5 Ways To Deal With Food Allergies
A food allergy generally occurs when the body's immune system triggers an abnormal response to the food we have consumed. Even though there isn't a cure for food allergies, there are some precautions which we can take to ensure we don't compromise our well-being. Read Every Food Label Reading every food label may sound like a cumbersome task, but it is highly imperative for you so you can avoid any unnecessary allergic reactions. Did you know that there are at least 160 foods that can lead to allergic reactions in those with food allergies? The eight most common allergenic foods that account for 90 per cent of all food reactions are: Eggs Milk Fish Shellfish Tree nuts Peanuts Soybean Wheat Any of these eight foods, or ingredients derived from them, is designated as a "major food allergen." These food allergens can be identified on food labels in one of these three ways; 1.Ingredient name For example, the allergen name "milk" may be included in the ingredient name "buttermilk." Following the ingredient name The food allergen may appear right after the ingredient, like "whey (milk)," "lecithin (soy)," and "flour (wheat)." After the ingredients list A "contains" statement which may appear next to the list of ingredients, such as "contains milk, soy, and wheat." The FALCPA's labelling requirements only apply to certain foods that may contain an allergen and not to the major food allergens due to cross-contact while it is being manufactured. Warning labels which indicate that the product "may have been prepared in a facility that also uses nuts" or "might contain traces of nuts" is voluntary. Always be mindful and cautious when UR grocery shopping as you may end up buying products without labels — like as a pastry or a cake from a patisserie. Cross contact or contamination Anyone who has a food allergy should be cautious of mixing utensils or cooking food using the same pots and pans, which may contain the food allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction. Purge UR kitchen. Get rid of all products that you can't eat from UR refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Clean all UR cooking utensils, cookware, stovetop, microwave and oven with soap and water. Organize and separate food prep areas in UR kitchen and in case UR sharing a kitchen with roommates or other family members who eat foods that you can't. Cook allergy-safe foods first if UR cooking multiple dishes. Cover allergy-safe foods to prevent them from being spluttered with unsafe foods. Always wash UR hands with soap and water whenever you have handled or come in close contact with a food allergen. Soap and water and commercial wipes will eliminate food allergens, but water alone or sanitizing gels won't. Sanitise surfaces, tables and counters with soap and water after cooking every meal to avoid contamination. Never share food to ensure that cross-contact does not occur. Be Aware Of All The Symptoms If you are someone you may know has food allergies, you should be aware of every allergic reaction which can affect the body. Skin: Itching, hives, redness, rashes, red bumps and swelling under the skin Eyes: Teary-eyed, swelling around UR eyes and redness Upper respiratory: Run nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, hoarseness, itching and dry cough Lower respiratory: Tightness in chest, wheezing, breathlessness and cough Mouth: Swelling of tongue, palate, lips and itching Gastrointestinal: Reflux, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloody stool and abdominal pain Cardiovascular: Slow or rapid heartbeat, dizziness, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness and fainting Other: Uterine contractions Symptoms of anaphylaxis can be a challenge to recognize. If you're experiencing any one of the three conditions listed below within minutes to several hours after food exposure, you are likely facing an anaphylactic episode: Any signs or symptoms that involve and affect UR face, nose, mouth, or gastrointestinal tract, impaired breathing, or a drop in blood pressure, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Two or more of the following symptoms such as; hives, itchiness, tongue or lip swelling, breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, stomach cramps, or vomiting. Blood pressure drop, which can lead to fatigue and fainting. Anaphylaxis can occur as: a single reaction that improves with or without treatment after exposure to allergic food; two results that occur between 8 and 72 hours apart; or a long-lasting response that may continue for hours or even for a few days. An intramuscular injection of epinephrine should be used as soon as possible to treat an anaphylactic reaction after it occurs. Always Prepare Yourself For An Emergency It would be best if you were prepared in case of an emergency. Always carry your auto-injector with you to avoid any fatal situations. Consult UR doctor and understand what safety protocols you, UR family, friends, colleagues and others need to do if UR unable to tend to yourself during an emergency. Never miss any doctor consultations as this will help you stay safe, healthy and out of harm's way. Learn How To Use An Auto-Injector Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) may be used to treat anaphylaxis. Epinephrine works better when injected within minutes of an allergic reaction and prevents swelling of the throat, reduced respiration and low blood pressure quickly. It is crucial that you, UR relatives, teachers or colleagues know how to use an auto-injector with epinephrine and there is no delay in administering the medicine. A delay in applying the auto-injector can turn out to be fatal and even death in some cases due to anaphylaxis within 30-60 minutes. Always make sure UR carrying UR auto-injector with you at all times whether UR outdoors or in UR home. One should use their auto-injector immediately if they have the following symptoms: Difficulty breathing Trouble swallowing Tightness in throat Coughing Weak pulse Rashes, hives or swelling of the skin Vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain Once you have administered the auto-injector call for medical help and inform them of UR loved one's specific food allergy so they can avail the right treatment on time.
