Which are the Most Popular Food Allergies
Food allergies are prevalent today, affecting over 7% of adults and 9% of children. A food allergy is described as a condition where particular foods cause an abnormal response in the immune system.
These allergies occur when the immune system wrongly classifies some proteins as toxic. The body then develops several protective measures like releasing the histamine chemical, which causes inflammation.
It is hard to determine which food caused the allergy unless you partake a DNA Food Testing. The most common symptoms of food allergy include;
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Itchy rash
- Low blood pressure.
Below we discuss the most popular food allergies;
1. Cow’s Milk
Cow milk allergy is mainly experienced by children and is among the most popular type of allergies. However, over 80% of children outgrow this condition at four years. Cow’s milk occurs either in non-IgE or IgE form and is the most severe.
After diagnosing the cow’s milk allergy, the best treatment should be to avoid the milk. This entails drinks or foods that have;
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Cream
- Milk powder.
2. Eggs
Egg allergies are the second leading cause of food allergy, mainly in children. However, a study has shown over 70% of children with this reaction outgrow it by the time they reach fifteen years. The main symptoms include;
- Respiratory problems
- Digestive distress
- Anaphylaxis
- Skin reactions.
Some individuals are allergic to egg yolks and not the white, and vice versa, and this is because their protein contents differ significantly. As stated above, the only way to curb this allergy is by having an egg-free diet.
3. Tree Nuts
Tree nut allergies face people who experience a reaction after eating seeds and nuts from certain trees. It is a popular type of allergy, and examples of tree nuts include;
- Pistachios
- Brazil nuts
- Pine nuts
- Walnuts
- Macadamia nuts.
People experiencing a tree nut allergy are also allergic to foods made using these nuts, like oils and nut butter.
4. Peanuts
Peanut allergies are prevalent, like tree nut allergies, and they cause fatal allergic reactions. However, both conditions are considered distinct. Peanut allergies are diagnosed using the following combinations;
- Food challenges
- Health history
- Blood tests
- Skin-prick testing.
5. Wheat
A wheat allergy occurs after the body responds to proteins found in this substance. This allergy mainly affects children, but they outgrow it by ten years. Like the above allergies, wheat allergy causes digestive distress, vomiting, hives, and swelling. However, it is confused with celiac disease since they have the same symptoms.
6. Shellfish
Shellfish allergy happens when your body attacks proteins from the mollusk and crustacean fish families. The top shellfish examples include;
- Shrimp
- Prawns
- Squid
- Scallops
- Lobsters.
Tropomyosin is the leading trigger of seafood allergy, but others like parvalbumin and kinase also cause it. Symptoms of this allergy come fast but are hard to distinguish from bacteria contamination due to similar symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Allergies are common in our day-to-day lives and are caused by several factors. The above article has discussed the most common food allergies, and you can contact us for more details.
