Food allergies pose a significant health risk, impacting millions of individuals worldwide. These reactions happen when the immune system erroneously treats a harmless protein as a dangerous invader, leading to the release of histamine and triggering an immune response. To help you understand the most critical risks, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most dangerous food allergens.
Wheat
A wheat allergy overreacts to the gluten protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Symptoms include digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, bloating), skin rashes, and fatigue. A severe reaction can result in the development of celiac disease—permanent damage to the small intestine due to gluten. Sufferers must avoid all wheat, including bread, pasta, cake, and cereal.
Shellfish
Shellfish allergies are triggered by eating or touching shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, mussels, oysters, and similar seafood. As per the Better Health Channel, symptoms range from mild hives and itching to deadly respiratory problems and anaphylactic shock. Sufferers must be especially cautious when dining out in restaurants, as cross-contamination can easily occur.
Tree Nuts
Allergies to tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, etc.) are similar to peanut allergies but are caused by a different type of protein. Those with tree nut allergies need to avoid all nuts and products containing them, including nut butter, baked goods, and nut-based sauces. Due to the prevalence of nuts in manufacturing, they must also be careful when buying pre-packed foods.
Sesame
Sesame allergies have become more prevalent in recent years, triggered by sesame seeds or oil, both of which are common in fast foods like hamburger buns and Asian cuisine. People with sesame allergies should be vigilant when reading food labels, as sesame is a hidden and unexpected ingredient in various processed foods.
Kiwis
Although not a commonly ubiquitous ingredient (like wheat or dairy), a kiwi allergy can cause severe symptoms like itching, swelling of the mouth and throat, and anaphylaxis. Complete avoidance of kiwi fruit in all its forms is necessary. Those with an allergy should be cautious of foods containing hidden kiwi ingredients, such as smoothies, fruit juices, and salads.
Fish
According to FARE, 1% of adults have a fish allergy triggered by proteins found in fish flesh. Hives, throat swelling, nausea, vomiting, and anaphylactic shock are all possible symptoms, and sufferers are often forced to avoid all seafood, even seaweed and invertebrates. They must also be wary of hidden fish in some sauces, soups, and dressings.
Pineapple
Less common than other allergies but potentially as severe, pineapple allergy sufferers overreact to a protein complex found in the fruit. Symptoms are similar to those experienced by other fruit allergy sufferers. People with pineapple allergies can also be allergic to processed meats treated with bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple.
Tomatoes
An allergy to this very popular and near-ubiquitous salad vegetable arises from proteins in both the flesh and skin of tomatoes. Symptoms (hives, nausea, and difficulty breathing) are common, and total avoidance of all tomato-containing products is necessary. This can be difficult given their use in various cuisines and foodstuffs, so careful label-reading is essential.
Celery
Symptoms of a celery allergy can include skin irritation, swelling of the mouth and throat, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Unfortunately, celery seed is sometimes used as a flavoring in foods and may be hidden on ingredient lists. This means that in-depth research may be required to verify the safety of processed foods, even if they don’t contain celery as a listed ingredient.
Birch Pollen Syndrome
This oral syndrome is linked to a pollen allergy and causes sufferers to experience an immune response to certain raw fruits and vegetables that have similar proteins to birch pollen. Symptoms tend to be mild but can be severe (throat swelling). Common trigger foods include apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, carrots, and celery.
Mustard
An allergy to the proteins found in mustard seeds causes hives, nausea, and sometimes even anaphylaxis. It is crucial to avoid mustard and mustard-containing products (like condiments, salad dressings, processed meats, and flavorings). People with mustard allergies should read food labels thoroughly, as mustard is frequently a hidden ingredient.
Sulfites
While not technically an allergy to food itself, allergic reactions to sulfites are triggered by foods that contain these common preservatives, which are regularly added to processed foods and beverages. Symptoms mimic those of food allergies, including hives, wheezing, and stomach cramps. Avoiding foods like dried fruits, processed meats, and wines is necessary.
Food Additives
Some people experience allergic reactions to certain food additives, such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Symptoms can vary depending on the allergen but tend to be less deadly than for other allergens (headaches, hives, and skin rashes). It’s often difficult to establish which additive is triggering the reactions, frequently necessitating the help of an allergist.
Peanuts
One of the most severe food allergies, peanut allergy sufferers can have a life-threatening reaction even with minimal exposure, such as kissing someone who has eaten peanuts recently. Skin reactions, swelling of the lips and throat, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis are all possible symptoms. Most people with a severe peanut allergy carry an Epi-pen at all times.
Cow’s Milk
The most common allergy in young children is milk allergy, which triggers an immune response to the proteins in cow’s milk, specifically casein proteins. Research has shown that symptoms can range from mild (rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) to severe (anaphylactic shock). Sufferers must avoid all bovine dairy products, as must breastfeeding mothers feeding allergic babies.
Eggs
An egg allergy can result from immune reactions to either the egg white or yolk proteins, or both. Symptoms include skin irritation (hives, eczema), digestive issues (cramps, nausea, vomiting), and even respiratory problems or anaphylaxis (in extreme cases). People with egg allergies must be vigilant for eggs in baked goods, mayonnaise, and other hidden sources.
Soy Products
“A soy allergy causes your immune system to overreact to soy proteins,” says the Cleveland Clinic. “Symptoms include stomach problems, cough, and itching. A severe soy allergy may cause anaphylaxis.” Allergic reactions to soybeans and related products are becoming more common, causing skin irritation, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.