Diet & Fitness 

Advertisement

Edible issues

continued from page 1
People with coeliac disease need to follow a strict, lifelong, gluten-free diet. Coeliac UK, (01494 437 278) publish an updated list of gluten-free foods. Tesco can supply a product list for their "Free From" range by called 0800 505555.

Egg intolerance: This type of reaction occurs within minutes of eating an egg. Symptoms include, rashes and swelling on the face and around the mouth. People with egg intolerance need to avoid all foods containing egg white or egg yolk, from all sources, including chicken, goose and duck. Many food products, such as cakes, bread, mayonnaise and custard, contain egg or egg proteins, so be vigilant about checking ingredients labels before you buy.

Peanut intolerance: The prevalence of peanut intolerance in the UK is unknown, although some studies have suggested that one in 200 may be affected in some way. Adults and children who suffer from a peanut intolerance may experience a tingling of the mouth and lips, swelling of the face, a skin rash called urticaria, nausea, colicky pain (a griping stomach pain) and feelings of tightness in the throat. A small number of people suffer very severe reactions within a few minutes of eating peanuts including swelling of the airways and anaphylactic shock (obstruction of breathing), a sudden drop in blood pressure, collapse and unconsciousness. People with a peanut allergy must strictly avoid all traces of peanuts in their food.

Although the general consensus is that food allergies are on the rise, it is unclear as to why. Many people who think they have a food allergy or intolerance have not been tested by a doctor. If you suspect you have a food allergy, you should seek the advice of your GP who will conduct specific medical tests to confirm diagnosis. Once diagnosis is confirmed, a dietitian can suggest dietary modifications, to ensure that you don't unnecessarily exclude important foods from your diet.

For more information on the subject, you can order the booklet, Food Allergy and Intolerance, from the British Nutrition Foundation (020 7404 6504); it's available for £5.50 including postage.

  Related Links

• Diet & Fitness Home

iVillage TV - Diet & Fitness

View video in larger player

RATE IT

Delicious     Digg     reddit     Facebook     StumbleUpon

  Get the latest iVillage news on your desktop    Sign up for more iVillage RSS feeds

© iVillage Limited 2000-2009. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2009. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB