Monday 20 June 2011

The most common food allergies

There are many types of allergies that people face, including allergies to foods. A food allergy is triggered when the immune system starts reacting to a compound in the food, most typically a protein. In addition to outright allergies, there are intolerances that may not involve the immune system at all. Common symptoms of a food allergy include bloating, headaches, hives or diarrhea. Severe reactions are a medical emergency and should be addressed by going to the emergency room. Anyone who has severe food allergies should have this information readily available and should also consider whether they need to keep an Epi-pen on hand for emergencies.

The most common food allergies include milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts, soy, fish and shellfish. Because many people will have more than a single food allergy, it is important to read the ingredient listing for every food and to exercise extreme caution when eating outside of the home. Peanut allergies are so common these days that in some school districts, peanuts and peanut products are banned completely.

Almost ten percent of all children have some level of food allergy while the number for adults is 2%. (Source: Nutrition MD: Food Allergies and Intolerances)

Finding the Right Foods and Supplements for People with Allergies

After a doctor diagnoses you with food allergies and lets you know which one is affecting you, you will need to avoid that food in your diet. If you are allergic to eggs, for instance, you know you cannot have a nice fluffy omelet, but there are more foods that you cannot have. If you read the labels of many of the foods that you buy in the grocery store you will find a warning label, typically saying "this food contains wheat, eggs and soy" or something similar.

Choosing a protein supplement can be very difficult for anyone who has food allergies. First, it is important to know where protein supplements come from. There are four foods that supplements are derived from: whey, soy, rice and egg. Of these, only rice is considered to be hypoallergenic and may be the only choice for those who have very serious allergies.

Whey protein is derived from milk, a byproduct of cheese making. Protein supplements from whey are the most common and come in either a concentrate or isolate form. The isolate has 90% protein with less fat and less lactose, making it a possible supplement choice for those who have only mild lactose intolerance. In addition to providing protein and other nutrients, whey protein boosts immunity, optimal storage of amino acids and enhances muscle recovery after workouts.

Soy protein supplements are derived from soy flour and also come in concentrate and isolate forms. This is a highly digestible protein source and improves the nutritional value of other foods as well. Soy protein can help reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Egg protein is derived from egg whites and is fat-free with high protein, which is considered to be the most desirable. Because it is made from egg, people assume it is high in cholesterol, but this is an overestimation.

Profect from Protica is also an option and can be good a choice for those with a number of food allergies. It contains 25 grams of protein per serving and comes in a number of flavors. In addition to protein, there are a number of other nutrients that are available with Profect.

How to Tell Which Supplement is Safe For You

Deciding which protein supplement is right for you is not always that easy, especially if you have food intolerances or food allergies. Discussing your protein and nutritional needs with your doctor is an important first step to take, allowing the two of you to figure out the best foods and supplements that you should use to keep yourself healthy, active and strong.

When you are diagnosed with a food allergy, you might try to avoid that food from time to time, but still may end up eating it anyway. However, if you progress to serious illness or symptoms occur more frequently, you may go to a doctor for diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with a food allergy of any kind, it is important to do a better job of avoiding that food, especially if that food allergy is bad enough to be potentially fatal.

Protein Supplements and Allergies: A Case Study

David is allergic to peanuts and wheat. A single bite of a peanut butter would land him in the hospital, and he was diagnosed when he was five years old. In addition to these food allergies, David is a typical picky child who doesn't like fruits or vegetables and only half heartedly picks at meat. His mother is worried that her son's entire diet is about to become nothing but chicken nuggets and the occasional serving of corn. Because there are so many foods that he might be allergic to, his mother worries about what to feed him. The doctor gives her a list of foods to include in his diet but he just won't have any of them. In addition to the foods that he suggests, the doctor includes a list of a number of protein supplement types that David can try. Profect is ideal because of the fruit-based flavors and because it is so small that he can consume it quickly. His favorite is Blue Raspberry Swirl, and he can either have it plain or his mother can mix it with other foods or beverages.

Profect gives David the protein that he needs in addition to vitamins and other nutrients that he is not getting from his very limited diet. It has no added sugars or fat.

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