Common Allergens in Foods

Posted on July 30, 2007 in Latest News

A large number of people suffer from food allergies. A person can be allergic to eight types of food namely peanut, fish, milk, egg, soy, wheat, shellfish, and tree nuts like cashew nut and walnut. A food allergy is different from food intolerance. In case of food, intolerance the person can consume small quantities of the food without exhibiting any allergic reaction.

Mechanism of a food allergy

A food allergy occurs when the body believes that an ingested food product like protein is harmful for the body. The body then stimulates antibody production to fight this substance. Therefore, the next time you eat this substance the immune system stimulates the production of a large amount of mediators like histamines. This results in symptoms of an allergic reaction affecting the heart, skin, and respiratory system.

Symptoms of a food allergy

A food allergy results in an immediate reaction within minutes or a few hours of eating the food. This includes itching, coarseness in the throat, breathlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the stomach and stinging feeling in the tongue. The person may faint and face a drastic drop in blood pressure. In case of a severe allergy, anaphylactic shock can occur with fatal consequences.

Treatment of food allergy

Avoidance is the best treatment for a food allergy. Read all food labels carefully before consuming them. Stay away from all known sources of your food allergy in any form. Research as much as possible on all food items that may contain the allergen and look for healthy substitutes. Consult your doctor or nutritionist for possible alternatives. This is important especially for children suffering from food allergy, so that they do not miss ingredients vital for their physical and mental development.

If you have any allergic symptoms, consult a doctor and describe all symptoms to him. Keep a food diary where you note all the food consumed everyday. This will help the doctor to pin point the food allergen. In case of a severe anaphylactic reaction rush the patient to the hospital or administer epinephrine injection immediately, else he may die.

Prevention of food allergy

Look for hidden allergens in malt -based drinks, bakery items that contain eggs, sauces that include wheat as an ingredient and milk in ice cream and chocolates.

When eating out tell the chef about your allergy and avoid items on the menu containing the allergen. Always carry an injection of epinephrine with you at all times or wear a bracelet identifying your food allergy and what to do in case of an allergic reaction. Always go with a friend or a family member so that they can help you in case of any adverse reaction.

Therefore learn to recognize allergens in food items and do not take your food allergy lightly.

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