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Category: Food Intolerances

Which Foods Trigger IBS Attacks?

Posted on by Donna Mastriani
A person suffering from IBS symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine and in turn the digestive system. If you suffer from IBS, you’re not alone, as 1 in 5 adults are affected by the condition making it fairly common.

IBS causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation, which can last for a varying amount of time, and tend to come and go over time.

There’s currently no cure for IBS and the disorder can be difficult to live with, especially around mealtime. A change in diet, whilst frustrating, can help to improve avoiding symptoms.

Common IBS Triggers

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Our Complete Intolerance Test

Discovering what your personal trigger foods are can help alleviate symptoms and give you a little more freedom when it comes to dinner time.

However, IBS isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ condition and foods can affect people differently. What’s more, it may not be practical to cut out all foods immediately – so you should instead make a list of suspect foods that you know trigger your IBS symptoms and eliminate them one by one over time to see if it makes a difference to your lifestyle.

Alternatively, our intolerance tests can identify which items may be triggering your IBS attacks to help effectively optimise your diet change. That said, here are the common foods that trigger IBS attacks:

Fried and fatty foods

High fat foods including cheese, fries, and fatty meats can be difficult on the digestive system, especially when suffering with IBS. The chemical makeup of food can be changed when frying, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, most notably diarrhoea.

If you’re finding it difficult to cut out these foods, grilling or baking may reduce the severity of IBS symptoms, as well as being a healthier alternative.

Dairy

Dairy is an important component of a healthy diet due to it being calcium-rich. However many dairy products are high in fat which can trigger IBS symptoms. High fat dairy products can include:

  • Heavy Cream.
  • Whole Milk Yogurt.
  • Whole Milk.
  • Butter
  • Full-Fat Cheese.

It’s also unclear whether people suffering from IBS are more susceptible to lactose intolerance. However, switching to low fat dairy or dairy alternatives such as plant milks may reduce the severity of IBS symptoms.

If, for whatever reason, you need to cut out dairy altogether, make sure to include calcium rich foods into your diet such as:

  • White beans
  • Almonds
  • Sardines
  • Seeds
  • Dried figs

Wheat

Found in foods such as pasta, bread, and cookies, wheat contains the gluten protein which around 5% of the population are allergic to. The symptoms produced by gluten disorders, such as coeliac disease, are very similar to IBS and therefore it’s difficult to distinguish which disorder you may be suffering from.

Fibre

Fibre is a carbohydrate component of food and plays a key role in normalising bowel habits. There are two types of fibre, soluble and insoluble, and the body reacts differently to each. This means that each type of fibre can help your IBS symptoms or trigger them.

Think of fibre like a tap. Soluble fibre slows down the digestive tract which helps with diarrhoea, whereas insoluble fibre speeds up the process, relieving constipation.

Depending on your IBS symptoms, react with the correct type of fibre to help alleviate your suffering.

High fibre fruits and Vegetables
High fibre fruits and Vegetables

Soluble fibre is found in:

  • Apples
  • Peas
  • Strawberries
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Pears
  • Avocados

Insoluble fibre can be found in:

  • Blackberries
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Leafy greens
  • Zucchini
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown rice

Chocolate

A piece of chocolate (or a whole bar) is often the perfect treat to satisfy that sweet tooth. However due to its ingredients containing sugar, lactose, caffeine, and typically being high in fat, chocolate can often be a IBS trigger food, leading sufferers to experience constipation.

But who really wants to cut out chocolate? Trying a plant-based alternative may help reduce the severity of your IBS symptoms.

Caffeinated and fizzy drinks

Giving up your morning coffee may be a deal breaker for most, but caffeinated drinks can often cause diarrhoea due to a stimulating effect on the intestines. Energy drinks, fizzy soft drinks and coffee can therefore be a trigger for IBS symptoms.

If you’re finding it difficult to cut these out altogether, decaffeinated versions of your favourite beverages may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Alcohol

Alongside being difficult to digest, alcohol leads to dehydration which has even further effects on the digestive system. Plus different alcoholic drinks can have varied effects on the body and therefore could trigger IBS symptoms; beer, for example, often contains gluten, and wines and mixers can contain high amounts of sugar.

Processed foods

Processed foods are simply foods that have been altered in any way during preparation; this can include canning, baking, freezing, and drying. Whilst not all processed foods are unhealthy, eating a lot of them can lead to serious health issues for anyone as they contain a high quantity of added salt, sugar, and fat. They also include additives and preservatives which can trigger IBS. Processed foods include:

  • Cereal
  • Crisps
  • Sausage rolls
  • Ready meals
  • Biscuits

Identifying Personal IBS Trigger Foods

You’ve narrowed down your IBS trigger food list, now how do you put the elimination diet into practice?

The elimination diet should begin with a cleanse of all trigger foods on your list. Keeping a food diary is recommended here to keep track of your progress, as well as charting symptoms. If you’re noticing that your symptoms are being alleviated, it means that the elimination diet is working.

Elimination diets should be a short term experiment, as many of the foods you are cutting out will be important for a healthy diet.

Once you’ve eliminated your trigger foods, it’s time to slowly reintroduce them. Take one food type at a time and eat a small amount to see if your symptoms resurge. If they don’t, try a larger amount the following day. Please note that symptoms could take a few days to appear after eating the trigger food.

Repeat the process for each trigger food and log your results in your food diary. Please note that you should only be sampling only one of your trigger foods at a time to keep the results accurate.

Looking to speed up the process? Read how our food sensitivity test can help IBS sufferers.

Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Posted on by Nida Ali

Gluten is a protein found in grains and wheat-related plants like spelt, barley, and rye. The two main proteins in gluten are called Glutenin & Gliadin, which bind to each other to form a network that supports dough and allows the bread to be light and fluffy. Amino acids present in both gliadin and glutenin help the two proteins to form hydrogen bonds with each other. Gliadin is the major cause for concern and is responsible for all the adverse health effects of gluten. When you experience gluten intolerance symptoms, gliadin is the most likely culprit. Gluten is present in the following:

WHEATRYETRICITALEBARLEY
bread, baked goods, and foodrye bread, and pumpernickelbread, pasta, and cerealsmalt
soups, pasta, cereals, coloringrye, beer, and cerealscakes and muffinsbeer
sauces, dressings, and brewer’s rouxyeast

Gluten intolerance is when the body doesn’t absorb the carbohydrate as it should. The substance stays in the guts and ferments, resulting in sickness. Researchers have suggested that in people with gluten intolerance, the intestinal lining is compromised, allowing bacteria into their blood or liver and causing inflammation.

What is NCGS?

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition characterized by intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms related to ingesting gluten-containing foods without celiac disease and wheat allergy.

NCGS’s symptoms are characterized by intestinal and/or extra-intestinal symptoms following ingestion of gluten-containing grains. Those symptoms can be easily mistaken for coeliac disease (CD) due to the similarity in manifestations after ingestion of these grains. NCGS is not an allergy or an autoimmune disorder like coeliac disease. NCGS’s pathophysiology is very confusing as there is an overlap in symptoms between NCGS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. There is not a clear definition for NCGS. Still, as sensitivity, the symptoms are due to immune-mediated reactions that do not always occur in the same way when people ingest gluten-containing grains(1). An innate immune response, the lack of serum TG2 antibodies, and the missing association to HLA-DQ2/8 alleles mainly characterize NCGS. 

Even if NCGS is not an autoimmune or allergic reaction, symptoms are still causing problems for people with this sensitivity. Symptoms usually appear soon after ingesting gluten. The only way to relieve these symptoms is by eliminating these grains from the diet. The best practice in diagnosing NCGS is only by gluten withdrawal and double-blind placebo challenge protocols. The prevalence rate of NCGS is unknown but is suspected to be higher than that of celiac disease. It is estimated that 99% of people with gluten-related issues are unaware and ascribe their illness/symptoms to other health issues.

