Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not
Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not Part 2
Robert Walker
Tips for Managing Specific Food Allergies
Milk, Egg, Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish/Shellfish, Soy, Wheat
Traveling with Food Allergies
Other Resources
E-mail this Information to A Friend
Other Topics in the Consumer Focus Archive
The Basics of Food Allergies
Food Labels
Food labels usually list all the ingredients in any given food thats why its important to
read the labels. If you see one of your food allergens listed, dont eat the food. The problem,
though, is that a food protein can have more than one name. Different names for some food
ingredients, along with some tips for managing the specific food allergy, appear below:
Tips for Managing Specific Food Allergies
Milk Allergy
Other names for milk proteins may include:
Casein, caseinates, rennet casein
Lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate, lactoglobulin, lactulose
Some hidden sources of milk:
Many restaurants put butter on steaks after they have been grilled for extra flavor but the
butter it is not visible after it melts.
Some brands of tuna fish contain casein (a milk protein).
Some meats contain casein as a binder be sure to check the labels carefully.
Deli meat slicers are frequently used for both meat and cheese products.
Commonly asked questions:
Q: Is goat milk a safe alternative to cow milk?
A: No, it is not a safe alternative. Goats milk protein is similar to cows milk protein and
may cause a reaction in milk-allergic individuals.
Q: Do these ingredients (Calcium lactate, Calcium stearoyl lactylate, Cocoa butter, Cream of
tartar, Oleoresin, Sodium lactate, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, and Lactic acid) contain milk?
A: These ingredients do not contain milk protein and need not be restricted by someone avoiding
milk. However, lactic acid starter culture may contain milk and should be avoided.
Egg Allergy
Other names for egg proteins may include:
Albumin (also spelled albumen), and meringue or meringue powder.
Some hidden sources of egg:
Some commercial brands of egg substitutes contain egg whites.
For you coffee drinkers be aware that, in some instances, eggs have been used to create the
foam or milk topping on special coffee drinks and are used in some bar drinks.
These items may include egg protein: artificial flavors: lecithin; macaroni; marzipan;
marshmallows, and nougat.
Most commercially processed cooked pastas (including those used in prepared foods such as soup)
contain egg or are processed on equipment shared with egg-containing pastas. Boxed, dry pastas
are usually egg-freefresh pasta is usually egg-free, too. But, as always, it is important to
read the label or ask about the ingredients before eating pasta.
Eggs are used in some salad dressings.
Commonly asked questions:
Q: Is a flu shot safe for an individual with an egg allergy?
A: If you are allergic to eggs, speak to your doctor before receiving a flu shot. Influenza
vaccines are grown on egg embryos and may contain a small amount of egg protein.
Peanut Allergy
Some hidden sources of peanuts:
Arachis oil is peanut oil.
Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been de-flavored and re-flavored with a nutty taste,
such as pecan or walnut.
Peanut butter, peanut flour.
Mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring.
Cold pressed, expelled or extruded peanut oil.
African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes often contain peanuts, or are
contaminated with peanuts during preparation. Dishes to avoid include: baked goods; candy; chili;
egg rolls; enchilada sauces; flavoring; marzipan; nougat, and sunflower seeds.
Foods sold in bakeries and ice cream shops are often in contact with peanuts.
Many brands of sunflower seeds are produced on equipment also used for peanuts.
Keep in mind most experts recommend peanut-allergic individuals avoid tree nuts.
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Commonly asked questions:
Q: Can a peanut allergy be outgrown?
A: Recent studies indicate up to 20 percent of children diagnosed with a peanut allergy outgrow
it.
Note: Peanuts can be found in many foods check all labels carefully as they can cause severe
allergic reactions. If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine, be sure to carry it with you at
all times. Individuals allergic to peanuts are often told to avoid tree nuts as well.
Tree Nut Allergy
Some hidden sources of tree nuts:
Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been de-flavored and re-flavored with a nutty taste,
such as a pecan or walnut.
Mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring.
Mortadella may contain pistachios.
Tree nuts have been used in many foods including barbecue sauces, cereals, crackers, and ice
cream.
Kick sacks, or hacky sacks, and bean bags are sometimes filled with nut shells.
Commonly asked questions:
Q: Should coconut be avoided by someone with a tree nut allergy?
