Cultivation of wheat or Triticum aestivum Linné, dates from the Neolithic period. Wheat was cultivated for bread in the Nile Valley circa 5000 B.C., and was grown in England by 2000 B.C. Wheat germ oil is derived from the wheat seed, and is rich is beta, gamma, and d-alpha tocopherol. Gamma tocopherol is a strong antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals. Wheat germ oil is believed to prevent formation of abnormal cells in the colon.
Allergy
Allergy to wheat and or wheat germ oil requires extensive lifestyle precautions. The Mayo Clinic defines wheat allergy as "an abnormal immune system reaction to one or more proteins found in wheat." The four classes of protein in wheat to which an allergy my develop are: albumin, globulin, gliadin and gluten.
Wheat allergy is often seen in children, and is less common in adolescents and adults.If there is an allergy to wheat, then there is also allergy to wheat germ oil, and both should be avoided.
Symptoms of wheat allergy range from mild to severe. Life threatening anaphylaxis can occur. Some of the symptoms of wheat allergy are: swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat, hives, itchy rash or swelling of the skin or lips, stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, shortness of breath, cramps, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are: swelling or tightness of the throat, pain or tightness in the chest, severe difficulty breathing, problems swallowing, pale, bluish skin color, fainting or lightheadedness and a weak pulse. When anaphylaxis occurs, call 911 immediately. Even if an epinephrine shot has been given, emergency medical assistance is indicated.
The long term precaution for wheat allergy is to avoid eating wheat and wheat germ oil. Be aware that some products that claim to be wheat or gluten free may in fact still contain small amounts of wheat and or gluten. Your doctor may give you a prescription for epinephrine to use as soon as symptoms start.
Food Precautions
Some of the foods that can contain wheat and or wheat germ oil are: breads, cakes and muffins, pasta, couscous, breakfast cereals, crackers, beer, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy sauce, ketchup and other condiments, crab or shrimp substitutes, coffee substitutes, meat, meat products, such as hot dogs,bologna and dairy products, such as ice cream. These foods should be avoided if you are allergic to wheat germ, or wheat germ oil.
Persons who are allergic to wheat proteins may also be allergic to barley, oat or rye bread and aspirin.
Exercise
Persons who are allergic to wheat sometimes do not manifest symptoms until they start to exercise several hours after exposure to wheat protein. Exercise induced wheat allergy has a very high risk for occurrence of anaphylaxis. Persons with this conditions can also experience anaphylaxis when taking aspirin and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs several hours after exposure to wheat protein.
Successful implementation of precautions for adverse reaction to wheat protein requires medical supervision.
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