Digestion

With food allergies, there's generally a protein causing the problem.

If the pancreas doesn't properly break proteins into smaller compounds called amino acids, the result can be incomplete or "foreign" protein molecules that are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. Your body's immune system naturally attacks these molecules, which is the basis for your "allergic reaction."

Fast Relief

As a temporary remedy, use alkali compounds such as Alka-Seltzer Antacid Formula (in the gold pouch) or Alka-Aid (available in health food stores). If taken before you eat foods that trigger allergies, they can neutralize stomach acid, keep proteolytic enzymes intact, and properly digest proteins.

However, alkali compounds are only a short-term solution, since over time they can interfere with your natural digestive processes. For long-term solutions that help improve your digestive health, here's what I suggest.

Nutrients to help you

• Take grapefruit seed extract to promote the effectiveness of "friendly" bacteria in the intestinal tract.
• Consider digestive enzymes. I can't tell you how many food-related ailments I've seen eliminated with digestive enzyme therapy. Best of all, when used correctly, these enzymes are safe and don't have the dangerous side effects of corticosteroids and other drugs.
• Eat more raw fruits and vegetables. They contain natural enzymes that make their own digestion easier. Stay away from canned varieties. Heating and other processing techniques destroy enzymes, which means that your body must work even harder to break down and assimilate processed foods. Fermenting vegetables is a delicious way to get your daily nutrients for providing digestive system protection.
• For chronic indigestion, you may find help by using what are called herbal bitters, such as dandelion root, wormwood, chamomile flowers, and gentian root. Bitters activate the bitter-taste receptors on the tongue, which, in turn, stimulate the secretion of digestive juices.

I would also recommend that you find a nutritionally-oriented allergist or other practitioner who can help you pinpoint foods and food compounds that trigger allergic reactions so you can avoid them.