Common sensitivity symptoms

Intestinal symptoms:

  • Symptoms similar to IBS
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Distention
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Constipation

Extra-Intestinal symptoms(2,3):

  • Headaches, Migraines
  • Foggy mind
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Eczema
  • Anaemia
  • Leg or arm numbness

6 categories of foods to avoid on a gluten-free diet

  • Gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, spelt, Kamut, rye, and couscous.
  • Condiments like soy sauce, BBQ sauce, malt vinegar, ketchup, gravy mixes, and spices blend.
  • Wheat-based pasta and baked goods. There are plenty of gluten-free options widely available in supermarkets that you could try.
  • Beverages like beer, pre-made coffee drinks, and drink mixes.
  • Processed food
The Content of Gluten in Foods. More, wheat, rye, oats, barley, spelt. Less, rice, maize, buckwheat, beans.

How to be tested

There is a lack of NCGS epidemiological studies in many populations because it’s only recently that the scientific community has recognized the disease and the lack of sensitivity and reproducible biomarkers for its diagnosis. Thus, if you suspect that gluten could cause your problems/symptoms, our tests could help you identify the cause of your problems. Since there are no specific tests to diagnose NCGS, you must first rule out coeliac disease, wheat allergy, or any other possible causes of your symptoms.

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Our Complete Body Test

Here at LifeLab, we can help you test for allergies and intolerances/sensitivities. Our comprehensive test, Complete Body Test, can help you check for 38 Allergies and 79 Intolerance. So, you can rule out wheat allergy as the cause of your symptoms and test for wheat intolerance/sensitivity. If you know that allergy is not the reason, you could use our Basic Intolerance Test (40 food and beverages) or Complete intolerance (160 food and beverages) tests. Take steps now to identify a gluten intolerance and adjust your diet.

Order Your Test Today

Allergies and intolerances can greatly impact your life. To manage your symptoms, it’s crucial to take a reliable allergy test to tell you which foods are to blame. Browse our full range of testing kits available at Lifelab on our website, or take our handy online test to help you choose the best test.

References

  1. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/whole-grains/

Low FODMAP Lunch

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Lunch is a necessary meal of the day as it helps power us so we can proceed to finish the second half of the day with energy. Lunch can seem relatively mundane, especially when you have limitations such as cutting down on certain foods and altogether avoiding others with a FODMAP diet. A low FODMAP lunch can cause frustration as you have to consider the impact every ingredient will have on your stomach. One easy option is to have leftovers from dinner to serve as lunch or do meal planning at the beginning of the week / over the weekend to have an already fully planned day ahead.

However, some people don’t like eating meal-prepped foods or have no leftovers from dinner to take to work. If you’re looking for low FODMAP lunch ideas, we’ll give you some delicious and easy-to-make lunch recipes that will fill you up during the day. The easiest meals for your low FODMAP lunch can be salads or sandwiches. These are simple to make, portable, and filling.

Low FODMAP lunch ideas

We have a few low FODMAP lunch recipes you can try and alter according to your liking. These foods you can make the night before work so you are good to go in the morning, all you’ll have to do is throw your lunch box into your bag.

Low FODMAP chicken salad

Ingredients

  • 400g chicken (two large chicken breasts)
  • 120g fresh grapes (black muscatel, red globe, Thompson)
  • 40g celery
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 4 tbsp green onion
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 4 tbsp scallions (green part only)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (vegan or traditional)
  • ½ TSP dried tarragon
  • Salt and pepper to your liking

Method

  1. Put your skinless chicken breasts in a saucepan with water and bring them to a boil. Once it simmers, cover the saucepan with a lid and turn the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the water and put it aside to rest for at least 5 minutes.
  2. Chop the grapes into quarters, thinly slice the celery, finely slice the parsley, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the parsley and green parts of the scallions.
  3. Slice the cooked and resting chicken into small pieces in a bowl. Pour all the sliced salad ingredients into the chicken bowl.
  4. Whisk tarragon, lime juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Pour this dressing over the salad and salad. Mix until well combined. Leave the salad to chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This salad can keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Low FODMAP stuffed peppers

Ingredients

  • 1 cup salsa
  • 6 bell peppers (mixed colours)
  • 1 pound of meat grounded or meat alternative, cooked
  • 2 cups cheese
  • 3 cups brown rice, cooked

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds. Line them on a baking tray.
  3. In a large bowl, combine salsa, cheese, rice, and your meat or meat alternative that’s cooked.
  4. Put this mixture into each bell pepper and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Low FODMAP salmon lettuce boats

Ingredients

Lettuce boat

  • ⅛ avocado
  • 1 can salmon
  • 1 TSP soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 romaine lettuce leaves
  • 2 scallions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dipping sauce

  • 2 tbsp peanut or almond butter
  • 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 TSP brown sugar
  • 1 TSP ground ginger
  • ¼ TSP chili flakes

Method

  1. Combine the butter, sauce, lime juice, sugar, ginger, and chilli flakes in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Mash the avocado in a large bowl.
  3. Add salmon, olive oil, and soy sauce to the bowl.
  4. On every lettuce leaf, fill in with the salmon mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. You can dip the lettuce wrap in the dip or drizzle it.

Low FODMAP quinoa and sweet potato salad

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups quinoa
  • 2 ½ low FODMAP vegetable stock
  • 200g kale, finely chopped
  • 200g sweet potato diced
  • 160g chickpeas
  • 400g cucumber
  • 40g chopped pecans
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • Pepper and salt to taste

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 392 F.
  2. Put the stock in a pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiled, add the quinoa and cook.
  3. Wash the sweet potatoes and slice them into pieces. You can choose to remove the skin or leave it on. If you want to consume more fibre, it’s wise to leave the skin on.
  4. Drain and wash the chickpeas. Put the chickpeas in a baking tray with the sweet potatoes. Bake these for 30 minutes. Toss it around halfway through.
  5. Add the chopped kale to the baking items for 10 minutes when they’re done. Add some olive oil and mix everything.
  6. Cube the cucumbers.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, lime juice, and olive oil, with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Place quinoa in a bowl, and add the roasted vegetables, pecans, and cucumbers. Add the dressing and stir. You can always taste and add more salt, pepper or lime juice.

This recipe makes around four servings. So, you can keep it all in a fridge if you don’t pour the dressing onto the salad mixture.

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Our Complete Intolerance Test Box.

These low FODMAP lunch recipes will reduce your chances of experiencing uncomfortable symptoms after eating. As you can see from the recipes above, you can easily enjoy delicious low FODMAP easy recipes. If you have no idea about foods that trigger intolerance symptoms and you’re avoiding all FODMAPs, we recommend you take an Intolerance Test. This test helps you know which foods your body can’t tolerate. If you order a complete test, you are also entitled to a free 30-minute consultation with a qualified nutritional therapist to discuss your results and diet moving forward. When you start consuming a low FODMAP diet, you will see those IBS symptoms disappear, and then after the recommended time to avoid those foods, you can slowly introduce them back to your diet. This works as an elimination diet. The gradual increase of these foods in your diet will help you determine your tolerance level for certain high FODMAP meals, and you can now plan your diet around that.

Low FODMAP Chicken Recipes

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Chicken is a very versatile food. You can have it in your lightweight salad or your main filling meal in warm and cold weather. How you cook your chicken helps determine what you can pair it with. Low FODMAP chicken recipes are low in FODMAPs to help people suffering from gastrointestinal issues like SIBO and IBS. Both conditions often mean that there is an imbalance in the digestive tract and the only way to bring back balance is by removing all offending foods. After all the symptoms are no longer observed, reintroducing those foods back into your diet, increasing the quantities little by little until you’re able to know the amount of food you can consume and not suffer those symptoms.

