What allergies to look out for in your vegan diet

8th February 2023

What allergies to look out for in your vegan diet

Veganism is on the rise. The number of people looking for an animal-product-free life is increasing and now makes up 3% of the UK population. It might not sound like much, but that’s over 2 million people. And the UK market for meat substitutes is the largest in Europe, worth over 500 million euros.

Whether you do it because you love animals, are conscious of your impact on the environment, or just want to be healthier, then that’s fantastic! You do you. But a vegan diet doesn’t mean you can escape food allergies. And some might not get your attention until they become a major part of your diet.

So what are some vegan-friendly foods and meat substitutes that you should be aware of? Let’s take a look.

Tofu

Maybe the first thing many people will think of when it comes to vegan foods: tofu. It’s certainly one of the most well-known meat-substitutes. At face value, it looks like a plain white block – how can you be allergic to it?

Well tofu is made from soya beans, and soy can be a trigger for some people. This is something that you may run into in a meat-eating diet, too. Up to 60% of manufactured foods are believed to contain soya. So while tofu might make up a lot of vegan diets, it might not be appropriate for some.

Seitan

Seitan is similar to tofu. It’s a popular meat replacement and is perfect for vegan diets. Unfortunately for some, it is made from gluten, which will affect those with a gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.

Symptoms can include severe gastrointestinal distress – diarrhoea, stomach aches, indigestion, constipation, and the like. It can be an alternative to tofu – and vice versa – so if you’re allergic to one, the other might be the right choice for you.

Nut milks

Obviously, in a vegan diet, you can’t have milk. It comes from an animal (usually a cow) and is considered inappropriate. The dairy alternative market has certainly skyrocketed in recent years partly because of this and people becoming more aware of their lactose intolerance. So much so that this market is predicted to be worth over $60 billion by 2029.

Now you have products like oat milk and almond milk. But for someone with a tree-nut allergy – specifically almonds – it’s going to cause trouble. This could happen in two ways. One, if a person is allergic to birch pollen, they will likely also react to almonds. Two, almonds themselves may cause a reaction, potentially leading to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

It’s something to always be aware of, especially if you’re going through a major diet change. And this doesn’t even go into oral allergy syndrome, which you might experience with certain fruits. Just because vegan alternatives are healthier doesn’t mean they’re safe for everyone. Watch what you eat, and make sure you’re staying happy and healthy.

If something in your diet is causing you distress but you aren’t sure what, then get in touch. Our allergy specialists can guide you through the process of figuring it out and giving you helpful advice to avoid it in the future. To find out more, call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient with us.

How to know if a restaurant takes food allergies seriously

16th November 2022

How to know if a restaurant takes food allergies seriously

When you have a food allergy, eating out can be a risk and huge source of anxiety. And if this describes you, we wouldn’t blame you. If you accidentally trigger your allergies, it can cause great discomfort or, at worst, death. So it’s no surprise that some people just choose not to dine out at all.

But maybe you don’t want to do that. Maybe you want to go out and enjoy yourself. And you deserve to do that! So how can you ensure you’re as safe as possible? How can you make sure that any restaurant you go to will treat your food allergies seriously? Let’s take a look at some of our advice.

Know your laws

First, it pays to know your food allergy related laws. There are two main ones that have come about in recent years, with one in particular worth knowing. 

Natasha’s Law is the first. Named for Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died after eating a pre-packaged baguette, it dictates that any food business selling pre-packaged foods must include a full ingredient list on the label.

Owen’s Law, named for Owen Carey who died after eating a burger containing buttermilk, makes it so restaurants in the UK are legally obligated to include information about the top 14 allergens on their menus. This is particularly important in this blog. If you can’t find this information, it tells you that this restaurant isn’t taking your condition seriously. In fact, they would be specifically flouting the law.

Call ahead

Having a food allergy means you have to get good at putting your foot down and not being afraid to say what needs to be said. So don’t think twice about calling ahead to a restaurant. Try to speak to either the manager or head chef.

The reason for this is you’re trying to gauge their reaction. If they’re happy to talk with you respectfully, and answer any questions, you know that they’re serious. They don’t have to be difficult questions; just a few lowball allergy questions to see if they’re on the ball.

Make yourself known

Similarly, when you first arrive, try to talk to someone in person. Preferably the same person you talked to on the phone. This allows you to re-establish your allergy needs and judge face-to-face whether they’re following protocol.

