CBD for Food Allergy
It is assumed that around 5% of adults and 8% of children have a food allergy. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a stimulus causing symptoms such as breathing difficulties, vomiting, swelling, and diarrhea.
CBD may help reduce the body’s response to these stimuli. It is also a known anti-inflammatory which may reduce swelling.
A recent study found that around 5 percent of adults and 8 percent of children have a food allergy. There’s reason to believe that this number is growing, too. For many, this means their life is devoid of whatever it is to which they are allergic to. However, there appears to be a growing consensus that using CBD to help relieve the symptoms of food allergies may help those who ingest their specific allergen. To better understand the relationship between CBD and food allergies, we’ll look at what foods are most responsible for allergic reactions, the symptoms of a food allergy, and how CBD may help.
Types Of Food That May Cause Allergy
While any food can induce an allergic reaction, most food allergies are caused by eight types of food:
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
Food allergies are easily confused with food intolerances but are fairly different. Food allergies involve your immune system overreacting to a stimulus, in this case, food, and can cause potentially life-threatening situations. Food intolerances do not involve the immune system and rarely rise to the level of life-threatening, though they can impact your quality of life.
Symptoms of Allergy
A food allergy can cause skin issues, like hives or a rash, as well as other symptoms:
- Breathing difficulties
- Diarrhea
- Lowered blood pressure
- Swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
- Vomiting
In extreme cases, a food allergy may trigger anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. In cases of anaphylaxis, symptoms usually start to occur very quickly after exposure to the allergen. In less serious cases, symptoms may take up to a few hours to present themselves.
Benefits of CBD For Food Allergy
As allergies are the immune system’s overreaction to what is not typically thought of as a threat, like cow’s milk, CBD can help reduce the body’s response to these stimuli. Some of these overreactions of the immune system include inflammation and swelling. It’s widely established that CBD has an antioxidant effect, which, in turn, means CBD reduces inflammation. Research has also shown that CBD oil reduces swelling. This means that CBD could help reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
It’s essential to note that while CBD may help stymie the body’s reaction to food allergens, the same may not be true of THC. Marijuana use has a correlative relationship with allergen sensitivities, meaning it may increase your sensitivity to some allergens. If you’re having difficulty managing your food allergy, make sure to reach ou to your doctor to discuss treatment options. They can best assess the source of the issue, as well as prescribe the best treatment options for your needs.
