Chicory: benefits and harm. Soluble chicory, beneficial properties and contraindications. Instant chicory for children. Impact on the baby

Allergy to chicory is a persistent disease that develops quite quickly. This plant is capable of causing a number of unpleasant symptoms, forcing you to give up this drink. There are no means to avoid the development of allergies, but with the help of a number of therapeutic activities the severity of symptoms can be reduced.

Causes

Chicory is a plant that has a positive effect on the body. But it also has a number of contraindications. It should not be used when peptic ulcer, vascular pathologies, hemorrhoids.

The development of allergies is promoted by a large amount of vitamin C in the composition. This plant is often recommended to women and children as a coffee substitute. But when using it, it is important to remember the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Symptoms

Anyone can be allergic to chicory, so it is important to consult a doctor if symptoms similar to a food reaction appear. In addition to manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract, possible skin disorders and breathing problems.

Most often with sensitivity to chicory:

• a runny nose of allergic origin appears;
• the throat becomes dry and a dry cough appears;
• headache;
• decreased ability to work;
• swelling appears on the face, most often the eyelids swell;
• tears flow from the eyes;
• the skin becomes covered with papules and turns red.

If a person has an allergy, then he begins to sneeze even from the smell of the drink. After consumption, chills appear and heart rate increases.

The disease often occurs in a severe form, since during consumption of chicory the symptoms are mild, so the person does not stop the intake of the allergen into the body and the situation worsens.

Diagnostics

When the first symptoms of hypersensitivity appear, you need to visit a doctor. He will conduct a thorough medical checkup and will conduct an examination to determine the type of irritant.

If an allergy is suspected, resort to general research blood and analysis for immunoglobulin E. Also prescribed skin tests. After receiving the examination results, a diagnosis is made and therapy is prescribed.

Treatment

There may be an allergy to chicory due to the high content of vitamin C. Therefore, if frequent use drink, ascorbic acid accumulates in the body in excess. To get rid of symptoms:

1. The plant and any products containing it are completely excluded from the body. This is an elimination method.
2. Pick up suitable drug, blocking the production of histamine. This substance is produced by mast cells. It provokes allergies.
3. Avoid legumes due to possible cross-reactions.
4. Sorbent drugs are prescribed. They will speed up the removal of toxic substances from the body.
5. Eye drops and nasal sprays are prescribed to reduce irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes.
6. If not hormonal agents do not bring relief, corticosteroid hormones are included in the course of treatment. They help to quickly cope with foreign proteins.
7. For high sensitization use specific immunotherapy. In this case, small doses of the allergen are introduced into the body over a long period of time. Gradually, the immune system gets used to it and stops producing specific protection.

For those who are allergic to chicory, the last treatment option is excellent option get rid of the problem. But it will not be possible to be completely cured even after prolonged immunotherapy.

Possible complications

IN in rare cases allergies lead to complications. In this case:

• respiratory function is impaired;
• the body feels very weak;
• Constantly bothered by cough and runny nose.

In advanced cases, body temperature rises to high values, and Quincke's edema develops. This state represents serious danger to health and can lead to the death of the patient. Therefore, it is important to carry out treatment on time to avoid dangerous consequences.

Prevention

Anyone can be allergic to chicory. To avoid problems, it is important to consider that this plant has many contraindications. It must be abandoned when varicose veins veins, kidney pathologies, gout. Any diseases of the vascular system are considered a contraindication.

Chicory contains a large amount of calcium oxalates. Therefore, it should be feared if there is urolithiasis and kidney stones.

Do not think that chicory is a safe plant. Therefore, you can use it only if there are no contraindications.

What to replace

If you have hypersensitivity to chicory, doctors recommend avoiding it completely. Tea and coffee are also not safe for health. Therefore, in order to saturate the body with vitamins, it is better to consume compotes and freshly squeezed juices.

Conclusion

WITH hypersensitivity Many people come across chicory. This plant provokes lightning-fast allergic reactions, which is associated with the excessive presence of ascorbic acid. At the same time, the patient develops respiratory disorders, symptoms of poisoning, skin rashes. It is impossible to completely get rid of the disease.

