7 Food Allergies You Didn’t Know Existed

We all know someone allergic to peanuts. I know at least two peanut-fearing beings, and I really do feel for them. Peanut butter is one of the best things I’ve ever encountered. Then there are those who are allergic to shellfish. I’ve never been a fish fan, and as a child I’m sure I pretended to be allergic to the slimy scales – anything that lives in the sea should stay in the sea, in my opinion. 

However, there are allergies that are slightly less common, and a bit more unusual. Here, discover the seven strangest food allergies there are.

Sesame seeds

You might not be that devastated if you find out you have a sesame seed allergy, but apparently it can happen. It’s more common in the Middle East, where sesame seeds are almost as popular as houmous. Almost.

Dried fruit

If you’re not a fruit fan, this may not bother you – but a dried fruit allergy is also possible. However, it’s more likely to be caused by preservative sulfites than the fruit itself. 

Marshmallows

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have a marshmallow allergy – just last night I sat down with a plate of smores. It’s actually the gelatin and sugar that can cause an adverse reaction, and I’m not talking about a food coma.

Avocados

I know what you’re thinking – an avocado allergy would be problematic, to say the least. I’m sure there are a number of “avocado cafes” in London now, where hipsters meet for Sunday brunch, retro cassette player and miniature canine in hand. Surprisingly, the proteins found in avocados are similar to those in latex – so if you’re sensitive to latex, beware the avocado.

Mangos

Like the avocado allergy, the proteins in avocado are linked to latex. If you’re allergic to mangos, you might want to avoid poison ivy and poison oak – these plants contain a chemical called urushiol, and it’s best you don’t come into contact with it if mangos aren’t your friends.

Hot dogs

As you probably know, hot dogs aren’t the most natural food on the menu. Highly processed, the meat contains an array of additives and an allergic reaction could be the result of any ingredient found in them. Spoiler alert: it’s often the nitrates and yellow dye that are to blame.

Wine

I can only apologise for being the bearer of bad news, but some people are actually allergic to wine. Before you pour yourself a glass (I know this is a lot to take in), note that the hangover you had last week may well have been an allergic reaction. A wine allergy can also be mistaken for a cold or seasonal allergies, so be aware of any respiratory discomfort you experience the next time you open a bottle – especially if you have asthma. Side note: ladies, you’re twice as likely to have a wine allergy than men. Sorry.

Sources

http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergy/weird-food-allergies.aspx

https://www.bustle.com/articles/127894-5-signs-youre-allergic-to-wine-which-is-sadly-a-thing

#SensioAIR #tech #technology #allergy #asthma #food #allergy #causes #triggers #symptoms #respiratory #disease

7 Do's and Don'ts for Anyone with Asthma

Asthma is truly debilitating at times, and we know exactly how much the respiratory condition can affect your everyday life. While some things might seem obvious when it comes to minimizing the effects asthma can have on you, some aren’t as clear.

Here, we round up seven do's and don’ts to remember when it comes to managing your condition and preventing your symptoms.

Don’t smoke

An obvious one, smoking is harmful in all situations, regardless of whether you suffer from asthma or not. However, if you do have respiratory issues, you should avoid smoke wherever possible. Whether this means kicking the habit or simply preventing people from smoking in your home or car, be sure to take the necessary steps to avoid cigarette smoke.

Do keep your home clean

Regular maintenance at home will prevent a build-up of dust, dirt and pet dander – all of which contribute to unwanted symptoms of asthma. Change your sheets regularly to avoid a dust mite invasion, and vacuum frequently (especially if you share your home with a cat or dog).

Don’t stop exercising

If you’re into fitness, try not to let your asthma get in the way of your exercise routine. If you’re new to the gym scene, don’t let it put you off trying something new. Working out is beneficial for many reasons, and it’s better to discuss your concerns with your doctor rather than quit exercising altogether.

