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
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
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.
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.
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.
Over medium heat, heat a grill or skillet and remove the chicken from the marinade.
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.
Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for up to five minutes before cutting it into cubes.
When your rice is done, fluff it and add lime juice, zest, and cilantro.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Add the spaghetti and cooked chicken into the sauce and toss to mix. Serve warm.
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
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.
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.
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.
You can add kalamata olives and capers before turning off the heat. Serve warm with a carbohydrate of choice.
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
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place the chicken breast on a lined baking tray breast side up.
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.
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.
When it’s done, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before you start cutting into it.
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.
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.
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.
Food allergies are common in both children and adults, where around 5% of children under five suffer from food allergies. The prevalence of food allergies has been on the rise. From 1997 to 2007, food allergies in children under 18 years increased by 18%. Even though some children outgrow food allergies before their teen years, allergies to tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, and fish may be lifelong. Identifying food allergies in children is very important as it prevents them from suffering from severe symptoms that could harm their health and well-being. Allergies can also affect a child’s nutrient intake and growth {1}. Allergies can also be life-threatening because they can sometimes cause a condition known as anaphylaxis which needs immediate medical attention.
Around 90% of food allergies are caused by eight common foods, which we will go into more detail below. Read on to find out the most common child allergies and intolerances, including symptoms and testing.
Common child allergies
Food allergies can present in infants even when the mother is breastfeeding. This is because the child reacts to foods the mother has eaten. Therefore, it may be necessary for a mother to remove food items from their diet to prevent their baby from experiencing symptoms. When a mother eliminates these foods from their diet, it relieves the child, preventing further complications. It is common for children to develop allergies once they start weaning as they react to the foods being introduced to their systems for the first time. Even feeding a child milk powder can cause an allergic reaction, considering the primary ingredient in the milk powder is cow’s milk.
There are certain foods which cause approximately 90% of food allergies in children. These include:
Peanuts.
Milk.
Eggs.
Fish.
Shellfish (crab, lobster, crayfish, and shrimp).
Soy.
Tree nuts (for example, pecans, cashews, and walnuts).
Wheat.
Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish tend to be the most severe in children because they are most likely to develop life-threatening anaphylaxis. These four main food allergies are also the ones that tend to last for a lifetime. It is possible for children to outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, soy, and wheat, commonly during or before their teen years.
Children’s hayfever
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to allergens such as grass pollen. It is medically referred to as allergic rhinitis. During the warmer seasons, it is common to see children play outside, where they will inhale airborne pollen. A child’s pollen allergy triggers the mucous membrane, triggering hay fever allergy symptoms.
If a child has hay fever, you’ll notice they’ll start sneezing; experience laboured breathing, watery eyes, and runny nose. Hay fever in children occurs because their body’s immune system mistakes the pollen for “invaders” like bacteria. This causes the immune system to release substances such as histamines which often cause hay fever symptoms. There are different pollination seasons for various trees and grass. So, depending on which specific plants cause hay fever symptoms in your child, they may only experience symptoms if it’s a particular plant’s pollination season. It is therefore beneficial to identify which plant causes symptoms, which can be done through an allergy test which analyses a blood sample against different grasses.
Even though some children have easily identifiable hay fever symptoms, other kids don’t experience such visible symptoms, and their lives aren’t affected when it’s hay fever season. So, the severity of hay fever symptoms varies from one child to the next.
Food Allergies in children
As listed above, there are food allergies in children which are more common than others. We will now expand on these allergies and how they develop.
Peanuts and tree nuts
Peanuts are different from tree nuts because, as the name suggests, tree nuts are nuts that grow on trees, while peanuts grow beneath the ground. Even though children may have a peanut allergy, they may be able to tolerate tree nuts. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds, hazel nuts, pecans, cashews, and Brazil nuts; all the nuts are in hard shells. Allergies to either tree nuts, peanuts, or both, can bring about a reaction known as anaphylaxis, which occurs within minutes of consuming these nuts and is life-threatening. Ensure that caregivers, teachers, and family members are aware of your child’s allergy. Nuts contain essential nutrients but aren’t a necessary part of a diet, so you can easily eliminate this from your child’s diet.
Milk
Milk is a common cause of allergies in infants. 2% of children under two years suffer from milk allergy {2}. Milk allergy in babies is common because this is the first allergen consumed in such huge amounts, especially if the child is being bottle-fed or formula. Most people who bottle feed their children often feed them with cow’s milk. However, a child can develop milk allergy simply from breastfeeding, but that’s less common. Once you have identified that milk is the cause of your baby’s symptoms, it is necessary to eliminate milk from your infant’s diet. Sheep and goat milk aren’t good alternatives because they contain the same allergens present in cow’s milk. Breastfeeding mothers should also eliminate dairy from their diet to prevent triggering their infants.