Now is a good time to ask deeper questions, such as how they prepare allergy-specific food. Throw in a couple of keywords, such as “cross-contamination”, to see how they respond. You want to find out that they prepare allergen-free food in a separate area to prevent the possibility of cross-contamination. If you don’t find their answer believable, don’t be afraid to leave.

What information is available?

The menu is a good place to start, as per Owen’s Law. But also look out for other good signs. Is allergy information easy to see around the restaurant, such as right as you walk in? Do staff ask you about any allergies as soon as you sit down?

These are good signs that the restaurant has specific rules to avoid any allergy attacks. It shows they’re aware of how serious this is and are acting professionally. If information is hard to find or staff don’t really know what they’re talking about when it comes to allergies, it shows you they don’t have something as simple as allergy-aversion training.

This is your life, and you deserve to be able to live it free from worry. So don’t settle for less when it comes to dining out. The more you practise these skills, the better you’ll be at judging restaurants. And the better you are, the safer you’ll be.

Don’t let your allergies bring you down. If you ever need any more advice on how to work around your food allergies, get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.

New study shows how to potentially treat peanut allergies

20th July 2022

New study shows how to potentially treat peanut allergies

Every so often, we see a new study or vital research into allergies. In particular, peanut allergies. Around 1 in 50 children suffer with the condition, and it’s one of the more common food allergies. And since it can lead to lethal anaphylaxis, it’s no surprise that it sees a lot of scientific attention.

One new study coming out of the University of British Columbia has shown just how effective it is if preventative treatment starts early. It’s called ‘oral immunotherapy’ and here’s what they found.

The study

The researchers wanted to see at what age group oral immunotherapy is most effective. They focused on infants under 12 months old, though this group of 69 was part of a larger study group of 452 children under the age of 5.

Oral immunotherapy is a treatment where the patient consumes small amounts of allergenic food – in this case, peanut flour. The dose is gradually increased up to a predetermined maximum amount. This method gradually desensitises the patient to the allergen, with the end result hopefully being some level of tolerance.

The children involved in the study visited a paediatric allergist every two weeks to receive their dose. Parents gave the same dose daily at home between these fortnightly visits. Over the course of the study, they went up to the maximum of 300 milligrams of peanut protein, which is equivalent to about 1.3 grams of peanuts.

The findings

42 of the 69 infants made it to the end of the study and researchers found that none of them had more than a mild reaction to a 4,000-gram dose of peanut protein. Compare this to the 7.7% of children aged 1 to 5 in the study who did have stronger reactions. It’s how they concluded that the earlier you treat peanut allergies, the better.

Saying that, the oral immunotherapy actually worked well for both groups. After a year of one peanut a day, approximately 80% of the children had developed a tolerance for peanuts. The implication is that oral immunotherapy would be an effective alternative to avoiding allergens for a lifetime.

Dr Edmond Chan, the study’s senior author and head of allergy and immunology in UBC’s department of paediatrics, said: “This treatment is affordable, very safe and highly effective, particularly if we can get it going before the infant is 12 months old.”

Research like this builds up a better understanding of how we can treat peanut allergies. As the study suggests, the sooner you tackle the problem, the better your chance of combating it. Note that this isn’t something you should do on your own. Before you think about any kind of treatment, consult an allergy specialist first.

If you want to discuss your allergy options for either you or your child, feel free to reach out to us. You can register with us as a new patient, or you can call us on 02031 433 449.

How to spot food allergies as an adult

19th January 2022

How to spot food allergies as an adult

Imagine you’re out for a meal with your family or friends. It’s a restaurant you’ve been to countless times before. You order your favourite meal that you always have. It arrives, it looks as tasty as ever, and you dig in. Then something strange happens.

You’ve never experienced this before, but all of a sudden, you feel your throat start to close. You struggle to breathe and then you realise. You’re having an allergic reaction.

It sounds unbelievable, but this can happen to anyone. One day, out of the blue, you can develop a food allergy as an adult. It’s happened to many people and is more common than you think. But why does it happen? And how can you spot it?

Developing an adult food allergy

Why do people suddenly develop a deadly food allergy as adults? Unfortunately, no one’s really sure. It’s something our bodies do and there’s seemingly no rhyme or reason (that we know of). But it’s the reality for a lot of people.

More than 48% of people with a food allergy developed it as an adult. And 51% of those adults with allergies will experience a serious reaction at some point. But, at the same time, while 20% of adults self-diagnose a food allergy, only 10% really have one. Usually because they’ve mixed it up with an intolerance.

