Foods like peanuts and shellfish are notorious for causing severe allergic reactions. Fortunately, most people who have these allergies are aware of their “trigger foods” and avoid them. However, there are other less obvious causes of allergies that can lead to a range of symptoms, including joint pain, headaches, brain fog, and irritability.
Invisible Culprits that Can Sicken You
While many people are familiar with allergies caused by certain foods, it’s also possible for invisible elements on your food to cause an allergic reaction. This means that even if you diligently avoid your trigger foods, you may still be at risk.
A case study from the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology detailed an alarming incident in which a 10-year-old girl experienced a severe allergic reaction after eating a piece of blueberry pie, despite having no allergy to blueberries. The culprit behind her anaphylactic reaction was streptomycin residues in the fruit, a group of antibiotic drugs used on non-organic produce to suppress the growth of algae, bacteria, and fungi.
Around 17% of the food we consume is imported, and some countries have lax food production regulations, which means that many imported foods may be tainted with unknown substances. On top of that, it’s not uncommon for non-organic produce sold in supermarkets to be treated with various chemicals that can trigger allergies. Organic food, on the other hand, is not allowed to contain such substances.
The Secret Weapon Against Allergies: PUFAs
To reduce the incidence of allergic reactions, it’s essential to take measures to boost immune function. One significant way to do this is by increasing your consumption of a group of nutrients that are disappearing from today’s food supply: polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), also known as omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients are potent and powerful, earning them the nickname “supernutrients.”
A study reviewing 10 clinical trials found that omega-3 fatty acids could potentially decrease the risk of food allergies by almost 50%. It’s recommended to consume at least 1 gram of PUFAs per day, with 3 grams being the optimal amount for allergy reduction.
There are several excellent sources of PUFAs, such as wild fish, walnuts, butternuts, and grape leaves. Unfortunately, these essential nutrients have been stripped out of processed foods, and there’s not much in farmed fish. Thus, supplementation may be necessary for most people.
Krill Oil: The Best Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
For optimal absorption and benefits, krill oil is considered the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. Krill is rich in all three types of omega-3 fats and delivers them more quickly and efficiently to the areas in the body that need them to help the immune system combat allergies.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, many factors can contribute to food allergies, including hidden chemicals and food contaminants. To protect yourself from these allergens and reduce your risk, it’s essential to strengthen your immune system through proper nutrition and supplementation. Specifically, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can have a significant impact on reducing allergy symptoms. Turn to natural sources like wild fish and walnuts, or consider supplementation with krill oil to meet your body’s needs for these powerful supernutrients.
