Food allergies are unavoidable; you’re either born with them or, if you’re lucky enough, without them. Following a vegan diet helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, but it doesn’t magically make you immune to food allergies. On top of that, there are some common vegan foods some people are allergic to such as soy or nuts. So, what are these allergens? Are there any specific symptoms? What are the treatments? Read below for the answers to all of your questions about vegan food allergies!
Allergens and Symptoms They Trigger
A food allergy involves a specific immune response to consumed foods. Foods which are potentially allergens to vegans are…
1. Cereals
Cereals contain gluten (wheat, rye and oats). Symptoms can be either be mild or life-threatening. They include skin rash, nausea, vomiting, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, asthma and anaphylaxis.
2. Celery
This plant may cause allergic reactions from time to time and symptoms may appear after a person has eaten either cooked or uncooked celery. The signs range from mild (itching) to serious (collapse). They include itching of the lips, tongue or throat, swelling of the face, wheezing and coughing and anaphylactic shock.
3. Mushrooms
A mushroom allergy is much more rare and occurs after the direct contact with mushrooms. Major indications include hives, swelling of the limbs, diarrhea, cramps and fainting.
4. Mustard
Mustard can usually be found in spices, sauces and salad dressings. Symptoms appear within two hours and may show different levels of severity. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the mouth, eczema, runny nose and nasal congestion, abdominal pain, sudden drop in blood pressure, unconsciousness and nausea and vomiting.
5. Diverse types of nuts
Hazelnuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts and cashews are common allergens in the nut family. People react differently to nuts; symptoms may subside or become worse. These symptoms are the same as in a mustard allergy.
6. Oranges
Oranges contain salicylate, which can cause allergies. Major symptoms include stomach pain, headache, swelling of the hands, feet and face and breathing problems.
7. Sesame seeds
These seeds are a potent allergen, which can cause edema, rhinitis, pruritus, asthma and drop in blood pressure.
8. Soy
We are always hearing about soy allergies which can bring troubles, but rarely causes serious consequences. These allergy symptoms include tingling in the mouth, redness on the skin, eczema, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
9. Tea
Yes, we thought everyone loved tea, but unfortunately some people can’t for their safety. People are more prone to an allergy to chamomile tea and linden tea. Common symptoms are watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, swelling of the lips and the tongue, hives, headache and anaphylactic shock.
How to Treat An Allergic Reaction?
There are a lot ways to treat an allergic reaction, but the effectiveness depends on individual characteristics. Nevertheless, there are universal tips, which will help you to reduce allergy symptoms.
1. Eliminate allergens from your diet and replace them with other products. For instance, go with almond milk instead of soy. But at the same time, make sure to choose those foods that will give you the necessary nutrients.
2. Do a skin prick test if you suspect a food allergy. Note that this test is done in a combination with others.
3. Perform a blood test. This is useful if you suffer from severe symptoms or if you have eczema.
4. Take antihistamines, which will relieve your symptoms if you are showing mild signs.
Even if you are susceptible to vegan food allergies, don’t despair! There are plenty of other foods which can compensate. Diversify your diet with other foods, watch what you eat, undergo tests, take antihistamines if it is necessary and you will be able to enjoy your vegan lifestyle to the fullest!
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