How to keep allergies out

Symptoms of food allergy are not uniform and may vary from one person to another. Food allergy symptoms can be mild itchy mouth, itchy tongue, swelling or itchy rash/ hives or severe shock or cardiac arrest. Other complaints sometimes attributed to food allergy include migraine, muscle aches, pains, nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing. The most severe food allergy reaction is called anaphylaxis. This infrequent, yet potentially fatal, response to an allergen involves several different body systems and results in a collection of symptoms instead of the usual one or two seen with usual food allergies. Difficulty in breathing, throat constriction, decreased blood pressure and unconsciousness may occur almost simultaneously. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
Food allergy may appear at any age, but allergic reactions to foods are most common in infants and young children. Common food allergens for children include cow8217;s milk, eggs, peanuts, treenuts almonds, walnuts, hazelnut, Brazil nut etc., soybeans, wheat. A food or an ingredient that provokes an allergic reaction is called an allergen.

THE POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Milk and milk products
Baked dishes and desserts
Eggs especially egg whites
Confectionary, toppings on certain desserts
Soy and soy products
Soy sauce, processed foods
Wheat and wheat products
Breads, bakery, thickeners, soups
Peanuts
Candies, commercial preparations, oriental cuisine
Tree nuts almonds, walnuts, hazelnut, brazilnut etc.
Cereal crackers, ice creams, candies, chocolates
Fish
Stews, salad dressings, oriental cuisine
Shell fish Allergens are not always readily identified. It may be necessary to keep a carefully documented food diary of the time and content of all the meals and the appearance and timing of subsequent symptoms. After a week or two, a pattern may emerge. If so, eliminate the suspected food from the diet for at least a week, and then try it again. A little planning and preparation can eliminate the need for dealing with food allergy situation altogether:
Once allergens have been identified, eliminate these foods from the diet.
Read labels carefully.
Use extreme caution when eating out in restaurants.
Avoid consuming too much of processed foods and eating out
In case of children and teenagers, thoroughly communicating with the school, staff, teachers and friends about a child8217;s allergies is one of the most important things that a parent can do. This is even more important when a child has been newly diagnosed with an allergy. Be careful not to over-emphasise the potentially alarming and dangerous aspects of your child8217;s allergy experience in school.
Inform your airlines about your allergies when travelling.
The writer is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being, one should integrate physical, mental and spiritual health. According to her: 8220;To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.8221;