Have you ever had a rash, swollen lips, or difficulty breathing after putting something like a piece of cashew nut or peanut in your mouth? If so, you may have a common nut allergy. Although this is a bit of a nuisance, there is no need to panic or give up all your favorite foods. Let's learn more about this and talk about how to deal with it.
What is Nut Allergy?
Simply put, this is an unwanted response by our body's immune system. When something that is normally harmless, like cashews, enters our body, our immune system mistakes it for a dangerous invader. It then starts to fight against it. This fight results in allergic reactions, such as itching and swelling.
These nut allergies can be divided into two main categories.
1. Tree Nuts: These include the familiar nuts like cashews, almonds , and walnuts.
2. Peanuts: Many people think that peanuts are a type of nut that grows on a tree, but that's actually wrong. Peanuts are a legume, a plant that belongs to the legume family, like beans, peas, and lentils . They grow underground.
The important thing is that one person can be allergic to only tree nuts, while another person can be allergic to only peanuts. And some people can be allergic to both. So it's important to know exactly what type you're allergic to. The best way to do that is to see your doctor and get advice.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
The symptoms of a nut allergy can vary from person to person. While some people may experience very mild symptoms, others may experience a life-threatening emergency. Let's be aware of these symptoms.
| Symptom level | Visible symptoms |
|---|---|
| Minor and moderate features |
|
| Severe symptoms (Anaphylaxis) - immediate treatment required! |
What to do in case of a severe allergy (Anaphylaxis)?
This is a medical emergency . If you experience any of the severe symptoms listed in the table above, do not delay for a second.
- Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- For people with severe allergies, a doctor may have prescribed an emergency medication, such as an EpiPen . If so, be sure to know how to use it.
- Never try to treat these severe symptoms at home.
Delicious, safe things to eat instead of nuts!
Okay, now let's talk about some delicious, nutritious, and safe alternatives that you can eat instead of nuts, but still get some of that crunch and flavor from nuts.
| Substitute | Important things to know |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Seeds | These are a great option to add to your meals. Sunflower seed butter can also be spread on bread. |
| Soy Nuts | These are roasted soybeans. They are crunchy like nuts. There are also soy butters on the market. But some people may be allergic to soy, so try a little first. |
| Hummus and chickpeas | Hummus is a delicious spread made from cooked chickpeas. It's a good source of protein. But remember, some people who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to other legumes, such as chickpeas. So it's safer to consume this as well, if you follow your doctor's advice. |
| Pumpkin Seeds and Sesame Seeds | These are very common in our country. They can be added to salads, dishes, and are delicious to eat alone. But keep in mind that some people can be allergic to sesame seeds. |
Is it really safe to say "Nut-Free"?
This is a very important question. When you buy a food at the store, even if it says "Nut-Free" on the label, there is another thing you need to be aware of before you can assume it is 100% safe. That is cross-contamination .
Simply put, imagine that in the same factory, using the same machine, both a biscuit containing cashew nuts and a biscuit without cashew nuts are made. Then, very small pieces of those cashew nuts can get into the biscuit without cashew nuts. For someone with a severe allergy, even a small piece like that can have serious consequences.
Therefore, when reading food labels, be especially careful of sentences like these:
- "May contain traces of nuts"
- "Processed in a facility that also processes nuts"
If you or your child has a severe allergy, it's safest to avoid foods with these warnings completely. Talk to your doctor about this for further advice.
Take-Home Message
- Nut allergy is not something to be taken lightly. It is important to be fully informed about it.
- Be sure to see a doctor to find out for sure whether you are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts like cashews and almonds, or both.
- There are delicious, safe alternatives to nuts, like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and soy beans. But before trying something new, make sure you're not allergic to it.
- Read the label of any food you buy from the store carefully. Be especially careful of warnings like "May contain nuts."
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, throat tightness, or fainting, immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
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