Shubh Diwali: All About Festive Food Allergies

Diwali is all about love, light, family, and food! 

The houses and markets have begun to overflow with Diwali mithai, which is an essential element of Diwali celebrations. 

However, consuming sweets tainted with chemicals, or toxic adulterants, may have the opposite effect. Diwali sweets are made with milk and other dairy products, and many of the ingredients can be contaminated with detergents, white powders, heavy metals, and harmful minerals. 

Therefore, it is important to be cautious of certain sweets, especially if you have a chronic or long-term disease that may be aggravated by consuming these adulterants. 

This is why we have compiled a list of Diwali sweets often laced with harmful impurities. But before that, let us understand more about food allergies and their symptoms! 

What Is Food Allergy?

A food allergy is a condition that causes an abnormal immune response to certain foods. It is caused by your immune system incorrectly identifying specific proteins in food as harmful. 

Your body responds by launching a series of protective measures, including releasing chemicals such as histamine, which causes inflammation.

Even minimal amounts of a problem food can cause an allergic reaction in people with a food allergy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Food Allergies? 

Depending on the type, symptoms can appear anywhere from a few minutes to hours or even a few days after exposure. They could include:

• Hives 
• Itchy rash 
• Swelling the tongue, mouth, or face, difficulty breathing 
• Low blood pressure 
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach ache

A food allergy can cause anaphylaxis in severe cases. Symptoms include an itchy rash, swelling of the throat or tongue, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, which can turn up. Some symptoms can be fatal. Unfortunately, many food intolerances are misdiagnosed as allergies.

You Can Also Read: Shubh Diwali: Healthy Namkeen Recipe For Diwali

The Common Types Of Food Allergies 

A food allergy is an abnormal immunologic reaction to foods that causes various signs and symptoms, such as skin rashes, itching, swelling, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea, and vomiting. 

The following are the common foods that cause various kinds of allergies:

1. Tree Nuts 

A nut allergy is a common food allergy that affects children and adults. People who are allergic to nuts are also allergic to their products, which include nut oils and butter. 

Cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, almonds, macadamia, and Brazil nuts are among the nuts people are allergic to. People allergic to any of these nuts exhibit specific signs and symptoms.

2. Soy Allergy 

Soy allergies are common in infants and children under three years. Moreover, some specific proteins in soya products like soyabean badi or their products cause allergic reactions. 

Soy allergies are generally not persistent, and nearly 70% of people outgrow them as they age. The symptoms are rashes, asthma, difficulty breathing, and tingling in the mouth. 

3. Fish Allergy 

Approximately 7% of adults are allergic to fish. Most people develop a fish allergy as children, but some develop it later in life. People allergic to shellfish may or may not be allergic to fish. Rashes, itching, asthma, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis are among the symptoms.

4. Wheat Allergy 

People who are allergic to wheat are intolerant to specific proteins. Besides, it has been discovered that children with wheat allergies often outgrow them by age ten.

Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity have symptoms that are similar to wheat allergies, which is why they are frequently confused. 

A severe wheat allergy is a strong immune response to various proteins found in wheat that can sometimes be fatal. Therefore, the best way to control the symptoms is to avoid wheat and its products.

5. Egg Allergy 

The second most common allergy in children is an allergy to eggs. By the age of 16, most children have outgrown their egg allergies. Hives, skin rashes, digestive problems, respiratory problems, and anaphylaxis are some of the most common symptoms of an egg allergy (in rare cases).

 It has been discovered that allergy to egg whites is more common than allergy to egg yolks. Therefore, the best way to avoid an egg allergy is to follow an egg-free diet.

6. Cow Milk Allergy 

Cow milk is the most common type of allergy in infants and children. Because most children (nearly 3%) outgrow a cow milk allergy by age three. This type of allergy is found in fewer adults. 

Cow milk allergy sufferers exhibit various signs and symptoms, such as hives, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea, and anaphylaxis. The best option is to avoid cow milk and its byproducts.

7. Peanuts Allergy 

Peanut allergies, like tree nut allergies, are frequently associated with skin rashes, asthma, difficulty breathing, and digestive issues. People who are allergic to tree nuts are also often allergic to peanuts. To prevent this, avoid consuming peanuts in your diet.

Tips To Deal With Food Allergies During Festivals

It can be difficult to deal with food allergies. The consequences of a reaction can range from mildly annoying to fatal. Because there is no cure for food allergies, people who have them must avoid the foods that cause them.

However, here are a few tips you can follow to avoid an unwanted allergic reaction.  

1. Always Read The Label 

Food labels now include crucial allergy information, such as whether any additives contain milk protein or wheat byproducts and whether a food was produced with nuts.

However, even if you have bought the item hundreds of times, you should still read every label. This is because manufacturers frequently change ingredients. 

2. Dine Out Defensively 

Before placing your order, inform the manager or chef about your food allergy. People with food allergies frequently carry a chef card, a printed note containing a list of all the ingredients to which they are allergic, and a request that all dishes, utensils, and preparation surfaces be free of traces of that food. 

3. Be Conscious While Cooking 

If everyone in the household is not eating allergen-free, you will want to avoid cross-contamination. Therefore, it is a good idea to have two sets of cooking and eating utensils, one for the allergic person and one for everyone else.

So that a knife used for a peanut butter sandwich does not end up buttering the toast of someone allergic to peanuts, all dishes and utensils must be thoroughly washed in hot and soapy water.

4. Keep Medications Handy! 

If your doctor has prescribed emergency medication, always carry two to ensure you are prepared for an emergency. Some people who are allergic to foods also carry antihistamines. Never leave the house without your medications.

The most common allergens are cow's milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, soy, and wheat. Food allergies, unlike food intolerances, are caused by your immune system incorrectly identifying specific proteins in food as harmful. This can cause potentially fatal reactions. The only cure is to eliminate the food from your diet. Consult a doctor if you suspect you have a food allergy. 

Also, have a happy, healthy, and safe Diwali! 

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