To reduce the severity of symptoms, prescribe medications and specific immunotherapy. It is also recommended to completely exclude the plant from the diet.

Allergy to chicory is a disease that is quite stable and develops completely suddenly. Chicory, a generally harmless plant, can cause a serious allergic reaction, as a result of which a sick person will have to completely stop drinking this drink.
Alas, but effective means methods that can help you get rid of allergies have not yet been discovered. Those people who used folk remedies, suffered serious complications as a result.
The disease can develop in both adults and infants. Moreover, in infants, allergy symptoms appear only when the chicory drink is consumed by the mother, and the child is breastfed.

Symptoms of the disease

Allergy to chicory is a food type of the disease. Therefore, the symptoms of the disease are quite similar to the symptoms of another type of allergy.
In some cases, skin and respiratory allergy.
Accordingly, the reaction to chicory is accompanied by all the standard symptoms in the form of:

runny nose, sneezing, dry cough;

abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea;

migraines, fatigue;

swelling, lacrimation;

skin manifestations - hyperemia, papules.

Sometimes, a clear sign of an allergic reaction to chicory may be the patient sneezing at the moment he begins to smell chicory. In some cases, allergies can cause chills and rapid heartbeat.
It is noteworthy that it is almost impossible to identify an allergy to chicory right away and a person continues to drink this drink until the disease develops into a more severe one. complex shape. This is due to the fact that a person does not correlate the signs of allergy with chicory and thereby aggravates his situation.

Allergy treatment

Since the main cause of an allergy to chicory may be a lack of caffeine in the plant, the disease should be treated using the appropriate method. The disease is also caused by an excess of ascorbic acid and chlorogenic acids. In addition, the disease can also appear due to other substances contained in chicory.
Treatment for the disease is to stop using allergenic products. If this is not possible, the patient should take antihistamines before consuming the drink. In addition, it is recommended to drink the drink in small dosages.
In some cases there is cross reaction on legumes. The only option is to refuse to use such products in the patient’s diet.
In general, before starting treatment, you should consult a doctor who will refer the patient for laboratory research. The test results will allow us to identify the main allergen to which the patient develops negative reaction.
After production accurate diagnosis the allergist draws up a treatment plan. First of all, the patient must adhere to mandatory diet, that is, exclude all products containing chicory from your diet.
Next, to suppress the main symptoms, a complex is prescribed antihistamines, which suppress histamines present in the body. If the disease is sufficiently severe form, but they don’t give antihistamines effective result, then the patient is prescribed treatment in the form of a course of corticosteroids. These are hormonal drugs, the action of which is aimed at ridding the patient’s body of allergenic proteins.
In rare cases, the doctor may prescribe immunotherapy, which involves introducing an allergen under the patient’s skin, causing gradual addiction. This technique helps to get rid of a number of discomfort patient, however, it is impossible to completely cure the disease, as we have already noted.

Complications

Due to the fact that the symptoms of an allergy to chicory are very similar to the signs of other diseases, a person does not immediately identify an allergic reaction. Naturally, the patient does not begin treatment, and this contributes to the development of a more serious form of the disease and the appearance of complications.
To protect yourself from this, you should definitely consult a doctor. Serious complications can take the form:

• weaknesses;

  runny nose and cough;

An advanced disease leads to an increase in body temperature and the development of Quincke's edema. In some cases, rapid development is observed anaphylactic shock which may lead the patient to fatal outcome without the timely intervention of emergency personnel. Effective treatment will reveal the disease initial stages development, as well as take appropriate measures in the form of admission antihistamines. It is best to obtain a treatment plan from an experienced allergist.
Generally allergic reaction to chicory, although it cannot be treated, but also to especially dangerous diseases not applicable. If you diagnose the disease in a timely manner, you can easily achieve symptom suppression and get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

During the period of breastfeeding, when choosing products, a mother has to take into account not only her preferences, but also their impact on the baby’s health. Drinking coffee and strong black tea is not advisable for a nursing mother, as they contain caffeine. It has a bad effect on the child’s nervous system, making him restless and excitable. Instant chicory powder can replace coffee. It is similar to it in taste, color and aroma. But how does chicory affect the well-being of mother and baby during breastfeeding? Let's try to find out the answer to this question.

