Christmas food allergies: what to look out for

8th December 2021

Christmas food allergies: what to look out for

If you ask people what their favourite part of the festive season is, a good majority will no doubt say the food. In fact, 75% of Brits just can’t wait to gorge themselves on a Christmas feast!

But for people with food allergies, it can be another minefield – especially if you have to trust someone else to do the cooking. And which of your favourite dishes can you even eat? Let’s look at some of the likely foods you’ll have piling up on your plate and what potential allergens they might contain.

Stuffing

The perfect accompaniment to a few slices of turkey, stuffing is a staple around the Christmas dinner table. But a key ingredient is often breadcrumbs, which will affect those with a gluten intolerance.

And depending on the kind of stuffing, it may also have traces of nuts and festive fruits, such as cranberries. You can make your own stuffing and substitute the breadcrumbs with cornmeal or quinoa, and replace the nuts with dried fruits (as long as you aren’t allergic to them).

Sauces and gravy

What would the meal be without a sauce or gravy lavished over it all? But make sure to triple-check the ingredients as you never know what’s in them.

Whether it’s cranberry sauce or a meat gravy, they can be embellished with extras such as nuts to give it that extra texture. They could also have other types of fruit that you may be allergic to.

Christmas pudding

Many people love to round out the Christmas dinner with a traditional pudding. But there are plenty of ingredients that could be in there that you need to look out for. This also goes for all kinds of desserts you might dig into.

Of course, when it comes to cake, flour is a major ingredient. This isn’t great news for people with gluten sensitivities. A Christmas pudding is also likely to be stuffed with various fruits, nuts, and dairy.

It might be worth a trip down the free-from aisle at your local supermarket (if they have one). Around this time of year, they’ll no doubt have a range of festive treats sure to be free of certain allergens. Take a good look at the ingredients to see which best suits you.

There’s no reason you shouldn’t be safe to dig into your Christmas feast this year. With some extra vigilance – and some elbow grease if you’re making your own food from scratch – you can make sure everyone has a fantastic time. Just don’t eat too much!

We want you to have the safest festive period possible. If you have any allergy concerns, our allergy experts are always here to help. Get in touch with us today on 02031 433 449.

What winter allergies could you have?

24th November 2021

What winter allergies could you have?

Winter is practically here! And it’s plenty of people’s favourite time of year. Whether it’s the festivities that puts them in a happy mood or they simply prefer the cold, it’s certain to make some people feel very jolly indeed.

Not everyone shares that sentiment, though. Yes, some hate the cold and others could pass on the holiday season. But there are also those that associate this time of year with allergies and aggravation. What kind of allergies could even start up in winter? Let’s look at some potential culprits and what the real reason behind your reactions might be.

Snow

We’ll start with a strange one. Can you be allergic to snow? While anything might be technically possible with allergies, it’s probably not the snow causing it. Not directly, at least.

There’s a condition called ‘cold urticaria’. This is a sensitivity to cold weather that results in red, itchy skin, swelling, and potentially even anaphylaxis. All after being exposed to the cold. It’s a rare condition, but don’t be so quick to blame that snowman you built!

Christmas tree

This one is similar to snow, in that it might not exactly be the tree you’re allergic to. In fact, it might be something the tree is carrying that’s setting your allergies off.

Some people call it ‘Christmas tree syndrome’. The idea is that natural trees can harbour mold spores or fungi that sneak into your home. These then cause an increase in allergic reactions. For fake Christmas trees, it might be that they’ve picked up lots of dust or mold in storage, also setting off your sensitivities. The best advice is to make sure the tree is cleaned thoroughly before putting it up.

Turkey

A Christmas favourite, can this festive bird cause allergic reactions? According to one study, it’s not impossible, but also not very likely. In fact, it’s so rare that there aren’t really any figures for how many people have it.

Regardless, keep your eye on the food you’re eating and if it’s causing any issues. It could be another ingredient or something else entirely.

Don’t let your allergies drag you down this holiday season. Stay safe, stay wrapped up warm, and stay away from anything that might trigger your allergies. If you have any concerns, why not speak to an allergy specialist to give you the ultimate peace of mind?

If you think you have an undiagnosed allergy, get in touch with one of our experts. They can help you find any sensitivities and let you know how to treat them. Register for an appointment or reach us on 02031 433 449.