Babies’ most common milk allergy symptoms are colic and itchy, dry eczema. You may also notice that your baby vomits after drinking milk and also experiences diarrhoea and gassiness. You can substitute milk for soy milk or soy formula if they aren’t allergic to soy protein. If your child doesn’t tolerate soy, your paediatrician may recommend a specialised formula made of hydrolyzed protein and amino acid elemental formula.
As your child’s immune system develops, they might outgrow milk allergy, and you can introduce it back to their diet. However, you should only do so once you have verified that your child is allergy-free, by consulting their doctor. Milk is essential in a child’s diet as it helps form strong bones, muscles, and teeth. It also helps with nerve function and the health of every system in the body. For older children, you can ensure they get other food substitutes rich in calcium like:
Dark-green leafy vegetables.
Calcium-fortified orange juice.
Canned fish ate with the bones (e.g., sardines, salmon).
Dried figs and prunes.
Tofu.
Dried beans.
Eggs
The common protein in eggs that causes an allergic reaction is mainly found in egg whites. Even though your child can consume egg yolks, it is better to keep away from both because of possible contamination. Eggs contain essential proteins and nutrients but aren’t necessary for a balanced diet. You can substitute eggs for fish, dairy products, legumes, meat, and grains. Ensure you also check foods when grocery shopping for possible egg ingredients.
Fish and shellfish
Shellfish fall into two categories;
Crustaceans, like shrimp, crab, or lobster.
Mollusks, like clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, octopus, or squid.
People who are allergic to shellfish, will either experience symptoms when consuming foods from one group, or both. Most allergic reactions from shellfish result from someone consuming the shellfish, while others get reactions simply from inhaling the scent of shellfish cooking. Shellfish allergies usually last a lifetime; hence one needs to learn to avoid and manage them.
Fish allergy involves fish like tuna and cod. People with fish allergies can be allergic to one type of fish and not the other. Rarely people with a fish allergy can get a reaction from breathing in the scent of fish cooking or simply touching it. Therefore, most times, allergic reactions come from eating fish. Fish allergies often last a lifetime. The most common shellfish and fish allergy symptoms include wheezing, trouble breathing, coughing, hoarseness, throat tightness, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, itchy, watery, or swollen eyes, hives, red spots, swelling, a drop in blood pressure, and causing lightheadedness or loss of consciousness (passing out). Allergic reactions can differ from one child to the next. If you notice your child is experiencing anaphylaxis, symptoms often include a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and trouble breathing. You need to call emergency medical services or rush to the nearest hospital, as this is life-threatening. If your child is breastfeeding, you may notice that your baby experiences symptoms when the mother eats certain foods, such as shellfish or fish. As a result, the mother needs to eliminate these from her diet.
Soy
If you start feeding your child soy baby formula, you may notice symptoms such as a rash, runny nose, wheezing, diarrhoea, or vomiting, which results from an allergic reaction to soy protein. It is possible that children allergic to cow’s milk can be allergic to soy too. Your paediatrician can recommend a low-allergenic formula that is safe for your baby to consume. Even with a soy allergy, it is possible to tolerate soy oil since it contains less protein.
Wheat
Oats and rice are the most common grains first introduced to children because they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Once children show no allergic reaction to wheat, it is common to introduce wheat next. If your child is allergic to wheat proteins, you will notice hives and wheezing immediately upon consumption. Reactions to wheat can also be a symptom of celiac disease. If so, you’ll see symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, irritability, poor weight gain, and slow growth. You can observe signs of celiac disease shortly after your child has had their first bowl of cereal. It is common not to make a diagnosis until adulthood since some children can have the condition at a low level for years.
Pet allergy
You will notice symptoms such as wheezing, stuffy nose, and watery and itchy eyes as soon as your child comes in contact with a pet dander. It is also possible for your child to experience an asthma attack upon coming in contact with a cat or dog. Your child can experience symptoms by inhaling pet dander or coming in contact with pet saliva. This allergic reaction is due to the proteins found in animal skin cells, saliva, and urine. Some allergy therapy or allergy shots help kids with a pet allergy. Alternatively, you can stay in a pet-free home for their sake.
Kids’ allergy symptoms
Our Basic Allergy Test.
