Food
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The following is in reference to food allergies, and is not recommended as a dietary substitute. Consult a certified nutrition expert or primary physician in regards to all dietary needs. 
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Food & Beverage Categories
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Caution Please Be Advised
The information given here is for people who suffer from different types of food related allergies. Some of the information is specific to a given food or substance, or related to a reaction caused by certain foods. When in doubt about whether to avoid or include a specific food or beverage, please consult your primary care doctor or a certified nutritionist. A food allergy can affect people in ways that are often unpredictable. You might be allergic to certain foods or feel you have an intolerance / reaction to a specific variety of spices, fruits, liquids, and herbs; while someone else will partake of the same substance and show no signs at all. Always take precautions to ensure you are not at risk and seek professional help.
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Food
Allergies
1. Beverage
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Avoid
Alcohol, cocoa, coffee, milk, soft drinks.
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Include
Herbs teas, soya or nut milk, postum or pero (if not grain intolerant.)
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You have a beer after work. Maybe a glass of wine with dinner or a shot of bourbon when the mood hits. Suddenly, you break out in hives. Maybe you feel nauseous or start wheezing. Something is going on, but it’s not necessarily an allergy to alcohol. Allergies to alcohol are rare. Instead, the problem could be with another ingredient or chemical in your drink. This is often called alcohol intolerance.
If you have it, you may get:
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Alcoholic beverages are made from complex mixtures of grains, chemicals, and preservatives that your body needs to break down. If your body can’t do this well enough, you will have a reaction.
Common allergens in alcoholic beverages include:
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2. Cheese
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Avoid
To be avoided.
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Include
None, No dairy products. Tofu (soya cheese) is o.k.
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Cheese allergies are caused by an adverse reaction in the body that occurs upon ingestion, causing Immunoglobin E (IgE) antibodies to recognize chemicals, proteins or mold found in cheese as harmful substances. Antibodies defend the body by releasing chemical histamines to fight against the cheese allergen. Histamine production causes inflammation of the nasal passages, lungs, sinuses, ears, eyes and skin, leading to allergic reactions that result in an array of cheese-allergy symptoms.
Tyramine is a chemical found in fermented foods. This amino acid stimulates histamine responses in allergic individuals with chemical sensitivities, resulting in excess levels of histamine circulating throughout the body and aggravating pre-existing symptoms or causing reactions such as congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, hives, increased heart beat, headaches, high blood pressure and difficulty breathing. Tyramine is found in processed cheeses, soy-based cheeses and aged cheeses such as:
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People with lactose intolerance suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms that mimic certain dairy allergy symptoms such as bloating, cramping, nausea, flatulence and diarrhea, often causing the conditions to be confused. Lactose intolerance occurs due to lactase deficiencies in the digestive system, making the body unable to produce enzymes needed to digest lactose contained in dairy products. Doctors perform breath tests to diagnose or eliminate the possibility of lactose intolerance, which is helpful in diagnosing and treating dairy allergies.
Cheese allergies are most effectively treated by avoiding triggers. Keeping a log of symptoms can help determine the allergen source, while reactions to other foods may give insight into whether a dairy allergy or chemical allergy exists. Ricotta and cottage cheese may be substituted into a diet for those allergic to mold and tyramine, as neither contain active allergen ingredients. Cheese allergy symptoms can be treated with oral and topical antihistamines, inhalers and corticosteroids. |
3. Bread
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Avoid
White bread and blended made out of white flour, all wheat and corn products.
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Include
Millet, rice, rye, buckwheat, soya. Only white grains - freshly ground or cut sprouted, free of all preservatives.
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In the late 1970s and 1980s, a pair of doctors in the United States promoted the idea that an allergy to a common yeast type of fungus, Candida albicans, was behind a host of symptoms. They pinned a long list of symptoms on Candida, including:
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, over 50 million Americans have some type of allergy. Only a small portion of allergies are food allergies, and yeast allergy makes up only a tiny fraction of food allergies. Sources of a yeast allergy may include:
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Yeast Buildup
In some cases, having an abundance of yeast in the body can result in a fungal infection. This will cause many of the same symptoms as an allergy, with the difference being that the infection can be cured. Yeast Intolerance A yeast intolerance generally has less severe symptoms than a yeast allergy, with symptoms largely limited to gastrointestinal symptoms. Yeast Allergy A yeast allergy can affect the entire body, leading to skin reactions, changes in mood, and widespread body pain. Allergic reactions can be dangerous, and can cause long-term damage to the body. In a true allergy, your immune system is responding to a foreign substance that is not typically harmful to your body. Symptoms Symptoms of a yeast allergy can vary from person to person, but they may include one or more of the following:
There is a common misconception that a yeast allergy is the cause of the red, blotchy skin that some people develop after drinking alcoholic beverages. This rash is usually an allergy-like reaction (not a true allergy) related to sulfur dioxide in alcoholic drinks. Sulfur dioxide may activate allergy-like reactions to other substances it is found within, such as wheat-containing foods where this and other sulfites are used as preservatives. Sometimes histamine release and tannins will trigger rashes as well. A yeast allergy will typically not cause a rash. |
4. Dessert
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Avoid
N/A |
Include
Fresh, whole fruits, unsweetened fruit cocktails and stewed, Fruits, natural fruits.