Chicken is an important part of a healthy diet. When you’re following a low FODMAP diet, eating more protein becomes a good option, and having low FODMAP chicken recipes can be a lifesaver. Chicken is high in protein and low in calories, which is good for those who mind their calorie intake. Various chicken FODMAP recipes will help you find different ways to cook chicken, so you don’t tire of eating it.

Low FODMAP chicken recipe

Here are some delicious and easy-to-make chicken FODMAP recipes you can make ahead of time or eat right away.

Chicken burrito bowl salad

Chicken burrito bowl salad

Ingredients

Chicken marinade

  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp garlic-infused oil
  • 2 tbsp onion and shallot-infused oil
  • 2 tbsp low FODMAP taco seasoning
  • ½ TSP tomato paste

Cilantro lime rice

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups low FODMAP chicken broth or vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp chopped cilantro

Salad

  • ¾ cup sliced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup corn
  • ½ cup black beans
  • 1 cup chopped lettuce (butter or Roma)
  • 2 tbsp chopped black olives

Toppings

  • 2 tbsp green scallions (only use green parts)
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ avocado sliced
  • Sour cream (lactose-free)
  • One lime

Method

  1. Add the infused oils, lime juice, tomato paste, and taco seasoning in a ziplock bag or container. Then add the chicken thighs and coat it well. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes or even overnight.
  2. Bring chicken soup or vegetable broth to a boil, add your rice, then reduce the flame and cover it. Stir in olive oil or vegan butter, and add salt to taste. Let it simmer until all the water evaporates and it’s nicely cooked.
  3. While the rice cooks, chop the bell peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and olives. Place all these ingredients in a bowl. You can put them in separate bowls if you plan to consume them in one meal.  
  4. Over medium heat, heat a grill or skillet and remove the chicken from the marinade.
  5. On a warm skillet, place the chicken and cook for five minutes on each side. If you have a thermometer, ensure it’s 165F when removing it from the skillet.
  6. Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for up to five minutes before cutting it into cubes.
  7. When your rice is done, fluff it and add lime juice, zest, and cilantro.
  8. Put the cooked rice in bowls, topped with the salad mixture, the chicken, cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and scallions, and enjoy with a side lemon wedge that you can squeeze over your chicken.
Chicken topped with cheeses and spaghetti in a tomato sauce

Spaghetti chicken

Ingredients

  • Two large chicken breasts
  • 6 ounces spaghetti (brown rice)
  • ¾ cup dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp vegan butter
  • 1 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Cook spaghetti accordingly and pour out its water, reserving a quarter cup of spaghetti water. After draining the water, return the pasta to the pot and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
  2. Season the chicken using salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cover. Let it sit for around 5 minutes, and you’ll see it has browned a little. Flip the chicken and cover for another five to six minutes. Once it’s fully cooked, let it cool on a chopping board.
  3. To the same skillet, add wine and cherry tomatoes. Simmer it for 10 minutes or until the tomatoes start softening. Use a spatula to press down the tomatoes bursting them in the process. Continue cooking for a few minutes.
  4. Reduce heat, and add garlic-infused olive oil, butter, basil, and the reserved pasta water. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly. Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add the spaghetti and cooked chicken into the sauce and toss to mix. Serve warm.
Chicken stew with potato, carrot in a rustic bowl

Chickens stew

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of chicken 
  • Garlic-infused olive oil
  • One can of tomatoes with juice
  • One medium carrot diced
  • ½ medium red bell pepper
  • ½ cup FODMAP-friendly dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • 1 ½ TSP dried oregano
  • ⅓ cup of kalamata olives

Method

  1. In a large skillet, heat the oil. Using salt and pepper, season the chicken and sear it in the pan for two minutes on both sides.
  2. Chop bell pepper and carrots. Add the chopped vegetables, wine, tomatoes (with liquid), and oregano, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat once it starts boiling and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked, which could take around 25 minutes, depending on your chicken.
  3. You can add more FODMAP vegetable or chicken broth or water if you want more soup, depending on the dish you’ll be serving it with.
  4. You can add kalamata olives and capers before turning off the heat. Serve warm with a carbohydrate of choice.
Roast chicken and vegetables on a wooden table

Roasted chicken

Ingredients

  • One whole chicken
  • ¼ cup of vegan butter or olive oil
  • Lemon zest of 1 lime
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place the chicken breast on a lined baking tray breast side up.
  3. Mix lemon zest and vegan butter or olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the chicken and sprinkle lemon juice all over it. Then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes before taking it out of the oven. You can leave it for longer if it needs to be fully cooked.
  5. When it’s done, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before you start cutting into it.
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Our Complete Intolerance Test Box.

These low FODMAP chicken recipes are delicious and will help you enjoy your diet. When choosing a low FODMAP diet, you need to know which foods irritate your stomach. Taking an Intolerance Test will help you know your tolerance level to all FODMAPs. The test will help you know which recipes are good for you and which aren’t. You can read more about our methods and the science behind intolerance testing on our website. While some vegetables, even though high in FODMAPs, may be okay for your digestive tract, others won’t. So, instead of cutting them all out of your diet, understand what works for you and what doesn’t by taking an intolerance test.

Kiwi Allergy Guide

Posted on by Kate Young

Kiwi, also known as Chinese gooseberry, is a fruit which is relatively common in people’s diets as it is rich in nutrients and tasty. However, there are some individuals who experience uncomfortable symptoms after eating or touching the fruit. Kiwis can impact individuals in different ways, with some people experiencing severe reactions that others only notice mildly.

Most kiwi fruit allergy symptoms are mild, but this does not mean that individuals cannot respond severely, even sometimes with anaphylaxis. It has been suggested that it is more common for children to experience severe reactions to kiwi compared to adults. Even though having a kiwi allergy means you’ll not tolerate eating kiwis, it can also lead to cross-reactivity with other foods, pollen, or latex. Kiwi allergy is becoming a common issue worldwide, which is why we’ve created this Kiwi Allergy Guide to tell you more about symptoms, cross-reactivity and testing.

What is kiwi allergy?

A kiwi allergy occurs when your immune system mistakes the proteins present in kiwi as harmful substances like viruses or bacteria. After this mistake, the immune system sends white blood cells, IgE antibodies, and other compounds to fight off the “harmful” substances. When the immune system responds in such a manner, even though you don’t have any harmful substances in the body, you’ll witness kiwi allergy symptoms. The proteins present in kiwi fruit that result in allergy symptoms include actinidin, thaumatin-like protein, and kiwellin. However, studies show that the compound 30 kDa thiol-protease actinidin is the major kiwi allergen {1}. People with a kiwi allergy also tend to be hypersensitive to other foods.

Kiwi allergy symptoms

Kiwi fruit allergy symptoms are divided into two categories because there is true kiwi allergy and oral allergy syndrome.

Oral allergy syndrome

Also known as pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS), the body accidentally confuses certain foods for pollen. This leads to the production of mild allergic symptoms. These symptoms include:

  • Itching of the mouth, lips, and tongue after eating the fruit.
  • Skin rashes.

You will notice that Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) symptoms are rising or at their worst when pollen counts are high. OAS symptoms often only last for a few minutes before they disappear.

True kiwi allergy symptoms

When experiencing a true allergy to kiwi, the symptoms tend to be more severe than OAS. If one experiences symptoms like anaphylaxis, there is a need to get them to the emergency room. These include:

  • Abdominal pains.
  • Rashes.
  • Vomiting.
  • Trouble breathing/anaphylaxis (more common than in OAS).
  • Eczema is a skin condition that involves raised, itchy patches.
  • Hives.

If you have a mild reaction when eating kiwi, such as itching around your mouth, it is best to stop eating the fruit because the next time you consume it, the symptoms will reappear. Most true kiwi allergies happen within the first 20-30 minutes of consumption.

