When you have allergies, it is critical to remain vigilant when ordering food out at a restaurant or enjoying appetizers at a party, but it’s also important to be aware of the dangers contained in everyday foods and products you may have in your home.
At Allergy & Clinical Immunology, we’ve put together a list of food and other products that you should be cautious of if you have food allergies.
Check Your Medicine Cabinet for These Allergens
Makeup and Other Cosmetic Products
Cosmetics can be expensive and can contain harmful ingredients, so before you invest in them or apply them to your skin, you need to check to make sure ingredients like tree nuts or soy is not included in the product. You should also be wary of lip gloss, lipsticks, and lip balms if you have a food allergy to fish, as they can contain the fish product.
Haircare Products
When buying hair care or styling products, be aware that some products like conditioners use the oils of buts like macadamia to enhance the smell and effect of the product. While there are no studies that state you need to strictly avoid these products, you should steer clear of hair care products that contain tree nuts.
Skincare Products
There are a variety of sunscreens and body lotions that use ingredients like tree nuts oils and extracts like almond and shea nut. These may not trigger a major reaction, but it is best to avoid them and use an alternative.
Medications and Vitamins
While vitamins are a great way to stay healthy, they can contain allergens that are dangerous to those with food allergies. Some vitamins contain soy, egg, and wheat allergens, so be sure to check the ingredients before consuming.
Pantry Staples that Could Contain Allergens
Imitation Seafood Products
While these come in handy if you are trying to cut back on meat, imitation seafood products like crab can contain eggs, which can be a problem for those with egg allergies.
Soup Mixes, Salad Dressings, and Dip Mixes
While these mixes are convenient, they often contain peanut or nut oils, soy, milk, and wheat ingredients that can be harmful to those with allergies!
Alcohol
Many people like to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or other alcoholic beverage, but for those with food allergies, it’s important to be cautious. Products like wine, beer, and bourbon may contain allergens like wheat, while cream-based liquors may contain milk. Other products like Amaretto could contain tree nuts, so be cautious when purchasing or consuming alcohol.
Worcestershire Sauce
A staple in many pantries, this product is used for marinades and as a condiment. Keep in mind that it may contain fish, such as anchovies.
Other Household Products to Be Cautious of
Pet Food
Certain brands of cat and dog food can contain allergens such as peanut, soy, and tree nut. While you won’t be consuming it, some people may have a reaction from handling the food while feeding your pet.
Bird Seed
If your love watching the birds eat from the feeder, be careful when handling the bird seed. If you have a tree nut or a wheat allergy, you could have a reaction while handling certain bird seed mixes containing wheat or nut oils.
Looking for Relief From Food Allergies? We Can Help!
Contact Allergy & Clinical Immunology today to schedule your appointment or to learn more about our treatments.