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Fruits form an important part of a person’s diet. They supply all the necessary minerals, fiber, and the vitamins that are required for the body to function properly and maintain the strength. But unfortunately, there are some people that have fruit allergies and cannot eat a particular fruit or a particular group of fruits because of that. Once the fruit allergy has been identified, the person with this allergy should stop eating that particular fruit as a cure for this allergy.
Signs & Symptoms of Fruit Allergy Fruit allergy causes the lips or mouth of an individual with this type of energy to swell or burn the moment they eat a fruit. Other symptoms include:
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Fruit allergy is not limited to a particular type of fruit. Different people can have allergy from various fruits. In some people, eating a banana may give them a severe reaction and for some mango can be the source of fruit allergy. Some of these fruits may evoke more reaction than the others. In some cases, fruit allergy can also be caused by merely touching a fruit rather than eating it.
The causes of fruit allergies depend on the fruit or the classes of fruit that is causing the allergy. The reason for the development of allergy of fruits such as lemons, oranges limes, and grapefruit allergy is due to their acidic nature. These fruits belong to citrus fruits class and their acidic nature can cause mild to severe allergic reactions in the body of the individual suffering from fruit allergy of this class. Treatment and Management of Fruit Allergies The person with food allergies is required to completely avoid eating the particular food that evokes a reaction in their bodies. However, if fruits are eaten after being cooked, the reaction may not occur. Most of the people with fruit allergies also have pollen allergy that can cause some severe reactions in their bodies. A complete course of allergy shots or allergy drops can minimize or completely eliminate the allergy reactions. However, you may need to take allergy drops on the daily basis or allergy shots twice or thrice a week, and the course may continue for up to 5 years or until the time your body shows complete resistance to the allergens. Fruit allergies can be identified in the early childhood. A child may develop this allergy from their parents as it can be hereditary. If both the parents have this allergy, there are high chances of their offspring having the same allergy. You need to visit your doctor as soon as possible when you encounter the signs and symptoms of allergy to a particular fruit or fruit group. |
5. Cereal
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Avoid
Processed cereals, which are flaked, puffed, etc. No white, wheat, or corn.
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Include
Millet, brown & wild rice, buckwheat groats, Freshly ground if possible.
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Wheat Allergy is an allergy to wheat which typically presents itself as a food allergy, but can also be a contact allergy resulting from occupational exposure. Like all allergies, wheat allergy involves immunoglobulin E and mast cell response. Typically the allergy is limited to the seed storage proteins of wheat. Some reactions are restricted to wheat proteins, while others can react across many varieties of seeds and other plant tissues.
Wheat allergy may be a misnomer since there are many allergenic components in wheat, for example serine protease inhibitors, glutelins and prolamins and different responses are often attributed to different proteins. Twenty-seven potential wheat allergens have been successfully identified. The most severe response is exercise/aspirin induced anaphylaxis attributed to one omega gliadin that is a relative of the protein that causes celiac disease. Other more common symptoms include nausea, urticaria, and atopy. Gluten sensitivity is not usually classified as a wheat allergy. Management of wheat allergy consists of complete withdrawal of any food containing wheat and other gluten-containing cereals (gluten-free diet). Autoimmune Diseases / Rheumatoid Arthritis There appears to be an association of autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis (ARA) both with GSE and gluten allergies. ARA in GSE/CD may be secondary to tTG autoimmunity. In a recent study in Turkey, 8 of 20 ARA patients had wheat reactivities on the RAST tests. When this allergic food and all other patient specific RAST+ foods were removed half of the patients had improved ARA by serological markers. In patients with wheat allergies, rye was effectively substituted. This may indicate that some proportion of RA in GSE/CD is due to downstream effects of allergic responses. In addition, cross-reactive anti-beef-collagen antibodies (IgG) may explain some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) incidences. |
Wheat allergies are not altogether different from other food allergies or respiratory allergies. However two conditions, exercise/aspirin induced anaphylaxis and urticaria occur more frequently with wheat allergies.
