One of the most common food allergies in children and adults is tree allergy. Allergies to walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios are six nut allergies that are reported mostly in children and adults.
Children who were allergic to one tree seed were also allergic to another in about 50% of cases. Approximately two-thirds of patients who reacted to cashews or walnuts preferred pistachios and pecans, respectively. Many children who are allergic to one or more fruits never completely outgrow their allergy to plants.
When people with specific nut allergies are exposed to nuts, the proteins in the nuts bind to specific IgE antibodies that the individual’s immune system produces. A person’s defense mechanism is triggered by this link, which may cause mild or severe reactions.
In the United States, labels for packaged goods containing 18 different fruits must be written in plain English. These fruits are different from peanuts, which grow underground, and legumes are related to beans and peas (only 40% of children with nut allergies are allergic to peanuts).
Plant weeds are different from seed allergies that do not grow on plants such as sesame, sunflower, poppy and mustard. Tree nuts can cause a serious, possibly fatal, allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). A strong allergic reaction can be caused by even very small amounts of tree nuts, and allergic reactions can be unpredictable.
If you are allergic to tree nuts, always carry an epinephrine injection kit. It is very important to avoid all tree nuts and tree nut products to avoid an allergic reaction.
If you are allergic to one type, you are more likely to be allergic to other types of tree nuts. Your doctor may advise you to avoid nuts for this reason.
Due to the increased possibility of mutual contact with tree nuts during production and processing, it is possible to avoid consuming peanuts. Your allergist should discuss these concerns, and specialized allergy testing may be necessary.
As required by federal law, tree nuts are one of eight major allergens that must be listed in plain English, either in the list of ingredients or in a separate “contains” statement, on packaged foods sold in the United States.
In addition, the packaging should identify the different types of tree nuts. Because of this, it’s easy to tell if a food contains tree nuts.
Some Amazing Sources of Tree Nuts Although these foods and items usually do not contain allergens, you should always be careful. Always read labels and ask about ingredients before eating food you haven’t prepared yourself.
Unexpected foods include nut proteins found in cereals, crackers, cookies, candy, chocolate, energy bars, flavored coffee, frozen desserts, marinades, barbecue sauces, and mortadella.
People who are allergic to tree nuts (such as Chinese, African, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese) should avoid ice cream shops, bakeries, coffee shops, and some restaurants. Even when ordering food without tree nuts, there is a significant risk of cross-contact.
Sometimes, tree nut oils like walnut and almond are found in lotions, hair care items, and soaps. Because of their durability, walnut shells can be used to make “natural” sponges or brushes.
Also consider avoiding alcoholic beverages that may taste nutty. You may need to contact the manufacturer to ask about the safety of additives such as natural flavoring since these beverages are not subject to federal regulations.
Coconut is a fruit seed that is not usually banned from the diet of those with tree nut allergies. But as of October 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration began classifying coconuts as tree nuts.
There are very few reports of allergic responses to coconut in the medical literature. The vast majority of these cases involved people who were not allergic to tree nuts.
There has only been one case of someone reacting to coconut oil, and neither butter nor shea oil has had any known instances of a reaction. Because of this, it is highly unlikely that anyone will answer one of these.
The nut of the argon tree, from which argon oil is produced, rarely causes allergic reactions in humans. Although not popular in the United States, it is very common in Morocco.
Allergies to pink peppercorns may be more common in people with cashew allergies (aka Brazilian pepper, rose pepper, Christmas berry, etc.).
Although it resembles black pepper and other fruits known as “peppers”, this dried berry (Schinus, related to cashews) is used as a spice (e.g. bell pepper, red pepper or chili pepper). .
Tree nut allergies usually last a lifetime. According to research, about 9 percent of children with tree nut allergies outgrow it.
Younger siblings of children with tree nut allergies may be more susceptible to developing atopic disease. Because every situation is different, your doctor may make suggestions about food allergy testing for siblings, if necessary.