A food allergy generally occurs when the body’s immune system triggers an abnormal response to the food we have consumed….
Food Allergies & Intolerances
Did you ever start scratching yourself or have a skin rash after eating certain foods? If yes, then you might be allergic to some food you might be eating. Did you know that there are 10 million cases of food allergies in India, every year? We all know we are different in our ways, and that goes for our immune systems too. Sometimes some of us can't tolerate certain foods, which can cause unwanted allergic reactions. Out of the many allergies that occur, nut allergies are the most common allergies people can have. Read on to know more about nut allergies. What Is A Food Allergy? A food allergy occurs when our body's immune system triggers an abnormal response from the food we eat. Types of food allergies Corn allergy Egg allergy Fish allergy Meat allergy Milk allergy Peanut allergy Shellfish allergy Soy allergy Wheat allergy Tree nut allergy What Happens When You Have A Tree Nut Or Peanut Allergy? When an individual has a nut allergy, the body's immune system, which is usually meant to fight infections, reacts to the proteins in the nut. If you eat something that contains the nut, UR body thinks these proteins are invaders and responds to this by working very hard to fight the invader. This right here can cause an allergic reaction. Even a small amount of peanut or tree nut protein can set off an allergic reaction in anyone. But the allergic reactions from inhaling small particles of nuts or peanuts are a bit rare. This is because the food usually needs to be consumed to cause an allergic reaction. Most foods with peanuts or tree nuts in them don't have sufficient protein which can escape into the air, which can cause an allergic reaction. Even the smell of foods containing peanuts or tree nuts won't cause an allergic reaction as the scent doesn't include the protein which triggers an allergic reaction in the body. Symptoms of nut allergy Symptoms of nut allergies depend upon the severity of the allergic reaction. Symptoms of nut allergy often start after a few minutes of eating food or sometimes after two hours. In some cases, soon after the first symptoms go away, the second wave of symptoms comes back after one to four hours later (or at times even longer). This second wave is called a biphasic reaction. Some allergic reactions are caused due to the release of histamine. While others are due to the different chemicals released in the body. Some of the symptoms include; Sneezing Dizziness or fainting Wheezing Coughing Trouble breathing Hoarseness Anxiety or a feeling something terrible is happening Stomach ache Tightness in UR throat Vomiting Hives Diarrhoea Swelling Itchy, watery, or swollen eyes A drop in blood pressure Swelling of the lips Tingling of the throat and mouth Itchy skin and rash Runny nose Tests For Nut Allergy Skin-prick Testing Blood Test Food Elimination Diet Vega Testing Kinesiology Testing Hair Analysis Cytotoxic Food Testing Electrodermal Testing Treatment For A Nut Or Peanut Allergy Nut allergies tend to last a lifetime, although most people with a tree nut & peanut allergy eventually outgrow them. Younger siblings of children with a nut allergy are at higher risk of being allergic to nuts as well. Treatment of nut allergy involves avoiding taking tree nuts, peanuts and coconut in any form and making it a habit to read food labels on any food item that you purchase. Another way to get treated is by taking epinephrine injections that are prescribed by doctors in case of severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to foods, like peanuts and tree nuts, can be different. It all depends on person to person — and sometimes the same individual may have a mixed reaction from the first time. What To Avoid Seeds like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, Nuts; almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, Macadamia nuts, Brazilian nuts, chestnuts, pecans, pine nuts and pistachios Peanuts There is nothing to fear about nut allergies. If you avoid the food items that contain nuts that you are allergic to, then half of your job is done. If you still want to enjoy eating nuts, then you might as well ask your doctor about it or take other food items that can be safe to be used as substitutes. If you would like to know more food allergy substitutes, then give our article on food allergies and sensitivities a read!