Common symptoms of a wheat allergy include:
Rarer symptoms include:
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6. Egg
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Avoid
None
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Include
None
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Egg allergy is one of the most common types of food allergies among children in the United States, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). If your child has an egg allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies proteins found in egg as harmful. When your child eats the egg protein, their immune system responds by releasing histamine and other chemicals. This triggers an allergic reaction, which can involve potentially life-threatening symptoms
Anyone can develop an egg allergy, but some people have a higher chance than others. Risk factors include:
People with egg allergy are usually reacting to a protein found in egg whites, known as albumen. They can also be allergic to protein found in egg yolks. If your child has an egg allergy, their doctor will likely advise that eggs be avoided entirely. Completely separating egg whites and egg yolks can be difficult. Hives are often one of the first signs of an allergic reaction. They are red swollen patches that may appear on your child’s face or other parts of their body after they eat egg. Other mild allergic symptoms include:
In some cases, your child may experience a severe allergic reaction to egg. This is called anaphylaxis. This type of reaction can develop quickly and affect multiple body systems at once. In addition to milder symptoms, anaphylaxis can involve potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as:
It’s important to treat anaphylaxis immediately with an injected dose of epinephrine. |
If your child has an egg allergy, the only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid eating or coming in contact with egg. Help them learn how to check food and beverage labels for egg and egg protein. Sometimes egg protein is listed under other names, such as:
Egg can appear in many types of food and drink, often in unexpected places. In addition to many baked goods, such as cookies and cakes, egg can be found in:
If your child has been diagnosed with an egg allergy, their doctor will likely refer them to an allergist. The specialist can help you and your child learn how to avoid egg and treat an allergic reaction. To treat a mild allergic reaction, your child’s allergist may recommend antihistamines. To treat a severe allergic reaction, your child may need a dose of epinephrine. This medication will help reduce swelling, stimulate your child’s heart, increase their blood pressure, and improve their breathing. It’s important to give epinephrine at the first sign of an allergic reaction and get your child to the emergency room for follow-up care. Without prompt treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal. |
7. Fat
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Avoid
Shortening, margarine, saturated oils, and fats, cottonseed oil. Rancid and heated oils!!
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Include
Most cold-pressed unsaturated oils such as safflower, sesame, walnut, soya, Soya lecithin spread. Avocados. Toasted Sesame Oil is raw unsalted butter for flavor.
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Trans fatty acids or trans fats are formed when manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats. Think shortening and hard margarine. Manufacturers create trans fats via a process called hydrogenation. Hydro-what? In a nutshell, hydrogenation is a process by which vegetable oils are converted to solid fats simply by adding hydrogen atoms.
Why hydrogenate? Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods. Indeed, trans fats can be found in a laundry list of foods including vegetable shortening, margarine, crackers (even healthy sounding ones like Nabisco Wheat Thins), cereals, candies, baked goods, cookies, granola bars, chips, snack foods, salad dressings, fats, fried foods, and many other processed foods. Trans fatty acids are found naturally in small quantities in some foods including beef, pork, lamb, butter, and milk, but most trans fatty acids in the diet come from hydrogenated foods. So there is good news: When the new nutrition labels go into effect Jan. 1, 2006, it will be easier to screen these fats out of your diet. Until then, look at the package's list of ingredients. Products that contain partially hydrogenated oils or vegetable shortening may contain trans fats. Trans fats were developed during the backlash against saturated fat -- the artery-clogging animal fats found in butter, cream, and meats. Then food manufacturers realized that trans fats lasted longer than butter without going rancid. The result: Today trans fats are found in 40% of the products on your supermarket shelves. "We used to use animal fats, and people said, 'saturated fats are bad,' so we switched to trans fats," says Ruth Kava, PhD, RD, director of nutrition at the New York City-based American Council on Science and Health. "This kind of gives us an unfortunate focus on ingredients rather than the whole diet when the problem isn't this fat or that fat, it's too many calories." |
Like saturated or animal fats, trans fats contribute to clogged arteries. Clogged arteries are a sign of heart disease; they increase your risk of both heart attack and stroke. Here's how it works: Trans fats raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol levels. This contributes to the buildup of fatty plaque in arteries.