Kiwi latex allergy

Latex is a natural product produced by rubber trees and other similar trees. You’ll often find latex in condoms and surgical gloves. Latex allergy often increases the risk of getting different allergic reactions like kiwi allergy. Kiwi and latex share at least two similar allergens hence why they’re tightly connected to each other. If you’re allergic to latex, you might also have a higher risk of getting an allergy to bananas and avocados. The reason for this relationship between latex and fruits is due to the similarity in the compounds present in these fruits and latex. Latex compounds are also similar to compounds present in certain vegetables, fruits, nuts, and tree pollen. So, an allergy to kiwi may also mean you’ll have a latex allergy, through cross-reactivity. Having a kiwi allergy also means that you may be allergic to other fruits and vegetables that share similar compounds to this fruit.

How long does kiwi allergy last?

Kiwi allergy symptoms start a few minutes after contact or consumption of the fruit, mainly within the first two hours of consuming the fruit. For children, it’s possible that they may outgrow their allergies once they enter teenagehood. However, for adults, you need to find ways to manage the allergy since kiwi fruit will always be an allergy you need to deal with. Specific skin-related symptoms like hives and rashes may take at least two days to clear up in the short term. However, if you suffer from a severe allergy to kiwi, you must visit the hospital even after using an EpiPen because sometimes the symptoms reoccur approximately four hours after the first symptoms. Hence, it is best to stay under the doctor’s supervision if the symptoms reoccur in severe cases.

Kiwi allergy in children

Kiwi is a known allergen, and even though kiwi fruit is full of vitamins and nutrients, you shouldn’t wean your baby with kiwi if you have a history of allergies in your family. Babies have weaker immunity and tend to have many allergies even though they outgrow them late on. You can always consult your doctor if you’re worried about kiwi. If your child has an upset stomach, bloating, or even diarrhoea after eating kiwi fruit, these can be symptoms of an allergy. Some other symptoms you may see from an allergic reaction to kiwi include:

  • Redness or swelling around the lips and mouth.
  • Excessive crying.
  • Irritability.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Scaly or red patches on the skin.
  • Hives.

If you suspect your child may be allergic to kiwi, you should take them to a doctor if their symptoms are mild and resolve quickly, or straight to the emergency room if they are severe.

Kiwi allergy testing

basic allergy test
Basic Allergy Test.

If you suspect you may be suffering from a kiwi fruit allergy, then we recommend you visit your doctor and present your symptoms, and they will help you know whether you may have any underlying conditions that could be causing your symptoms. If you’re unsure if kiwi is the specific cause of your allergy symptoms and want to gain more insight, you could order yourself a simple home Allergy Test. At our laboratory, we will test your sample against common allergens in your environment and your food. After a comprehensive review by our scientists, you will get your results on your phone in seven days, showing you foods you need to keep away from since you’re allergic to them.

An allergy test only tells you what you need to avoid. However, you’re the one who needs to do the heavy lifting. The only way to manage an allergy to kiwi is by avoiding the fruit in all ways possible. While some people can consume cooked kiwi since the proteins are inactivated, others can’t. However, you don’t need to try cooking kiwi down to eat it; you can always substitute it for other healthy and nutritious fruits. Be careful when eating salads, drinking smoothies, and generally eating food not prepared by you at home. If you’re eating somewhere other than your home, always let the host or staff know about your allergy so you can prevent yourself from suffering from any kiwi allergy symptoms.

References

  1. Hassan, A. K., & Venkatesh, Y. P. (2015). An overview of fruit allergy and the causative allergens. European annals of allergy and clinical immunology, 47(6), 180-187.

Can a Food Intolerance Cause Weight Gain?

Posted on by Dr. Kristen Poe

Mystery weight gain can be one of the most baffling – and frustrating – symptoms someone can experience. Sometimes the explanation is outside of what is considered traditional as it pertains to weight gain.  Typically, when someone has unexplained weight gain, they have already gone to their general practitioners and had lab work and testing done to rule out more serious causes.   When a patient falls into this category of otherwise normal exams, labs, and testing, it makes sense to look at unexplained weight gain through a different lens.  Sometimes it is not as complicated as it may seem.

Up to 30% of people in the UK suspect they might have a food intolerance/sensitivity of some kind. Food intolerances are a subset of all adverse food reactions and are reported by 15 to 20 percent of the population in the United States as well. Food intolerances/sensitivities are even more common among patients with irritable bowel syndrome and other functional gastrointestinal disorders, with 50 to 80 percent reporting consistent problems with certain foods [1].  The most common symptoms of food intolerances include digestive problems (bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, discomfort etc), and many people have also discovered that their sensitivities may also be contributing to weight gain.

What exactly is a food intolerance?

There is a lot of confusion regarding intolerances vs. allergies.  Intolerances/sensitivities and allergies are often terms that are used interchangeably.  However, they are clinically different, and should not be used as synonyms.  As I tell my patients, an allergy is cut and dry.  If you’re allergic, your immune system is heavily involved, they can be life threatening, and you avoid it.  Food allergy is due to an abnormal immunologic response following exposure (usually ingestion) to a food [1,2]. There are multiple types of food allergies, each with distinct clinical and pathophysiologic features.  Food allergies are broadly categorized into either immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated or non-IgE-mediated processes.  IgE-mediated food allergic reactions are rapid in onset, typically beginning within minutes to two hours from the time of ingestion.  They can be life-threatening and cause anaphylaxis.

Food intolerances/sensitivities often have “a grey area” that is not as easily understood. Unlike an allergy, food intolerances aren’t usually life-threatening – but they can be life-limiting. Food intolerances are not immunologic allergies and do not carry the same risk as an immune system reaction from allergies. A simple way to explain the difference is that food intolerances/sensitivities generally involve the digestive system (although sometimes other body systems and symptoms occur), the amount of food ingested is directly related to the severity of symptoms, and the food causes similar symptoms with each exposure.  A food sensitivity occurs when your body is unable to digest certain compounds, such as the proteins found milk, eggs, wheat, or soy etc.  After you consume a food that contains these compounds, you may later experience uncomfortable symptoms. 

The tricky part is that these symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours.  They can also occur due to imbalances in gastrointestinal pH, gut microbiome, and intestinal integrity.  More and more research from some of the top medical schools, hospitals and institutions in the world are continuing extensive research on the immune system and gut connection. 

Dr. David Heber, MD, PhD, from UCLA School of Medicine [4] states, “70% of the immune system is located in the gut, where diverse bacteria is best.  You likely know that what you eat can affect your weight and energy level throughout the day.  But you might not realize the extent to which diet affects the immune system.”

How can food intolerances cause weight gain?

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Our Complete Intolerance Test Box.

When you eat something you’re intolerant to, it can cause your digestive tract to become inflamed, often resulting in symptoms like those of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).  Chronic inflammation can impact weight gain. To control inflammation, the body naturally produces cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone that comes from the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. In addition to reducing inflammation, however, cortisol increases insulin levels, and can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. As the body produces more insulin to control blood sugar, it can eventually cause insulin-resistance.

When there is a lot of excess insulin and blood sugar in our blood stream, it signals our body to put that excess sugar in storage. We can store some sugar in our liver and muscles, but when these are full, our body starts to store the extra sugar as fat. This of course starts to cause weight gain. Insulin resistance can interfere with your body’s ability to metabolize the foods you eat, which can ultimately lead to weight gain.  These changes encourage the body to store fat rather than processing calories efficiently.  Therefore, unidentified intolerances and sensitivities that cause chronic inflammation can sometimes contribute to unexplained weight gain over time. Food intolerance testing can serve as an additional health optimization tool to help you feel your best. 

