TOP 8 FOOD ITEMS THAT CAN CAUSE ALLERGIES AND THEIR SYMPTOMS
- PAVITHRA E
Allergens, the substances that give rise to allergies, are minute particles of matter found in the environment or in food, which the body regards as alien and potentially harmful. Allergic reactions to food can affect almost any part of the body. Avoiding the culprit food is the only way to prevent such reactions.
When there is an adverse reaction to food, but allergy tests are negative, the phrase food 'intolerance' rather than allergy describes the condition. Although the immune system may be involved, it is not a major factor in causing the symptoms of reactions to particular foods.
Food intolerance is a highly controversial subject. In many cases, the cause of intolerance remains a mystery, although it is known that allergic antibodies are not responsible. In some instances, it is the result of an identifiable problem.
Allergy-related illnesses seem to be increasing rapidly. Around one in three children now exhibits symptoms of asthma before the age of eleven. About ten percent of adults suffer from eczema (itchy and irritated skin) and a similar proportion from migraines. Many of these conditions can be triggered by reactions to food. Allergies can strike at any age.
As people grow older, their susceptibility and response to certain allergies will often change. Both children and adults may outgrow an allergy without any change in diet; on the other hand, when an allergen has been identified and eliminated from a diet, new allergies may appear sometime months or even years later and cause similar or new symptoms.
If a particular allergy is suspected, skin testing or excluding suspect foods from the diet can often be diagnosed. Both methods are simple and reasonably accurate. However, when there are no clues, identifying an allergy can be frustrating.
The skin and mucous membranes or linings of the mouth, nose, intestines, and other body parts can produce histamine. One of its functions is to stimulate the production of gastric juices after a meal. It also enlarges the capillaries to increase the blood flow.
When food allergens enter the body or contact the skin, the body reacts by releasing large amounts of histamine and other chemicals. It is the histamine explosion that creates most of the symptoms of the allergic reaction. These may include itchy watering eyes, sneezing, wheezing, the appearance of a rash, and diarrhea. In some instances, the tongue or mouth may tingle after eating raw apples, stone fruits, or tomatoes.
Allergens can produce reactions anywhere in the body the nose, lungs, skin, and even brain. When an allergic reaction appears swiftly after eating a particular food, the cause is often obvious and likely to point to a true food allergy. Here is the list of some common culprits which can be the greatest threats.
1.Milk
In looks, these are the most beautiful and the tastiest among foods, but one among the most dangerous. Dairy produce such as milk, butter, cream, ice cream, different types of cheese, and yogurt are all included in this category. The symptoms exhibited by these are constipation, diarrhea, and migraine.
2.Gluten
These include flour, bread, biscuits, barley, oats, beer, any processed foods containing 'Rusk' or hydrolyzed vegetable protein. The symptoms are migraine, diarrhea, and weight loss.
3.Eggs
The egg is one of the most important components in maintaining a healthy body. The eggs mentioned here refers to egg white. Cakes, desserts, mayonnaise, ice creams, etc., are rich in eggs. These may cause rashes, swelling, and stomach upsets. There is also a chance for asthma as well.
4.Fish
Fish is one of the main items which cannot be excluded from the daily routine. In most houses, there is not even a single day without fish. The categories of fish are smoked fish such as kippers, smoked salmon, mackerel, and haddock. It also includes fresh fish such as cod and sole. The symptoms caused by these are migraine, nausea, skin rashes, swelling, and stomach upsets.
5.Shellfish
These include both crustaceans(lobster, prawn, crab) and mollusks (oysters, mussels). These may lead to prolonged stomach upsets, migraines, and nausea.
6.Nuts
Most children and adults are fond of nuts, and these are mainly used when preparing desserts. Eating a few nuts is also good to maintain a healthy body. Peanuts (also called groundnuts), walnuts, cashews and pecans, nut flavored bread, biscuits, ice cream, and oils can also be dangerous. The symptoms are rashes, swelling, asthma, and eczema.
7.Soybeans
Soy sauce, soy flour, soya milk, soya oil, cake, and pancake mixes belong to this category. These may cause headaches and indigestion.
8.Additives
Nowadays, people prefer fast foods, which look more colorful and tasty but unhealthy, rather than those homely made foods that are nutritious. These packaged, processed, or takeaway foods and drinks contain several additives such as Tartrazine, a coloring agent, and preservatives such as Benzoic acid, causing hyperactivity.
The foods mentioned here are just samples. It can vary from person to person depending upon their body conditions, and some may be also be inherited from parents to offspring.
In our busy lives, it is necessary to give primary importance to our bodies and understand the changes happening in our bodies. The changes that we may neglect might become the root cause of an unhealthy life. In the beginning, it is quite difficult to avoid foods that you like but remember the words of Robert Collier,
"Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day-in and day-out."
Stay healthy, Stay happy.
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