Allergies 102: Identifying and Treating Tree Nut Allergy

One of the most common food allergies you’ll find is to tree nuts. Tree nuts include those that grow on trees, like almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and cashews. Don’t confuse this with allergies for peanuts, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds, since these all grow from the ground. You can learn ways to improve your condition using natural allergy treatments by consulting with an integrative medicine practitioner.

Tree Nut Allergies in Adults and Children

Tree nut allergies affects both adults and children alike. The illness can cause severe reactions, which is why it’s required to carry around an epinephrine auto-injector. This and staying as far away as possible from nuts that grow on trees is key for staying safe. It’s a good idea to learn how to read labels, so you can refrain from buying and eating foods that contain these types of nuts or traces of such ingredients.

Normally, this type of allergies last your entire life. Studies performed recently reveal that nine percent of children with tree nut allergies outgrow their condition. But for those who don’t, natural allergy treatment can be used. Do note that siblings of kids with these allergies are at a higher risk of also being allergic to the same or similar items. One way to know for sure is to take your children for allergy testing at an integrative medicine center near you.

It’s also common for individuals to be allergic to more than one type of tree nut. So if allergy testing shows you’re allergic to one, then it’s better to stay safe and avoid them all. It’s especially important to stay away from peanuts, since they are oftentimes come into contact with other nuts that grow on trees during processing and manufacturing.

Staying Away from Tree Nuts

Until you obtain treatment for your allergy symptoms, it’s a good idea to learn how to safeguard yourself from allergy attacks. Thankfully, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act has made it mandatory for all food products packaged and sold in America to have labels detailing whether there are these types of nuts inside the ingredients. If so, this has to be clearly labeled on the product.

So all you need to do is take the time to read labels before you make a purchase. It’s best to check each time you shop because some ingredients change over time. Unusual places you may find variety of nuts that grow on tree include cereals, cookies, crackers, chocolates, frozen desserts, marinades, energy bars and flavored coffee. There are some alcoholic beverages that contain it as well.

If you’d like to learn more about natural allergy treatment, you should visit with an integrative medicine practitioner. They can provide various services, such as SLIT and chelation therapy.