References

  1. Lomer MC. Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Feb;41(3):262-75. doi: 10.1111/apt.13041. Epub 2014 Dec 3. PMID: 25471897.
  2. NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel, Boyce JA, Assa’ad A, Burks AW, Jones SM, Sampson HA, Wood RA, Plaut M, Cooper SF, Fenton MJ, Arshad SH, Bahna SL, Beck LA, Byrd-Bredbenner C, Camargo CA Jr, Eichenfield L, Furuta GT, Hanifin JM, Jones C, Kraft M, Levy BD, Lieberman P, Luccioli S, McCall KM, Schneider LC, Simon RA, Simons FE, Teach SJ, Yawn BP, Schwaninger JM. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States: report of the NIAID-sponsored expert panel. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Dec;126(6 Suppl):S1-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.10.007. PMID: 21134576; PMCID: PMC4241964.
  3. Sampson HA, Aceves S, Bock SA, James J, Jones S, Lang D, Nadeau K, Nowak-Wegrzyn A, Oppenheimer J, Perry TT, Randolph C, Sicherer SH, Simon RA, Vickery BP, Wood R; Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, Bernstein D, Blessing-Moore J, Khan D, Lang D, Nicklas R, Oppenheimer J, Portnoy J, Randolph C, Schuller D, Spector S, Tilles SA, Wallace D; Practice Parameter Workgroup, Sampson HA, Aceves S, Bock SA, James J, Jones S, Lang D, Nadeau K, Nowak-Wegrzyn A, Oppenheimer J, Perry TT, Randolph C, Sicherer SH, Simon RA, Vickery BP, Wood R. Food allergy: a practice parameter update-2014. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Nov;134(5):1016-25.e43. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.05.013. Epub 2014 Aug 28. PMID: 25174862.
  4. David Heber M.D., Ph.D., FACP, FASN – Chairman, Herbalife Nutrition Institute https://iamherbalifenutrition.com/health-and-wellness/gut-bacteria-influence-health/

Garlic Allergy and Intolerance Guide

Posted on by Felicia Oladipo

Garlic is a bulbous plant that is used to enhance the taste of many savoury dishes, in all traditional cuisines around the world. Garlic has a pungent smell and a savoury flavour that it adds to meals. However, if you have a garlic allergy, the mere inhalation or its aroma can cause reactions all over your body. Garlic belongs to the allium family, meaning that if you’re allergic to garlic, you may also experience reactions to other spices like chives, leeks, and shallots. Garlic allergy and onion allergy are commonly linked because most patients experience an allergy to both bulbs as they contain specific similar allergens {1}. Garlic allergy is relatively uncommon compared to garlic intolerance, but it still does exist and can be life-threatening. If you’re allergic to garlic, this means that consuming raw or cooked garlic will cause the same reactions, and it’s only best to avoid this spice. Within this guide, we will discuss both garlic allergy and intolerance, including symptoms and ways of testing.

Causes of garlic allergy

Garlic allergy, similar to other allergies, occurs when the body comes in contact with a foreign substance, and your immune system reacts to it. When you have a garlic allergy, your immune system assumes that this substance is “harmful” even though, in reality, it’s not. When your immune system releases antibodies to fight something that’s not typically harmful to the body, it’s what we refer to as an allergic reaction. Food allergies are a specific type of allergy that can be triggered by even the smallest amount of the trigger object or food. Food allergies affect around 8% of children and 3% of adults.

The most common types of allergies are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and eggs. Compared to these, garlic allergy is among the rare allergies people suffer from. According to most clinical trials, garlic’s most common side effects are body odour, bad breath, and garlic allergy.

Garlic allergy symptoms

Garlic allergy symptoms are often experienced within a few minutes of contact with garlic, but for others it may take a few hours before they can witness them. The most common symptoms are those that affect the skin, like rashes and asthma. These garlic allergy symptoms can show up even after touching or inhaling garlic. Symptoms of garlic allergy can either be mild or severe depending on the individual’s reaction. Symptoms include:

  • Skin inflammation.
  • A tingling sensation of the lips, mouth, or tongue.
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose.
  • Itchy nose.
  • Sneezing.
  • Itchy or watery eyes.
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Stomach cramps.
  • Hives, itching, or redness of the skin.
  • Swelling around the mouth, tongue, face, or throat.
  • Anaphylaxis.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Dizziness or fainting.

Differentiating garlic allergy and garlic intolerance

Garlic allergy, as seen above, can be very dangerous because when symptoms like anaphylaxis show up, this tends to be life-threatening and needs immediate medical help. On the other hand, garlic intolerance is not as serious and can’t be life-threatening. The severity of garlic intolerance increases with the amount of garlic you consume. Food allergies are often confused with food intolerance, which also applies to garlic. It is wise to note that garlic intolerance symptoms often dwell in the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, garlic allergy symptoms often include skin reactions, like contact dermatitis.

While garlic allergy results from the immune system mistaking garlic for a dangerous substance, food intolerance is due to the body being sensitive to the proteins present in garlic or the body lacking enzymes required to digest proteins in garlic. When you suffer from garlic allergy, it doesn’t matter how much you consume; you will still experience the symptoms. However, the amount of garlic you often consume matters in garlic intolerance. Most people have some tolerance for the food they are intolerant to. So, if you consume too much of that food or ingredient, that’s when things go wrong, and you experience severe symptoms.

The symptoms of garlic allergy happen within a few minutes to two hours. In garlic intolerance, it may take up to three days to witness the symptoms, which makes it hard to pinpoint the cause to a specific food item or ingredient. Food intolerance symptoms take a long time to show up because food must reach the colon first before you can see or witness any signs.

Intolerance to garlic

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Our Complete Intolerance Test Box.

Garlic intolerance is caused by the lack of certain digestive enzymes that are supposed to help break down or process garlic. Intolerance to garlic can also be caused by other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, or even stress. Intolerance to garlic and other foods is often a result of a myriad of issues, and that’s why we advise you to talk to your doctor to check for underlying problems before you can take our Intolerance Test kit.

When a certain food isn’t broken down in the small intestines, it gets pushed to the colon. Here, it ferments and forms gas, and that’s when you start hearing the stomach rumble, and you get gassiness and stomach cramps. Having garlic intolerance can be very uncomfortable because of these symptoms. It is common for these symptoms to subside and finally come to a halt once you’ve passed on the food, which in this case is garlic.

Garlic intolerance symptoms

Symptoms of garlic intolerance dwell in the digestive tract but are not limited to there. The symptoms of garlic intolerance often vary from one individual to the next based on your level of intolerance for that specific food item. Symptoms of garlic intolerance include:

  • Bloating.
  • Gassiness.
  • Stomach ache or cramps.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Coughing.
  • Headaches.
  • Nausea.
  • A runny nose.

Garlic intolerance remedy

The best way to remedy garlic intolerance is by avoiding consuming garlic. The same applies to garlic allergy. It is possible to find substitutes for this flavour and add it to your meals to prevent experiencing symptoms after eating food loaded with garlic. You can also talk to your doctor (once you’ve proved you have garlic intolerance by taking an Intolerance Test). Under their supervision, they can help you go on a garlic-free diet for a couple of weeks, and after you’re finally feeling well, they’ll help you reintroduce it slowly. This method can help you know the amount of garlic you can use without experiencing a reaction. However, this method is not effective for garlic allergies, where the only remedy is to completely cut it out from your meals.

You may also notice that when you have a garlic allergy or garlic intolerance, you will also suffer from reactions when you consume foods from the same family as garlic. These include:

  • Onions.
  • Chives.
  • Leeks.
  • Shallots.

Garlic is part of the allium family, meaning you may be allergic or intolerant to the above foods. That’s because the proteins or allergens in these foods are similar to each other, and if you’re allergic, your immune system will react to them in the same way. This is known as cross-reactivity. You will also need to be careful about what you’re eating by asking for the ingredients or checking the ingredients list when food shopping. You’ll find that most soups, pre-made marinades, and mixed spices contain garlic, and you’ll need to keep away from these. An allergy to garlic means that you will always have to be careful to avoid any contact you may have with this spice. Sometimes people with garlic allergy can also experience cross-reactivity with pollen allergies like birch pollen {2}.

