Coconut milk allergy triggers because of adverse immune response to ingredients in it. Read the article to know its signs and diagnosis.
Coconut is renowned for its benefits. It is known as kalpa vriksha in Sanskrit; mean it’s every part like water, milk, meat, sugar and leaves are used.
According to American College of Asthma and Allergy, coconut isn’t a nut, it’s a fruit. People who’re allergic to tree nuts will not experience adverse reaction towards coconut. However, you must check with your allergist before ingesting.
Natural food substances are packed with nutrients and vitamins that can effectively reduce ailments and enhance overall health functioning.
Unfortunately immune system of some sensitive people mistakenly reacts to these harmful substances stimulating allergic signs.
What is Coconut Milk?
Coconut meat is pressed and mixed with some water to make coconut milk. You can find commercial products like guar gum or xanthan gum.
Here milk is referred to the color of the liquid. Pure coconut milk labeled products doesn’t include dairy products. So, if you’re allergic to cow or goat milk, replace with coconut milk, only if you aren’t allergic to coconut.
Coconut Milk Allergy Symptoms
Allergic reaction to coconut is very rare, but there are also life-threatening cases reported. In 2013 Dailmail.co.uk published an article saying that a man died after ingesting coconut cream. (1)
So, you shouldn’t ignore if you ever experienced mild reaction.
Food and Drug Administration label coconut as a tree nut, because once a person who is allergic to walnut ingested coconut, he experienced allergic reaction. However, as mentioned coconut is a fruit.
Symptoms of coconut milk allergy are similar to coconut allergy. If you’re sensitive towards water and meat, then certainly your immune system will react harshly towards its milk.
When a chemical reaction is triggered by IgE antibodies and histamine, skin rashes, eczema, hives, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, wheezing, coughing, runny nose and life threatening situation can be experienced.
Swelling of lips, mouth and throat can also be experienced.
Products that include coconut derived ingredients like CDEA, cocamide sulphate, cocamide DEA and diethanolamide included in personal care products can triggers contact dermatitis.
Bisphenol – A, a chemical ingredient is been included in canned coconut milk can be the mere cause of allergic reaction. There are several studies that found neurobehavioral changes with higher consumption of Bisphenol – A. (2)
Hypersensitive people must avoid guar gum and fructose malabsorption, as it may lead to very serious problems.
Diagnosis
As signs of all food allergies are identical, it’s difficult to determine the allergen. Allergist will conduct skin prick test after examining you.
Apart from following the medication, to avoid coconut milk allergy you must stay away from all those products that include coconut.
Food products like ice creams, cookies, cakes, candy bars and coconut biscuits can triggers allergic reaction.
Cosmetic creams and products like soaps, shampoos and hair dye include coconut oil to benefit from its nutrients. Consult your allergist before using them. In some cases these product may lead to skin rashes and asthma like signs.