10 Common Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Be Allergic To

Allergies are common for many people, and you might think only specific foods cause them. But did you know that some very common foods trigger allergic reactions? Read on to find ten common foods you may not have known causes allergies.

Water

Yes, you read that right. Water can be an allergen for some people though it’s incredibly rare. The reaction is Aquagenic Urticaria and happens when someone touches or drinks water. The allergic person suffers from skin rash, hives, or itching when they bathe and throat swelling when they drink water. A strict diet and altered bathing routine help manage this allergy.

Carrots

Carrots are a healthy and popular snack. But some people, especially those with Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), develop an allergic reaction to this vegetable. Symptoms include swelling of the tongue or lips, itching in the mouth and throat, and hives. Eating cooked carrots may help reduce the symptoms, as raw carrots cause a stronger reaction. Also, check for cross-reactivity with other foods like celery, parsnips, and cumin.

Wine

Wine is also a potential allergen. It’s not always the alcohol that causes problems, but some of the proteins in the grapes and other fruits used for making the wine. Reactions to these proteins cause red blotchy rashes on the skin, hay fever-type symptoms, headaches, itching, and swelling of the face or throat.

Red Meat

Red meat is another possible allergen. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hives. If you suspect an allergy to red meat, visit your doctor or allergist for a skin scratch test. This will help determine if there is an allergic reaction to the proteins in red meat.

Avocados

This popular fruit is an allergen for some people. Symptoms vary from person to person but usually include swelling of the mouth and throat, skin rash, or hives. Since avocados are mainly served raw, there is no way to kill the allergens, but eating avocados in small quantities may help. Also, avoid cross-reactivity with other foods like kiwi, bananas, or hazelnuts.

Gelatin

This natural thickening substance made from animal collagen gives chewy candies a unique texture. It’s found in many processed foods and desserts and is an uncommon allergen. To avoid this allergy, read the labels of any product carefully, and those with gelatin should be avoided, or opt for alternatives like agar-agar and kanten powder.

Tomatoes

Another incredible food that can cause allergies is tomatoes. The allergy is triggered by proteins in the tomato skin, which can cause itching and inflammation on contact. Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Avoid eating raw tomatoes or consuming them as sauces or juices to reduce your risk of an allergic reaction.

Rice

Rice is a staple in many diets worldwide but, surprisingly, can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It’s triggered by a specific protein in rice which causes an itching sensation on contact. Other symptoms include hives and abdominal cramps. Allergic to rice? Go for other grains like oats and barley.

Turkey and Chicken

Those with allergies to poultry like chicken and turkey can experience reactions ranging from mild itching to digestive problems. To avoid an allergic reaction, steer clear of foods containing any kind of poultry or products that could be cross-contaminated. If you’re unsure if a food contains poultry, read the label thoroughly.

Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea are two of the world’s most popular drinks. They contain caffeine which can cause a rare allergic reaction in some people, and even decaf coffee still causes the same reaction as it contains traces of caffeine. Those affected may experience skin reactions, headaches, and rapid heart rate when consuming these beverages. If you have a caffeine allergy, drink naturally caffeine-free tea like chamomile or peppermint instead.