Chicory is a honey-bearing medicinal plant. All its parts are considered medicinal. Also in Ancient Rome They made salads with it, prepared decoctions from leaves and flowers, dried and ground the roots of the plant.

In modern Food Industry chicory is added to baked goods and carbonated drinks. In pharmaceutical production, chicory extract is used in the manufacture of certain medicines.

Most wide application In the field of medicine and the food industry, chicory root was obtained, which grows up to 15 meters in length. It includes:

• from 40% to 70% beneficial inulin;
• vitamins;
• ascorbic acid;
• microelements;
• pectin, mineral salts;
• carotene;
• protein.

Chicory can be used to treat anemia, vascular diseases, arthritis, hypertension, central nervous system, inflammatory processes.

An instant drink that tastes like coffee is made from dried and roasted chicory roots. It contains a large amount of ascorbic acid and fructose, making it possible to drink without adding sugar. It is extremely useful for people suffering from diabetes.

Impact on mom

No studies have been conducted on the effect of chicory on the body of nursing mothers specifically. But in general, the drink produces the following effects on humans:

• normalizes metabolism;
• helps reduce blood pressure;
• removes toxins;
• improves microflora in the intestines;
• cleanses blood vessels;
• increases immunity;
• helps normalize digestion;
• has a mild diuretic effect;
• prevents the appearance of edema;
• prevents constipation;
• increases appetite;
• supplies vitamins and microelements;
• improves the functioning of the central nervous system.

Chicory has so many beneficial properties. healthy drink for a nursing mother. It is well suited if a woman is accustomed to drinking coffee and needs a complete replacement. Milk will be absorbed faster in her body if you add it to this drink.

You should not consume chicory if a woman has varicose veins, serious diseases of the upper respiratory tract, or hemorrhoids.

Impact on the baby

Chicory hits infant through mother's milk. It does not contain caffeine, so it does not have a stimulating effect on the baby. He does not become restless and his sleep is not disturbed.

Substances found in chicory contribute to what happens in a child:

• development of beneficial microflora in the digestive system;
• normalization of stool;
• strengthening immunity;
• prevention of colic and increased gas formation;
• additional supply of calcium, vitamins and microelements.

But the effect of chicory supplied with mother’s milk on a baby is purely individual. This is a strong medicine and the child’s body can react unpredictably to some substances contained in it. Presence in its composition large quantity ascorbic acid can provoke allergic reactions. Therefore, it should be used with caution.

Intolerance by the child’s body to certain components of chicory may cause the mother to completely stop using it.

Doctors' opinion

Drink coffee and strong tea It is strictly not recommended for nursing mothers. It has been proven that the caffeine they contain has a negative effect on the central nervous system, increases blood pressure, and helps leaching valuable calcium from the mother’s body.

Pediatricians do not have a clear opinion regarding the use of chicory during breastfeeding. Since the scale medical research There have been no studies on the effect of this plant on the child’s body; doctors cannot give an official answer to this question. They do not prohibit drinking a drink made from chicory, but they do not unnecessarily encourage its lovers.

The main criterion is the well-being of the child and the nursing mother. If no adverse reactions and there are no complications in their condition, then drinking the drink can be considered safe.

Rules for acquisition, storage and use

The negative effects of chicory drink during breastfeeding may be due to the fact that it was made from poor quality raw materials. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the composition. It should state that it is made from 100% chicory, not chicory extract. Drinks with various flavoring additives should not be consumed while breastfeeding. The instant powder should be stored in a closed container in a dry place.

Chicory should be consumed in small quantities, adding sugar and milk to taste when cooking. You cannot completely replace all others with this drink. One cup of chicory per day will be enough for a nursing mother.

Drinking more than three servings of the drink per day can have a detrimental effect on the well-being of both the woman and the child.

Chicory should be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother carefully, in small quantities. Women whose children are prone to allergies should be especially careful. During the day after the mother drinks one serving of the drink, you need to carefully monitor the baby’s condition. If a child develops skin rashes, constipation, colic, gas formation, or strange behavior, you should temporarily refrain from consuming chicory.

