4 rare food allergies that you should know about

14th June 2023

4 rare food allergies that you should know about

It’s easy to see why some people are foodies. There’s such a rich variety of foods out there to enjoy. A bounty of fruit, vegetables, meats, different cuisines from around the world – we hope we’re not making you too hungry!

But not everyone can enjoy every food. Food allergies prevent people from eating some very common ingredients, making it hard to navigate simple meals. We all know about nut allergies, or something like gluten intolerance. But what are some lesser-known food allergies? Let’s take a look at some of the rarer and more bizarre ones out there.

Meat allergies

A staple in many people’s diets, meat allergies can be incredibly strange. Take red meat allergies, for instance – otherwise known as alpha-gal syndrome. It can suddenly appear in people after a tick bite. It’s a strange reaction that isn’t fully understood. But we do know that the allergy isn’t directly to the meat. It’s actually a reaction to a molecule found in various red meats called alpha-gal.

Another odd allergy is a pork allergy. Through something called “pork-cat syndrome”, people who are allergic to cats may also be allergic to pork. This is because there is a similarity in the structure of cat and pork albumin (a type of protein).

Honey allergy

While a honey allergy might sound a bit strange, it makes sense. Because of how honey is made – by bees taking pollen from plants and trees – it can potentially affect people with pollen sensitivities.

It is considered incredibly rare – estimates put it at 0.001% occurrence rate. But this can change depending on allergies people have. For example, in one study, they found that 65% of participants were sensitive to honey made with dandelion pollen. So, theoretically, a person could be allergic to some honey but not others, depending on the source of the pollen.

Nickel allergy

We know what you’re thinking. This is a blog about food allergies, so why is nickel – a metal – on here? That’s because some foods contain nickel. Usually nickel allergies come up when talking about jewellery, but it’s just as relevant here.

Some flours and grains have been shown to have nickel in them. This includes oats, wheat, multi-grain bread, and brown rice. You can also find it in seafood, legumes like peanuts and lentils, certain vegetables (such as leeks or cabbages), and even chocolate.

Wine allergy

With wine, there are a few components that could be causing the reaction. Chief amongst them is grapes. But then you also have ethanol – which is the type of alcohol present in wine – yeast, sulfites, and firming agents, which can include proteins taken from milk, eggs, and fish.

And though this could technically happen with any wine, the research seems to show that red wine is the more common trigger. 83% of participants developed symptoms after drinking red wine, compared to the second most likely, white wine, at 31%.

All of these allergies are rare, but it just goes to show that anything can cause a reaction. What’s important is that you stay aware of your body and notice any changes after consuming something. That’s the only way you’re going to catch potential conditions before they do any real damage.

If you ever have any allergy concerns and want to talk to someone about them, feel free to reach out to our allergy specialists. They’re always happy to help. You can call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

Alcohol allergy: how do you know if you have one?

23rd February 2022

alcohol allergy

Alcohol allergy: how do you know if you have one?

Whether it’s for a celebration or just because we’ve had one of those days at work, plenty of us like to unwind with a drink. Some like a trip to the pub for just the one pint. And others like a whole night on the town. Whatever you’re into, as long as you drink responsibly, it’s just good to enjoy ourselves.

But have you ever thought about an alcohol allergy? There’s no end to what we can be allergic to, so why would alcohol be any different? It’s a very rare condition to have, but not impossible. So let’s take a look at what it’s like if you have it.

Alcohol allergy vs intolerance

The first question to ask is if it’s an allergy in the first place. It may well be an intolerance. But what’s the difference?

In short, an allergy is an immune response, while an intolerance is a digestive response. You’ll have some idea which it is based on the symptoms you have.

If it’s an allergy, you might experience: rashes, breathing difficulties, or anaphylaxis.

But if it’s an intolerance, you’re more likely to experience: stomach issues, heartburn, or diarrhoea. Note that both lists aren’t extensive and you may have other symptoms.

If you have an intolerance to alcohol, it’s because your body doesn’t have the enzymes it needs to break down the drink. It’s very similar to what happens if you have something like lactose intolerance. Whereas if it’s an allergic reaction, it’s likely your immune system overreacts to something in the alcohol. So in wine, for example, it could be the grapes you’re reacting to.

While both are something you don’t want to deal with, an allergic response is more severe. If you experience it, it could even lead to death.

What to watch out for

What’s your next step? Talk to your doctor about it. If you suspect you might have an alcohol allergy or intolerance, they will be able to test you for it. This would let you know what you need to avoid. And in the case of an allergy, it may help you understand which ingredient in particular is setting you off.

When you have your answer, you can look out for anything that might trigger a reaction. Pay attention to what food has alcohol in it. Especially at restaurants that might use something like red wine in a sauce.

You might find initially that it’s hard to navigate your allergy or intolerance. Your eyes will open to just how common it is. But in time, you’ll learn how to avoid it and keep yourself safe. In the meantime, talk to your doctor – or an allergy specialist – and find out how you can live a more comfortable life.

If you ever have any allergy concerns, get in touch with our experts today. We can help answer all your questions. Register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.