In the world of food, there are some common ingredients that can cause allergies in people. These are everyday foods that most of us eat without any problem, but for some, they can lead to allergic reactions. We’ll take a closer look at nine of these foods that have the potential to trigger allergies. It’s important to be aware of these ingredients and how they can affect your health, so you can enjoy your meals safely.
Fish
Fish allergies are more common in adults than in children. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions only with certain types of fish, while others can react to any fish variety. The intensity of the reaction may depend on the specific fish consumed.
Most fish allergies are triggered by a protein allergen known as parvalbumin. Importantly, cooking fish does not eliminate these proteins, making people susceptible to reactions from both cooked and raw fish.
Symptoms of a fish allergy can include skin rashes, runny nose, sneezing, or even asthma symptoms. To manage a fish allergy, it’s crucial to avoid fish and fish-related products.
Milk
One of the most prevalent food allergies in childhood is an allergy to cow’s milk. Even small amounts of milk or dairy products can trigger a reaction in individuals with this allergy. Interestingly, some breastfeeding infants may experience colic or eczema if their mothers consume cow’s milk or dairy products.
Fortunately, many children eventually outgrow milk allergies. According to a study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), around 53% of infants under one year old are allergic to milk, but this percentage drops significantly to 15% among adolescents.
Milk allergy symptoms can manifest as hives, diarrhea, or vomiting. People can be allergic to two different milk proteins: casein and whey. These proteins can be present in various foods, even those not immediately recognized as milk or dairy products. As such, individuals with milk allergies must be cautious about consuming any products that may contain milk or dairy.
It’s crucial to differentiate between milk allergies and lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is not an allergy but rather a condition where individuals lack sufficient levels of the enzyme lactase, required for breaking down lactose in milk.
Eggs
Egg allergies are often seen in children and can continue into adulthood. The primary proteins responsible for triggering egg allergies include ovomucoid, ovalbumin, and ovotransferrin.
Interestingly, some individuals can safely eat baked or cooked eggs without experiencing an allergic response, while others cannot. In certain cases, individuals might develop an allergic reaction to eggs due to an allergy to the bird that produced the egg or its feathers, a condition known as bird-egg syndrome.
If you have an egg allergy, you might experience symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, wheezing, or coughing. The most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction to eggs is by avoiding eggs and egg-containing foods.
It’s important to note that an egg allergy is distinct from egg intolerance. Egg intolerance is a separate condition with its own characteristics.
Tree Nut
Allergies to tree nuts typically persist throughout a person’s life. In fact, alongside shellfish and peanut allergies, tree nut allergies rank among the most common causes of food-induced anaphylaxis. Among the nuts most prone to eliciting allergic reactions are cashews, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, and brazil nuts. It’s worth noting that individuals with an allergy to one type of nut might also react to other nuts.
Symptoms of a tree nut allergy can manifest in various ways, including hives, vomiting, low blood pressure, or difficulty swallowing. Some individuals may experience itching in their mouth, throat, skin, eyes, or other parts of their body. To avoid allergic reactions, those with tree nut allergies should steer clear of tree nuts and any food items containing them.
Peanut
Peanuts are a leading cause of food allergies and are typically lifelong for those affected. However, recent research suggests that up to 20% of individuals with peanut allergies may eventually outgrow them. Allergic reactions triggered by peanuts can be severe, with even trace amounts potentially causing issues for sensitive individuals.
Interestingly, a small minority of people with peanut allergies may also react to other legumes like green peas. While peanuts are technically not tree nuts, some individuals with peanut allergies may also exhibit allergies to certain tree nuts.
Cooking methods like roasting, boiling, or frying typically do not eliminate the proteins responsible for allergic reactions in peanuts. However, experts consider peanut oil safe for those with peanut allergies, as the allergenic proteins are typically removed during the manufacturing process. Still, cold-pressed or unrefined peanut oil might contain trace amounts of peanut allergens, which could provoke reactions in sensitive individuals.
Symptoms of a peanut allergy are similar to those of other food allergies and may include stomach issues, a weak pulse, swelling, hives, dizziness, and confusion. Individuals with peanut allergies should exercise caution when consuming peanuts in any form.
Shellfish
It’s essential to distinguish between shellfish and fish allergies, as they involve different types of allergens. Shellfish allergies can be triggered by various shellfish, including shrimp, lobster, crab, crayfish, oysters, scallops, mussels, and clams. Interestingly, individuals allergic to one type of shellfish often find themselves reacting to other varieties as well.
Symptoms of a shellfish allergy are similar to those of most food allergies and may include vomiting, wheezing, and other common allergic reactions. Notably, shellfish allergies can lead to severe responses, and some individuals may even react to the vapors produced during shellfish cooking. As with any food allergy, it’s crucial for people with shellfish allergies to avoid any contact with shellfish to prevent allergic reactions.
Soybean
Soybean allergies are relatively common among young children, with most cases occurring in those under 3 years old. However, soybean allergies can also affect adults, albeit less frequently.
Symptoms of a soybean allergy may manifest as rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and, in rare instances, anaphylaxis. To prevent an allergic reaction, individuals with soybean allergies should strictly avoid soybean consumption. Some individuals may tolerate highly refined soybean oil or foods containing soy lecithin, a substance derived from soybean processing. However, it’s crucial for allergic individuals to consult a doctor to determine if these products are safe for them.
Wheat
Wheat allergies are prevalent among children and often fade as they reach the age of 12, with approximately 65% outgrowing this allergy.
One of the primary allergens in wheat is gliadin, a protein present in gluten. Consequently, individuals with a wheat allergy may need to adhere to a gluten-free diet.
While anaphylaxis is a rare outcome of wheat allergies, it can occur on occasion. Symptoms may also encompass asthma-like reactions, digestive issues, and skin rashes.
As with any food allergy suspicion, it is essential for individuals to consult their doctor before making dietary changes. It’s important to note that wheat allergy differs from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune condition.
Sesame
Sesame allergies, especially in children, can be severe. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only about 20-30% of children with this allergy will outgrow it by adulthood.
Previously, this allergy wasn’t as well recognized. However, in April 2021, the U.S. government passed the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act, officially designating sesame as the ninth major food allergen in the country. This legal change now requires manufacturers to label sesame as a potential allergen when it’s an ingredient in food products.
Symptoms of a sesame allergy can range from rashes and hives to vomiting. In severe cases, it may lead to throat swelling and anaphylaxis. Diagnosing a sesame allergy can be challenging since its symptoms can overlap with those of other food allergies. Nevertheless, estimates indicate that approximately 1.1 million Americans are allergic to sesame.
Other Food Allergies
In addition to these common food allergies, people can develop allergies to various other foods, such as oats and coconut. Allergic reactions can also occur due to fruits, vegetables, meat, and even spices like cinnamon.
In summary, the most effective way for individuals with food allergies to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid consuming any foods to which they are sensitive. However, this can be challenging since many food products contain allergens like dairy, eggs, and peanuts. Therefore, it’s crucial for allergic individuals to carefully check the ingredients of store-bought foods before consumption.
Source: Medical News Today