ShopSpice Allergy Treatment
Another food allergy that is less known, and sometimes harder to detect, are spice allergies which occur in up to 2 percent of the population. Those with a greater risk for spice allergies include people with other types of allergies as well as those who work with food, for example, restaurant chefs, home cooks, factory and farm workers, and people who make or use certain cosmetic and home products that contain spices. Learn more about how food allergies can vary in presentation and severity.
A large range of plant derived products are used as spices (dried seeds, fruits, root, bark) and herbs (leaves), often varying widely around the world and are used in various cuisines. Although spices and herbs are usually only added in small quantities to add flavor to foods, this may be sufficient to trigger adverse reactions. In some cases, symptoms may overlap with oral allergy syndrome, making diagnosis more complex.
It is possible to perform allergy testing to many spices. Understanding food allergy awareness and management is an important step in identifying triggers and preventing reactions.
Although spices are typically present in small amounts in a meal, severe and occasionally life threatening allergic reactions can result. Advances in care, including new treatments for managing food allergies, are helping improve outcomes for many patients.
FYI: The most problematic spices for the allergic consumer appear to be celery, garlic, cinnamon, sesame, turmeric, onion, and mustard. In some cases, it’s also important to distinguish between conditions such as milk allergy vs lactose intolerance when evaluating broader dietary sensitivities.
If you are experiencing unexplained reactions, recognizing the signs you may need an allergist can help you seek the right care.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation please feel free to contact us at (212) 260-6078 for Gramercy or (212) 964-1295 for Financial District.
