Why are People Allergic to Potatoes?
Peanuts, seafood and milk are the most common foods that cause allergies. But apparently, there are a handful of people who have allergies to potatoes. Although rare, both young children and adults can experience potato allergies. Why is that? See the full explanation in this article.
What are the causes of potato allergies?
Food allergies are caused by the body's immune system that mistakenly recognizes substances in food or drink as foreign substances, so the body fights it by creating an allergic reaction as an effort to self-defense.
If you are allergic to potatoes, your immune system considers proteins, alkaloids, and other substances in potatoes as harmful substances. This substance can enter the body many times without causing an allergic reaction. Once you have exceeded the tolerance limit, the new body will react. So do not be surprised if there are some people who first experience allergies during adulthood.
Symptoms of potato allergy
Various food allergic reactions can appear in different forms, from mild to serious. This depends on how your body reacts to substances that are thought to be dangerous and how much of these substances enter your body.
Generally, you will immediately experience an allergic reaction when touching or eating potatoes (raw or cooked) in seconds to minutes. For some people, this reaction can also occur up to several hours after direct contact with potatoes, for example when peeling potatoes. In fact, there are also people who can be allergic when using a spoon, fork, knife, or plate of processed potatoes.
Symptoms of potato allergy basically vary from person to person, from mild to serious. However, here are some typical symptoms of potato allergy:
- Rhintis, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
- Pain or itching in the throat.
- A reddish rash appears on the skin.
- Swelling in the mouth, tongue, or throat.
- Tingling sensation on your lips after eating potatoes.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Bloated.
- Diarrhea.
Symptoms of a mild potato allergy can usually be relieved by antihistamine drugs. However, if your condition does not improve, consult a doctor immediately. This is done to ensure that there are no further dangerous complications. In addition, this is also done so that you can handle it according to your needs.
That must be considered if you have a potato allergy
If you are allergic to potatoes, it is important for you to read each packaging label carefully. The reason is that potatoes often become additional ingredients used to make certain processed foods or drinks. As an example:
- Ripe potatoes are sometimes used as a thickener in processed foods, such as canned soup.
- Potato flour can be used instead of wheat flour in packaged foods or in restaurants.
- Modified potato starch can be found in a variety of products, including some sweets.
- Grated cheese may contain potato flour.
- Many types of vodka are made from fermented potatoes.
- Potatoes are also used as herbs for herbal remedies to limit stomach pain. In addition, potatoes are also often used as a topical herbal remedy to reduce inflammation and skin ulcers.
Well, that's why always check the list of ingredients contained in all packaging, whether it's food, drinks, drugs, or herbal supplements.
