Tree nuts are one of the food allergens that are linked to anaphylaxis- a serious allergic reaction that may be fatal. A tree nut allergy usually lasts for lifetime and can be seen in very few people.
Well, we are going to discuss whether coconuts are really safe when we are experiencing tree nut allergy.
Before knowing that, let’s see symptoms and causes of this tree nut allergy.
Symptoms Of Tree Nut Allergy:
The following symptoms can be seen in people who have tree nut allergy.
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Abdominal pain, cramps and vomiting
- Itching of eyes, skin and mouth
- Anaphylaxis
Are Coconuts Safe With Tree Nut Allergies?
Despite of its name coconut is not considered as a nut but a fruit, but food and drug administration considered it as tree nut.
It’s difficult to access the risk of coconut allergy among those with tree nut allergies. Because coconut allergy appears very rare in people and uncommon even among those with tree nut allergy.
Fortunately, it is safe to consume coconut who are allergic to tree nuts, but it’s always better to consult your doctor before including any food items in your regular diet if you are allergic to certain foods.
Coconut allergy can be easily diagnosed by allergen skin test or allergen blood test. Well, there are many coconut products that triggers allergy, some of them include cocamide sulphate, cocamide DEA and CDEA and coconut dethanolamide. You can see rashes on your skin within 2 days of using these products and it may take several days to resolve.
However, tree nut allergy is not equivalent to coconut allergy. But according to a recent study, macadamia allergy may predict coconut sensitization.
Still research is going on to know actual correlation between these two foods or if there is any cross reactivity to coconut allergy.
How To Avoid These Allergies:
Tree nut allergy is one of the eight major allergens that must be listed on packaged foods. The best way to avoid any allergy including tree nut and coconut is by avoiding foods and products that contain high amount of these two ingredients.
If you are allergic to any type of tree nut then you are certainly allergic to all types of tree nuts. So it’s better to avoid all types of tree nuts.