"The science that shows that trans fats increase LDL cholesterol levels is outstanding and very strong. All evidence is pointing in the same direction Some researchers suspect that trans fats also increase blood levels of two other artery-clogging compounds -- a fat-protein particle called lipoprotein(a) and blood fats called triglycerides. Equally worrisome, population studies indicate that trans fats may raise the risk of diabetes. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston suggest that replacing trans fats in the diet with polyunsaturated fats (such as vegetable oils, salmon, etc.) can reduce diabetes risk by as much as 40%. How much trans fat is safe? No one really knows. Kava says the prestigious Institute of Medicine reported that there isn't enough research yet to recommend a safe amount of trans fats. "We know that like saturated fats, trans fats can raise bad cholesterol, but there is conflicting data about what it does to good cholesterol," she says. "I wish the data were stronger." The FDA, while requiring manufacturers to put the amount of trans fats on nutrition labels, will not require a percent daily value (DV) for trans fat because there is not enough information at this time to establish a such a value, she says. Food labels do offer such information about saturated fats. |
8. Fish
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Avoid
Smoked and salted fish. No shellfish.
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Include
Freshwater and ocean fish. Broiled, baked or poached.
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Shellfish allergy is an abnormal response by the body's immune system to proteins in certain marine animals. Shellfish include marine animals with shells, such as shrimp, crab, oysters and lobster, as well as squid and scallops.
Some people with shellfish allergy react to all shellfish; others react to only certain kinds. Reactions range from mild symptoms — such as hives or a stuffy nose — to severe and even life-threatening. Shellfish allergy symptoms generally develop within minutes to an hour of eating shellfish. They may include:
Allergies can cause a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction to shellfish or anything else is a medical emergency that requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection and a trip to the emergency room. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
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All food allergies are caused by an immune system overreaction. In shellfish allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a certain protein in shellfish as harmful, triggering the production of antibodies to the shellfish protein (allergen). The next time you come in contact with the allergen, your immune system releases histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
In severe cases, shellfish allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a dangerous allergic reaction marked by a swollen throat (airway constriction), rapid pulse, shock, and dizziness or lightheadedness. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. When you have shellfish allergy, you may be at increased risk of anaphylaxis if:
Anaphylaxis can be treated with an emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). If you are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to shellfish, you always should carry injectable epinephrine (EpiPen, Adrenaclick, others). |
9. Fruit
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Avoid
Sprayed and sulfered. Canned and frozen.
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Include
Fresh fruits (organically grown if possible - apples, apricots, bananas, etc...
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10.Juice/
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Avoid
All canned and frozen juices. No orange or other citrus juices.
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Include
Only fresh, unsweetened juices. May be selected from the lists of fruits and vegetables listed.
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Most people who have a citrus allergy experience symptoms after eating food or a drink made with raw citrus fruit. The symptoms are often localized, which means that you feel them wherever the raw fruit touched your skin. Symptoms include:
These are the symptoms of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Individuals with OAS who have reactions to citrus fruits can usually eat the fruits when they’re cooked. Symptoms may appear later in life, even if you’ve been eating the fruit for years with no problems. People who are allergic to citrus fruit peels may experience symptoms of contact dermatitis if they come in contact with the peel of citrus fruit. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by your skin releasing inflammatory chemicals after coming into contact with an allergen. Symptoms include:
In rare cases, a citrus allergy can cause a systemic allergic reaction, also called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
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An allergic reaction is due to your immune system mistakenly defending your body against substances that typically don’t pose a threat to you. These substances are known as allergens. When your immune system reacts to an allergen, it causes an allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions to raw citrus fruits are sometimes seen in people who have pollen allergies, in a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity. Other people may experience an allergic reaction after coming in contact with the peels of citrus fruits. There are also documented cases of some citrus fruits causing a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, although this is very rare. One thing that can’t cause an allergic reaction is citric acid. Citric acid is a chemical found in the juice of citrus fruits, giving them their tart flavor. Citric acid itself is not an allergen, although it can cause skin and mouth irritation, and even an upset stomach. However, citric acid doesn’t trigger an immune system response, so while you may be sensitive to it, it isn’t technically an allergen. There isn’t much information available about how many people experience a systemic allergy to citrus fruits, but there are documented cases of people having a severe, anaphylactic reaction to oranges and other citrus fruits. There have also been cases of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis with oranges and grapefruits. This is a specific form of food allergy in which an allergic reaction occurs only after ingesting the allergen and then exercising soon after. More research needs to be done to discover how many people have systemic allergies to citrus fruits. If you or your child shows a reaction to pollen, your doctor will do a skin-prick test and talk to you about possible fruit allergies. A skin prick test involves a simple prick with a needle that inserts a small amount of the suspected allergen. If you’re allergic, you’ll develop a bump with a red ring around it in 15 to 20 minutes. If your child is too young to tell you if they are bothered by some fruit, keep a close eye when trying new things and monitor any reactions. Call for medical help right away if you suspect anaphylaxis. If your allergy is severe your doctor will recommend that you carry an EpiPen with you. |
11. Meat
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Avoid
No other animal products are allowed.