It is expected that most allergies in children aren’t fully developed until the age of seven, which is why most kids outgrow their allergies earlier. If you think your child may be suffering from an allergy, you must talk to your doctor or their paediatrician. You can also get your child an Allergy Test. It is recommended to consult with your doctor before ordering a test, and is most suitable for children aged 7 and over. This child allergy testing for kids will check for all the common food allergies, pet allergies, and hay fever allergies. All you need to do is order the test kit, take the sample and send it back to the labs, where the sample will be tested against 38 common allergens, and you’ll get your results within a week.
The common allergy symptoms to look out for in children include:
Sneezing.
Coughing.
Itchy mouth/throat.
Watering eyes.
Wheezing or chest tightness.
Rashes.
Hives or swelling.
Nausea.
Vomiting or diarrhoea.
In extreme cases, anaphylaxis.
Difference between allergy and intolerance
Even though it’s common to see the word “intolerance” and “allergy” interchanged, they are different conditions, and you’ll see why after reading this. A food allergy arises when you consume an allergen, and the immune system mistakes it for an invader, releasing histamines which result in allergy symptoms that we notice within minutes to two hours after consumption of the allergen. Food allergies mainly occur in children because their stomach lining isn’t fully developed yet.
Food intolerance, on the other hand, happens because your body lacks a certain enzyme necessary to digest the proteins in the food consumed. Upon lack of enough enzyme to digest said proteins, gastrointestinal symptoms manifest. These symptoms manifest because undigested food gets pushed into the large intestines, where it ferments and produces gas, causing constipation, gassiness, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. If you think your child may be suffering from food intolerance, you can use a home-lab Intolerance Test to check for possible food intolerances they may have.
Most of these symptoms of food intolerance cease to occur once you pass that food. However, in the case of allergies, symptoms such as hives and rashes take a while to stop appearing after taking medication. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances aren’t life-threatening but just uncomfortable. Allergy symptoms appear almost immediately after contact with an allergen, while food intolerance symptoms can take upto 48 hours to show. You can check more about the difference between a food allergy and an intolerance.
Food intolerance in children
Food intolerance is a reaction to the food one has consumed. Food intolerances result from the body lacking certain enzymes to break down the food proteins or the body reacting to chemicals in that food. Most people can tolerate small amounts of foods that they’re intolerant to. Symptoms of food intolerance are often delayed and can happen days to hours after food consumption.
The most common food intolerance in children includes gluten and lactose. Lactose is a sugar in milk, and most children find it hard to digest, hence lactose intolerance in children. Gluten, on the other hand, is a protein present in barley, wheat, and rye. Children are often exposed to gluten once they begin weaning since they’re exposed to items like biscuits, cereals, and bread which often contain gluten. Gluten intolerance in children isn’t life-threatening; your child won’t experience symptoms like anaphylaxis. However, the most common food intolerance symptoms include brain fog, headaches, migraines, dizziness, joint pain, and rashes on elbows, knees, buttocks, or the back of the neck.
Child intolerance test
If you notice gastrointestinal symptoms in your child, it most likely means that there is a food that they’re intolerant to. To narrow down the food intolerance your child is suffering from, you can take a home-lab child Intolerance Test. This test will check your child’s sample against 159 foods and drinks that could be causing intolerance symptoms. With the test comes a 30-minute free consultation with a nutritional therapist who will help you figure out the proper diet for your child that won’t result in weight loss or dietary deficiencies. Get your child tested today to prevent those simple intolerance symptoms from turning into severe cases.
References
1. Christie, L., Hine, R. J., Parker, J. G., & Burks, W. (2002). Food allergies in children affect nutrient intake and growth. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 102(11), 1648-1651.
2. Heine, R. G., Elsayed, S., Hosking, C. S., & Hill, D. J. (2002). Cow’s milk allergy in infancy. Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology, 2(3), 217-225.
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:
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.
Have you been looking for delicious vegan chocolate chip cookies? Then you’re in the right spot. Finding a delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe that is not only great on your taste buds but also intolerance-friendly can be challenging. When you have intolerances like wheat, milk, eggs, gluten, and others, finding recipes for baked goods that you can enjoy and share with your friends and family without being afraid of getting intolerance symptoms is a little challenging.
If you discover you have specific allergies and intolerances to food, you can recreate recipes you used to enjoy with ingredients that won’t affect your health. This vegan chocolate chip recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free.
It is beneficial to make your own food at home when dealing with food allergies and intolerances because when cooking or baking at home, you can always decide which recipes to use and the amounts to use in each recipe. By doing this, you’re keeping yourself safe and creating healthy options for yourself. Most baked goods we buy contain too much sugar and fats, but when preparing the recipes at home, it gets easier to ensure that you’re eating healthily.