It makes figuring out you have a new allergy a bit tricky. But here are some warning signs you can look out for.

Spotting a food allergy

Allergic reactions to food often have one or more of these symptoms:

• Tingling sensation in the mouth
• Itchy rashes
• Sneezing
• Swelling around the face and mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble breathing

That’s our body reacting to the substance it (all of a sudden) doesn’t agree with. The worst symptom is anaphylactic shock. This is extremely worrying and can be life-threatening. It usually includes difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and even a loss of consciousness.

Keep your eye out for any of these symptoms if you’re feeling something out of the ordinary. The most common culprits will be peanuts, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts. Though this isn’t an exhaustive list.

The most important point? If you ever suspect you have a new allergy as an adult, consult a doctor. If you can, make it an allergy specialist. They will be able to accurately diagnose whether you do have an allergy. Then they can give you the advice you need to adjust and live a comfortable life.

Don’t ignore the warning signs and don’t take your medical care into your own hands. Always take allergies seriously.

We’re here for you if you ever suddenly develop an allergy. You can book in for a consultation here or call us on 02031 433 449.

The new treatment that could change the lives of children with peanut allergies

5th January 2022

The new treatment that could change the lives of children with peanut allergies

Ask any parent what they want for their child, and they’ll likely tell you the exact same thing. All they want is for their child to be safe. But when that young person has a food allergy, keeping them safe becomes an even greater challenge.

It’s estimated that around 1 in 50 children have a peanut allergy, and it’s one of the most common food allergies. In fact, one study even found that almost 25% of kids could have the affliction. Going to any unfamiliar place can be a huge hurdle for people with peanut allergies. Every trip to a restaurant is fraught with danger. But a recent development could make living with this particular food allergy much simpler.

New treatment

Now, in the UK, a new oral treatment could reduce the severity of symptoms – including anaphylaxis. After an extensive two-year study, researchers found that Palforzia – the new treatment – could increase tolerance to food with peanuts in it.

The idea is to gradually decrease the sensitivity to peanuts over time. In one trial of the study, 67% of participants were able to ingest up to 600mg without any major problems. While it won’t eradicate the allergy, it means families could potentially eat out without fear of an anaphylactic shock or other life-threatening reactions.

Saving lives

Children in the UK will be some of the first in Europe to benefit from the new treatment after the NHS secured a deal for it. Up to 600 children aged 4 to 17 are expected to receive the treatment this year. Then there’ll be a further 2,000 every year after that. They’ll receive a monthly dose, building up tolerance slowly.

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: “It will reduce the fear and anxiety for patients and their families who may have been living with this allergy for years, and carrying around emergency medication just in case. They should be able to enjoy meals out or holidays abroad together without worrying about an allergic reaction that could land them in hospital or worse.”

“This first in Europe patient access deal is just one of a series of commercial agreements the NHS has secured for innovative treatments for patients over the past 18 months, while also treating thousands of people with COVID-19 as well as delivering the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health history.”

It could be a huge turning point for the condition which causes huge worries in parents around the world. If you’re ever concerned about a potential peanut allergy, you can always talk to an allergy specialist. They will be able to find the right course of action for you.

To talk to one of our allergy experts, get in touch with us on 02031 433 449. You can also register as a new patient by following this link.

The foods that may make your hay fever worse

30th June 2021

The foods that may make your hay fever worse

Our diet affects almost everything. We all know how it can help or hurt our physical health, but did you know it could also worsen or alleviate hay fever symptoms? That’s because some foods contain higher levels of histamine, the chemical our body releases in response to our allergies. They give us all those uncomfortable symptoms that drive us mad. 

To stop your symptoms from getting worse, it’s best to avoid high histamine foods. Here are four common culprits that might not be helping you during this hay fever season.

Dairy

Dairy products can be taxing on our immune systems. And when they’re weak, it can cause an overreaction to pollen and make existing symptoms worse. To fight hay fever, it’s important to have as strong an immune system as possible. This is possibly why vitamin C helps combat symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Coffee

It may be time to replace your morning coffee with decaf. Caffeine is naturally high in histamines, which can worsen hay fever symptoms. Excess caffeine may even cause liver congestion, making it even worse still, as well as causing other problems. 

Alcohol

Nothing sounds better than sitting in the garden with a beer or a glass of wine on a warm, sunny evening. But sadly, beer, wine, and liquor all contain histamines that are produced during the fermentation process. Alcohol also suppresses the immune system. So, similar to dairy, anything that weakens this will make symptoms more of a chore.

