8 Most Common Food Allergies

What is a Food Allergy?

Food allergy is an immune system reaction that happens soon after eating a certain food. This is because the body recognises these foods as "harmful" and releases histamine, which leads to inflammation.

Food Allergy Symptoms

Some common food allergy symptoms are:

1. Mouth itch

2. Hives

3. Lips, tongue, and throat swell up

4. Trouble breathing

5. Sneezing

6. Stomach ache

In some extreme cases, food allergy can cause Anaphylaxis which is characterised by throat choking, rapid pulse rate, sudden drop in blood pressure, and unconsciousness.

Most Common Food Allergies

Some common food allergies are:

1. Fish

Fish allergy is one of the most common food allergies. But mostly, it is caused by contaminated fish products.

2. Soya

This allergy is caused by proteins present in soybeans. Avoid any food that contains soy protein to avoid an allergic reaction.

3. Shellfish

Shellfish like shrimp, prawns, lobster, etc., trigger allergic reactions like vomiting and diarrhoea. It is triggered by the release of a protein called tropomyosin.

4. Wheat

This allergy can be fatal and cause symptoms like digestive issues, hives, and Anaphylaxis. You must avoid food and even beauty products containing wheat.

5. Peanuts

One of the most fatal and common food allergens is peanuts. This allergy can happen to both children and adults. It is advisable to abstain from all peanut and peanut-containing products.

6. Tree nuts

Tree nut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. People allergic to these nuts are allergic to their by-products, like butter and oils. Common tree nuts are:

• Almonds

• cashews

• pistachios

• walnuts

7. Milk

The most common food allergies among children is from drinking cow's milk. They have reactions like vomiting, swelling, or rashes within 30 minutes of consumption. Such children or their breastfeeding mothers must avoid eating:

• milk

• cheese

• butter

• yoghurt

• ice-cream

8. Eggs

Eggs are another common food allergen. Some people can be allergic to the egg white, while others can be allergic to the yolk. Cooked eggs differ in constitution from raw eggs, and often, people with egg allergies can eat food with egg in it.

How to Treat Food Allergies?

Common food allergies cannot be treated, but they can be controlled. The best way to beat food-related allergies is to avoid the food that triggers them.

If exposed to the allergen, you can take an antihistamine. For severe allergic reactions, you must visit the ER to get an epinephrine shot. You can also carry an epinephrine auto-injector, if required.