Ingredients
2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated (white) sugar
3/4 cup soft dairy-free butter
1/4 non-dairy milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (150°C fan). Preheating the oven ensures that the heat inside is evenly distributed, and once you start cooking your cookies, they will cook all the way through, not just on the surface. Line a baking sheet or two with baking parchment to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking tray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and sugars and beat or mix until smooth and well combined. Creaming the butter and sugar evenly ensures it disperses sugar evenly into the mixture and increases the mixture by introducing more air into it.
Add the chocolate chips to the cookie dough
3. Add the milk and vanilla and mix again. Evenly mix the wet mixture until everything is incorporated fully.
4. Add in your flour and baking soda and mix until combined. Mix baking soda and flour beforehand so that you don’t need to do a lot of mixing when adding your dry mixture (flour) into your wet mixture (butter, eggs, and milk). The less mixing you do when introducing flour into your wet mixture, the fluffier your cookies will be. We all want cookies that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside but well cooked.
5. Pour your chocolate chips into the bowl and fold these in. when folding, don’t overdo it, just ensure an uneven distribution of the chocolate chips. Overmixing the cookie dough will prevent it from being fluffy and rising.
Mix thoroughly
6. Using a tablespoon (or I prefer to use a small ice cream scoop), place balls of cookie dough onto the baking sheets. Gently press the dough flat. For more decoration ideas, you can use the back of a fork to press them down to create unique textures.
7. Bake for 10 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown. Cookies continue to bake after they have been taken out of the oven, so don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked.
8. Leave to cool on the baking trays or a wire rack and enjoy!
An ice cream scoop is a great way to get the right size.
FAQS
How many calories are in a cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 195 calories.
How to store cookies
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for five days at room temperature or refrigerated. If refrigerated, leave to return to room temperature before eating for a more enjoyable experience.
Can you freeze cookies?
If you do not want to make all cookies at once, you can freeze the unused dough for up to 3 months.
When baking cookies using frozen dough, you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time to give it a little time to return to room temperature.
Should you melt the butter in the recipe?
It’s recommended not to melt the butter before using it in the recipe. Bring the butter to room temperature instead. This will stop your cookies from spreading too much during baking.
If you want to explore more allergy-friendly recipes, you can visit our dedicated vegan recipe page, where you’ll find many tasty desserts and snacks to make at home.
When compared with the rest of the world, the UK has some of the highest allergy rates you’ll find. This is perhaps unsurprising, given our far-stretching beautiful countryside is home to a wealth of fauna and flora, and less than 1% of the UK has been built on.
Which allergies, though, are the most common of all? And who do they affect?
Check out our graphic on allergies, or read on for more information.
It’s important that we collectively get better at diagnosing and identifying allergies in the UK, as the number of patients admitted to hospital following an allergic reaction doubled between 2013 and 2020, reaching over 27,000 per year.
To increase the complexity of this equation further, more and more people are confusing allergy symptoms with COVID-19 symptoms; given there’s a lot of overlap when it comes to runny noses and sore throats. Read our insights on how to tell the difference between the two.
Allergies in children
Another interesting trend our research uncovered is that children with allergies are 80% likely to have two parents who are also allergic in some capacity.
So, if you’re noticing that your child may find allergens problematic, it may be worth you conducting an at-home allergy test to get a quick indicator of whether you, like many others, are also afflicted.
Hay fever
Our survey wouldn’t be complete without looking into the impacts of hayfever, one of the most common allergies in the UK. Most notably, we found that almost two thirds of adult hayfever sufferers felt their sleep was negatively impacted by their allergy with stuffy noses impacting breathing during the night.
This increased to 90% in children, and so antihistamines may be a prerequisite to a good night’s sleep for many.
Managing common allergies
One final insight we’d like to draw attention to is that almost a third of allergy sufferers reported that they have had to adjust their lifestyles to reduce their allergic reactions. This is a smart move, and the practical, actionable steps we’d advise taking include:
1. Properly diagnosing the allergy. You can do this by taking allergy and intolerance tests, and consulting with a GP for professional advice.
2. Adjusting your lifestyle or diet to minimise the chance of an allergic reaction.
3. If an allergy is inevitable, such as a seasonal allergy or hay fever, make sure you’re equipped to fight it as best you can.
We hope you have enjoyed reading our insights and that you’re on your way to comfortably managing your allergy. For more advice, check out our blog which is bursting with handy insights around everything from alcohol sensitivity to elimination diets.