Conclusion

Chicory drink is much healthier and safer than coffee. However, the contents contained in it active ingredients, vitamins and microelements can have an unpredictable effect on a child’s body. A nursing mother can consume chicory in small quantities. But at the same time, it is worth carefully monitoring the baby’s condition so that he does not develop signs of allergies.

Now you can see instant chicory on store shelves different manufacturers. They all position it as a healthy drink and best substitute coffee. In this article we will try to figure out whether the manufacturers' statements correspond to reality.

We'll sort it out beneficial features of this drink, we will find out whether there are contraindications to its use, whether chicory can be consumed during breastfeeding, children and certain diseases.

Chicory instead of coffee, as a substitute

Some people shouldn't drink coffee. There are contraindications for severe hypertension, increased excitability, during pregnancy, with diabetes. Such people can be recommended to drink chicory instead of coffee. Better drink can't be found in this regard. Its taste is as close as possible in aroma to natural coffee, but it does not contain caffeine, which is harmful to some people.

Instant chicory drink is easy to prepare and healthy at the same time. By drinking it instead of coffee, you can feel a surge of strength, get rid of debilitating insomnia, and normalize high blood pressure. Of course, for true coffee connoisseurs, a drink made from chicory will not replace the usual aroma, but what can you do for the sake of your health?

A few words about the composition of chicory

The main component of this plant is inulin. It is the optimal sugar substitute for diabetics. Therefore, chicory is not only acceptable for diabetes - it is necessary. Inulin compensates for the lack of sugars and starch in the body. In this disease, contraindications to receiving them in our usual form often lead to a kind of sugar deficiency.

One more thing, no less valuable substance, which has pronounced properties - intibin. It is widely used in traditional medicine to combat an accelerated heartbeat, to dilate blood vessels and veins, and calm the nervous system. In addition to inulin and intibin, the following can be distinguished: useful components, such as vitamins C and group B, carotene, organic acids, sodium, fructose, potassium and iron. Also in it Not large quantities contain insulin, antimicrobial and astringent substances.

What are the beneficial properties of chicory?

Useful properties of this instant drink very multifaceted. Let's look at at least some of them:

• Chicory has a good regulating effect for gastritis and even ulcers. Even reviews from doctors speak about this. The fact is that it stimulates the development of beneficial microflora and improves peristalsis. The work of the stomach and the entire intestinal tract as a whole comes to normal condition. At regular intake not only stomach problems disappear, but even the complexion improves and the manifestations of psoriasis decrease.
• Inulin helps lower blood sugar levels. The main thing is not to add sugar to the drink. If desired, you can sweeten it with honey or buy chicory with stevia, a natural sugar substitute. Inulin is useful not only for diabetics, but also for those who strive to become the owner of a slim figure.
• Chicory is useful for weight loss not only for this reason. It generally improves metabolism.
• A soluble drink from the root of this plant is recommended for use for anemia. It quickly replenishes iron deficiency.
• It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system due to the content of vitamin B and magnesium. Over time, sleep normalizes, the person begins to react less acutely to stressful situations. Therefore, people with VSD and panic attacks It is better to give preference to chicory rather than coffee.
• It won’t hurt to drink chicory for pancreatitis and hepatitis, as it has long been famous for its choleretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also very beneficial for the liver.
• Chicory for hypertension can be a real salvation for coffee lovers. It is not only a substitute for it, but also brings benefits - it reduces blood pressure, tidies up heartbeat. In general, chicory and high blood pressure are simply made for each other.
• In case of hypothyroidism, chicory's ability to normalize metabolism is affected. Pronounced benefits in the treatment of hypothyroidism can only be achieved with regular use.

Is it possible to give chicory to small children?

The benefits of chicory are great, so chicory will not bring any harm to children. Starting from one year, you can gradually introduce it into the diet. The first time, give it very carefully, as you may be allergic to chicory. If everything is fine, no rashes or other reactions have occurred, then you can sometimes pamper your baby with this instant drink.