A: Coconuts are not usually restricted in the diet of an individual allergic to tree nuts. But
some people have reacted to coconut, therefore, discuss this with your doctor before introducing it into your diet.
Q: Is nutmeg safe?
A: It is considered safe for someone who is allergic to tree nuts but, as always, consult your
physician.
Q: Should water chestnuts be avoided?
A: They are not a nut but an edible portion of a plant root, and are considered safe for
someone who is allergic to tree nuts.
Note: Individuals allergic to specific tree nuts are advised to avoid all tree nuts and peanuts
as well.
Fish and/or Shellfish Allergy
Allergic reactions to fish and shellfish are commonly reported in both adults and children.
Fish-allergic individuals should be cautious when eating away from home. You should avoid fish
and seafood restaurants due to the potential risk of cross-contamination in the food-preparation
area of your non-fish meal from a counter, spatula, cooking oil, fryer, or grill exposed to
fish. Also, fish protein can become airborne during cooking and cause an allergic reaction some
individuals have had reactions from walking through a fish market.
Some hidden sources of fish/shellfish:
Suriimi (imitation crab meat) contains fish.
Caesar salad dressings and steak or Worcestershire sauce often contain anchovies.
Caponata, a traditional sweet-and-sour Sicilian relish, can contain anchovies.
Commonly asked questions:
Q: Should iodine be avoided by fish or shellfish-allergic individuals?
A: Allergy to iodine, allergy to radiocontrast material (used in some lab procedures), and
allergy to fish or shellfish are not related.
*Allergic reactions to fish and shellfish can be severe and are often a cause of anaphylaxis. It
is generally recommended that individuals who have had an allergic reaction to one species of
fish or positive skin tests to fish avoid all fish – the same rule applies to shellfish.
Soy Allergy
Avoiding products made with soybeans can be difficult since soybeans have become a major part of
processed food products. Keep in mind, soybeans and soy products are found in baked goods, canned
tuna, cereal, crackers, infant formulas, sauces, and soups. Some brands of peanut butter list soy
on their labels. Soy-allergic individuals should consult their doctor whether or not to avoid
soybean oil and soy lecithin.
Wheat Allergy
Some hidden sources of wheat:
Keep in mind to read food labels carefully some brands of hot dog buns and ice creams contain
wheat.
Some types of imitation crabmeat contain wheat.
Wheat flour is sometimes flavored and shaped to look like pork, beef and shrimp, especially in
Asian dishes.
Many country-style wreaths are decorated with wheat products.
Commonly asked questions:
Q: Are kamut and spelt safe alternatives to wheat?
A: No. Kamut is a cereal grain which is related to wheat. Claims that spelt is safe for
wheat-allergic individuals are untrue. Wheat-allergic individuals can react as readily to spelt
as they do to common wheat.
Note: If you have food allergies, dont be shy about asking restaurants, friends, or anyone else
serving you food to list the foods ingredients.
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Traveling with Food Allergies
Remember, your food allergy will always travel with you. To ensure that your next trip is
relaxing and enjoyable, you should plan for the changes in your environment that may affect your
food allergies.
Pack all medications you will need on your trip in your purse, briefcase or carry-on luggage so
you dont lose them if your luggage is delayed.
Make sure you bring more than enough, and store your medications in their original containers,
which list instructions on how to take the medication and obtain refills. Also, when flying
abroad, the original container identifies the medicines for custom officials.
Be extremely cautious when eating airline food. Since the food comes from a vendor, no one on
board may be able to tell you the specific ingredients of the foods.
Make sure to carry your portable, injectable epinephrine in case you have a severe reaction while
in flight.
About the Author
Robert Walker is a health information marketer and writer that writes for
The Men’s Health Advantage Report at http://todays-man-health-advocate.com.
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Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not
Men And Food Allergies What’s Healthy and What’s Not Part1
Robert Walker
The Basics of Food Allergies In Men
Allergies affect the lives of millions of people around the world. Fresh flowers, a friends cat
or dog, even dust can make people itch, sneeze and scratch almost uncontrollably. But what about
that seemingly innocent peanut butter sandwich, glass of milk or fish fillet? Learn more about
food allergies and steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure to potentially dangerous
food allergens.