Testing for garlic allergy and garlic intolerance

If you suspect you may suffer from either garlic allergy or intolerance, you need to talk to your doctor about your history and symptoms. Doing so will help the doctor determine what issue you may be having and whether there could be underlying diseases. If there aren’t any, you can take an Intolerance Test or an Allergy Test. You can pick these depending on which symptoms you have based on what’s listed above, or read more on our page dedicated to allergies vs intolerances. But if you’re still unsure, you can take an Allergy and Intolerance Test to check for both.

These home-lab test kits are great at helping you determine what could be causing the symptoms. It could be a garlic allergy, intolerance, or other foods you consume regularly. These tests check for common allergens to help you determine what is the cause of your symptoms. You can order your preferred test kit online, have it delivered within three days, and once you’ve collected your sample, send it back to the lab for testing, upon which you’ll receive your test result within a week. Find out more about your body and health without even leaving your home!

References

  1. Almogren, A., Shakoor, Z., & Adam, M. H. (2013). Garlic and onion sensitization among Saudi patients screened for food allergy: a hospital based study. African Health Sciences, 13(3), 689-693.
  2. Asero, R., Mistrello, G., Roncarolo, D., Antoniottib, P. L., & Falagiani, P. (1998). A case of garlic allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 101(3), 427-428.

Egg Intolerance Guide

Posted on by Kate Young

Egg intolerance and allergy is a common issue for many people, affecting 0.2% to 7% of the population 1. Considering eggs are a popular ingredient in many meals, and offer great nutritional benefits, it may come as a disappointment if you are experiencing negative symptoms when eating eggs. Within this useful egg intolerance guide, we will explore the symptoms of an intolerance, as well as how this differs from an allergy and how you can test yourself at home.

What causes egg intolerance?

Egg intolerance occurs when your body is unable to digest the proteins in eggs. Because the proteins vary in different parts of the egg, individuals might suffer from either an egg white intolerance, egg yolk intolerance or both. This is also true for different types of eggs, as there may be variation in symptomatic experiences depending on whether chicken egg, duck egg, goose egg or other is consumed.

Egg intolerance symptoms

Symptoms of egg intolerance vary from person to person, but usually involve gastrointestinal problems. A list of common egg intolerance symptoms are:

  • Stomach pain and bloating.
  • Heartburn or indigestion.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Migraine and headache.
  • Runny nose.
  • Diarrhoea.

Egg intolerance test

At Lifelab Testing, our basic intolerance test could tell you whether you’re intolerant to egg whites, egg yolks, or both. Not only this, but the test analyses a small blood sample against 40 food items, so that you can receive a comprehensive overview of your digestive health.

If you discover you are intolerant to eggs, it is recommended that you engage in an elimination diet where you remove eggs fully from your diet. Once you remove this allergen, you should find that your symptoms subside. After the elimination period, slowly begin to reintroduce eggs to determine if you are still intolerant. We suggest that you start with highly cooked eggs, such as processed cakes, for reasons we will go into later in our guide.

Egg allergy

An allergy is an immune response where your body misidentifies the proteins in a food as being harmful. As a result, histamines are released which cause uncomfortable symptoms to arise.

Is egg allergy common?

Egg is one of the most common food allergies in children2, but fortunately it tends to subside in up to 70% of individuals as they grow older.

Egg allergy in babies

It is rare for egg allergy to develop in adulthood, meaning most egg allergies are noticed when a baby is first introduced to egg in their diet. Common reactions include your baby refusing food with egg in, developing a rash or eczema after eating or vomiting.If you suspect your baby is suffering from an egg allergy, it may be beneficial to consult your doctor for further advice on how to manage their allergy. If you are breastfeeding, it is possible that if you eat eggs then the proteins will be present in your breast milk too.Therefore, if you believe your baby experiences symptoms after consuming breast milk, you could remove eggs from your diet completely to see if their symptoms clear up.

Differences in allergies

It is believed that egg yolks are mostly the cause of allergies in adults,whereas it is the eggwhite which is more likely to affect young children. This is because the body may respondnegatively to some proteins in eggs compared to others, such as chicken serum albumin oryolk glycoprotein. Read on to find out more about howsymptoms of egg allergy presentthemselves depending on different factors.

Raw egg allergy

It is argued that the more cooked an egg is, the less likely it is to cause symptoms in those who suffer from an egg allergy.Foods can be categorised into four types of egg cooking:

  • Highly processed foods that contain eggs-manufactured goods such as JaffaCakes.
  • Highly cooked egg-homemade cakes, hard biscuits or dried pasta.
  • Lightly cooked egg-fried or poached egg, omelette, egg custard, pancakes.
  • Uncooked egg-soft meringues, mayonnaise, uncooked cake mix.

Egg allergy but can eat baked goods

Based on the above information, there are instances where people who have an egg allergy will not suffer from symptoms when they consume cooked eggs. The two main allergens in eggs are known as ovomucoid and ovalbumin, which are found in egg whites. Ovalbumin breaks down at high temperatures, meaning that if someone is allergic solely to ovalbumin, they are likely to be able to tolerate cooked eggs 3. Studies report that 70% of children with an egg allergy can tolerate baked eggs, meaning positively they do not have to remove yummy foods such as cakes from their diet.

Egg allergy and vaccinations

Surprisingly, vaccines may contain albumen (the white of an egg), so individuals with severe egg allergy should bear this in mind and take precautions before being vaccinated.According to the NHS, there are 3 common vaccines which contain small amounts of egg protein-the flu, yellow fever and MMR vaccines. For the MMR vaccine, traces of the protein are usually too low to generate allergy symptoms. For the other two vaccines, it is advised that you consult with an allergy specialist to assess the risk vs reward of receiving the vaccine and construct a plan of action.

Egg allergy symptoms

Symptoms of egg allergy can range from mild to severe, these include:

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing.
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea.
  • Stomach pain and excessive gas.
  • Swelling of the throat or mouth.
  • Hives or a rash.
  • Itchy, watering eyes.

In severe instances, individuals may go into anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis symptoms include struggling to breathe, rapid pulse, as well as dizziness or fainting. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing anaphylaxis, use an adrenaline auto-injector if one is available and call the emergency services as soon as possible.

How long do egg allergy symptoms last?

An allergic reaction will occur soon after consuming the food, or even touching it in severe cases. Symptoms may take a few hours or days to disappear completely. For individuals who experience skin problems as a result of an allergy, such as eczema, hives or a rash, this may remain for days or weeks.

Egg allergy test

Our allergy test uses a blood sample to analyse whether you are allergic to 38 food and inhalant items, including egg. Once you order your test it will be shipped to you, where you can complete your egg allergy test at home comfortably.

Foods to avoid with egg intolerance

If you are avoiding eggs due to an allergy, or conducting an elimination diet if you have an intolerance, then it’s important to read the ingredients lists of foods as there may be egg powder, or a different name for egg, in unsuspecting foods. Apart from ‘egg’, it is best to avoid any foods that have the ingredients:

  • Albumin / albumen.
  • Apovitellin.
  • Avidin globulin.
  • Lysozyme.
  • Mayonnaise.
  • Meringue.
  • Ovalbumin.
  • Ovomucoid.
  • Ovomucin.
  • Ovovitellin.
  • Surimi.
  • Vitellin.

Our egg allergy foods to avoid list:

  • Pancakes, waffles and other baked goods.
  • Pasta.
  • Bread or pretzels with an egg wash.
  • Custards, puddings and ice cream.
  • Sauces such as hollandaise or tartar.
  • Breaded and battered foods.