Nuts

While nuts may seem like the perfect snack, they’re packed full of histamines too. So it may be best to lay off cashews, pistachios, walnuts, and almonds until your symptoms become more manageable. Nuts like hazelnuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts are less likely to trigger symptoms as they contain lower levels of histamine. 

While no food will ever cure your hay fever, avoiding certain foods may help prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Always check with your doctor or allergist before making any lifestyle changes. 

Is hay fever getting you down? Get in contact with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today. Our team of experts can help you manage your allergies and help you regain control of your life. Call us now on 02031 433 449.

Four common questions about food allergies answered

9th June 2021

Four common questions about food allergies answered

It’s estimated around two million people in the UK are living with a food allergy and the numbers are rising. Having a food allergy can be nerve-wracking at the best of times and terrifying at the worst. 

But by learning as much as we can about our allergies, we can have much better control over how we handle them and feel much more confident about visiting new restaurants, going to new places, and going about our day-to-day lives. Here are some of the most common questions about food allergies answered. 

Have I suddenly developed a food allergy? 

It is definitely possible to develop an allergy. New allergies appearing in adulthood aren’t uncommon. For example, even if you’ve eaten eggs for your whole life, you can still develop an allergy to them. But there’s no way to know for certain until you get a test.

I think I’ve outgrown my allergy, can I try reintroducing it into my diet? 

No. While it’s very possible to grow out of your allergy, it’s not worth the risk. Allergies can also become worse over time, meaning you could suffer a life-threatening reaction. But if you’re really keen to try reintroducing a food you’re allergic to back into your diet, only do it with the permission and under the supervision of an allergist.

Can antihistamines stop anaphylaxis? 

No. They work too slowly for severe reactions. And antihistamines are generally intended for controlling milder reactions like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes. If you ever suspect you’re having an anaphylactic reaction, seek immediate professional help. 

What if I use my EpiPen but haven’t actually had an allergic reaction?

It’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s generally better to use your EpiPen than to hope it isn’t an allergic reaction.

Food allergies are more common now than ever before. And while science doesn’t yet know the reasons behind it, it’s important to stay informed so we can stay as happy and in control of our lives as possible.

If you have an allergy or suspect you might, register as a new patient here and book online today or call London Allergy and Immunology Centre 02031 433 449.

Three allergens to look out for this Veganuary

6th January 2021

Three allergens to look out for this Veganuary

The new year’s here and we all have our resolutions at the ready. From diet to exercise, January is the month where we’re motivated and ready to make changes in our lives. It’s why many will be participating in Veganuary – adopting a vegan diet for January – in a bid to stay healthy and maybe help the environment too.

But while a vegan diet definitely has its benefits, you may have to be careful eating food you don’t usually eat. Some might cause an allergic reaction in a minority of people. Here are three of the most popular allergens found in vegan food.

Soybean

This is a particularly popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Soybean is used to make tofu, soy milk, and tempeh, amongst many other products. Soya-based products are often used as a substitute for meat and increases the protein in a dish.

Symptoms can be mild, including the likes of hives or itching. But it can also be severe, causing anaphylaxis, so it needs to be taken seriously.

Nuts

From nut roasts at Christmas to almond milk in your tea, nuts are found in a lot of vegan products thanks to the various ways we can enjoy them.

If you’re someone who has a nut allergy, you’re probably no stranger to intently reading labels to ensure the contents are safe for you to eat, but with the popularity of nuts in vegan and vegetarian food, this is something you’ll have to keep up through Veganuary.

Gluten

Quick to make, full of vitamins, and very filling, cereals seem like a great addition to your diet. That is, unless you have coeliac disease or a sensitivity to gluten.

A sensitivity to gluten isn’t the same as an allergy, but can still cause unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, stomach ache, and tiredness. It’s estimated that 1 in 100 people worldwide have coeliac disease and that many are undiagnosed. So if you feel these symptoms on your new diet, this could be the cause.

If you’re participating in Veganuary this year, it may be wise to get an allergy test. That way, you can know for certain if you’re allergic to something and put your mind at ease.

If you’d like to book a test, or get some expert advice on your allergies before starting a new diet, call us today on 02031 433 449.

