What To Know About Wheat Allergies
Sunday, November 18th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Wheat allergies are caused by a bodies intolerance gluten, an ingredient of wheat. In some cases the reaction can be severe, in others the individual may not even make to the connection between the eating of wheat products and the symptoms that follow.
If you are allergic to gluten, you need to stop eating it. Exposure to wheat or wheat products may cause an upset stomach, asthma and in extreme case anaphylactic shock. While this seems simple, there are products containing wheat protein that may come as surprise. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, for example, contains wheat protein and is also used in bread crumbs. You’ll have to pay close attention to everything you eat to be sure it doesn’t contain any gluten.
How do you know if you have wheat allergies? Some common symptoms are stomach problems, eczema, skin rashes and an unexplained cough. Having these or other symptoms do not necessarily mean an allergy to wheat is present, but they do indicate the possible need for further, professional testing.
No More Wheat For You
You’ll have to avoid wheat completely if you have wheat allergies. However, it must be understood that regardless of how long a person goes without wheat, there is no time limit on the effects of wheat allergies. Once wheat has been totally out of the system it will have to stay out. Ingesting wheat or wheat products after a period of time without it, will almost instantly bring back the allergic reaction and in many cases it may be worse than before. However, you can now find some wheat products that are gluten-free. These should be ok for you.
All is not lost, however. Corn, potatoes, soy and oats are just a few of the ones that can be used to make bread products without wheat and without losing the taste. Flour made of rice is another alternative and starch from the arrowroot can also be used without triggering wheat allergies.
You needn’t let wheat allergies ruin your culinary pleasures. There are lots of other good foods out there and gluten-free wheat can make a pretty good pizza as well. Sign up for my newsletter for tips on diet and health.