True, babies do not yet have a need for the substances contained in chicory, so such a treat should be offered in limited quantities. Although, unfortunately, it happens that a baby with early age suffers from diabetes, then children simply need chicory as a supplier of inulin.

If your child doesn’t like coffee, then make him tea from the roots of the plant with honey. They need to be dug up, dried, thoroughly cleaned, ground in a coffee grinder and added to regular weak tea. How much to put depends on the child’s age and weight. It is better to consult a doctor on this issue.

Is it possible to eat chicory during pregnancy and lactation?

Chicory during pregnancy is not only allowed - it is necessary! Let's start with the fact that it is better than coffee, and it also has enormous benefits. To the question of how much you can drink, we will answer - in in moderation, three cups a day will be enough. Chicory during pregnancy is useful because during this period of your life female body experiences double load and the available reserves are sometimes insufficient. Chicory relieves this burden, facilitating the work of the heart, promoting blood renewal, and increasing the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.

No less important is his positive effect on the functioning of the stomach and liver. It will also help bring balance emotional condition. Therefore, the benefits of an instant drink from this plant are beyond doubt.

Tea and coffee made from chicory will also not cause harm to a nursing mother, although the full effect of this plant during lactation has not been studied. Most doctors are inclined to be of the opinion that you can drink chicory while breastfeeding, but not as much as you want, but in moderation. GW, that is breast-feeding- a crucial period for a nursing mother. Everything that she eats or drinks during this period can affect the quality of the milk, its quantity and, accordingly, the behavior of the baby who is breastfeeding.

A nursing mother needs to be aware that what is good for her is not always acceptable for the baby, so the benefits of chicory during lactation should outweigh the harm. But, for example, if a nursing mother was diagnosed - diabetes, then she simply needs inulin in an accessible and safe form.

Does chicory really help you lose weight?

Some manufacturers produce special instant chicory for weight loss. They promise easy and quick loss weight. Is it so? How much do you need to drink to achieve this effect? Will there be any harm from this?

If you do not have individual intolerance or contraindications, then there will definitely be no harm. But the benefits will not keep you waiting.

• Inulin reduces glycemic index products, eliminates cravings for sweets and prevents the absorption of fats and light carbohydrates in the stomach and intestines.
• Metabolism, intestinal, liver, and stomach function are normalized. Therefore, no matter how much fat and carbohydrates are supplied, the body does not accumulate them.
• Chicory for weight loss also works by creating an illusory feeling of fullness, which lasts for several hours due to its high fiber content.
• Tea and instant coffee from chicory has diuretic properties, therefore it promotes the excretion excess liquid from the body. This is one of the reasons why you need to drink it in moderation.

Are there any side effects from instant chicory?

Side effects are possible, but it all depends on how much you drink and whether you have individual reactions. If used excessively, harm can come from any product.

• Tea and coffee from the roots of this plant are not compatible with natural milk. Unfortunately, not everyone knows this. Instead of natural milk try using herbal substitutes.
• Despite the fact that it is recommended to drink chicory for pancreatitis, liver diseases, gastritis and stomach ulcers, hepatitis, excessive amounts of the drink can have the opposite effect.
• In some cases, chicory tea and coffee tend to cause not a decrease, but an increase in appetite. In this case, people who are prone to obesity, people with heart disease, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid it.
• In extremely rare cases side effects manifests itself in the form of overexcitation, although for most people it has a calming effect. It all depends on what type of nervous system you have.
• Many women are susceptible to varicose veins. Even if you haven't noticed it yourself similar manifestations, but your parents, brothers or sisters have observed nodules on the veins, beware of chicory. It can provoke the development of the disease in you, as it is hereditary.
• Chicory contains great amount Vitamin C, which causes allergic reactions in some people, so allergy sufferers need to be careful. A nursing mother also needs to be careful - if the baby develops rashes, chicory should be excluded from the diet.

Are there any contraindications for chicory?

Any drug or substance that has medicinal properties, there are definitely contraindications.