When eating in a restaurant, or somewhere other than your own home, make your host aware of your allergy so that they can ensure no eggs are included in your meal. If you’re having cocktails or coffee, eggs may be used to create the foam on drinks.

Egg substitute for allergies

For people who have an egg allergy, vegan foods are a good option as you are guaranteed that these items do not contain egg. Egg substitutes include:

  • Aquafaba (chickpea water)-is known as the perfect egg substitute.
  • Applesauce or mashed banana-for baking.
  • ‘Egg replacer’ products.
  • Soy lecithin-if you need an egg yolk replacement.

Egg allergy and intolerance

If you think you have an egg allergy or intolerance, it’s important to know for sure so that you can begin to make changes to improve your health. If you don’t know whether you are suffering from an allergy or intolerance to eggs, we recommend you order an at home test to get a clearer indication of whether egg is the cause of your uncomfortable symptoms. If you’d like further advice on which test to choose, contact one of our helpful team members easily.

Foods With Yeast to Avoid

Posted on by Kate Young

Yeast is a type of fungus commonly used in food production. You can find yeast in popular foods and drinks like kombucha, bread, sweets, and most baked goods. Yeast is also naturally present in the body, but it’s a different species known as candida. When there’s an imbalance in the body, that’s when you’ll have a yeast infection. The yeast in your body can flare up, causing imbalances due to antibiotics or lifestyle changes.

When you’re trying to avoid foods with yeast, it’s primarily because of an existing yeast intolerance or yeast allergy. A true yeast allergy is rare, and it may be due to other proteins in beverages like beer and wine rather than yeast itself. But even though a yeast allergy is rare, a yeast intolerance isn’t. About 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, but only a few of them are food and yeast allergies{1}. A yeast intolerance can result in gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, gas, and cramps. It is important to note that the gut naturally contains its yeast, and some foods can trigger it even if they don’t have yeast.

Despite having yeast intolerance or allergy, some people go yeast-free because it helps manage candida symptoms{2}. Candida overgrowth causes yeast infections in the urinary tract, the mouth, and the gastrointestinal tract. One theory as to why candida overgrowth happens is believed to be the misuse or overuse of antibiotics. Too many antibiotics result in the death of good microflora in the gut, allowing space for the growth of candida and other harmful bacteria. Another reason for the overgrowth of candida is excessive stress and hormone imbalance. So, a yeast-free diet is also believed to help regulate this bacteria.

Foods with yeast

Certain foods are notorious for containing yeast. When getting into a yeast-free diet, it is necessary to note foods to avoid with yeast. They include:

  • Leavened baked goods- Most baked goods are foods with the most yeast. They include bread, muffins, croissants, and biscuits containing yeast. Bakers use yeast to make these goods rise and add flavour. So, if you love baked goods, it is essential to inquire whether or not yeast was used in the preparation.
  • Breakfast cereals- Most cereals contain malt. Malt is fermented barley made with yeast. It is necessary to avoid malt if you have an allergy or intolerance to yeast. In most packaged products, you’ll find it labelled as “malt syrup” or “malt extract.”
  • Sweets- Most types of sweets contain malt as an ingredient. If you’re following a yeast-free diet, you’ll need to check the ingredients list on candies.
  • Miso- There are types of miso that use yeast in their fermentation process.
  • Soy sauce- Yeast is a common ingredient in soy sauce. So, when buying processed foods, you can find soy sauce to be an ingredient.
  • Berries and grapes- Even though most foods contain added yeast, it occurs naturally in some foods like grapes and berries. So, if you’re allergic to yeast, even the tiny amounts present in these fruits will result in an allergic reaction.

Alcohol and Yeast Intolerance

The problem for those with a yeast allergy is mostly with fermented drinks. All alcoholic beverages use yeast to help with the fermentation process. It’s used to turn the sugars into ethanol. No yeast, no alcohol.

Despite this, because distilling a drink usually removes most yeast by-products from the liquid, the vast majority of distilled spirits are considered yeast-free. The consensus is that the distillation process removes all but the most minute traces of yeast from these drinks.

Why you should avoid foods with yeast

If you have yeast intolerance, consuming any foods with yeast may result in digestive issues. Even though digestive problems aren’t life-threatening, they can’t still cause inconveniences because of how you’ll feel, interfering with the quality of your life. Some people also suffer from yeast allergy, which has some severe symptoms and, in some cases, can even be life-threatening. Many people who suffer from a yeast allergy are also allergic to other fungi and moulds.

If you’re perfectly healthy and don’t suffer from either an allergy or intolerance to yeast, you shouldn’t deny yourself the amazing foods and drinks made using yeast. However, you’ll find that some people follow a yeast-free diet to help prevent candida infections.

If you aren’t sure why you are reacting to yeast, you should know that there are three leading causes. These include:

  • Yeast buildup– Sometimes, an overload of yeast in the body can result in a yeast infection. When you have a fungal infection, the symptoms will be similar to those of an allergy, and the difference will be that it’s curable. Some antibiotics will help chase away the yeast infection and a lifestyle change.
  • Yeast allergy- When you’re allergic to yeast, you will notice symptoms affecting the whole body leading to changes in mood, skin reactions, and widespread body pain. Allergic reactions can, at times, be dangerous to your general health and life. A yeast allergy occurs because the body assumes that “yeast” is a harmful foreign bacteria and attacks it. This attack leads to various symptoms that we see physically on the body.
  • Yeast intolerance- Yeast intolerance isn’t as severe as yeast allergy. Most of the symptoms are limited to the digestive tract. Yeast intolerance occurs when the body finds proteins in yeast that it is sensitive toward or it can’t digest as it lacks the proper enzymes to do the job. So, when you consume foods fermented with yeast or foods made with yeast and you have a yeast intolerance, then you will get various gastrointestinal symptoms.

What’s the difference between a yeast allergy and intolerance?

While these two are what mainly cause people to avoid foods with yeast, they are not similar conditions. The symptoms of yeast allergy and intolerance vary from one person to another. However, yeast intolerance is more common than yeast allergy. Yeast intolerance symptoms can take days, while a yeast allergy symptom shows almost immediately.

While a yeast intolerance can cause some discomfort, unpleasant sensations, and pain, a yeast allergy is more severe and life-threatening. One of the most severe yeast allergy symptoms is anaphylaxis, which can lead to a coma or even death if not treated immediately.

While yeast intolerance affects the gastrointestinal tract due to the body’s difficulty digesting the food, a yeast allergy causes symptoms all over the body because it triggers the immune system. Both conditions affect different parts of the body.

You can outgrow a yeast intolerance by working closely with your doctor to make your body resistant. However, you can’t outgrow an allergy; it’s there to stay if you’re already an adult. Only kids can outgrow food allergies when they grow up. When it comes to yeast intolerance, some people can tolerate specific amounts of yeast, while others can’t. But when you’re allergic to yeast, you can’t take a small amount of yeast and not get a reaction. Even trace amounts of yeast result in allergy symptoms.

Yeast intolerance and allergy test

If you react to yeast, it is best to talk to your doctor and get their opinion on the matter. Once they rule out any underlying conditions, you can consider other possibilities like yeast allergy or yeast intolerance. The most common yeast intolerance and yeast allergy symptoms include:

complete-intolerance-front
Our Complete Intolerance & Allergy Test Kit
  • Rashes
  • Bloating
  • Joint pain
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Dizziness
  • Gastrointestinal issues

If you see the above symptoms, you’ll need to get yourself an Allergy and Intolerance Test, which will help you understand whether you’re suffering from a yeast allergy or yeast intolerance. You can easily order your test kit online and have it delivered to your doorstep within three days. You can mail back the sample to the labs, where it will be cross-checked against many other common allergens, and you’ll get your result within a week. You will also get a list of items you should eliminate from your diet to avoid further symptoms and inconveniences.

