Don’t Let Allergy Turn Your Dish Into a Dish-aster!
Reunions with relatives, brunches with besties, and salu-salos at the office — what do all of these have in common? Well, aside from good company, it would definitely be good food and drinks that not only look good for the ‘gram but also satisfy your tastebuds!
Sometimes, the meal can look so good that you can’t resist taking a bite or a sip without knowing what’s in it. Unfortunately though, there may be a substance that you can’t see with the naked eye that causes you to deal with unwanted and uncomfortable allergies.
Sadly, events like this can disrupt a good meal and possibly ruin the overall vibe. Totes not cool, right?
Make sure you’re in a good mood thanks to good food, and avoid dealing with food allergies! Learn how to deal with allergic reactions to food effectively and why they happen in the first place. This way, you can better manage these symptoms and enjoy your meals (and chismis — no judgment here) in peace!
Why Do Food Allergies Happen?
A food allergy starts when someone eats, touches, or even inhales food that contains allergens, a type of protein. The immune system then produces cells that release an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) into the body to fight the allergens.
When you are exposed to food containing allergens again, even if just a tiny amount, the lgE antibodies send “signals” to your immune system, causing the release of chemicals into your blood. One of these chemicals would be histamines which may trigger common allergy symptoms like:
- Tingling or itching sensations in the mouth
- Hives, skin rashes, or itchy skin
- Swelling on the eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, or other body parts
- Wheezing or cough
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulties with breathing or swallowing
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
In some cases, these allergic reactions can be so severe that they cause anaphylaxis. This is simply another term for a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and must be addressed ASAP.
What Are the Common Causes of Food Allergies?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are nine major food allergens people should watch out for:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish like cod and flounder
- Crustacean shellfish like crab, lobster, and shrimp
- Tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans
- Peanuts
- Wheat products
- Soy beans
- Sesame
But that’s not all. Did you know that some people can also be allergic to red meat, bacon, hot dogs, avocados, gelatin, corn, mangoes, marshmallows, wine, and even water?
Food Allergies, Intolerance, or Sensitivity: What’s the Deal?
You’ve probably heard the terms “food intolerance” or “food sensitivity” being used alongside the term “food allergies.” Most people think these terms mean the same, but they’re actually not.
As mentioned earlier, symptoms of food allergies can occur because the immune system creates antibodies and releases chemicals like histamines once someone is exposed to allergens.
On the other hand, food intolerance or sensitivity mainly happens in the digestive system when the body is not able to properly break down food that has been eaten.
A lack of certain enzymes (like lactose), sensitivity to additives used or found in food, food poisoning, or gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause food intolerance or sensitivity.
However, unlike food allergies that can occur even if someone is exposed to a small amount of the food concerned, those with a food intolerance or sensitivity can still eat small portions of the food in question without dealing with severe symptoms.
This is why, compared to the symptoms of a food allergy, symptoms of a food intolerance may be less serious or severe. This isn’t a free pass for you to chill, though. People with a food intolerance can still struggle with symptoms like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, headaches, migraines, or nausea.
6 Hacks That’ll Help You Against Food Allergies
The good news is that you can prevent food allergies from disrupting your vibe and causing discomfort. Here are some tips on how you can cope with food allergies better:
1. Ask an allergist about an allergy skin test: This may help you get to the bottom of what is causing their allergies. Before the exam, the allergist will inquire about your medical history, common allergy symptoms, and current strategies to address the.. You may be asked to list down prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take too since these can interfere with your test results.
There are three types of allergy tests, the most common being a skin prick test. This involves placing a small amount of allergens on your forearm, arm, or upper back. The skin is then pricked to allow the allergens to go underneath it.
Afterwards, the skin is monitored for swelling, redness, and other signs of allergies. A major plus of this type of allergy test would be its turnaround time:, results can be seen in as fast as 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Check food labels: This allows you to see whether the food you buy contains allergens, is manufactured in a way that can trigger allergies, or is stored in a place that may be exposed to certain allergens.
3. Use your diet to your advantage: Did you know that certain food and drink choices may help you manage allergies better? Examples include onions, peppers, and berries that contain quercetin, a compound that may lessen the effects of histamines. Kiwis, oranges, and other food rich in vitamin C can be beneficial too since the said nutrient may counteract histamines. Lastly, a soothing drink like a cup of green tea can help provide a good amount of antioxidants alongside an added benefit of acting against histamines.
4. Pay close attention to any allergy symptoms: This is an important step if you are unaware of the allergens responsible for symptoms or have yet to schedule an allergy test. An allergic reaction can be very life-threatening. If you feel tingling hands, feet, or lips, notice rashes all over the body, or experience breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or throat swelling, seek medical attention immediately and go to the ER.
5. Inform others about your allergies: If you’re dining out or eating at someone else’s place, let them know about your food allergies, and don’t hesitate to ask about the ingredients in the dish or how the food was prepared. If you are going on vacation, notify hosts, airlines, and hotels you have made reservations with about food allergies you struggle with. These conversations, while nerve-wracking, can greatly help prevent instances of food allergies and even possibly save your life.
6. Be ready with fast-acting antihistamines: Whether you’re going to eat alone or with good company, focus on your food better and not the allergies that arise from them with the help of Fast-acting Loratadine (Allerta®) that may work in as fast as 15 minutes!
Don’t let food allergies stand in the way of a good time! Looking for a remedy for these allergies that can strike anywhere? Let Loratadine (Allerta®) help you fight allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny and itchy nose, itchy and watery eyes, rashes, and itchiness.
Even better, Loratadine (Allerta®) offers a non-drowsy formula that may prevent dizziness and drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines and cetirizine. This way, you won’t have to worry about feeling sleepy, zoning out, and missing out on all the action (or the tea).
What are you waiting for? Stand your ground against food allergies with Loratadine (Allerta®)!
Loratadine (Allerta®) is available in leading drugstores nationwide and online at the Unilab store, Lazada, and Shopee at Php 23.25 SRP per tablet. You can also purchase Loratadine (Allerta®) in packs of 5s at Php 116.25 SRP per pack.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
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