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Include
Naturally grown fish or poultry. Range free roaming.
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If your nose gets stuffy or begins to run after eating meat, or you become nauseated or develop a rash, you may have a meat allergy. Meat from any kind of mammal — beef, lamb, pork, goat, and even whale and seal — can cause an allergic reaction. While we do not definitively know the number of people in the U.S. affected by meat allergy, we do know that it is uncommon. A bite from the Lone Star tick can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat, including beef and pork. The Lone Star tick has been implicated in initiating the red meat allergy in the US and this tick is found predominantly in the Southeast from Texas, to Iowa, into New England. A meat allergy can develop any time in life. If you are allergic to one type of meat, it is possible you also are allergic to other meats, as well as to poultry, such as chicken, turkey and duck. Studies have found that a very small percentage of children with milk allergy are also allergic to beef. Talk with your allergist to see if you should remove beef from your milk-allergic child’s diet.
Symptoms:
Triggers:
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If you are allergic to meat, your body considers meat to be a physical threat. The first time you have this response, your immune system makes specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight the threat off. These antibodies attached to immune cells throughout your body. After that, each time you eat meat, the allergen binds to the IgE antibodies and causes the cells to release massive amounts of histamine and other chemicals to try to protect you. Depending on the tissue in which these antibodies are released, these chemicals will cause you to have symptoms that can range from mild to severe. A severe allergic reaction can include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that must be treated immediately.
A bite from the Lone Star tick can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat, including beef and pork. This specific allergy is related to a carbohydrate called alpha-gal and is best diagnosed with a blood test. Although reactions to foods typically occur immediately, in the instance of allergic reactions to alpha-gal, symptoms often take several hours to develop. Owing to the significant delay between eating red meat and the appearance of an allergic reaction, it can be a challenge to connect the culprit foods to symptoms. Therefore, an expert evaluation from an allergist familiar with the condition is recommended. The Lone Star tick has been implicated in initiating the red meat allergy in the US and this tick is found predominantly in the Southeast from Texas, to Iowa, into New England. Symptoms of meat allergy can vary from person to person, and you may not always experience the same symptoms during every reaction. Allergic reactions to food can affect the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system. Meat allergies may also develop at various ages. If you suspect that you have a meat allergy, see an allergist, who will decide which tests to perform, determine if a food allergy exists, and work with you on managing your allergy. Once a meat allergy is diagnosed, the best treatment is to avoid the trigger. Carefully check ingredient labels of food products, and learn whether what you need to avoid is known by other names. Be extra careful when you eat out. Waiters (and sometimes the kitchen staff) may not always know the ingredients of every dish on the menu. Depending on your sensitivity, even just walking into a kitchen or another place where food is prepared can cause an allergic reaction. All patients with food allergies must make some changes in what they eat. Your allergist can direct you to helpful resources, including special cookbooks, patient support groups, and registered dietitians, who can help you plan meals. |
12. Milk
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Avoid
All other dairy products and milk.
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Include
None, Substitute soya or nut milk sparingly. Fresh raw goat milk.
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Dairy allergies such as those to milk and cheese cause reactions due to allergenic proteins that the body can’t process. Cheese contains casein and whey, with casein being the primary trigger for cheese allergies, especially in harder cheeses. Dairy cheese allergies cause symptoms of lethargy, inattention, black under-eye circles, itchy rashes, hives, eczema, digestive discomfort indicated by nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea and respiratory problems such as congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, sore throat and asthma attacks.
13. Nut
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Avoid
None
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Include
All Nuts
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Over 50 million Americans have allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nut allergy is one of the most common types of food allergy in both children and adults. Nut allergies tend to last a lifetime, although about 14 percent of children with a tree nut allergy, and 20 percent of children with a peanut allergy, eventually outgrow them. Younger siblings of children with a nut allergy are at higher risk of being allergic to nuts as well.