1. Chicory dilates blood vessels and veins, so one of the contraindications is varicose veins. With vein pathology of this nature, they are already dilated, so when regular use chicory disease can progress. Remember that for varicose veins, chicory is strictly contraindicated!
2. Another contraindication is hemorrhoids. This is the expansion of veins and their inflammation in the rectal area.
3. If chicory soothes and heals the gastric mucosa with gastritis and ulcers, then the upper Airways On the contrary, it is annoying. Therefore, tea and coffee made from it are harmful for asthma, chronic cough smoker and bronchitis.

Using soluble chicory for medicinal purposes

Instant chicory is primarily a drink, so count on a pronounced healing effect when using it it is not worth it, if it comes to serious illnesses. Undoubtedly, it has a positive effect on the stomach and liver, but diseases such as hepatitis or stomach ulcers cannot be completely healed. For these purposes, it is better to prepare chicory at home.

For ulcers and hepatitis, chicory should be used as part of a herbal collection and without roasting, thanks to which it is achieved pleasant aroma, similar to coffee, but it loses some healing properties. It will taste more like... Herb tea, not coffee. The simplest recipe– pour a teaspoon of dry chicory roots with a glass of water and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Relieves constipation and promotes weight loss. Chicory is a rich source of fiber and inulin (oligosaccharide). Alimentary fiber, which fresh chicory contains up to 23%, prevents the absorption of fat from food in the intestines, indirectly promoting weight loss. Inulin is considered a natural prebiotic that has a positive effect on the functioning of the large intestine and improves digestion. Helps Optimal Functioning digestive system thanks to its probiotic properties. It has a general strengthening effect on the body due to the high content of iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. It is also a rich source of beta-carotene. Ground chicory root has a mild sedative (hypnotic) effect, which calms the nervous system and helps reduce the heart rate. Chicory extracts act as antiarrhythmic drug- quinidine, used to treat arrhythmia and tachycardia. It has a powerful hepatoprotective effect, thereby improving liver function. Renders antibacterial effect. Compresses made from crushed leaves are used as a means to relieve swelling and inflammation. Reduces blood cholesterol levels.

Chicory is prohibited in large quantities during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage. Use during breastfeeding is also not recommended. Chicory can stimulate bile production, so people with stones gallbladder, you should consult your doctor before use. If consumed excessively, it causes bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, etc.

Allergy to chicory

For all its benefits, chicory, unfortunately, can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigolds, daisies and many other plants. Therefore, if you have an allergy, be sure to consult with a doctor before use of this drink.

It could also be a reason high content ascorbic and chlorogenic acids.

When in contact with skin, chicory can cause irritation and contact dermatitis.

Symptoms

It is important to distinguish between allergies and food intolerances. With allergies, symptoms usually occur immediately after consuming the product. Food intolerance in turn, is often expressed by violations in gastrointestinal tract, such as bloating and cramping.

Most typical manifestations food allergies Itchy rashes, urticaria, and Quincke's edema, which most often cause swelling of the lips and eyelids, are considered.

Allergy to chicory (photo)

Redness of the eyes and watery eyes, itching of the eyelids also occur. frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness.

In the gastrointestinal tract there is bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, as well as itching in the anus.

In contact with chicory local symptoms allergies manifest as blisters, redness and swelling skin accompanied by itching and pain.

Treatment

To identify the cause and determine proper treatment, you should consult a doctor - an allergist and gastroenterologist, who, based on the medical history, will prescribe the necessary studies.

The most effective treatment is to follow an elimination diet, that is, eliminating this drink from the diet. In addition, in addition to chicory, legumes (beans, peas, etc.) will also have to be excluded from the diet, since a cross-allergic reaction is also observed when consuming these products.

For mild manifestations of food allergies, antihistamines such as Zodak, Claritin, Cetrin, etc. will help eliminate the symptoms.

For elimination skin rashes do not apply hormonal ointments, for example, Fenistil, zinc ointment etc. In more severe cases Corticosteroid (hormonal) ointments are used as prescribed by a doctor, for example, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, etc.

Also, to remove allergens from the body, sorbents are used, such as: activated or white coal, Polysorb, etc.

