Food allergies are on the rise throughout the world, particularly among children. Food allergies can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention. Here are the 10 foods most likely to trigger food allergies.
10. Certain Fruits
Although, in general, fruits have fewer potential allergens than some kinds of other foods, they can be problematic for some individuals. The five types of fruit that are most frequently allergenic to some people are bananas, avocados, peaches, kiwis, and passionfruit. There are more, but they are less common.
9. Tree Nuts
It’s important to understand that just because an individual has an allergy to one tree nut, it does not mean that person is allergic to other tree nuts. However, walnuts, cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, and pistachios are among the tree nuts that certain individuals can be allergic to.
8. Sesame
Sesame allergies are becoming a growing concern and studies indicate it has increased significantly worldwide over the past two decades. As of 2023, sesame became the ninth major allergen to be required by federal law to be labeled as an allergen on packed foods. Sesame allergies can be triggered from baked goods to savory dishes to sushi.
7. Shellfish
A shellfish allergy is a common one. Shellfish refers to foods that are either a crustacean (crab, shrimp, lobster, crayfish) or an aquatic shelled mollusk (oyster, clam, scallops). The symptoms can vary. Mild symptoms include hives, irritated skin, or stuffy nose. Moderate symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. Severe symptoms include wheezing, fainting, trouble breathing, or life-threatening anaphylaxis.
6. Certain Fish
Fish can be unknowingly consumed in foods such as salad dressings, steak sauces, Worcestershire, barbecue sauces, Asian-inspired dipping sauces, and more. People with fish allergies have an immune system overreaction to certain proteins. Reactions can vary from mild to moderate to severe. Symptoms can vary from skin irritation to gastric upset to trouble breathing or life-threatening anaphylaxis.Â
5. Soy
Soy is a common allergen that is present in numerous processed foods. It’s important to read the label for ingredients to determine if soy is present. The allergy is more common in infants and young children. Those with a soy allergy are also more likely to be sensitized to other major allergies including peanuts, egg, milk, sesame, and tree nuts.
4. Wheat
Those with a wheat allergy have an immune system overreaction to foods containing wheat. It’s tricky because wheat is found in many foods you may not suspect such as ice cream and hot dogs. A wheat allergy is sometimes confused with celiac disease, which differs in that it reacts to gluten and causes a different kind of abnormal immune reaction.
3. Eggs
Eggs are a food item that are used in numerous dishes and condiments and isn’t always obvious. Avoid mayonnaise-based sauces, frosting, pudding, custard, fried foods, breaded foods, baked goods, marshmallows, and more. People with an egg allergy can experience a reaction anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after consumption. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Read More: What Every Woman Should Know About Perimenopause
2. Milk
Milk is another food that is used in numerous dishes, making it tricky to be sure something is milk-free. The obvious culprits are anything with butter, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, custard, and more. But it’s found in some dressings and processed meats. Symptoms of milk allergy can range from mild to severe, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Read More: 10 Best Things to Buy at CostcoÂ
1. Peanuts
A peanut allergy is one of the most prevalent. Peanut allergies have been increasing in children. Peanuts show up in cookies, pastries, pies, and other baked goods, frozen desserts, puddings, ice cream, cereals, granola, and more. What makes a peanut allergy so dangerous is that it can cause severe anaphylaxis, leading to death, even if the previous reaction was mild.
Read More: The 15 Best Superfoods to Add to Your Diet