Milk and peanuts are two common foods that cause an allergic reaction in people. Milk and peanut allergies are caused by an exaggerated immune system reaction that can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. There is no cure for milk or peanut allergies, aside from implementing an avoidance diet. If you've been diagnosed with a milk and peanut allergy, you need to make an appointment with a dietitian to determine the most effective eating plain for your condition.
Allergy Cause
Milk and peanut allergies are caused by the same immune system reaction. When you consume dairy or peanuts, your immune system makes a mistake and accidentally identifies the proteins in these foods as unsafe. Even though the proteins are not harmful to the human body, the immune system reacts as if they were. Immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine are released throughout the body to fight off the proteins. These chemicals cause inflammation in soft tissue throughout the body, such as the nasal passages, intestines, lungs and skin.
Milk Avoidance Diet
If you're allergic to milk, the only way to prevent symptoms from developing is by eliminating all milk proteins form your diet. Some products are obvious, such as milk, ice cream, custard, yogurt, butter and white sauces, but dairy proteins may be found in unexpected places. The Cleveland Clinic states that milk proteins may be found in chocolate, hard candy, ketchup, nougat, malted milk, margarine, pudding, coffee creamers and au gratin foods. The government requires that all food manufacturers place an allergen warning on the prepared food.
Peanut Avoidance Consideration
While a milk allergy can cause a severe allergic reaction, peanuts are more likely to trigger anaphylaxis, according to MayoClinic.com. Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction that can cause life-threatening symptoms. Avoidance of all peanut proteins is essential to prevent anaphylaxis. Even the smallest amount of peanut proteins can cause a severe reaction. Eating a food that is free from peanuts but has been manufactured on equipment that has processed peanuts can contaminate the food with traces of peanut proteins. Look for products that state they have been produced in a facility that does not process peanuts.
Peanut Avoidance Diet
A peanut avoidance diet will require that you avoid all cold-pressed peanut oil, peanut butter, peanut flour, ground nuts, artificial nuts, mixed nuts, Asian and African ethic dishes, candy, hydrolyzed plant protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, egg rolls and marzipan. Read the product labels carefully and inform your server of your peanut allergy when eating out.