Read also:

Chicory is a plant from the Asteraceae family with brightly colored blue flowers, it is distributed everywhere, especially often it can be found on the roadsides.

Chicory roots are very valuable product, as they have many useful properties.

The dried and crushed roots of this plant are used to produce a decaffeinated coffee substitute.

On sale you can find chicory in powder (soluble) or in the form of a suspension.

Properties

What beneficial substances do chicory roots contain:

fiber - is a natural laxative and diuretic; selenium - regulates the condition immune system And thyroid gland; manganese - helps form healthy tissues, bones, and also affects sex hormones: potassium - has a good effect on the kidneys; phosphorus - helps break down carbohydrates and proteins; vitamin B6 - takes care of the nervous system and blood sugar levels; vitamin C is an anti-infective agent; prebiotic oligosaccharide inulin - affects the condition digestive tract and immune system; oligofructose - together with the previous element, help cope with the feeling of hunger; phenolic resins are enemies cancer cells, plant phenols help against arrhythmia.

In addition to the above useful substances, chicory helps to maintain good condition cardiovascular system, acts as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, helps cope with arthritis, and has a calming effect.

Allergy to chicory

Despite this great benefit This plant, there are some contraindications for its use.

For example, it should not be consumed by patients with cholelithiasis, and pregnant and lactating women should not drink it.

Vascular diseases (for example, varicose veins), bronchitis or asthma are reasons to avoid this drink. In addition, in some cases, chicory drink can cause an allergic reaction.

Causes

The most common cause of an allergic reaction to chicory is cross allergy with plants such as ragweed, daisies and marigolds. If a negative reaction of the body to these flowers has been noticed at least once, then the occurrence of an allergy to chicory is quite natural. Another reason for an allergy to chicory may be the high content of ascorbic acid in it and the body’s hypersensitivity to it. Many people know that an excess of vitamin C in the body often causes an allergic reaction, so you should not abuse this healthy drink. Chicory contains caffeine, which can provoke a fairly strong allergic reaction.

Symptoms of an allergy to chicory

An allergy to a chicory drink is a food allergy, and its symptoms are similar to other similar ailments. Most often, an allergic reaction manifests itself through problems with:

digestive system (nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stool disorders, abdominal pain); respiratory organs (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, suffocation); skin and mucous membranes (itching, rash, urticaria, swelling, redness, tearing); nasopharynx (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, problems with nasal breathing, sneezing, coughing); Allergy can also manifest itself as arrhythmia, headache, migraine and chills.

If all of the above symptoms are left unattended, the disease can develop. No application necessary treatment allergies can lead to serious complications for the body.

Treatment

The first step to treating this disease is complete failure both from chicory itself and from other drinks containing caffeine. If you completely give up tasty invigorating drink If this is not possible, then it is necessary to reduce the dose to the minimum possible.

If an allergic reaction to chicory occurs, you should follow a light and strict diet. For example, you need to exclude beans, peas and other legumes from the menu, as they can aggravate the condition of an allergy sufferer.

If symptoms appear in mild form, then as drug treatment It is quite enough to take antihistamines. It is advisable if they belong to the second or third generation, since the earlier ones have many contraindications and negative side effects from reception. The most effective antihistamines include the following:

"Claritin"; "Zyrtec"; "Clarotadine"; "Erius"; "Zodak" and others.

Take these medicines It must be taken strictly according to the instructions; in addition, many drugs have age restrictions.

The drug "Claritin" is available in tablets or drops; the tableted product can be taken by adults one tablet once a day, regardless of the time of day or meal. "Erius" in syrup form is suitable even for children.

If allergic symptoms severe, you need to see a doctor or call an ambulance as soon as possible. Moreover, self-medication of any disease can harm your health.

What can replace chicory for allergy sufferers?

Fresh juices

If you are allergic to chicory, you should completely avoid using it. In addition, any drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea) can also be dangerous. You can replace the invigorating aromatic drink with others, for example, freshly squeezed juices, which also contain many vitamins and minerals and are good for health.

