Top 10 Allergy Causing Foods

Does your body swell and start itching after eating certain foods? Well, there's probably nothing wrong with the food but there's a good chance you are allergic to something in it. Nutritionist Nimisha Shukla says food allergies are common. “Allergies take place because of an immune system dysfunction. It’s a reaction to food protein,” she explains. She lists the top ten foods that cause allergies.

Milk: Allergy towards milk usually occurs in children, but they grow out of it by the time they are three years old explains Shukla. This occurs when your body does not produce lactase, an enzyme required to digest the predominant sugar in milk. Avoid milk, yogurt, butter, cheese and cream if you are lactose intolerant.

Wheat: “Wheat has proteins that may cause your immune system to react. Some people have a digestive reaction to a sticky substance called gluten in wheat protein,” says Shukla. Not everybody who has gluten intolerance is allergic to wheat she adds. Symptoms include cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Shell fish: Shellfish includes clams, lobster and shrimp. “Some people are allergic to only one type of shellfish and can eat others,” says Shukla. Symptoms include swelling, wheezing, nasal congestion, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, nausea and dizziness.

Egg: Symptoms of an egg allergy range from skin rashes and hives to vomiting and inflamed nasal passages. Shukla says both egg yolk and egg white contain a number of proteins that can cause allergies. “However, it is more common for people to be allergic to egg white,” she adds.


Chocolate: How can anybody be allergic to chocolate, you say? Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon. “Chocolate contains cocoa powder that some people are allergic to. Other products that contain cocoa should also be avoided,” says Shukla.

Soya bean: Shukla says soy allergy is as common among children as it is in adults. “But most children grow out of it by the age of three,” she adds. Symptoms include tingling in the mouth, hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, a runny nose or trouble breathing. Abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea are also common.


Pineapples: Shukla says pineapples can cause minor allergic reactions in some people. “A throat infection and swelling in the body are common symptoms,” she says.

Lemon: Dr F I Mehta, an allergy specialist, says lemon can cause an allergic reaction if your body has a high acid content.“Consuming lemon will increase the acid content, which then flows through the bloodstream, causing rashes,” he says.


Peanuts: Children are usually more allergic to peanuts than adults. Skin reactions and digestive and respiratory problems are common symptoms.If you are allergic to peanuts, one extra precaution you must take is avoiding chocolates with peanuts.

Other nuts: This includes mainly dry fruits like cashew nuts and almonds. “Nut allergies occur mainly, if not exclusively, in children,” says Shukla. Avoid oils derived from nuts as well. “Your lifestyle can also cause allergies. A healthy lifestyle will make your immune system stronger and reduce your chances of becoming susceptible,” explains Shukla.