Food allergy holds back many of us from enjoying a good meal. Symptoms may vary depending on severity but most of the time, allergies are really pesty and can become quickly life-threatening.

By definition, food allergy happens when our body’s immune system reacts unusually soon after contact with a certain food. It could trigger many signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways.

In Australia, food allergy affects 2 in 10 adults. There is currently no cure for this disease and the only way to stop it is to completely avoid your food trigger.

Here are 8 of the most common allergies coming from your plate.

 

1. Peanuts

 

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in childhood. It is very common that in Australia, it is in the law that products containing peanuts must be clearly listed in the label no matter how small the amount of content is.

Common products in commercial kitchens containing peanuts include peanut oil, peanut butter and cereals.

 

2. Wheat

 

Just like any other food allergy, wheat allergy can be life-threatening. Symptoms are likely to develop within minutes or hours and can be caused by eating wheat or in some cases, inhaling wheat flour.

Your wheat allergy can be triggered from the four classes of wheat proteins — albumin, globulin, gliadin and gluten.

Some sources of wheat protein are obvious. It can be found in baked goods like bread and in some processed foods like pasta, hotdogs and flavorings.

 

3. Shellfish

 

Shellfish allergy can develop from eating marine animals like shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, oysters, and scallops. While some people believe they have an allergy to all shellfish, others believe they only react to certain kinds.

 

4. Milk

 

Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are often confused as the same but they are actually different. Simply, lactose intolerance involves your digestive system while milk allergy has to do more with your immunity.

The most common cause of milk allergy is cow’s milk but milk coming from sheep, goat, buffalo and other mammals may also cause a reaction.

 

5. Soy

 

Just like peanut, soy is also a member of the legume family. It can be found in soy milk, soya oil, tofu and miso. Soy allergy is particularly common in babies and children so if you suspect allergy in your child, avoid infant formulas that are soy-based.

 

6. Eggs

 

Egg allergy is the second most common food allergy in children next to cow’s milk. When it comes to this allergen, the protein found in egg whites known as albumen is usually causing the reaction. However, it is also possible to be allergic to the protein in yolk or in both.

 

7. Tree Nuts

 

A tree nut allergy is an allergy to certain kinds of nuts and seeds that come from trees including cashews, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and brazil nuts. You can be allergic to only one kind of nut or to several of them.

 

8. Fish

 

Fish allergy  affects as many as 7% of adults. Generally, it is described as an allergy to finned fish with salmon, tuna and halibut topping the list. Most allergic reactions to fish come from eating but sometimes, people also react from touching or breathing in vapors from cooking fish.

 

 

 

 

While all foods can cause an abnormal immune response, most allergies are caused by the list above. Discuss any reaction with your doctor to ensure utmost care and to avoid potentially life-threatening allergy symptoms.