Types of Nuts: Nuts, also known as tree nuts, come in different varieties. They include:
Although peanuts have the word nut in their name, they aren’t nuts. Peanuts are legumes and, unlike tree nuts, grow underground. Although peanuts are not tree nuts, people with a peanut allergy have a similar allergic reaction as those with a tree nut allergy. If you have one tree nut allergy, it’s highly likely that you’re allergic to other tree nuts as well. However, only about 25 to 40 percent of people are allergic to both peanuts and tree nuts, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). When someone is allergic to nuts, their immune system mistakenly identifies nuts as a harmful substance. The immune system reacts to these substances, or allergens. The first time someone is exposed to a nut allergen, they usually don’t have any symptoms. Their immune system, however, has recognized the allergen as a threat and gets ready to fight the allergen the next time it enters the body. When the allergen enters the body again, the immune system launches an attack by releasing chemicals such as histamine. The release of histamine is what causes allergy symptoms. |
Mild skin reactions of nut allergies often include:
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratidine (Claritin) can help relieve rashes and hives. Cold, wet compresses can also help soothe irritated skin. Allergies often affect the upper respiratory tract. Common symptoms include:
Antihistamines can also help relieve runny nose and irritated eyes. If the runny nose persists, try combining with a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Many food allergies cause digestive problems as the allergenic proteins make their way through the stomach and intestines. Digestive reactions usually take a few hours to occur after eating nuts. It’s common to feel:
Anaphylaxis is the most severe and dangerous form of allergic reaction. In anaphylaxis, the throat and airways swell and become blocked. This makes it extremely difficult, sometimes even impossible, to breathe. It can also cause other symptoms, including:
People whose nut allergy is severe enough to develop anaphylaxis should always carry an intramuscular injection of epinephrine, such as an EpiPen. An injection of epinephrine, also called adrenaline, causes the airways to reopen, allowing you to breathe again. |
14. Potato
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Avoid
French fried, potato chips, grilled. White rice and white flour noodles, and macaroni.
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Include
Baked or steamed with jackets and mashed. White rose, red, russet, sweet potatoes or yams.
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If you have a potato allergy, you may experience an allergic reaction immediately upon touching or tasting potato. This reaction can also occur up to several hours later. While cutting or peeling potatoes, you may experience a rash on your hands. If you take a bite of food containing potato, you may also feel a tingling sensation on your lips.
Typical symptoms include:
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The potato is a member of the nightshade plant family. Also called the Solanaceae plant family, this includes many vegetables and plants. If you have a potato allergy, you may also be allergic to other plants in this family.
Other potential allergens include:
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15. Salad
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Avoid
Large amounts of salad dressings.
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Include
Use raw fruits and vegetables. Shredded or chopped, separate or combined with your favorite greens. Don't forget parsley and watercress.
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16. Seasoning
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Avoid
Spices, pepper. table salt, M.S.G. - salt substitute.
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Include
Chives, garlic, parsley. Herbs: Laurel, tarragon, thyme, marjoram, sage, savory. Etc...
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Yes, it is possible to be allergic to spices, but until recently, these allergies have been regarded as rare. However, according to a presentation at the 2012 annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) two to three percent of individuals worldwide have an allergic reaction to spices. These allergies may represent two percent of all food allergies but are under diagnosed because of the lack of reliable tests for them. Reactions can range from sneezing to life-threatening anaphylaxis, and can be triggered by spices used in cosmetics, toothpastes and other dental products, as well as those used in food.
Unfortunately, spices are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and as a result are not always listed on food labels. This can make it very hard to identify the specific allergen and to determine what foods and other products to avoid. Because of the increasing use of spices in foods and cosmetics, it is likely that more and more individuals in the United States will come into contact with these substances and develop allergies. Common spice allergies are to cinnamon and garlic, as well as to black pepper and vanilla. To make things more difficult, spice blends often contain many different spices.
Unfortunately, spices are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and as a result are not always listed on food labels. This can make it very hard to identify the specific allergen and to determine what foods and other products to avoid. Because of the increasing use of spices in foods and cosmetics, it is likely that more and more individuals in the United States will come into contact with these substances and develop allergies. Common spice allergies are to cinnamon and garlic, as well as to black pepper and vanilla. To make things more difficult, spice blends often contain many different spices.
17. Seed
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Avoid
Roasted and salted seeds.
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Include
Sunflower, chia, sesame and pumpkin. Prunes seeds, such as apricot, apple, prunes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, and quince.
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Seed allergy is an abnormal immune reaction to the proteins found in a type of seed, such as sesame, poppy, pumpkin or mustard. These types of allergy are not very common in children or adults. The prevalence is unknown but may be increasing. Sesame seed is the most common seed allergy. Sunflower seed and pumpkin seed allergy seem to be much less common.
Classic allergic reactions usually include a red, itchy rash called hives that occurs within minutes of ingesting foods containing the food allergen. Hives can progress to or occur as part of a more serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may include any of the following symptoms: wheezing or other breathing problems; vomiting, diarrhea or stomach cramps; face, mouth, or throat swelling; or signs of shock, including low blood pressure, dizziness, and passing out. Common symptoms of sunflower seed allergy are similar to many other allergies, including peanut allergy. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include:
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Risk factors for a potential sunflower allergy vary wildly. A family history of the allergy and exposure to sunflowers could increase your risk, says Williams. Having another food allergy, particularly a peanut allergy, may make you more likely to be allergic to other nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds. In general, children are more prone to food allergies than adults.