Final thoughts on avoiding foods with yeast

If consuming foods with yeast causes you discomfort, it is best to look into the main problem that you may have at hand. Sometimes people get reactions when they drink beer and not when they eat leavened bread, and that’s a sign that you don’t have a yeast intolerance or allergy but rather a problem with some other proteins present in the beer. Once you are sure that it could either be an intolerance or allergy, you can get yourself an Allergy and Intolerance Test online, and it will help you determine whether it’s one or the other. If you have either issue, it’s best to take up a yeast-free diet to avoid further symptoms and hurting your body.

References

  1. Food Allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Source: https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/
  2. Bauer, B. A. (2014, August 5). What is a candida cleanse diet and what does it do? Source:https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/candida-cleanse/faq-20058174

Understanding Chocolate Allergies

Posted on by Kate Young

Considering how delicious and popular chocolate is, it is no surprise that you can find it in various foods, snacks, desserts, and drinks. However, chocolate can cause problems for those people who are allergic to it. A chocolate allergy is quite rare, and most people who experience such symptoms often do so because of the other ingredients found in this yummy snack.

Chocolate is a mixture of various ingredients. For example, you need cocoa powder (a processed version of cacao), sugar, fats, and emulsifiers (like soy lecithin). You will also find milk as an ingredient in most chocolates. When you’re allergic to chocolate, it will take a bit of testing to nail down the exact ingredient causing those reactions.

Can you be allergic to chocolate?

Cocoa contains a lot more phenolic antioxidants than most foods. The antioxidant effects of cocoa may directly influence insulin resistance and, in turn, reduce the risk for diabetes. Cocoa can also protect the nerves from injury, protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation, and improve cognitive functions and mood {1}. Despite its many benefits, some people have to avoid this great food item.

You’re most likely to be allergic to chocolate if you’re allergic to cocoa’s primary source. But, it is also possible to be allergic to chocolate because of the ingredients in that specific chocolate bar. You will find that most chocolates include ingredients like nuts, milk, or even wheat. These ingredients can set off an allergic reaction. For example, it is common to find those people with celiac disease reacting to chocolate. The most common theory to justify this is cross-reactivity.

Sometimes, you get symptoms after consuming chocolate because you are already taking some prescribed drugs. Chocolate doesn’t interact well with certain drugs like Prozac (fluoxetine). The symptoms you observe that you may think are a chocolate allergy could be Prozac and similar medications. You should ensure that your doctor is aware of your medication before you have your allergy test. It is essential to check into this if your test comes out negative and you take these medications.

Chocolate allergy symptoms

Chocolate allergy can cause diverse reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. If you experience adverse reactions when consuming chocolate, it is better to stay away from it. The most common symptoms of chocolate allergy include:

  • Migraines
  • Heartburn
  • Cramps
  • Swelling
  • Cough
  • Itching, hives, or chocolate allergy rash
  • Anaphylaxis

However, it is more common to experience chocolate sensitivity or intolerance. It could be because you are sensitive to cocoa or other ingredients like amino acid tyramine. When you have a chocolate intolerance, you can eat small amounts of it without experiencing symptoms. However, a large amount of chocolate consumed when you have a chocolate intolerance can always result in gastrointestinal symptoms and other symptoms like:

  • Acne
  • Bloating or gas
  • Constipation
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Skin rash or contact dermatitis
  • Upset stomach

Some people experience certain symptoms after eating chocolate because of its caffeine. If you have caffeine intolerance or sensitivity, you may experience symptoms like:

  • Shakiness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fast or uneven heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness

Risk factors of chocolate allergy

Even though most people who get an allergic reaction to chocolate have it because of cocoa, others can have the same experience with various ingredients. People have an allergic reaction to chocolate because oif ingredients like:

  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, or peanuts
  • Wheat

Suppose you get allergy symptoms after eating any of the listed common ingredients. In that case, you’re more likely to have an allergic reaction when eating chocolates because they are common ingredients in this sweet snack. Chocolate can also cause problems for people who have nickel allergies. Statistically, about 15% of the population is allergic to nickel which is also present in dark and milk chocolate, cocoa powder, and many nuts that we mostly find in chocolate bars. Chocolate is often contaminated with heavy metal lead and cadmium.

Alternatives to chocolate

If you’re allergic to chocolate, you need to educate yourself and read the ingredients when shopping carefully. When eating out, you’ll need to inform the person cooking or the chef at the restaurant about your concerns and allergies so they don’t cook using ingredients that flare up your allergies. If you’re sure about your allergy to cacao, you will also need to check out candies and sweets that contain it as an ingredient to avoid it.

When you’re sensitive or allergic to it, Carob’s best alternative to chocolate isOne alternative to chocolate is Carob – a legume-like pod which is chocolate in colour and taste. So, you can use the chocolate alternative Carob in any recipes that call for chocolate. Carob is a healthier version of chocolate since it’s high in fibre, low in sugar and fat, and caffeine-free.

If you’re sensitive to chocolate milk, you can use dark chocolate in your recipes as it doesn’t list milk as an ingredient. However, some people report having reactions to dark chocolate because even though they don’t list milk as an ingredient, some companies still put milk in these chocolates, so it’s better to make sure it’s milk-free{2}. The simplest way around having a nut allergy or milk allergy is by buying a dairy-free and nut-free chocolate. Otherwise, if your problem is with the chocolate itself, you can use Carob, a healthy alternative to chocolate.

Chocolate allergy test

basic-allergy-test-front
Our Basic Allergy Test Kit

If you have the above symptoms every time you consume chocolate, you might think it’s a chocolate allergy which is a great assumption. Still, we advise you to see your doctor and let them rule out any other underlying diseases. If there aren’t any, then you can take an Allergy Test. The allergy test will look into chocolate and other common allergens found in chocolate like nuts and milk. It is simple since you’ll order a test online and receive it at your home in 1-3 days.

Suppose the test comes out negative and you are still experiencing symptoms similar to those mentioned above. In that case, you can talk to your doctor or even check the prescriptions you have and inquire to your doctor whether they could be causing the symptoms. But if you tend to have gastrointestinal issues after consuming chocolate, you can take an Intolerance Test. It will help you determine whether your body is intolerant to cocoa or other ingredients in chocolate. Once you get your results, you should know that it’s safer to keep off any chocolates or ingredients that might cause you to have allergy symptoms. It is better to use the healthy chocolate alternative, Carob.

Precautions to take when suffering from chocolate allergy

If you’re sensitive or allergic to chocolate or other ingredients found in this sweet treat, you need to keep away from nuts, milk, and other chocolate products. At restaurants, always ask for meals free of chocolate, especially in your desserts. When grocery shopping at the supermarket, you will also need to be extra careful when reading ingredients so you won’t consume any foods with chocolate or cocoa.

It is also common to find chocolate in candy bars and other unexpected places. You might discover cocoa as an ingredient in flavoured coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Some jams and marmalades also contain cocoa. A savoury Mexican sauce called mole also contains cocoa. You might also find it as an ingredient in some laxatives.

Final thoughts on chocolate allergies

Chocolate allergies are very rare to find. Most of the time, people reacting to chocolate always become sensitive to certain ingredients used in making the snack. Sensitivities or chocolate intolerances are more common compared to a true chocolate allergy. The easiest way to diagnose a chocolate allergy or intolerance is by taking an Allergy and Intolerance Test. This test will check for both allergy and intolerances to chocolate, but it will also check for other common allergen foods, including milk and nuts. Grab your test kit today and know your diagnosis. If you experience severe reactions to chocolate like anaphylaxis, it is wise to carry an EpiPen with you at all times.

References

  1. Katz, D. L., Doughty, K., & Ali, A. (2011). Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 15(10), 2779–2811. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2010.3697
  2. Dark chocolate and milk allergies. (2017). Source: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/allergic-milk-some-dark-chocolate-labeled-dairy-free-may-still-contain-milk