Did you ever start scratching yourself or have a skin rash after eating certain foods? If yes, then you might…
Food allergy VS sensitivity. Stock UR home with sensible foods for UR family
Imagine gorging on delicious dishes and enjoying the best of foods without a worry. Well, this can be a blessing for some and a curse for a few who have food allergies or intolerances. Even though having or dealing food allergies is considered normal, there are still a few setbacks like not knowing safe food substitutes. What if you could indulge in your favorite dishes and not be troubled by UR allergies. Here is a fab list of food substitutes which can help you beat food allergy woes. What Is A Food Allergy? There is a distinction between food intolerance and food allergy. Food sensitivity (bloat, nausea, stomach cramps) is an uncomfortable symptom of food. Nevertheless, the immune system is not active in this case. The difference between food allergies and food sensitivity or intolerance is the way UR body reacts to the allergens. Food allergy is when UR immune system causes the reaction. Ex Hives, anaphylaxis. Food sensitivity or Intolerance: Is triggered by the digestive system. Ex Nausea, vomiting, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea. Food allergy reactions can vary from being extreme or mild. Most Importantly, “Listen to your Body”. When & How Do Allergies Set-In? Allergies can set in within a few minutes or two hours post ingestion and it also varies on the individuals immune system. If they have strong immunity, then they have more chances of warding off any infection or disease. But if you have strong immunity but if you are allergic to a specific food, then the severity and approach may vary. Signs & Symptoms Tingling Hives Swelling of lips, tongue and throat can lead to choking due to an airway blockage. The individual requires immediate medical attention if they are experiencing anaphylaxis. Wheezing Itchy skin or rashes Nasal congestion Throat tightness GI (Gastrointestinal) SYSTEM: Nausea vomiting, diarrhea. Cramps. Inflammation of the gut for example, Celiac and Crohn's disease. How Is A Food Allergy Diagnosed Allergy skin test Blood test—Ige antibody test for specific food allergen Spirometry—Lung function test Safe Substitutes For Different Food Allergens Allergens Substitutes Cow or buffalo milk Coconut milk, rice milk, cashew milk oat milk, or Almond Milk. Read the labels for hidden ingredients in small print. Eggs in baking Applesauce, baking powder, bananas and ground flax. Nuts/peanuts Toasted oats, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Whole wheat flour Coconut flour and spelt flour Flour (Maida) Rice flour, almond flour and quinoa flour. Soya Ricotta cheese or Paneer Peanuts Sunflower or pumpkin seeds Citrus Applesauce and acidic white wine. Proteins That May Cause Food Allergies Protein Food Source Gliadin Component of gluten/wheat Glutenin Wheat protein Lactose Milk protein therefore lactose-free milk is available. Conalbumin Present in egg whites Calcium Caseinate Milk protein additive Arginine Kinase Enzyme Lectin Lentils and legumes. Things to Keep In Mind If You Have Food Allergies Always read the ingredient list on the food label. Maintain a food diary. Eliminate one food item in the diet. If no signs of allergies. May conclude that particular food may be the cause for the allergy. Don’t miss UR doctor’s appointments, whenever you have a doubt make sure to clear it with the help of a certified and trusted medical professional. Ask UR doctor and or Registered and Licensed Dietitian the right questions, starting from your daily food choices and lifestyle to get the best diet plan or food substitutes for you. Even though this method takes time, it is one of the most effective and can help you overcome food allergy woes. Lastly listen to your body’s response to allergic reactions.
Imagine gorging on delicious dishes and enjoying the best of foods without a worry. Well, this can be a blessing…