In the UK, every year thousands of people suffer from uncomfortable symptoms caused by a reaction to environmental allergens. Seasonal allergies, otherwise known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are a common part of many people’s lives, yet recent circumstances have brought about challenges not faced before.
Following the outbreak of coronavirus, it is now difficult to know whether you’re experiencing hay fever or COVID-19, as symptoms could overlap between the two. As a result, we’ve put together all the information you need to know about seasonal allergies vs COVID-19.
Pollen is the most common allergen thought to affect 1 in 5 people during their lifetime. This mainly occurs in Spring and Summer as plants release pollen, resulting in people experiencing an adverse immune response. Sometimes these reactions are to specific plants, such as a tree pollen allergy or grass pollen allergy.
Hay Fever
Hay fever is the body’s allergic response to environmental outdoor or indoor substances (mainly pollen) that are wrongfully identified as harmful. An allergic reaction to pollen is called hay fever.
How long does hay fever last?
Hay fever begins immediately after being exposed to an allergen, and symptoms will continue for as long as you are exposed.
When does hay fever season end?
Depending on where you live in the UK, allergies to pollen tend to occur from March to September, starting with tree pollen first and ending with weed pollen.
Dust Mite Allergy
Dust mites are tiny, microscopic bugs that exist in our homes in warm environments such as bedding, furniture, and carpeting. Although dust mites are perennial allergens and can impact people all year, symptoms can be worse during winter when there is less ventilation.
Mould Allergy
Like dust mites, allergy to mould can be experienced all year round, yet with less ventilation around the home in colder months, there may be more issues during this time.
Pet Dander Allergy
An allergy to pet dander is caused by the body reacting negatively to proteins in dead skin cells that are shed by animals. Suffering from a pet allergy is more common in those who also have asthma or hay fever. There are a few reasons why pet allergies may worsen during winter, including staying inside with your pet for longer, lack of ventilation in the house, and pets having thicker fur with winter coats.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are consistent whether you are reacting to pollen, dust, mould, or pet dander.
Seasonal allergies symptoms include:
Sneezing
Itchy, runny, or blocked nose
Itchy watering eyes
Itchy ears or throat
Postnasal drip
COVID-19 Symptoms
People suffering from coronavirus have described experiencing symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
A fever or chills
Shortness of breath
A continuous cough and sore throat
Fatigue
A loss or change to taste or smell
Aching body or headache
Is it seasonal allergies or COVID-19?
If you are wondering whether you have hay fever or coronavirus, there are distinctions between the two in terms of symptoms. Seasonal allergies tend to induce symptoms that are related to itchiness, such as an itchy nose, eyes, ears, or throat. On the other hand, COVID-19 symptoms are more cold-like so include a fever, headache and a change in taste or smell.
What do I do if I think I have an allergy?
If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy and want to know what’s causing them, you can order an allergy test online. We’ll send you a simple blood spot test, then in our laboratory we’ll use your sample to test against 38 common allergens including house dust mites, different grasses and different types of dander.
We hope this guide had been useful in helping you differentiate between seasonal allergies and COVID-19. You can also learn more about different types of allergies by accessing tons of resources here.
Stomach bloating after eating is quite common, but it could be a matter of concern in some cases. Between 10% and 25% of healthy individuals complain of occasional abdominal bloating. Statistics show that about 75% experience symptoms that range from moderate to severe. About 10% say they experience it regularly. Among those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it may be as much as 90% {1}. Up to 75% of women experience bloating before and during their period. Only 50% of people who experience bloating also report a distended abdomen.
Bloating is when you feel tightness, fullness, or pressure in your stomach. Some people have bloating accompanied by a swollen stomach while others don’t. When bloated, it can either be intensely painful or mildly uncomfortable. In most cases, bloating goes away after a while, while in others, it tends to be a recurring problem, especially if they have other underlying conditions. The most common causes of recurring bloating are digestive issues and hormone fluctuations.
What causes stomach bloating after eating?
Many foods and conditions can result in your stomach bloating after eating. Most of the time, it’s not a matter of concern, and all you need to do is adjust your diet. Below we will explain the possible causes of a bloated stomach after eating and explain further how to prevent them. Stomach bloating issues could be as simple as eating too much food way too fast or more complicated issues like intolerance and digestive issues.
