Foods that cause allergies

Here's a list of eatables that you need to watch out for

Have you ever wondered why you've been getting those red rashes lately or suffering a stomach ache every day? It is not wise to always blame the change in weather. Often the food that we eat regularly might be the reason for these allergies. We list out a list of foods that you should be cautious of.

Plant sources
Peanuts: Peanuts are estimated to affect 0.4 to 0.6 per cent of the population. Says Mansi Belani, nutritionist, "Peanuts cause allergic reactions like abdominal distress, skin eruptions and asthamatic paroxysm."

Soya bean: The presence of phytoestrogen and high content of fibre in soya bean is said to cause gastrointestinal problems like stomatitis, bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Other vegetables: Says Jivesh Shetty, nutritionist, "Other vegetables like carrots, spinach, cabbage, onion, garlic, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are also said to cause allergic reactions like skin rashes, abdominal pain and gastric problems."

Fruits: "Among fruits, strawberries, bananas, oranges and grapes are the principal offenders. Citrus fruits like lemon is said to cause atopic allergy," says Belani.

Wheat flour: Wheat gluten is said to be an allergen. It has been associated with precipitating symptoms of celiac disease in some people. "Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing vital nutrients," says Belani. Gluten is also found in barley, oats and rye.

Animal sources
Cow's milk: Protein casein and beta-lactoglubin are known as major allergens. Says Shetty, "Cow's milk when consumed leads to colic pain and other allergic reactions including stomach ache, loose motions, feeling of nausea etc.

Eggs: Eggs are said to be common allergising agent among animal foods. Says Belani, "Eggs are said to cause cutaneous manifestation (type of a skin problem)."

Fish and meat: Fish and meat is said to give rise to allergic reactions in some individuals. These reactions mainly cause urticaria (a raised and itchy skin infection), gastrointestinal disorders and even asthma.

Beverages: Says Belani, "The allergic reactions in alcohol are due to foreign substances derived from food materials employed in the preparation such as barley malt and yeast in beer, rye, corn and wheat in whisky and egg white, yeast in white wine and champagne."

Source : Times of India