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Proper nutrition is an important element in the fight against many diseases. Including allergic reactions. Another thing is that most diet options for allergies prohibit a large number of products of various categories. Starting from citrus fruits and alcohol , ending with bread and water.
And how after that to live among such gastronomic diversity, denying yourself everything? Let's try to figure it out. In our article, we will analyze in detail the causes of allergic reactions to foods, and also tell you about the most allergenic foods.
food allergy. The truth hidden in the mist
As you already know, an allergy is an aggressive reaction of the body to foreign proteins coming from outside. Including with food. Another thing is that an allergic reaction to a particular food does not mean the presence of an actual allergy to a particular product. Often it develops against the background of more serious diseases, such as:
- Problems with the liver and gastrointestinal tract;
- Deficiency of enzymes, without which the breakdown of nutrients is impossible;
- Problems of a psychological nature;
- Seasonal exacerbation of external allergies.
As you can see, the list is quite varied. Therefore, you should start your treatment not with a strict diet for allergies, but with a trip to the doctor. It is possible that you are trying to fight a windmill, and an allergic reaction is just a third-party symptom.
The exception here is seasonal exacerbations of allergies. Here, dietary nutrition cannot be avoided, because it greatly facilitates the process of the course of a particular disease. Fortunately, this inconvenience is temporary. And after two to three weeks, you can return to your favorite dishes.
If the diagnosis of "food allergy" is still confirmed, do not panic and think that life is over. Individual food intolerance is present in almost every inhabitant of the planet. And often it is limited to only a couple or three proteins with a number of reservations when consuming them. In other words, it is enough to exclude the situation when an allergic combination of substances is formed in your body. Then you can safely live on.
What to refuse when compiling the menu?
According to the American Council on Science and Health, more than 90% of people's allergic reactions result from contact with just eight food groups. The leaders here are eggs, peanuts and soy. And, the funny thing is, chocolate, which every second allergy diet requires to be abandoned, is far beyond the top ten on this list.
In general, the list of the most allergenic foods is as follows:
Eggs
First of all, chicken eggs obtained in poultry farms. In addition to their high allergenicity, they accumulate hormones and steroids from the diet of their producers. And it is very far from traditional grain. In addition, egg allergy often leads to intolerance to poultry meat.
An important point. An allergic reaction to eggs and poultry is a contraindication for influenza, typhoid and fever vaccinations. So keep that in mind;
nuts
The most famous and most dangerous allergenic product. Their main danger is the ultra-low volume of the critical dose, which can cause an allergic reaction. In some cases, a single handful of peanuts can lead to death. Therefore, patients need to give up not only the nuts themselves, but also all dishes that have them in their composition;
Soya
Much to the regret of lovers of "vegetable meat", soy and other legumes are a very common allergen. In no small part due to the active use of genetic modifications to improve it. During a diet for allergies, you should not only refuse to eat soy sauce and pasta, but you should also carefully choose sausages and semi-finished products. Most of them are more than half soy;
Fish
Another extremely dangerous product. The reason, as in the case of nuts, is the size of the allergic dose. Often a person cannot even be in the same kitchen with a pot of boiling fish soup. On the other hand, most allergy sufferers calmly consume canned fish, because the preservation process seriously changes the allergenic properties of fish. Unfortunately, this does not apply to caviar. Therefore, it is better to remove it from the New Year's table;
Seafood
Primarily mollusks and crustaceans. Moreover, if the patient has a reaction to a specific type of seafood, the entire segment is banned. So no Japanese, Korean or other coastal cuisine;
Meat
The most allergenic type of meat is pork. However, lovers of veal or lamb may also have problems. Fortunately, usually this allergen is clearly localized. And if beef got under your diet with allergies, switch to poultry.
Another important point. If you are allergic to horsemeat, tetanus shots and some other injections are contraindicated;
Cow's milk
It contains about 20 potentially allergenic proteins. The good news is that most of them are destroyed after 20 minutes of boiling.
In most cases, with an allergic reaction to milk, it is recommended to exclude it from the diet or replace it with goat milk. As for dairy products, everything is strictly individual here. Many people cannot drink milk, but eat cheese in peace;
Berries, vegetables and fruits
An allergic reaction to these foods usually coexists with a pollen allergy. Citrus fruits, especially oranges and tangerines, have the highest allergenicity. Among the berries, these are strawberries, wild strawberries and black currants. Vegetables include carrots, turnips and tomatoes.
Fortunately, most "fruit and vegetable" allergens have a relatively high critical dose. This must be taken into account when planning a diet for allergies;
Cereals
They contain quite strong allergens, which, fortunately, appear very rarely. The problem is that many cereals are part of various sausages and flour products, where they come into contact with other additives that change their properties. So keep a close eye on your purchases;
condiments
Another group of neighbors is pollen allergy. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to localize. But it will be more difficult to avoid meeting with them. Especially if you are a frequent catering guest.
General Tips
The first and most important advice is to entrust the formation of your diet to a specialist. Most of the hypoallergenic diets posted on the global network are focused on the "average" patient. A diet for allergies is a very individual thing, and improper nutrition can lead to very serious consequences.
During allergies, it is also recommended:
- Completely eliminate all types of alcohol and synthetic carbonated drinks from the diet. Including energy;
- Many allergens break down during heat treatment. Therefore, try to consume boiled, stewed or steamed foods. It is better to stop the consumption of fried foods (including those cooked on an open fire);
- Exclude exotic dishes, as well as spicy, sour and salty foods;
- Refuse to consume semi-finished products, as well as sauces, mayonnaises and marinades;
- Ready-made food is best consumed immediately, without leaving stocks for future use.
Allergies can cause a lot of trouble. But know that you can fight it and even win. A diet for allergies remains one of the most effective ways to win. The main thing is to follow them wisely, and your body will take care of the rest.
