What Is A Nut Allergy?
Did you know that nut allergies are one of the most common forms of allergies in adults and children alike? Nuts – also referred to as “tree nuts” to set them apart from peanuts – encompass almonds, cashews, pistachios and many more. If you are allergic to nuts, you can either have a tree nut or peanut allergy or in rare cases, both. Nut allergies tend to stay with a person throughout their lives, however a small percentage of children eventually outgrow their allergy.
How the Immune System Reacts
People with nut allergies experience symptoms because their bodies mistakenly identify nuts as harmful substances. There are usually no symptoms the first time nuts are consumed, but subsequently, the body identifies it as an allergen and releases chemicals like histamine to fight it, causing allergic symptoms.
Allergic Symptoms
If you experience any of the below symptoms after consuming nuts, you may have a nut allergy.
- Runny nose, sore throat or watering eyes: A runny nose can be relieved with a decongestant, while antihistamines can help other symptoms.
- Rashes, hives or skin redness: An antihistamine cream should be applied to alleviate discomfort.
- Indigestion, nausea and stomach pains: These symptoms will usually take a few hours to appear as the nuts make their way through the digestive system, causing diarrhea in some cases.
- Breathing difficulties: An allergic reaction can cause the airway to swell, blocking or even completely restricting airflow. This can result in allergic asthma or anaphylaxis, a condition where the throat swells and results in difficulty breathing.
What To Do If You Have A Nut Allergy
If you suspect you may be allergic to nuts, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Get diagnosed: A doctor will be able to conduct an allergen test to determine if you have a nut allergy, and if so, the specific kind. Besides that, antihistamines can be prescribed and an EpiPen obtained if necessary.
- Read food labels carefully: It is a requirement for all prepackaged food manufactured in the US to have labels that specify the type of nut used as an ingredient, if any. Always check before buying – it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Learn to identify food that may contain nuts: Although labels are mandated in the US, this may not necessarily apply to food manufactured in other countries. Common prepackaged food items such as coffee, chocolate, cakes and candy may contain traces of nuts.
Try A Range of Dried Fruits with Jaybee's Nuts!
If you have a nut allergy but do not want to miss out on the numerous health benefits of nuts, do not fret – we also carry a wide assortment of delicious dried fruits! From strawberries to persimmons to pears, check out the nutritional benefits of dried fruits here. At Jaybee's Nuts, we strive to provide top-quality products for our satisfied customers, delivered right to your doorstep. If you have questions or would like some recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us today and our friendly customer service representatives will be in touch!