Common food allergies: 8 foods that may be making you sick

Nuts

Almonds, macadamia, pistachios and cashews affect about 1% of the population with food allergies, causing either mild symptoms like stomach aches or breathing issues. For people who suffer from a food allergy related to nuts, it is ideal to avoid any type of food that contains them or that has been prepared in a container that held nuts.

Cow’s milk is a common food allergy

Between 2% and 3% of babies suffer from some type of food allergy, although one of the most common cow’s milk and other dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. The good news is that more than 90% of these cases will resolve on their own. However, they can continue to affect people, producing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and, in very extreme cases, anaphylaxis.

Egg

As with most cases of dairy-related food allergies, at least 68% of infants and toddlers who are allergic to eggs will grow out of it by adolescence. Among the symptoms caused by egg allergy are: skin rashes, stomach pain, diarrhea, stomach inflammation and anaphylaxis, although the latter is not very frequent.

Shellfish allergies

Oysters, lobster and shrimp are are another very common food allergy. In general, this type of food sensitivity is caused by a protein known as tropomyosin. Unlike other food-related allergies, this one does not resolve on its own, which is why the most common recommendation from medical specialists is to avoid its consumption at all costs.

Wheat

Wheat is prevalent in a large number of foods, such as bread, cereal, and other baked goods. It often affects children who, in most cases, will outgrow this allergy by the time they enter adolescence. Wheat allergy often deprives patients of certain foods, since its consumption causes discomfort such as stomach inflammation, vomiting and skin rashes.

Soy allergies

Soy is one of the most common food allergies in children, and is believed to be the result of a reaction of the body to soy protein. However, 70% of children with soy allergies will grow out of it by adulthood. If the allergy persists, it is best to learn to read food labels carefully, since many of products that we find in supermarkets are made from soy or have been made in facilities that contain it.

Sesame seeds

Sesame seed allergy can be just as dangerous as that caused by nut allergies and although, it’s less well-known, it is important to consider sesame seed allergies as among one of the most common in children and adults. This ingredient can be present in oils, breads and even dressings, increasing the risk of symptoms such as rashes, itching, skin inflammation and stomach discomfort, at least in moderate cases.

Peanut

According to statistics, peanut allergies affect 1.2% of the US population, and 25% of patients with some type of food allergy. In most cases, patients must avoid consuming, or even being near, any products that contain peanuts. This is because the body can produce severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, in a few seconds, when consuming, smelling or touching this ingredient, putting the lives of people who are allergic to it at risk.

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