Food allergies have become a major topic in recent years for multiple reasons. Its incidence has been increasing, affecting 30% of adults and 40% of children. People can be allergic to almost anything, but there are 8 allergens that are the most common.
What is an allergy?
When your body is exposed to an irritant (known as allergen), like pollen, launches an attack against him. Most of the time, when this happens, we don’t even realize it. Sometimes, if there is an overabundance of the allergen or if your body is especially sensitive to it, this immune response kicks into high gear. His eyes water, his nosy covers up or breaks out in an itchy rash. Some allergens cause life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and a narrowing of the airways.
Food can also act as allergens. when someone is allergic to a food, they cannot eat it at all. Some allergies are so severe that people can’t even be near the irritant, since breathing or touching it could cause anaphylaxis. An allergy is different from a food sensitivity or intolerance. Intolerances, such as the inability to digest milk (lactose intolerance) are not usually life-threatening, although they will cause discomfort, such as bloating and diarrhoea, if ingested.
the big 8
The Big 8 are the cause of 90% of reported allergies, and the FDA requires that labeling warn consumers of their presence or possible presence in food.
1. Misery: Peanuts are actually vegetables, which together are responsible for a large number of allergic reactions. People who are allergic to peanuts are probably not allergic to other vegetables, such as lentils. Children are more likely to develop a peanut allergy if they already have an egg allergy.
two. Seafood: Shellfish can also cause severe allergic reactions. Crustaceans (shrimps, lobsters, crabs) are the most common, although molluscs (clams, mussels, oysters) can cause an allergic reaction. Shrimp is considered the most allergenic.
3. Fish: Haddock, salmon, cod, tuna, mackerel, and snapper are among the fish that commonly trigger fish allergies. The allergen in this group is fish muscle protein. parvalbumin. These allergies often develop during adulthood and are less likely to outgrow with age.
Four. Milk: Milk allergy is the most common allergy in infants and young children. A milk allergy triggers an immune response to milk proteins. All milk, including cow, goat and sheep milk, can pose a problem. Most children outgrow their milk allergy.
5. Eggs: Also common in children, both the yolk and white of eggs can trigger a reaction, but in some cases the egg yolk is less allergenic. Eggs are not only used in food, but also in skin care products and cosmetics that contain eggs. Most children will outgrow their egg allergy.
6. Soy: Also in the vegetable family, soy is an allergy that children are likely to outgrow. Here in the United States, soy is most often found in processed foods, either as soybean oil or soy protein isolate. People with soy allergies can safely take soy lecithin.
7. Wheat: Wheat allergies are quite common and usually resolve during childhood. A wheat allergy is different from celiac disease, where gluten causes the inflammatory reaction. Celiac disease triggers a different immune response than other allergens. True allergies to wheat are rare in adults.
8. Tree nuts: One of the most potent and common allergens, tree nut allergies affect 1.1% of the world’s population. Those affected by tree nut allergy should avoid macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, walnuts, pistachios, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and pine nuts. Reactions associated with nuts are often severe, with walnuts and cashews causing the most reactions. At least 90% of children who have a tree nut allergy will not outgrow it.
In conclusion
Accuracy in food labeling is critical for people with allergies, but it’s not so easy to be sure when eating out. Don’t be afraid to ask your server or chef what’s in the dishes, including any allergens the food may have come into contact with. It’s in your best interest to enjoy your food safely!
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