There are many food allergies that range from mild to life-threatening. People with food allergies know how it is difficult to navigate through life. With a number of food allergies being common, manufacturers are required to label products that contain them. But there are more than 150 other uncommon food allergies.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statistics, severe, life-threatening food allergies cause 30,000 emergency room visits, 200 hospitalizations, and 150 deaths yearly in the United States. Most of these cases can be preventable if a person’s allergy is known.
Top 8 Food Allergies
The FDA passed Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) in 2004. Manufacturers were required to label food packing if they contained one of the eight most common food allergens. About 90% of allergic reactions associated with food are caused by these eight allergens. They include:
Eggs
Milk
Fish
Peanuts
Soybeans
Tree nuts
Shellfish
Wheat
However, some people are allergic to other foods. Identifying them can be quite difficult. Let’s have a look at eight of the less common food allergies.
Sesame Seeds
Just like with nuts, people who are allergic to sesame seeds might experience severe reactions. These allergies are very uncommon and it is estimated that they only affect about 0.1% of people in the U.S.
You can easily spot sesame seed in your food although identifying their seed extracts and oils can be difficult. Most of the highly refined oils have the seed protein removed, but you should be very cautious if you are allergic to sesame seeds. Experts say that there are many people who experience allergic reactions to sesame oil.
Red Meat
It can be challenging to find out whether you are allergic to beef, pork, and lamb. Allergic reactions to red meat are linked to a sugar known as alpha-galactose. Experts say red meat allergy in the U.S. has been associated to a bite from the Lone Star tick.
People who are allergic to one type of meat are usually allergic to others like pork and poultry. Some kids who are allergic to milk are also allergic to meat. You should contact your doctor to find out if further testing of other foods is needed.
In reference to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), you may not experience any symptoms three to six hours after taking meat.
Corn
Though uncommon, corn allergies can be devastating. People who are allergic to corn should try to avoid all of its forms, whether cooked, raw, in flour, or in syrup.
In reference to the America College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, it can be difficult to identify corn allergies. This is mainly because reactions are similar to those of grass pollen, seed, and grain allergies. The best way to find out whether you have a corn allergy is to go for a food elimination diet.
Avocados
Surprisingly, avocado allergies are closely linked to latex allergies. This is mainly because avocados contain proteins that are structurally similar to those found in natural rubber latex.
It is for this reason that people who are allergic to latex are warned against eating avocados. Most people who are allergic to avocados and latex are also allergic to tomatoes, chestnuts, papaya, kiwis, or potatoes.
Mango
This is a rare food allergy that is also closely tied to latex allergy. Mangoes contain a variety of other allergens which can cross-react with people who are allergic to fennel, celery, pears, cashew nuts, pistachios, and apples among others.
If you are allergic to mango skin, chances are that you are also allergic to poison oak and poison ivy. They all contain a chemical known as urushiol.
Marshmallows
They contain an allergen known as gelatin. This is a protein that is formed when connective tissues from animals are boiled. You can be allergic to this protein. Gelatin is also found in chew candies, frosted cereals, and gummy candies.
Related Link: Don’t Make These 7 Common Mistakes If You’re Trying To Avoid Gluten
Though rare, gelatin allergy is also linked to some allergic reactions to some vaccines, like the flu shot.
Hot Dogs
These are highly processed foods that contain a variety of additives. If you experience an allergic reaction after eating a hot dog, the problem could be due to the
Dried Fruit
Sulfites, such as sulfur dioxide are believed to be the main cause of allergic reactions from dried fruits. They are used as preservatives in many processed foods. Manufacturers are required to label packaged foods containing sulfites in the European Union.
People who are allergic to sulfites can also experience reactions when taking vinegar, wine, processed meat, dried fruits, and canned fruits and vegetables.
When To Seek Medical Help
Irrespective of whether you are allergic to the eight common foods, you may experience similar symptoms during a reaction. You should immediately contact your doctor if the following symptoms appear:
Itchy or tingly mouth
Rash or hives
Swollen lip, throat, tongue, or face
Diarrhea and vomiting
Dizziness
Cramping
Loss of consciousness
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
