Top 6 Most Common Food Allergies

Food allergies are extremely common. A food allergy occurs when the immune system recognizes some harmless food as a potential threat to the body and gives out a protective response. The most common symptoms of food allergy include skin rashes and itchiness, sneezing, watery and red eyes, swelling, cramps or vomiting. These symptoms are shown either immediately after consuming the food or after some hours. Often food intolerance i.e. inability to digest food is confused with food allergy. One of the ways of dealing with a food allergy is to avoid food items that trigger it.

These are the 6 most common food allergies that are known:

• MILK: Most children are allergic to cow’s milk. An allergy to cow’s milk means avoiding all milk products such as cheese, butter, yogurt, and cream. In milk allergy, the immune system overreacts to the protein present in milk. This allergy is different from lactose intolerance in which the body is unable to digest lactose.
• EGG: This allergy is triggered by the protein in eggs. You could be allergic to the egg white, egg yolk or both. Consumption of the egg should be avoided. Read the label of food items that could contain eggs and avoid consuming them. Some symptoms of egg allergy include stomach aches, rashes, hives, and respiratory problems.
• PEANUTS: Peanut allergy is one of the most common allergies which shows serious allergic reactions. Even a small amount of peanut can trigger the immune system. Avoiding peanuts and any product that contains peanuts is the only effective way to deal with this sort of allergy. An allergic response is seen minutes after consuming peanuts. Symptoms include hives, redness, swelling, tingling sensation around the mouth or throat, vomiting or nausea.
• SOY: Children and infants are more prone to this allergy as compared to teens and adults. Soy allergy is triggered by proteins in soybean or soybean containing products. Most children outgrow this allergy after a certain time. The symptoms of soy allergy are runny rose, rash, asthma or difficulty in breathing. Soy is found in most food items so it is advised to check the label before purchasing it.
• TREE NUT: Allergy from some nuts and seeds that come from trees is known as a tree nut allergy. Tree nuts include almonds, cashews, walnuts, brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts. People suffering from tree nut allergy will also be allergic to butter or oil that is made with these nuts. A severe tree nut allergy can lead to anaphylaxis related death. People suffering from this allergy are advised to avoid all kinds of tree nuts.
• FISH: Fish allergies are common and also found in adults. This allergy can result in severe allergic reactions. Some symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and in some cases anaphylaxis i.e. when you are unable to breathe and the body can go into a shock, it can also occur. It is recommended to avoid fish and fish products.

Footnote
It’s important to keep a track of your food allergies, the best way to do it is by keeping a food diary. The ideal way to deal with a food allergy is by avoiding food items that can trigger the immune system and an allergic response.