The struggle for people living with food sensitivities is real and unimaginable. Put yourself in a situation where all your friends are having a feast but you are stuck to that same old ‘dal-rice’ because you are intolerant to a staple cereal like wheat. Or, imagine the scenario when the whole family is having ice-cream for dessert and you have to complete your meal by sipping water because you are lactose intolerant.
A food allergy is not exactly a disease. It is an immune response to certain types of foods suggesting that there is something that our body cannot cope up with. In such cases, an antibody called IgE is released in our body whenever any allergen (allergy causing chemical) enters it and as an indicative our body shows symptoms of allergic reactions.
According to the Delhi-based Dietician Deepali Solanki, “If you experience any sign of allergies in your body, the first thing you need to do is keep a track of whatever you had in the last 24 hours and then go for medical tests as soon as possible. This should not be delayed because allergies like lactose and wheat intolerance can be very severe.”
Allergies are common in children and infants but they can occur at any age. The symptoms of a food allergy may include nausea, vomiting, redness of eyes, hives, tongue inflammation, cramping, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, pale or blue skin and rashes. A severe symptom of an allergy is ‘Anaphylaxis’ which is basically a reaction that impairs breathing and sends the body into shock. As a preventive measure, one should never ignore minor signs of allergy and always go for tests.
Where there is a will, there is a way. Here are eight wonderful substitutes for different food allergies.
1. Coconut milk as a substitute of cow’s milk
Known as ‘lactose intolerance’, milk can cause allergies in infants that can stay until adulthood. The common symptoms are vomiting, nausea, upset stomach and hives. The skin-prick test and a blood test are best to diagnose this allergy. Coconut milk is great substitute for cow’s milk and can be especially used with breakfast cereals to make a wholesome meal.
2. Replace eggs with baking powder, mashed bananas or apple sauce puree
Some people are allergic to the proteins present in eggs. Respiratory disorders and skin reactions are common symptoms of this kind of an allergy. But if you are fond of bakery items, baking powder or Xanthan gum can replace eggs in muffins, cookies and cakes. Mashed bananas or applesauce puree are equally good binders as eggs.
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