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.

What is oral allergy syndrome?

14th April 2021

What is oral allergy syndrome?

Do you ever get that funny feeling in your mouth after eating where your tongue feels itchy, your throat feels scratchy, and your lips go numb? It’s possible you have oral allergy syndrome. 

There will be plenty of people out there who don’t even realise they have a food allergy. They eat some pineapple and think that swelling feeling in their mouth is just what happens when you eat it. It’s not until their friends throw them puzzled looks that they realise it’s not quite so normal.

These are signs of an allergy, we just might not realise it. So what are some of the warning signs? And what even is oral allergy syndrome?

Symptom triggers

Oral allergy syndrome – sometimes known as pollen fruit syndrome – comes from eating raw fruit, raw vegetables, or nuts. To put it in its simplest terms, when you eat certain foods, your body confuses the protein with pollen proteins. Symptoms can range from numb, swollen lips, itchy mouth, and scratchy throat to full-blown anaphylaxis, although severe reactions are rare. Symptoms tend to be worse when pollen levels are high.

Different people are triggered by different foods, but apples are a common one, resulting in symptoms for around 50-70% of people with an allergy to birch pollen and mugwort pollen. Citrus fruits are also common triggers for oral allergy syndrome, as well as bananas, celery, hazelnut and zucchini. 

Treating and managing symptoms

The best treatment for oral allergy syndrome is to simply avoid the foods that trigger symptoms. Some people with oral allergy syndrome continue to eat the food but cook it instead of eating it raw, but this can be dangerous, especially if you have severe symptoms or if they include the swelling of the throat.

While it might be harmless, you can never be too careful. For this reason, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms and get an allergy test to check. Getting a test eliminates the possibility of it being something more sinister and allows you to treat your allergy as best as possible.

Allergy Clinic London has a team of experts that can help you control your allergies. Book a test with us now on 02031 433 449.

Four bizarre allergies that actually exist

5th June 2019

Four bizarre allergies that actually exist

Getting people to understand common allergies, such as peanuts or pollen, is difficult enough. Try explaining that you’re allergic to any surface a cockroach walks on or you’re allergic to the proteins found in raw fruit and vegetables.

There are many allergies that sound stranger than fiction. But it’s time to separate myth from fact and reveal some uncommon allergies that may not get the spotlight they deserve.

Cockroaches

For those of us that live in the UK, cockroaches are rare and shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, holidays in hotter countries may cause a bit of bother. If you’re allergic, cockroach bodies and their waste can induce symptoms similar to hay fever, along with skin rashes.

Raw fruits and vegetables

For those wishing to eat a healthy diet, being allergic to raw fruits and vegetables can be a nightmare. Sadly, many people will question whether you’re allergic and say you’re being fussy.

The problem is called ‘oral allergy syndrome’ and causes itching, burning, and pain in the throat. It occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to the proteins found in fruits and vegetables.

Mobile phones

What could possibly cause a mobile phone allergy? Unfortunately, for some of us, our bodies react to the presence of nickel or low levels of radiation. It can lead to a skin reaction that causes redness, welts, and itching.

Allergy medicine

Being allergic to the very thing that can treat your allergies is a cruel twist of fate. Some people’s immune systems react to the dyes or other ingredients used in common allergy medication. Thankfully, allergists can provide alternatives to help you treat your allergies.

These are just a small handful of bizarre allergies that many people don’t even know exist. If you’re experiencing any allergy symptoms you’re unsure about, it’s worth visiting a professional who can diagnose and treat you.

If you need help understanding your allergies, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with The London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Our specialist consultants can help you find the best treatments to make sure your allergies don’t take their toll on your daily life. Give us a call on 02 031 433 449 today.