in babies and toddlers, who have immature immune and digestive systems. Most children outgrow wheat allergy by 16, but adults can develop it, often as a cross-sensitivity to grass pollen.

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When wheat allergy  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

ALLIUM EPA 30—Allium cepa is one of the best remedies for wheat allergy where running nose is predominant. Profuse watery discharge with sneezing, acrid burning, excoriating the nose and upper lip. Feeling of a lump at root of nose, so blockage of nose is  present.  Profuse, bland discharge from the eyes is seen along with this.

APIS MELLIFICA 30—Apis is best when skin eruptions or urticaria  like eruptions or edematous swelling  are seen after the intake of wheat. Burning and stinging pains, better from cold application , worse from heat. Watery yellow orange-yellow or tomato-sauce like stools.

ARSENICUM ALBUM 30—Arsenic alb is indicated when severe vomiting and diarrhea occurs due to wheat allergy. Burning pain in abdomen. Ice cold water distress the stomach and is vomited immediately. Offensive rice watery stool followed by great weakness. Thirst for small quantities of water at frequent intervals. Anguish and restlessness.

CARBO VEGETABILIS 30—Carbo veg is another effective medicine for wheat allergy with bloated abdomen, abdomen distended , especially  upper part, worse lying down, better passing wind. Flatulent colic is also seen, forcing the patient to bend double. Along with this frequent, cadaverous smelling stools , followed by burning is seen.

CHINA OFFICINALIS 30—China is indicated , where the whole abdomen is bloated . Tympanitic abdomen. Flatulent bloating better from motion. Much flatulent colic, better from bending double. Pain and heat in abdomen. Diarrhea and weakness.  Diarrhea from wheat and wheat products. Stools undigested, frothy, very weakening with much flatulence.

COLOCYNTHIS 30—Colocynthis is indicated , when abdominal pain seen as a result of wheat allergy. Agonising cutting pain in abdomen causing the patient to bent over double and pressing on the abdomen. Pains , come in waves, better doubling up and hard pressure. Vomiting of bitter water. Frothy, watery, shreddy, yellow diarrhea with flatulence and pain.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM 200—Lycopodium is another remedy for bloated abdomen due to wheat allergy, here lower part of the abdomen is affected.  Flatulence much noisy, pressing out. Immediately after eating abdomen is bloated and full.  Loss of appetite.  Nausea, vomiting, and pain in abdomen is also associated. Patient prefers hot food and drinks. Craving for sweets. Diarrhea with rawness of rectum.

NATRUM MURIATICUM 30—Natrum is  best when eczema is seen as a result of wheat allergy. Eczema raw, red, dry,  and inflamed, especially on margin of hairy scalp and bends of joints. Severe itching,  worse from eating salts.  Patient have a special craving for salt and salty foods. Throbbing pain in the pit of stomach.

NATRUM SULPHURICUM 30—Natrum is indicated when excess flatulence is present due to wheat allergy. Flatulency, wind colic in ascending colon, worse before breakfast. Yellow watery, yellow diarrhea, sometimes involuntary stools , while passing flatus.