Help, I'm Allergic to Seafood!

Help, I'm Allergic to Seafood!
by David Cowley

has developed the allergy is usually for life.

The good news is that allergies to seafood are usually restricted to only one seafood
type or group. Types of seafood groups are, Vertebrates like anchovies, cod, herring,
mackerel, salmon, and tuna. Crustaceans like crab, lobster, prawns, and shrimp.
Shellfish like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops. Cephalopods like calamari,
cuttlefish, octopus, and squid. Gastropods like garden slugs, sea slugs, and snails.

If you are allergic to something in the vertebrates group then it is 50 to 75 percent
that you will be allergic to one of the other vertebrates. The same holds true for the
rest of the groups. Complete avoidance to one or more groups of seafood is often
recommended. However, just because you are allergic to one of the vertebrates
does not mean that you will be allergic to something in the shellfish group.

Whenever something in a new group is tried for the first time you should only eat a
small amount and then see if any of the symptoms occur within several hours.
Symptom include hives or rash, difficulties in breathing, headache, dizziness, ringing in
the ears and an increase or decrease in blood pressure.

Some reactions to shellfish are caused by toxic reaction that mimics an allergic to
seafood reaction. Shellfish contaminated by algae-derived neurotoxins interfere with
the function of nerve endings in the human body, thus giving the appearance of an
allergic reaction. Symptoms occur within a couple of hours and usually last about 24
hours.

The neurotoxin know as saxitoxin is concentrates in the filter-feeding shellfish and the
toxin is head-stable and is unaffected by cooking. The toxin can persist in
contaminated shellfish for several weeks to several months after exposure to the
toxic algae. Never eat shellfish after a red tide has been reported.

A growing awareness about food allergies is becoming well known in the United
States. Food manufactures and restaurants are becoming more understanding and
willing to accommodate people living with food allergies. Living with any food allergy
is no longer a major undertaking; it is now just a minor adjustment to your life-style.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

About The Author

David Cowley has created over 50 articles about the relationship between diseases
and vitamins. For his other articles on Allergies click on and for his
other articles click on .

If you are allergic to seafood then
you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also
called Contact Allergies. Countries
where seafood is a staple part of the
diet such as Scandinavian, Spain, and
Japan have a higher percentage of
individuals allergic to seafood.

This is due to the ability of allergies
type 1 reactions to gradually increase
in severity over time. If you are
susceptible to becoming allergic to
seafood, then the more you are
exposed to the allergens the more
likely it is that you will develop
symptoms. Once an allergic reaction

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.