Excessive fbire intake
Fibre is a plant-based carbohydrate that helps in various functions in the body, such as regulating blood sugar levels and sugar consumption. However, fibre cannot be digested, which, when taken in excessive amounts, produces too much gas, which results in stomach pain and bloating after eating. A heart-healthy diet is supposed to have enough fibre. To have high amounts of fibre without feeling constipated, you need to gradually increase your fibre intake, allowing your body to adjust. According to research, reducing fibre in a diet can relieve bloating. Foods high in fibre include:
Beans
Whole grain oats
Fruits, such as apples and oranges
Lentils
Split peas
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Food intolerances and food allergies
Complete Intolerance & Allergy Test Kit
Bloating and stomach pain after eating is a common symptom of food intolerance or allergy. It is especially common in all food intolerances. When your body rejects or reacts to any food you consume due to allergies or intolerances, it leads to gas production in the gastrointestinal tract and gets trapped, leading to bloating. The biggest culprits of bloating are gluten and wheat. If you have an intolerance to either or both, you will most likely have symptoms of stomach bloating and pain after eating.
To get a clarification on which foods are causing you to have these symptoms, you can get yourself an intolerance test online. If you aren’t sure whether this could be because of bloating or allergies, you can get an Allergy and Intolerance Test that will give you a list of foods you’re either allergic or intolerant to. Avoiding these foods or the intolerances and limiting them, you won’t experience stomach bloating after eating.
Fatty foods
You need fats since they are a necessary part of a balanced diet, which means sticking to mostly unsaturated healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and avocado. Your body needs these healthy fats to make cell walls, nerve tissue (like your brain), and hormones. The side effect of eating fats is that they take longer to digest, so the fats move slowly through the digestive tract, and if you’ve consumed too many fats, you’ll end up bloated. You’ll mostly find that your stomach will feel like it wants to burst out of your clothes after eating a meal loaded with fried foods. Overall, reducing fried foods from your diet can improve your digestion and overall health. Even though fats are an important energy source, it is better to consume healthy fats.
Fructose
It is difficult for the body to break down fructose compared to other sugars. Because of its difficulty breaking down this type of sugar, it results in gas, bloating, and pain. Fructose is naturally found in dried fruit, onions, honey, and garlic. In processed foods, you may find some foods contain this sugar, causing digestive issues like bloating.
Weight gain
If you’ve recently added ten pounds or more, you may notice that you get a little more constipated than usual{2}. That’s because, when you gain weight, most of it settles around your belly, taking up space and leaving little space for the stomach to expand. So, when you gain weight, it hinders your normal digestive processes as there won’t be enough space for digestion to take place well. At times, weight gain can also result in water retention, making you feel bloated with fluids in your stomach and elsewhere.
Consuming too much salt
If you have a heavy hand when putting salt in your food, that could be what causes stomach bloating after eating. Even though your body needs salt, people consume more salt than is necessary most of the time. Excessive salt causes the body to hold onto water, resulting in long-term health issues like high blood pressure. Always check your foods for sodium levels since most fast foods come already seasoned. When cooking at home, you can avoid using too much salt by adding flavorful herbs. It would be best to reduce the amount of packaged processed foods you consume.
Limit carbonated drinks
The bubbles in champagne, beer, and soda are mostly gas which is a major culprit of bloating. As you consume these drinks, the carbon dioxide gas present in them builds up in your body which can easily lead to bloating, especially if you drink them hastily. Sometimes you may burp, but there will remain some gas, and once it enters your digestive system, it stays there until you pass it. Most carbonated drinks are also full of sugar which may retain water, further making you feel bloated. The best way to reduce the consumption of these drinks is by drinking water instead.
Eating too fast
Normally, we swallow air when eating food. But if you eat it quickly, you will keep swallowing more air, leading to gas retention. Like carbonated drinks, once gas enters your intestines, there’s no going back until you pass it. Meanwhile, you’ll feel bloated. It takes your stomach approximately twenty minutes to send a message to your brain saying that you’re full. So, before this message is passed along, you will have already overate and feel bloated. To beat bloating, you should take your time when eating a meal.
FODMAPs
These are carbohydrates digested near the end of your intestine, where bacteria feed on them. Since all bodies are different, this may cause fluid and gas buildup, bloating, and stomach cramps in some people. FODMAPs are in some grains, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. Some people experience stomach pain and bloating after eating foods labelled as FODMAPs.
Hormones
Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, can cause some side effects in women like achiness, tiredness, and irritability the week before periods. PMS also makes the body retain water which often results in you feeling bloated. Most women report experiencing bloating before or during the periods because of hormonal fluctuations. When oestrogen spikes and progesterone decreases in the body, you will notice much bloating since oestrogen causes fluid retention. During the menstrual period, the uterus size increases, taking up space and causing bloating.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
This condition occurs when there is an overflow of gut bacteria from the colon to the small intestine. The overgrowth of this bacteria tends to overwhelm the other bacteria meant to balance it out. Some of the bacteria are to absorb gases produced by the others. But when there is an imbalance, this cycle is thrown out of balance. When suffering from SIBO, you will most likely experience stomach bloating after eating very little, and sometimes your stomach will bloat for no reason whatsoever.
