Allergic Awareness: 5 Common Food Allergens You Should Know About

Food allergens can be serious and potentially life-threatening. It’s important to be aware of common food allergens to protect yourself and others. Here are five common allergens that you should know about:

• Peanuts: Peanut allergies are one of the most common food allergies, especially among children. Even a small amount of peanut protein can trigger an allergic reaction. Peanut allergies tend to be lifelong and can cause severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.

• Tree nuts: Tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios, are another common allergen. People with tree nut allergies may be allergic to one or several types of nuts. Like peanut allergies, tree nut allergies can cause severe reactions.

• Milk: Milk allergy is more common in infants and young children but can also affect adults. It is an allergic reaction to proteins found in cow’s milk. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include hives, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. Some individuals with milk allergies may need to avoid all dairy products.

• Eggs: Egg allergies are common in children but can be outgrown in some cases. The allergens are usually found in the egg whites, but some people may be allergic to the yolks as well. Egg allergies can cause various symptoms, including skin reactions, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal problems.

• Wheat: Wheat allergy is different from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder. Wheat allergies involve an immune response to proteins in wheat, such as gluten. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include skin rash, digestive problems, and difficulty breathing.

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of common food allergens, and there are other allergens that people may be allergic to, such as fish, shellfish, soy, and sesame. If you suspect a food allergy, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing your condition.