Unfortunately, more and more people suffer from food allergies. Allergies to gluten and lactose are not new today, as is the use of antiallergic drugs. According to a 2016 report from the European Academy of Algology and Clinical Immunology, about 17 million Europeans are struggling with food allergies, including about four million children. Moreover, in many people the allergy has not yet been established, as it requires special and often lengthy tests. Food allergies are one of the most unpleasant types of allergies.
Allergy sufferers are forced to avoid foods that are often good for them. Otherwise, he may develop severe allergic reactions that interfere with normal functioning. Studies by the European Academy of Algology and Clinical Immunology show that the number of people allergic to these products is increasing every year. Below are eight of the most popular and allergenic ones.
Some facts about allergies
Recognizing allergies is tricky. If an allergy sufferer has strong and specific symptoms of a particular type of allergy, tests are enough to confirm this. However, if symptoms are intermittent, diagnosis can take up to several years. Allergies are a common problem today. Some of the most important facts about him are worth knowing.
- Allergies usually begin in childhood and can last for many years or a lifetime.
- Allergies can develop in adulthood.
- A person with one type of allergy is at risk of developing other types of allergies.
- In children, allergies usually appear one after another. The first is usually atopic eczema, which affects up to 10 percent of infants in Europe.
- The same types of allergies are common among family members.
- Allergies can be treated and prevented.
- Allergy treatment greatly facilitates the normal functioning of the allergic person and improves their quality of life.
The most common allergenic foods are:
Eggs
Egg allergy is commonly defined as an egg white allergy that usually occurs in young children. An egg is the more allergenic, the less its protein is thermally processed. Thus, the least allergenic protein is the protein in a hard-boiled egg or baked biscuit. It is easy to guess that the most allergenic will be a raw egg, for example, in the form of a dessert. Egg allergies can be very serious and can even lead to anaphylactic shock. Children have increased tolerance to chicken protein, usually at early school age.
Milk
According to statistics, milk allergy is the most common allergy in Poland. It usually affects babies during the first period of their life, who begin to tolerate milk only after the age of three. The main milk allergens are casein, alpha and beta-lactoglobulins.
However, dairy allergies are not unique to children. More and more adults are developing lactose allergy, which manifests itself in the form of malaise, abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea that occurs immediately after drinking milk.
Allergic children and adults alike should avoid not only milk, but all foods that contain it. This mainly applies to dairy products and all other products containing at least a small amount of milk.
Nuts
Nuts are also among the most allergenic foods. We are talking about different types of nuts, although most often are allergic to peanuts. Nut allergies usually develop during childhood and can take many forms. The most common symptoms are skin problems, rashes and swelling, although anaphylactic shock can also occur. Nut allergies often develop into adulthood.
Fish
According to nutritionists, any type of fish can cause an allergic reaction, although this usually affects mainly marine fish. Of course, not only pure fish can sensitize, but also fish products and any products containing at least a small amount of fish in the composition. Fish commonly causes common allergy symptoms: rashes and swelling. In extreme cases, they can cause anaphylactic shock. As a rule, fish allergies last a long time.
Citruses
This is another very sensitive product. Citrus allergies can occur at any age, but are most common in children. The most common symptom of citrus allergy is usually a rash, which disappears after a few hours.
Celery
This is by far the most allergenic vegetable. It is worth knowing that all parts of celery can cause an allergic reaction, including the root, leaves, stem, and seeds. Processed celery can also be caused by allergies. We often find it in prepared salads, dry soups, pate and meats. If you are allergic to celery, carefully read the ingredients of the foods you buy. Even traces of its amount can cause severe allergic reactions.
Gluten Free Products
Gluten is commonly found in grains (mainly wheat, rye, barley, oats, and spelled) and in foods derived from it. In addition, gluten is added to meats, dairy products, sugary drinks, sweets, and medicines. The symptoms of gluten allergy are complex. The most popular are diarrhea, vomiting, skin urticaria, runny nose, various pruritic and anaphylactic shock.
Mustard
Although it is one of the healthiest sauces, it contains a highly allergenic ingredient – mustard. It is worth knowing that mustard is found not only in mustard, but also in various marinades, breads, salad dressings and dry soups. Mustard allergy is manifested mainly by diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
How to identify food hypersensitivity?
Currently, the most innovative and effective method for detecting food allergies is the MRT test from the English Mediator Release Test. The MRI test determines the degree of sensitivity to food and food additives, allowing you to eliminate the most reactive foods from the diet. Tests can be carried out in designated areas such as hospitals or laboratories.