How to prevent stomach bloating after eating
If your stomach bloating is caused by foods you’ve eaten and not underlying illnesses, there are various ways you can help your body dispose of the food and clear bloating. Bloating caused by hormonal issues and food tend to ease up within a few hours or even days. Constipation won’t clear up until you’ve pooped. Exercise, water, and certain herbal teas may help you poop and get rid of bloating. There are various ways to relieve bloating. These include:
Herbal teas- Some herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, chamomile, turmeric, and fennel can help aid digestion and process gas. Dandelion tea will help you relieve water retention if you have water retention.
Antacids are great for relieving inflammation in the digestive tract, helping you pass gas easily. Antacids often contain active ingredients like simethicone which helps group small gas bubbles together and eventually leads to passing this gas.
Probiotics are great for rebalancing gut bacteria. Some probiotics will help you digest food better and even absorb excess gas. You must take the probiotics consistently for a few days or weeks to notice a difference.
Peppermint oil is naturally antispasmodic, which means they help your intestinal muscles relax. When your intestinal muscles have relaxed, you can easily pass poop and gas. It is especially good for you if you’re suffering from motility issues.
Psyllium husks are a fibre supplement that you can use to help you poop regularly. When getting started on these supplements, you need to drink lots of water and introduce them gradually.
Magnesium supplements are good at relaxing intestinal muscles and neutralizing stomach acid.
Regular exercise, especially focusing on your core, will help you become stronger and combat abdominal bloating.
Final thoughts on stomach bloating after eating
Even though bloating is quite common, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. You need to see your doctor as soon as you can so they can determine whether you have any underlying issues that may be causing excessive bloating. Otherwise, if you can’t find any underlying diseases and only experience stomach bloating after eating very little (and maybe specific foods), it may be due to food intolerance. It is common to have symptoms like gas, constipation, and bloating when you have a food intolerance. Get yourself an Intolerance Test kit today to know which specific foods you need to avoid if you want to curb bloating.
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
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
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
Tomatoes are the most consumed fruits in the world. We use them in making stews, salads, and sauces. It isn’t easy to come across a day’s meal that doesn’t have some form of tomato. They add sweetness, flavour, and acidity to food. Tomatoes are even plenty in processed foods. You can consume tomatoes when processed or in their raw form; either way, you get the nutrients from these plump red fruits. In Britain, 500,000 tonnes of fresh tomatoes are consumed per year. Even though tomatoes are widely consumed, some people experience certain problems upon consuming them because they have tomato intolerance.
What is tomato intolerance?
Tomato intolerance is an IgG reaction in your body after consuming this fruit. Symptoms of tomato intolerance typically appear between hours or up to days after consuming the fruit, which can at times make it difficult to pin down the exact food causing the symptoms. If you have tomato intolerance, it means that once you consume it, the body isn’t able to break it down properly and digest it fully, resulting in tomato intolerance symptoms. That’s why most of the tomato intolerance symptoms occur in the stomach causing gastrointestinal symptoms.
The main cause for tomato intolerance could be a lack of certain enzymes in your body to break down the proteins present in tomatoes. Even though tomato intolerance symptoms can be quite uncomfortable, they aren’t as severe as tomato allergies. Sometimes it can prove difficult to know that tomatoes are the cause of your intolerance symptoms because they are found in foods like pizza (in the sauce). It is possible to have tomato sauce intolerance and even raw tomato intolerance. When you have tomatoes in the sauce, it can be hard to know which food is causing symptoms because the first culprits that will come to mind are wheat or cheese. These two are common allergens, and most people will assume they are the cause of the intolerance symptoms.
Because of how long tomato intolerance symptoms take to show up, the easiest way to determine what’s causing your intolerance is by using an Intolerance Test. This will not only test for your intolerance towards tomatoes but also check for other common intolerances like dairy, wheat, eggs, and others.
When it comes to tomato intolerance, there are different styles of sensitivities that could be in play. We have IgG reactions which are the most common in food intolerances, but the symptoms can also be due to alkaloids sensitivity or reactions to acid content.