Video

Allergy to chicory is a disease that is quite stable and develops completely suddenly. Chicory, a generally harmless plant, can cause a serious allergic reaction, as a result of which a sick person will have to completely stop drinking this drink.
Alas, effective remedies to get rid of allergies have not yet been discovered. Those people who used folk remedies suffered serious complications as a result.
The disease can develop in both adults and infants. Moreover, in infants, allergy symptoms appear only when the chicory drink is consumed by the mother, and the child is breastfed.

Chicory.

Chicory is one of the medicinal plants that can not only bring significant benefits, but also significant harm. It is not recommended for use by people with stomach ulcers, vascular diseases, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. It is extremely dangerous for allergy sufferers to drink a drink made from chicory. The thing is that the plant has a high content of vitamin C, which provokes an allergic reaction.

In general, the plant can be very useful for pregnant women and children, however, here too you should take into account the possibility of developing allergies and drink the drink with milk and limit yourself in dosage.

Symptoms of the disease

Allergy to chicory is a food type of the disease. Therefore, the symptoms of the disease are quite similar to the symptoms of another type of allergy.
In some cases, skin and respiratory allergies can also be observed.
Accordingly, the reaction to chicory is accompanied by all the standard symptoms in the form of:

runny nose, sneezing, dry cough;

abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea;

migraines, fatigue;

swelling, lacrimation;

skin manifestations - hyperemia, papules.

Symptoms: runny nose and sneezing.

Sometimes, a clear sign of an allergic reaction to chicory may be the patient sneezing at the moment he begins to smell chicory. In some cases, allergies can cause chills and rapid heartbeat.
It is noteworthy that it is almost impossible to identify an allergy to chicory right away and a person continues to drink this drink until the disease develops into a more complex form. This is due to the fact that a person does not correlate the signs of allergy with chicory and thereby aggravates his situation.

Allergy treatment

Soluble chicory.

Since the main cause of an allergy to chicory may be a lack of caffeine in the plant, the disease should be treated using the appropriate method. The disease is also caused by an excess of ascorbic and chlorogenic acids. In addition, the disease can also appear due to other substances contained in chicory.
Treatment of the disease is to stop eating allergenic foods. If this is not possible, the patient should take antihistamines before consuming the drink. In addition, it is recommended to drink the drink in small dosages.
In some cases, cross-reactions with legumes occur. The only option is to refuse to use such products in the patient’s diet.
In general, before starting treatment, you should consult a doctor who will refer the patient for laboratory tests. The test results will allow us to identify the main allergen to which the patient has a negative reaction.
After making an accurate diagnosis, the allergist draws up a treatment plan. First of all, the patient must adhere to a mandatory diet, that is, exclude all products containing chicory from his diet.
Further, to suppress the main symptoms, a complex of antihistamines is prescribed, which suppress the histamines present in the body. If the disease is quite severe and antihistamines do not provide an effective result, then the patient is prescribed treatment in the form of a course of corticosteroids. These are hormonal drugs, the action of which is aimed at ridding the patient’s body of allergenic proteins.
In rare cases, the doctor may prescribe immunotherapy, which involves introducing an allergen under the patient’s skin, causing gradual addiction. This technique helps to get rid of a number of uncomfortable sensations of the patient, but, as we have already noted, it is impossible to completely cure the disease.

Allergy to chicory.

Complications

Due to the fact that the symptoms of an allergy to chicory are very similar to the signs of other diseases, a person does not immediately identify an allergic reaction. Naturally, the patient does not begin treatment, and this contributes to the development of a more serious form of the disease and the appearance of complications.
To protect yourself from this, you should definitely consult a doctor. Serious complications can take the form of:

runny nose and cough;

An advanced disease leads to an increase in body temperature and the development of Quincke's edema. In some cases, there is a rapid development of anaphylactic shock, which can lead to death of the patient without the timely intervention of emergency personnel. Effective treatment will be to identify the disease in the initial stages of development, and also to take appropriate measures in the form of taking antihistamines. It is best to obtain a treatment plan from an experienced allergist.
In general, an allergic reaction to chicory, although it cannot be treated, is not a particularly dangerous disease. If you diagnose the disease in a timely manner, you can easily achieve symptom suppression and get rid of unpleasant symptoms.