Did you experience eating food? Then, it led you into a very uncomfortable situation, and you have no idea what is happening inside your body. Well, you may have food allergies. It is the body’s overreaction to a particular food. The body absorbs the nutrients in the food that you eat. But when you have a food allergy, the body’s defense system has an error in interpreting these proteins. That is from the food and creates an overreaction. As a result, it releases chemicals.
Important Note
Moreover, it is histamine to fight off the proteins from the food. It is the body’s abnormal reaction to that certain food and identifying it as harmful. Some people have confusion between food allergy and food intolerance. It is a digestive response in the difficulty of digesting proteins. At the same time, food allergy is the response of the body’s defense system.
Here are some eight causes and symptoms of common food allergies:
1. Cow’s milk
Having an allergic reaction to cow’s milk happens to babies and young children. During their younger years, children who drink cow’s milk are most at risk of having this kind of allergy. Some studies show that children will outgrow the allergy by the time they reach three years of age. It takes 5-30 minutes to see the effects. Do not consume milk, milk powder, cheese, butter, margarine, yogurt, cream, and ice cream.
2. Eggs
Children are the most common allergic to this type of food. Your child may be only allergic to the egg yolk or egg white. It is because the egg yolk and egg whites have little differences in proteins. But the most common protein that causes an allergic reaction is in egg whites. But when an egg combines with other products such as cake or biscuit. It slows down the effects. Yet, this does not mean that it will not cause any harm. A child/person who is allergic to eggs should not eat eggs.
3. Tree nuts
Some people are allergic to nuts that came from trees. Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, pine nuts, and walnuts are some examples. As well as nut butter and oils made from tree nuts are not eatable. Being allergic to one type of nuts has a higher chance you being allergic to other types of nuts. So, it is best if you do not eat all nuts. Nut allergies may be dangerous.
4. Shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, and crab
These foods are sources of common allergies. Shellfish has a protein called tropomyosin, and it triggers the body’s defense system. It takes a few minutes before the symptoms appear. Even vapors of the shellfish cause an allergic reaction. But it is hard to tell if someone is allergic to seafood because there are many things to consider. It can have bacteria or parasites that cause to have an allergy-like reaction. But, for those people who are allergic to shellfish. The only solution to this problem is not to eat shellfish. You might not outgrow this type of allergy.
5. Wheat
Children are the most common person who has this type of food allergies. But the good news is, they can outgrow this allergy by the time they reach ten years old. Some people think that wheat allergy is the same as gluten sensitivity. It is a food intolerance and not an allergic reaction. Wheat allergy is harmful than gluten sensitivity. Even though they show almost the same symptoms. The difference between the two is identifiable through skin prick testing. People with a wheat allergy should avoid wheat.
6. Soy
Soy allergies are very common in babies and children under three. But most of them outgrow this allergy. However, it is triggered by a protein in soybeans or soybean-containing protein. Yet, some babies and children who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy. Hence, soy is in many foods, such as soy milk and soy sauce. That is why it is very important to read food labels.
7. Fish
People who are allergic to shellfish are, most of the time, not affected by eating fish and the other way around. But, the two common food allergies are both dangerous. The fish allergy might happen later in life. Additionally, many people with this type of allergy are allergic to one or more types of fish.
8. Bananas
Banana allergy is the same as a latex allergy. Because the proteins found in rubber trees are also found in bananas. Unlike the allergies mentioned above, this type of allergy is not common. Therefore, if you are allergic to latex, it is best to avoid bananas as well.
It is important to become aware of the symptoms of allergies to avoid any complications and life-death situations.
Eight symptoms of food allergies:
1. Itching or a tingling feeling in the mouth
2. Red rash or the skin is turning red and itchy.
3. Swelling of the face, mouth, throat, and other parts of the body
4. Difficulty swallowing
5. Shortness of breath
6. Feeling lightheaded and dizzy
7. Vomiting
8. Abdominal pain or diarrhea