Many of us react badly to foods. They make us sick to our stomach or give us digestive issues. However, some people have more severe allergies to food which are actually much less common. Here are five of the more common food items people can be allergic to.
1. Nuts
While nut allergies are not the most common food allergy, they are often the most known because they are the most severe. People with severe nut allergies must be especially careful because they will often react not only to nuts, but also foods that have been prepared in the same facility as nuts. They can react to very small amounts and can have reactions from nut residue transferred from other people. Unlike many other food allergies, kids don’t usually outgrow their nut allergies and have to remain alert about what they eat for their whole lives.
While most people associate nut allergies with peanuts, you can be allergic to other nuts as well; however, because of how the allergens differ, people who are allergic to one are often not allergic to the other.
2. Milk
When most people think of a milk allergy, they’re actually thinking of lactose intolerance. While we often use these synonymously, lactose intolerance isn’t actually an allergy; it simply means that your body can’t properly digest milk so you feel sick to your stomach. A true allergy is often much more dangerous. Milk allergies usually occur among young children and are outgrown by the time they reach adulthood. People with allergies can sometimes eat soy products; however, you should be careful because many people are allergic to soy as well.
3. Eggs
This is another allergy common among children that generally disappears when they get older. The good news is that, just like milk, there is a product on the market called egg replacer that can be used as a substitute. You can’t scramble it or fry it easily like normal eggs, but you can use it in most baking recipes to achieve a similar texture and flavor without fear of reaction. It is a powder, so you may have to play a bit with the other ingredients but with a little effort, it can make a great substitute.
4. Fish/Shellfish
Just like allergies with peanuts and other nuts, most people aren’t allergic to both fish and shellfish. However, if you are allergic to one type of shellfish, it’s fairly common to be allergic to two or even all types of shellfish. This is another allergy that many people don’t outgrow, so you will have to be careful your whole life.
5. Wheat
This is actually a fairly common allergy and can affect up to six percent of children under three. This is often confused with a disorder called celiac disease, where someone cannot digest wheat and other glutens, but that is not a true allergy. While there are many foods that need to be avoided because wheat is a common ingredient, most people with wheat allergies can simply replace the wheat with another grain to avoid a reaction.
