Understanding Food Allergies

Food allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance in a food and misidentifies it as a danger, triggering a protective response. 

The symptoms of a food allergy can vary depending on the severity of the reaction. Mild symptoms could include:

• Hives
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips or face

Meanwhile, severe allergic reaction symptoms can be exhibited in the forms of:

• Fainting
• Wheezing
• Persistent dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling or tightness in the throat

(Disclaimer: Symptoms may vary for each patient and these symptoms may change over time.) 

It’s crucial to be always cautious of what’s on your plate because what seems harmless can sometimes hide a serious threat. Here’s a rundown of the ten most annoying food allergies that can turn a simple meal into a stressful ordeal.

1. Milk and Dairy Allergy

Milk allergy is common among children. Because of its prevalence in countless recipes, avoiding milk can feel like a constant challenge. People with milk and dairy allergies must always be vigilant, especially those living in Texas, where cheese is a part of nearly every Tex-Mex dish.

Food to avoid:

• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Margarine
• Mashed potatoes
• Butter and butter fat
• Custard and pudding
• Cake mix and cereals
• Cheese and cottage cheese
• Coffee creamers and donuts
• Meats (canned and processed)
• Sour cream or sour cream solids
• Milk (cow, goat, or milk from other animals)

2. Egg Allergy

Egg allergy arises when the immune system overreacts to proteins in egg whites or yolks. Since eggs are prevalent in many foods—including baked goods, pasta, and sauces—people with egg allergies can avoid the allergen by using egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers.

Food to avoid:



• Mayonnaise
• Lollipops and other candies
• Coffee drinks like cappuccino
• Breaded and batter-fried foods
• Commercial breads made with eggs
• Drinks such as eggnog and malted milk 
• Sauces, including Hollandaise and tartar sauce
• Marshmallows, nougat, meringue, pancakes, and waffles
• Clear soups clarified with egg white and soups with egg noodles
• Eggs in any form (yolks, whites, dried, powdered, and egg solids)
• Wine (since egg whites may be used in the process of making wine)
• Baked goods such as brownies, cakes, cookies, muffins, pastries, and some pies  

3. Peanut Allergy

Although peanuts are not common in Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine, they are still present in some sauces and mole recipes. Peanuts are one of the most well-known and dangerous food allergens. 

Food that may contain peanuts:

• Egg rolls
• Marzipan
• Peanut oil
• Enchilada sauce
• Hydrolyzed plant protein
• Chili and spaghetti sauce
• Baked goods, crackers, and candy
• Ice creams, frozen yogurts, and nondairy frozen desserts
• Foods like African, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, and other ethnic dishes

A small amount can trigger severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if unmanaged. This allergic reaction is so severe that it has led to peanuts being banned in some public places like schools and airplanes. 

4. Tree Nut Allergy

Tree nuts—almonds, cashews, and pecans—are common in many Texan and Mexican desserts. Some tree nut allergy symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, anaphylaxis, and nasal congestion. That is why avoiding such allergens can be challenging for San Antonio residents. Like peanuts, tree nuts can also cause life-threatening reactions. 

Stay away from the following nuts:

• Nougat
• Nut butters
• Artificial nuts
• Marzipan or almond paste
• Chocolate hazelnut spread
• Caponata (seafood salad with pine nuts)
• Chestnuts, cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans

5. Shellfish Allergy

San Antonio is the home of seafood dishes like shrimp ceviche and grilled oysters, which are often featured in Mexican and coastal-inspired restaurants. Cross-contamination in seafood restaurants can make it difficult to avoid shellfish exposure, so make sure to ask about their cooking methods to prevent cross-contamination.

Food to avoid:



• Crab, crawfish, crayfish
• Snails, squids, or calamari
• Lobster, mollusks, mussels
• Octopus, scallops, shrimps
• Abalone, clams, cockle, conch

6. Wheat Allergy

Wheat is a common ingredient in tortillas, breaded meats, and Tex-Mex desserts. Whether you’re enjoying a burrito or a slice of tres leches cake, avoiding wheat in San Antonio can be challenging but not impossible. You can start by exploring gluten-free bakeries that offer alternatives to traditional desserts and breads. 