Currently, no cure exists for food allergies. Strict avoidance is recommended until your allergist says otherwise. For this reason, some food allergies can be more challenging than others. You may grow out of your allergy if you’re allergic to:
If you’re allergic to nuts, seeds, shellfish, or peanuts, you will likely have the allergy for life. Sunflower ingredients are not as common as egg ingredients, but sunflower can easily hide in food and beauty products. If you have a sunflower allergy, you should use caution when using the following:
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18. Soup
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Avoid
Canned and creamed soup. Fat stock, bouillon, consomme.
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Include
Homemade soups made out of listed ingredients, brown rice or millet can be added.
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Sweet Potato with Thyme
Sweet potatoes are one of the vegetables that are least likely to cause allergic reactions. What's more, sweet potatoes contain several compounds that may even help prevent allergic reactions triggered by other substances. Also the yellow onions this recipe calls for may be helpful for people with allergies because of the high amount of quercetin they contain. Also ginger and thyme have properties that may be helpful for some people with allergies. Beet & Carrot Soup This recipe combines carrots and beets to create a beautiful crimson soup that can also help fight allergies. Beets have strong anti-inflammatory properties while carrots are known for their antioxidant powers. The ginger featured in this lovely soup contains a type of proteolytic enzyme called zingibain. Scientists have discovered that proteolytic enzymes have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate allergic reactions. |
Apple & Onion Soup
This recipe features apples and onions, two of the best natural sources of quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that has been shown to effectively protect against allergic reactions. Quercetin works its protective magic by stabilizing the cell membranes of mast cells and basophils, thereby inhibiting histamine release. Histamine is responsible for many symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Iced Watercress & Mint Soup This scrumptious soup with an irresistible creamy texture draws on the health benefits of watercress, a super food that has been used to treat a wide range of ailments for centuries. Watercress is supercharged with vitamin C and beta-carotene which have significant antioxidant properties and which are therefore extremely important for people with allergies. Note: this soup contains dairy. |
19. Sprouts
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Avoid
Potato sprouts (poison,) wheat and radish sprouts.
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Include
Any sprout such as mung and alfalfa. Add to salads, sandwiches. Almost any seed or kernel can be sprouted.
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Sprouts are seeds that have just begun to grow, usually less than a week old. Inside every seed is a “germ”, a sort of a baby plant, waiting for water and warmth to germinate. This is not a bad germ. It is part of the seed. Sprouts are easy to grow, and many people do it at home, you just soak the seeds in warm water until the germ is awakened, then rinse the seeds daily keeping them wet, and preferably warm and dark. So how do they turn into high risk disease vectors? Alfalfa is a grass, that grows just like your lawn, but in a big field, and when you don’t cut it, it produces lovely lavender flowers that eventually are fertilized and go to seed. The plant reproduces itself by developing scores of new seeds per plant, and each seed contains the germ of another alfalfa plant. But the seeds can be contaminated right there in the field and it is pretty hard to prevent it.
Below are some of the primary symptoms of Brussels Sprouts Allergy which is very similar to other forms of food allergy:
Awareness of these symptoms can help in early consultation with the doctor. A type of blood test known as radio-allergo-sorbent or RAST test can identify the chemical behind the allergy or the allergen. Later, a skin patch test can confirm the condition. |
The sources of contamination are myriad. Critters are a strong possibility. Birds flying over, rabbits munching on the green shoots, deer grazing in the field, raccoons, field mice, rats, even feral hogs can poop in the fields and it is impossible to prevent them. Heck, sometimes farm workers are the source. I know we want perfectly safe food for our children, but as long as food is grown outdoors it is impossible to prevent unwanted intruders.
Another possible source of pathogens is water. Rain is pretty safe, but irrigation may not be. Lakes, streams, and wells can host the bad guys easily. They can come from improperly treated human waste in sewage or seepage from septic tanks. It can come from runoff from livestock pastures, where rainwater mixes with manure and drains into the water supply. It can come from fertilizer made from manure that has not been properly pasteurized. And it is hard to pasteurize manure. Manure, of course, is the fertilizer of choice for organic farmers, so organic seeds may, in fact, be more risky than others. The immune system is the natural protection mechanism of the body. A protein called IgE found in the blood is part of this system. Its responsibility is to deal with the allergens and protect the body from them. In some individuals, the immune system mistakenly identifies the beneficial chemicals in a substance to be threat to the body. These chemicals are targeted by IgE as part of the defensive response. Such over-response initiates certain undesirable reactions in the body known as allergy. Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergy. The treatment aims at keeping the symptoms of the allergy under check. Blood test and skin patch test can find the probable allergens and confirm the condition by verifying the signs. Prevention is better than cure. So the first step to get rid of this allergy is to stay away from brussel sprouts. This simple step can control the mild signs. However, moderate to severe symptoms of allergy from brussel sprouts may require antihistamine drugs. |
20. Sweets
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Avoid
White and brown sugar and products such as candy. All sugar substitutes. Maple syrup.
