A large number of people around the globe suffer from food allergy. For them the food that we routinely eat causes discomfort and in worst scenarios can be life threatening.
Food allergies are generally caused by the exaggerated reaction of the immune system to certain foods. Food allergy cannot be cured hence avoiding the allergen or substance responsible for the allergy is the only way to protect against them.
Well known Nutritionist, Vasudha Sainik says, “In most cases, allergies occur when an individual who has a genetic sensitivity to certain allergens is exposed to the substance. Foods frequently responsible for food allergies include:
- Shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, and lobster
- Tree nuts, including walnuts, almonds, and pecans
- Peanuts
- Fish
- Food additives such as dyes, thickeners, and preservatives. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common food allergy in this category”
The most common food allergies that most Indians experience are
1. Wheat allergy or gluten intolerance
Wheat allergy or gluten intolerance is caused by the body’s abnormal reaction to one of the proteins present in the wheat grain or those found in the wheat products.
Foods to watch:
People with wheat allergy should avoid food that contains wheat, semolina, barley based products, broken wheat, bulgar, wheat bran, durum, cereals, pasta, rotis, chapattis, packaged baked products, and some noodles.
Foods to consume:
Calcium rich food: milk, curd, cheese, broccoli, almond, spinach, figs, salmon, sardines etc.
Folate: broccoli, orange juice, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame, asparagus, and legumes.
Vitamin B12: milk, meat, eggs, poultry and sea foods
Iron: dried fruits, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and eggs.
Vasudha Sainik says, “Maintaining a balanced diet is very important to all individuals who experience wheat allergy. Wheat allergy is usually termed as Celiac Disease in medical terms. Untreated Celiac disease may majorly cause deficiency of nutrients like Iron, Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folic Acid. Iron deficiency normally gets corrected with good source of Iron through foods, like dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and other animal sources clubbed with Vitamin C. Also a balanced diet rich in milk and milk products should be helpful in terms of correcting the Calcium deficiency. Calcium supplement post breakfast would be indeed very helpful. In severe cases doctors recommend a regular B-complex & Folic Acid”
2. Peanut allergy
Peanut allergy is generally found in children. Kids with this allergy are generally sensitive to foods containing even small amounts of peanuts.
Foods to watch:
Peanut butter, ground nuts, and monkey nuts, pea nut oil, cakes, buns, biscuits, soups, Thai food, breakfast cereals, and health bars.
Foods to consume:
Nutmeg and water chest nut
Vasudha says,"Peanut allergy can be easily avoided. Most individuals who have peanut allergy are also allergic to other nuts like almond etc.
3. Soy allergy
Allergic reactions to soy generally start 1-2 weeks after the consumption of soy. They generally have a delayed allergic reaction.
Foods to watch:
Soybean oil, soya chunks, tofu, soya milk, soya sauce, and soya beans.
Vasudha advices," Avoiding soy products is easy as there are various options to soy available in the local market. E.g you can substitute tofu with cottage cheese."