Food to avoid: 



• Dumplings
• Vegetable gum 
• Natural flavorings
• Monosodium glutamate
• Beer, ale, and root beer
• Processed meats like hotdogs
• Ice cream and ice cream cones
• Gelatinized starch and modified food starch
• Sauces, gravies, and condiments like ketchup
• Bread, pasta, or other foods containing wheat
  
• Most baked products, including cookies, cakes, donuts, muffins, pretzels
• Coffee substitutes such as malted milk, and instant chocolate drink mixes

7. Soy Allergy

Soy is one of the most common food allergens, especially among children under three years old. Managing a soy allergy can be tricky because it is often hidden in ingredient lists under unfamiliar names. Soy can be found in many processed foods and sauces like soy sauce or tamari, which are used in fusion dishes in San Antonio.

Food to avoid:

• Tofu
• Tamari
• Shogyu
• Tempeh
• Soy milk
• Soy fiber
• Soy yogurt 
• Soy albumin
• Soy ice cream
• Tofu and soy cheese
• Hydrolyzed soy protein
• Soy protein concentrate
• Textured vegetable protein
• Miso, soy sprouts, soy nuts, edamame

8. Fish Allergy

Fish allergies can develop at any age and can last for the rest of your life. Various fish, including salmon, tuna, and cod, can trigger this allergy. Fish allergies can cause severe reactions, and like shellfish allergies, cross-contamination is a significant risk. 

Foods to avoid:



• Caviar 
• Fish roe
• Fish sauce and oils 
• Worcestershire sauce
• Caesar salad and dressing
• Kimchi (usually contains fish sauce)
• Gelatins made from the skin and bones of fish

9. Sesame Allergy

Sesame allergy is becoming more common and often causes severe reactions. Sesame seeds and oils are widely used in various baked foods, snack foods, and ethnic cuisines, making this allergy hard to navigate. 

Food to avoid:



• Sushi
• Hummus
• Marinades
• Vegetable oil
• Granola bars
• Salad dressing
• Certain cereals like granola and muesli
• Beauty products like lip balms and lotions
• As an ingredient in hamburger buns and baked goods

It is also important to be cautious with foods from Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines, where sesame is often a key ingredient.

10. Fruit and Vegetable Allergy (Oral Allergy Syndrome)

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is caused by cross-reacting allergens usually found in raw fruits and vegetables like apples, peaches, cherries, and carrots. This condition is related to pollen allergies and typically affects those with hay fever.

Common triggers:

• Grass pollen: Watermelon, oranges, tomato, white potato 
• Ragweed pollen: Melons, cantaloupe, honeydew, cucumber, banana, and zucchini
• Birch pollen: Hazelnut, apple, apricot, cherry, kiwi, peach, pear, carrot, celery, and plum
• Mugwort pollen: Bell pepper, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, garlic, onion, aniseed, caraway, coriander, fennel, and black pepper

The symptoms are often triggered only by raw versions of the fruits or vegetables, meaning the cooked ones are generally safe.

Coping with Food Allergies: Tips and Solutions

Managing food allergies can be exhausting. Instead of savoring the moment of eating your food, every meal becomes a potential hazard. To effectively manage your food allergies, here are some tips you can follow:

• Educate Yourself. Learn more about your allergy, including hidden allergen sources. Before you eat anything, always read the food labels first.
  
  
• Plan Ahead. Always plan your meals and snacks, especially when dining out. Inquire restaurant staff about their ingredients ahead of time, and discuss your allergy to see if they can accommodate you.
  
  
• Communicate Clearly. Don’t hesitate to inform your friends, servers, and restaurant staff about your allergies. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when your health and life are on the line. 

• Carry Medication. Carrying antihistamines and an EpiPen can be life-saving if your allergy is severe. Always remember to consult a reliable allergist to know which allergy medication or treatment works for you. Your allergy specialist may recommend Xolair, which is known to reduce the severity of allergic reactions, offering relief and stability to individuals suffering from severe food allergies. 

• Get an Allergy Test. Allergy tests can help allergists develop a comprehensive allergy treatment plan that includes allergen avoidance and allergy shots or immunotherapy. 

If you feel dizzy and have trouble breathing after eating a certain food, seek Emergency care right away then see a reliable allergy clinic like Apex Allergy and Asthma.

Navigating San Antonio's Rich Food Culture with Allergies

San Antonio’s culinary culture presents the perfect blend of traditional and modern cuisines, but it can be a little daunting for those with food allergies. Keeping the top allergens in mind significantly alleviates the stress of navigating the city’s rich food culture. 

While constant vigilance and careful meal planning make food allergy management easier, having expert help makes all the difference. Always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and informed management of food allergies. Our board-certified allergist, Dr. Mark Stahl, and his team of allergy experts at Apex Allergy and Asthma are here to help keep your allergy symptoms in check. Contact 210-490-2051 to start your journey toward better allergy management today!

Live a Life Free From Allergies