Nut allergy: causes, symptoms and effective ways to manage it

Nuts are not only tasty and nutritious — they are also extremely beneficial for overall health. They provide the body with energy, vitamins, minerals, micro- and macroelements, omega fatty acids and many other essential nutrients that support proper functioning and vitality.

However, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, pine nuts and other varieties often trigger adverse reactions in the body. Medical studies show that around 2% of adults worldwide suffer from nut allergies, which is largely due to the high protein content that provokes an abnormal immune response.

Causes and symptoms of nut allergy

Common symptoms indicating an allergic reaction to nuts include:

• Skin rashes: hives, dermatitis, eczema-like lesions;
• Itching and burning of specific skin areas (often under the knees or in the inner elbows);
• Swelling (typically of the eyelids, throat, or neck area);
• Respiratory symptoms: runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, sometimes a dry or harsh cough;

Food allergies may also affect the digestive system, causing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In severe cases, consuming almonds, peanuts or pistachios can lead to anaphylactic shock — a life-threatening condition characterized by dizziness, fainting, swelling of the throat and upper airways, and heart rhythm disturbances.

Why nut allergy develops

In most situations, nut allergies develop due to genetic predisposition or excessive consumption, which leads to what doctors call the accumulation effect — a gradual overload of the immune system.

People who are allergic to other triggers (such as pollen or dairy) are more likely to react to nuts as well. Complete elimination of the allergy is usually not possible, so avoiding contact with the allergen becomes the main preventive measure.

Not all nuts necessarily cause reactions. Often, only certain types trigger symptoms, meaning it is not always necessary to remove all nuts from the diet — only those that the body does not tolerate.

Peanuts and walnuts most commonly cause allergies, while cashews, pine nuts and pistachios rarely provoke negative immune responses. The allergenic level depends on the concentration of proteins such as 2S albumin, lecithin, profilin, lectin, and others. The fewer of these proteins present, the lower the risk of an allergic reaction.

Sometimes the allergy is triggered not by the nuts themselves but by the preservatives used to extend their shelf life. In such cases, the best alternative is fresh, natural, craft nuts.

What to do if you notice nut allergy symptoms

To avoid allergic reactions, you must eliminate the nut varieties that your body does not tolerate. It is also important to ensure that extracts, oils or derivatives of these nuts are not present in your cosmetics or household products.

At the first sign of allergy, take an antihistamine in the dosage recommended in its instructions (usually one tablet per day).

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