Tree Nut Allergies?

[Pat Robinson]

Nut allergies have a high risk of progressing to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Many people have a cross-reactivity to the similar proteins in all tree nuts: almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, Macadamia nuts and pistachio nuts.

Cashews are the second most common nut allergy. Cashews are closely related to pistachio nuts, mango and poison ivy allergies.

Walnuts, pecans and hazel nuts are related proteins.

THE SAFEST ACTION IS TO AVOID ALL TREE NUTS AND TO CARRY AN EPIPEN.

Manufactures ARE NOT required to list if a product is manufactured in a facility which also makes nut products, NOR if it is processed on shared equipment.

The FDA does require that any packaged food product that *contains* tree nuts as an ingredient must list the specific tree nut on the label.

READ LABELS.

Always take extra precaution when dining in restaurants or eating foods prepared by others. ALWAYS, ALWAYS ask about nut ingredients. If you are in doubt about any product or dish, don’t eat it.

KEEP NO NUT PRODUCTS IN THE HOUSE OF SOMEONE WITH NUT ANAPHYLAXIS.

Food Allergies: http://www.faiusa.org/page.aspx?pid=378

More about peanut, seed and tree allergies: http://www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-allergy/peanut-tree-nut-and-seed-allergy
http://www.bio.fsu.edu/publication_pdfs/roux/Tree%20nut%20allergens.pdf

Peanuts are a legume. Sesame and peanut often have cross-reactivity. Sesame allergies are increasingly common and severe. Sesame oil is common in cosmetics and on bread/buns. Sesame allergies may also cross-react with rye, kiwi, poppy seed and tree nuts.

http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcespre.php?id=107

Shea butter is made from a tree nut. It is common in lotions and shampoos. READ LABELS and call the manufacture regarding any hidden ingredients in processed and manufactured products.

Almond flavoring, pesto, salads are other commonly overlooked nut exposures.

Oral Allergy Syndrome is a less systemic type of allergy reaction. Birch allergies are commonly cross reactive to several raw fruits, vegetables and nuts:
http://www.allergy-clinic.co.uk/airway-allergy/oral-allergy-syndrome/
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=728

Latex allergies are increasingly common and severe *systemic* reactions. http://www.allergy.org.nz/allergy+help/a-z+allergies/latex+allergy.html

Coconuts are a seed. Coconut, nutmeg, water chestnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds are not generally an issue with tree nut allergies.

Gut flora and probiotics can strengthen the immune system. However, IgE anaphalaxis allergies are not resolved. And can be fatal in minutes. I would carry an EpiPen at all times.

Pat