Hypoallergenic Diet

A hypoallergenic diet eliminates foods that contain identified allergens. Allergens are substances causing allergy.

The diet depends on the person’s sensitivity. Individualization is important because reaction to a certain food may vary from person to person.

Some Tips for a Hypoallergenic Diet

• Avoid the following foods known to be allergenic:
  1.      Poultry
  2.      Certain fishes as smoked fish, tuna frigate/bullet, yellow-finned tuna, shellfish.
  3.      Milk, eggs, and chocolates
  4.      Pineapple, eggplant and citrus fruits (based on some reports)
  

• Include vegetable dish at least twice a day

• Remember that not all allergies are food-induced. Have an allergy diary to help your doctor identify allergens.

• Read labels for hidden allergens.

• Be careful not to be over-restrictive. You may end up malnourished (nutrient deficient).

• Avoid coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Drink 6 to 8 (at least) glasses of water between meals. See The Importance of Water.

• Have enough rest and sleep.

• Consult an allergist.

Note: It has been observed that vegetables rank the least possible allergen sources.

Foods Allowed for a Healthy Hypoallergenic Diet

• All, except those foods mentioned in  the Foods NOT Allowed section plus other foods identified as positive allergens through the allergy diary or through the hypersensitivity test given by our allergist.

Foods NOT Allowed

Common Allergens:

• Chicken

• Egg

• Milk

• Shellfish

• Chocolates

• Fish (fresh, salted, smoked)

• Pineapple

• Eggplant

Allergy Diary

List down when and where allergic reactions take place, what allergic reactions take place, what foods and drinks are taken, what activities are engaged in at the onset of allergy. These pieces of information will make your doctor’s diagnosis easier.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.113 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6