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Include
Sorghum, raw honey, in very small quantities. Try to avoid all sweets.
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Sugar is found in many of the foods you eat. It’s found in fruit and milk, and is added to foods and drinks to give them a sweeter taste. It’s also in most desserts and things like ketchup, salad dressing, and cold medicine.
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate, and it comes in the following forms:
Some people have an intolerance or even an allergy to certain types of sugar. If you have a sugar allergy, you might experience symptoms after eating it that include:
Some people may experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. It can be life-threatening. Symptoms include:
Intolerance to lactose and other sugars often affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. After eating these sugars, you’ll develop symptoms like:
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It’s easy to mistake a food allergy and a food intolerance. Both an allergy and an intolerance can cause you to have symptoms after eating that food. A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes the proteins in certain foods for foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria. It launches an attack, triggering the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms like hives or shortness of breath.
Only a small number of foods cause most food allergies. Some of these include:
People who have a milk allergy don’t react to the sugar in milk. They react to a protein in it. Unlike an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to sugar doesn’t involve an immune system response. Instead, your body has trouble digesting sugar. For example, people with lactose intolerance can’t digest the lactose in milk. True sugar allergies are rare. Sugar intolerance is more common, especially lactose intolerance. About 65 percent of people have at least some trouble digesting lactose. This sugar becomes harder to digest as you get older. Sugar intolerance won’t turn into an allergy. An allergy happens because of an immune system reaction. Intolerance happens because your body has trouble digesting the food. If you do have a severe allergy to sugar, you can have a dangerous reaction if you eat it. This reaction is called anaphylaxis. It causes symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and swelling of the mouth. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening if it’s not treated right away. |
21.Vegetable
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Avoid
Sprayed. Canned and frozen.
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Include
All vegetables - raw or fresh cooked. Organically grown if possible. Root tips and stalks all important and almost all usable.
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Allergies to raw fruits and vegetables can cause severe symptoms that must be treated immediately. However, this type of allergy, also known as oral allergy syndrome, is easy to prevent, since you do not have to totally avoid the fruits and vegetables that cause you aggravation. If symptoms of oral allergy syndrome persist, evaluate your food handling methods and contact your doctor.
Certain types of raw fruits and vegetables can lead to oral allergy syndrome. The Calgary Allergy Network reports that these fruits may include: apples, kiwis, plums, pears, peaches, apricots, nectarines, oranges, melons, watermelon and tomatoes. Common vegetables associated with oral allergy syndrome include:
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, oral allergy syndrome is either caused by an allergy to proteins in the foods or by pollen that may be present. Pollen from ragweed is often present on raw melons, bananas, cucumbers, and zucchini. Ragweed pollen is most prevalent during the fall months. The Calgary Allergy Netwok explains that tomatoes, kiwi, melons, and oranges can aggravate those who have a pre-existing allergy to grasses. |
If you are allergic to raw fruits and vegetables, symptoms can show up immediately after consuming such foods. Oral allergy syndrome causes dry, itchy and swollen mouth, tongue, throat and face. Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes can be attributed to pollen on fruits and vegetables. Severe oral allergy syndrome can cause massive throat swelling and breathing difficulties.
You do not necessarily have to totally avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables if you have oral allergy syndrome. The Calgary Allergy Network explains that the syndrome's symptoms show up after eating raw fruits and vegetables with the skins intact, and do not occur if the food is cooked or processed. Also, some people with oral allergy syndrome can eat raw fruits and vegetables if the skin is peeled off first. Oral Allergy syndrome can also be aggravated by:
Persistent food allergies to raw fruits and vegetables can be helped with allergy shots or immunology treatments through an allergist. These help build your body’s resistance to the pollen and proteins associated with the foods that cause your allergy. According to the Calgary Allergy Network, severe symptoms can be treated with injectable medications such as EpiPen. EpiPen is taken whenever an allergic reaction occurs. |
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Info on this page was last updated and verified on August 13th, 2018 P.S.T.
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