Difference between tomato intolerance and allergy
Signs of tomato intolerance include gastrointestinal issues, while allergies are an immune reaction to proteins in tomatoes. It is common for people with tomato and nut allergies to have eczema. Tomatoes and nuts are common eczema irritants. If you experience symptoms like eczema after consuming tomatoes, it is more probable that you have a tomato allergy rather than intolerance{1}.
Most of the time, symptoms of tomato intolerance pass when you have a bowel movement. But if you have an allergy, the symptoms tend to stay for up to weeks (like eczema) before they can clear up after you’ve consistently taken medication. Most of the time, signs of food intolerance happen when you consume tomatoes in large quantities. Some people can consume a certain quantity of tomatoes without getting any side effects. But when it comes to tomato allergy, any amount of tomato you consume causes the symptoms. Some people have severe tomato allergies, and their symptoms flare up just by touching them.
Tomato intolerance is less severe compared to tomato allergies. Some people suffer from severe tomato allergies. Even though severe tomato allergy is uncommon, it leads to symptoms like urticaria/angioedema, oral allergy syndrome, dermatitis, rhinitis, and abdominal pain{2}.
Alkaloid sensitivity
Tomatoes belong to the Nightshade family, which contain compounds called alkaloids and can come in the form of solanine. The amount of alkaloids in the nightshade family is quite low, but you’ll still realise that your digestive system cannot digest it. If you’re sensitive to other foods in the nightshade family, you will find yourself experiencing tomato intolerance. Other nightshade family fruits and vegetables to look out for include:
White potatoes
Eggplant
Paprika
Goji berries
Bell peppers
Acid reflux and heartburn
Since tomatoes contain some level of acidity, you may suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. This takes place when stomach acids go back up the oesophagus and cause a lot of discomfort in the chest area. If you experience this after consuming either canned or fresh tomatoes, it is important to avoid tomatoes altogether.
IgG tomato sensitivity
IgG tomato sensitivity happens when your body produces antibodies that react to the tomatoes causing inflammation. This results in gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. The inflammation can happen anywhere between 3-72 hours after eating tomatoes. Even though IgG tomato sensitivity can be uncomfortable, it’s not as life-threatening as a tomato allergy. Some people with tomato allergies are so sensitive that they get symptoms simply by touching the fruit.
Symptoms of tomato intolerance
Tomato intolerance symptoms can range from mild to severe for different people. The most common symptoms include:
Bloating
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Nausea
Skin rashes or eczema
Joint pain
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Tomato intolerance test
Our Complete Intolerance Test Kit.
The best way to know whether you have tomato intolerance is by taking an Intolerance Test. This test will look for tomato intolerance and other common allergens. Once you’ve sent your sample to the labs, you will get back your results within a week with a list of your intolerances telling you foods you need to avoid. If you feel a little concerned about cutting out tomatoes, you can consult with your doctor. After you’ve cut off tomatoes from your diet for a given period, your doctor will help you reintroduce them back in small quantities in a bid to make your body tolerate the fruit.
Foods to avoid if you suffer from tomato intolerance
You’ll need to eliminate certain foods from your diet if your results show that you have tomato intolerance. These include:
Raw tomatoes
Canned tomatoes
Spaghetti Sauce
Sun-dried tomatoes
Ketchup and BBQ sauce
Food substitutes for tomato intolerance
We use tomatoes in pasta, soups, and salads. But you can easily swap these for:
Beetroots- To add sweetness to salads and be a great base for pasta sauces.
Grapes- You can add grapes wherever you would add your cherry tomatoes.
Gooseberries- Even though an uncommon ingredient, it can be a great substitute for tomatillos in salsa verdes, which you put on your tacos.
Carrots- You can use carrots as substitutes, same as beetroots.
Final thoughts on tomato intolerance
Tomatoes are commonly used in daily meal preps, but they aren’t worth consuming if they cause you discomfort. The above food substitutes contain lots of nutrients to compensate for what you’ll be missing out on once you remove tomatoes from your diet. If you want to improve your tolerance of tomatoes, you can consult your doctor about that. Otherwise, your doctor will recommend you stay away from tomatoes for a while. You will both work to increase the number of tomatoes in your diet slowly until you know the number of tomatoes you can tolerate in your diet or possibly completely tolerate tomatoes. If you still haven’t taken your Intolerance Test, this will be beneficial to complete so that you know for sure if you’re intolerant to tomatoes or other foods commonly paired with tomatoes.
Zacharisen, M. C., Elms, N. P., & Kurup, V. P. (2002). Severe tomato allergy (Lycopersicon esculentum). Allergy and asthma proceedings, 23(2), 149–152. Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12001794/