Allergy horrors on Halloween: keeping your kids safe

28th October 2020

Allergy horrors on Halloween: keeping your kids safe

Prepare for a scare – it’s Halloween! This year’s festivities will undoubtedly be different from past years, but no doubt people will still be out in costume and trick or treating in whatever safe way they can.

But something that hasn’t changed is how dangerous Halloween can be for children with allergies. Parents of these kids worry about the content of their children’s trick-or-treating bags, wondering if the ingredients will set off an anaphylactic shock. But just because a kid has an allergy doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy Halloween. Here’s how you can keep your child safe this October 31st.

Trick or treating

A huge part of Halloween is the sweets and chocolates. And no kid is going to want to miss out on all that sugary goodness. But these treats will sometimes be packed with nuts, dairy, or other ingredients that set allergies off.

What can you do? You can always check the ingredients on their treats. Don’t let your child have any until you can assess how safe they are. Also, be aware that some miniature versions of chocolate bars have different ingredients from their regular-sized counterparts. And that some products will be labelled “may contain”.

If you have some treats that aren’t appropriate, consider doing a “treat exchange” so your child doesn’t have to miss out. This could be with a friend or from a selection you bought.

While your child is out trick or treating, make sure they don’t go alone and that they have any medical devices with them, such as an EpiPen or inhaler.

Alternatives

Of course, you don’t have to go down this traditional route. As people become more aware of food allergies, there are some who want to make the Halloween holiday more inclusive. The Teal Pumpkin Project, for example, is a way of showing people in your community that your treats are allergy friendly.

You don’t even have to go trick or treating to get in on the Halloween fun. Why not have a Halloween movie night? There are plenty of kid-friendly scary films, such as Monsters Inc, Hotel Transylvania, and even Ghostbusters and Beetlejuice for the slightly older children.

Or have your own Halloween party. You may not be able to invite anyone over, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get some allergy-friendly snacks, some blood-red punch, dress up, and have a laugh. Horrified is a board game centered around Universal’s classic monsters, like Dracula and Frankenstein, and the Exit collection brings the wonders of an escape room to your own home.

Having an allergy doesn’t mean you can’t have the same fun everyone else is this Halloween. Just make sure you’re staying safe, watching what your kids eat, and remember to have fun.

We want everyone to enjoy life without any worries. If you have any allergy concerns for you or your family, feel free to reach out to us on 02031 433 449.

Why is there a rise in allergies and can you prevent them?

9th January 2019

Why is there a rise in allergies and can you prevent them?

Over the year, there have been several cases of severe allergy attacks, especially in young people. With so many stories in the news, you might think that allergies are on the rise. And maybe you’d be right. In the 20 years leading up to 2012, there was a 615% increase in hospital admissions for anaphylaxis in the UK.

With almost half of all British adults having at least one allergy, you can be forgiven for worrying about your or your child’s livelihood. But what’s causing this increase in allergies?

Hygiene

Several explanations might highlight why allergies are becoming more prominent. A top reason is excessive cleaning. Although cleanliness is critical, it could also explain why allergies are developing further.

A lack of exposure to dust and dirt can cause allergies, especially if suddenly exposed to large amounts of bacteria. Sometimes there is a thing as “too clean”. Exposure to allergens helps develop our immune system. It isn’t recommended that you stop washing your hands, dusting regularly, or cleaning surfaces, however, it might be effective to take shorter showers, spend more time outside, or even own a pet.

Preparation

Another reason for the increase in allergies could lie in the way we prepare certain foods. For example, research suggests that the way different countries cook peanuts can reflect the levels of peanut allergies. In China, peanuts are typically boiled or fried but elsewhere, in places like the US, they roast them. This might indicate that roasted peanuts are responsible for higher levels of allergies.

Prevention

Despite the increase in allergies, there are developments in the treatment and prevention of allergic conditions. In particular, peanut allergies have the potential to be avoided by slowly building up a tolerance. Out of a group of 500 4 to 17-year-olds from across the UK and US, studies show that almost all of the group were unable to tolerate even a tenth of a peanut dose. However, by taking daily doses of peanut over a year, two-thirds of the group were then able to tolerate at least two whole peanuts.

But the safest way of knowing is getting tested. Being allergy tested is critical so that you know whether or not there is any risk to your health. Peanut and other food allergies can be dangerous and consuming ingredients you are allergic to can result in anaphylaxis. Allergies can develop later in life so regular tests can be beneficial.

If you think you might be suffering from allergies, why not order one of our home testing kits today? Find out if you have cause for concern. Request an allergy test from us or visit our website.