Do prepare your own food

In order to manage your diet effectively, try to prepare your own food when and wherever possible. This will allow you to keep on top of your meals, as many pre-packaged food items contain preservatives and chemicals that could trigger an asthma attack. This also applies to those who suffer from allergies.

Don’t put off visiting your GP

This is important. If you have asthma, it’s crucial to have regular check-ups with your doctor. Don’t wait until you’re feeling extremely unwell to pick up the phone and call your GP – visit them regularly to ensure you’re doing all you can to keep your condition under control.

Do try yoga

Yoga is undeniably effective when it comes to managing stress – one of the key triggers of asthma. Practicing deep breathing and meditation techniques will aid you when it comes to controlling your stress levels, and these soothing exercises will mean you react to stressful situations in a calmer, more rational way.

Don’t forget your inhaler

Try to pack a spare inhaler in your bag, briefcase or carry-on so you’re prepared wherever you are. It might seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget – so always have one on hand to avoid panicking should you have an asthma attack away from home.

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9 Times Asthma Really, Really Got on Your Nerves

We know that asthma is serious, and understand how it can affect you on a day-to-day basis. While we’re here to offer advice and support, we’re also here to lighten the mood. Because if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? Here, we present the nine times asthma was the most annoying thing ever.

When you took the stairs

You’ve been fantasizing about a ground-floor apartment for months because of this. It doesn’t seem fair that climbing two short flights of stairs has you feeling like you’ve just run the London Marathon – except you don’t get a medal and no one is cheering you on.

When you went for a run

If you’re a parent to a child that’s old enough to call you out on your mistakes, you’ve probably attended a school sports day on more than one occasion. Yes, we too thought this meant grabbing the dog, a blanket and a picnic basket, but there’s actually a parents’ race for you to take part in. Do we need to continue?

When you were late for work

If I’m being honest, this actually happened to me this morning. It’s not the ideal situation to find yourself in at 8am, especially when you’ve only applied mascara to one eye, have your laptop clutched under your arm and a tendency to fall over. Oh, and asthma.

When you went on that date

Okay, so this one is particularly stressful. It’s Friday, you’ve spent a fortune on a new outfit and you’re actually “really excited about this one.” Fast-forward an hour and you realise mid-meal than you’ve left your inhaler at home and you’ll have to forego dessert.

When you saw that movie

For some bizarre reason, you decided to give your friends full control of your Netflix account and now you’re face-to-face with Ryan Gosling as he confesses his love to Rachel McAdams in the rain. Uncontrollable sobbing isn’t the best look, especially when you’re asthmatic.

When you took a plane

There’s only so many of those feeble little coughs you can get away with before you give up and give in. Being in a small, compact space next to a complete stranger is never fun – but if you’re prone to sneezing, wheezing and coughing, well, good luck.

When you walked the dog

Everyone loves getting outside once in a while, and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than a hike with a furry friend, right? Wrong. Whether they’re refusing to come back or busy leaping into rivers, they know how to make you sweat - and not in a good way.

When you bought perfume

This can be a real ordeal, and is usually why many opt for the scent in the prettiest bottle as opposed to the one that actually smells nice. Honestly, we can’t think of anything worse than having to pay out so much for something so little – all while having ‘eau de can’t breathe’ sprayed all over us.

When you went ‘out-out’

Unfortunately, alcohol can actually make your asthma worse – so after-work drinks can pose a risk (to your health, not your pride). The histamine in alcoholic drinks can trigger your symptoms, even after a few sips. So no, you’re not a lightweight, you’re just asthmatic. #asthma #allergy #respiratorydisease #triggers #cause #children #health #healthcare #symptoms #SensioAIR #airpollution #allergens #illness #allergens #allergen #pet #pets #dander #fur #animals #animal #dogs #cats #dust #skin #tech #technology #food #drink #alcohol #wine #travel #culture

Image courtesy of Suhyeon Choi, Unsplash