Allergic to certain foods?

Milk

If It Causes…

Facial swelling, breathing difficulty, skin reactions, headaches or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Then You’re Allergic

Because your body’s immune response is triggered by the whey (lactoglobulin) or casein protein in milk.

Do This

Read food labels carefully – whey, casein or lactose indicates the presence of milk. Substitute milk with soy or rice milk and cheese with goat’s cheese.

If It Causes…

Bloating, cramping or frothy diarrhoea (we’re grossed out too).

Then You’re Intolerant

Because your body is deficient in the lactase enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products.

Do This

Limit dairy and opt for lactose-free milk. Cheese and yoghurt can often be tolerated.

Eggs

If It Causes…

Skin reactions, breathing difficulty, gastrointestinal symptoms or headaches.

Then You’re Allergic

Because egg proteins (more commonly egg white proteins) trigger your immune reactions.

Do This

Avoid food containing egg. Hidden sources include baked products, sauces, mayonnaise, nougat or marshmallows. On food labels, lecithin, globulin, albumin or ingredients starting with “ovo” or “ova” indicate the presence of egg.

If It Causes…

Bloating, cramps, diarrhoea

Then You’re Intolerant

Because poorly digested egg ends up in the colon, with gastrointestinal symptoms as a result.

Do This

Avoid food containing egg. Hidden sources include baked products, sauces, mayonnaise, nougat or marshmallows. On food labels, lecithin, globulin, albumin or ingredients starting with “ovo” or “ova” indicate the presence of egg.

This story originally appeared on womenshealthsa.co.za - visit the site to read the full version.

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