The Basics
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
Most Common Food Allergens
Diagnosing Food Allergy
Treatment for Food Allergies
Other Resources
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The Basics
Each year more than 50 million Americans suffer from a variety of allergic diseases such as;
atopic dermatitis and other eczemas, hives, allergies to venom of stinging insects (honeybees,
wasps, and fire ants), allergic drug reactions and food allergies. According to the National
Institutes of Health, approximately 5 million Americans, (5 to 8% of children and 1 to 2% of adults) have a true food allergy.
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Food allergy, also called food hypersensitivity,is a reaction of the bodys immune system to
something in a food or an ingredient in a food usually a protein. Food allergens are not broken
down by cooking or the digestive process. As a result, they enter the bloodstream and cause
allergic reactions throughout the body. Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions.
Other reactions to foods are called food intolerances or food idiosyncrasies. Food intolerance is
an adverse reaction to a food substance or additive that does not involve the immune system.
These reactions are generally localized, temporary, and rarely life threatening. Lactose
intolerance is an example of food intolerance.
Note: It is very important for individuals who have true food allergies to identify them and
prevent allergic reactions to food because these reactions can cause serious illness and, in some
cases, be fatal.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
Symptoms of food allergy differ greatly among individuals. They can also differ in the same
person during different exposures. Allergic reactions to food can vary in severity, time of
onset, and may be affected by when the food was eaten.
Common symptoms may include: skin irritations such as rashes, hives and eczema, and
gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath can also result from food allergy.
Some individuals may experience a more severe reaction called anaphylaxis a rare but
potentially fatal condition which may include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing,
lowered blood pressure and unconsciousness.
Symptoms usually appear rapidly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to the allergen.
Seek immediate medical attention standard emergency treatment often includes an injection of
epinephrine (adrenaline) to open up the airway and blood vessels.
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Most Common Food Allergens
The eight most common food allergens include:
Milk (including yogurt and ice cream, and anything that is made with milk)
eggs
peanuts
tree nuts (such as walnuts and almonds)
soy
wheat
fish
shellfish (such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab)
Note: These food allergens cause more than 90% of all food allergic reactions. However, many
other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.
Diagnosing Food Allergy
If you suspect you have a food allergy, get a medical evaluation. Treatment is basically avoiding
the food(s) after the specific food allergy is identified. You should see a board-certified
allergist to get a diagnosis, and a dietician to plan the proper diet.
Making a diagnosis may include a thorough medical history, analysis of a food diary, and several
tests including skin-prick tests, RAST tests (a blood test) and food challenges. Once a diagnosis
is complete, an allergist will help set up a response plan that may include taking medication by
injection to control allergic reactions.
Treatment for Food Allergies
Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to
prevent a reaction. Once the specific food has been identified, it must be removed from your
diet. It is important to read lengthy, detailed ingredient lists on each food you are considering
eating. The Food and Drug Administration requires ingredients in a food to appear on its label.
You can avoid most food allergens if you read food labels carefully, and avoid
restaurant-prepared food that might have ingredients to which you are allergic. Dont be shy
about asking for more information if the menu isnt clear.
Unfortunately, you cant take a medication in advance to reliably prevent an allergic reaction to
a specific food. However, there are several medications that will relieve food allergy symptoms
that are not part of an anaphylactic reaction. These include antihistamines to relieve
gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, or sneezing and a runny nose, and bronchodilators to relieve
asthma symptoms. These medications are taken after you have inadvertently ingested a food to
which you are allergic, but are not effective in preventing an allergic reaction when taken prior
to eating the food.
Note: Randomly taking different food groups out of your diet can cause other health problems.
Seek the help of a doctor before making significant changes in your diet.
Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources:
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Food Allergies:
Websites*:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
Asthma & Allergy Foundation
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Food and Drug Administration
International Food Information Council
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center
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Consumer Focus: The Basics of Food Allergies
Tips for Avoiding Food Allergies
Eight percent of children in the U.S. are estimated to be affected by food allergies, along with
up to 2% of adults. The eight most common food allergens milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy,
wheat, fish and shellfish cause more than 90 percent of all food allergic reactions. However,
many other foods have been identified as allergens for some people.
About the Author
Robert Walker is a health information marketer and writer that writes for
The Men’s Health Advantage Report at http://todays-man-health-advocate.com.
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