When the body's immune system reacts with certain proteins in our diet, food allergies can occur. The symptoms of allergies however may differ according to the severity of the reactions and present just as skin rashes and abdominal pain or life-threatening complications. It is therefore important to identify these allergies in order to prevent serious health consequences. Allergic reactions can occur even with a vegetarian diet, and can be caused by any food item in the diet.
Allergies in Vegetarians
While vegetarian diets primarily consist of plant-based and dairy products, it's important to note that individuals following such diets still develop allergies to these food categories. Allergies can manifest in the form of symptoms such as hives, digestive issues, or respiratory distress, and they are triggered by specific proteins in some food items. In India, more than 3 million people have a peanut allergy. Foods like soy, milk, and other items can also be common sources of allergy. Therefore, even though vegetarians avoid most animal-based products, they may still be susceptible to allergies related to vegetables, dairy and other sources.
