Sesame allergy: foods to avoid
Have you ever sneezed after eating a delicious bagel or a moreish hummus? Mate, you’re not the only one. Every person with sesame allergies had the same experience.
This blog post provides some detailed guidance on which foods you should avoid if you suffer from this intolerance.
Check out these tips to find hidden sesame sources in your food and learn how to manage this tricky food aversion. It’s easier than you think!
What is Sesame Allergy?
Sesame allergies are a condition in which the immune system reacts to sesame products and seeds.
Common Symptoms
Sesame allergy can manifest in many ways. There are mild and severe symptoms. You may see a rash on your skin or red spots. Some people feel sick and vomit. A tight throat can make it difficult to talk or swallow food. A tickly throat can also cause you to cough. You might also have difficulty breathing.
- Hives or skin rash
- Feeling sick?
- Belly Pain
- Trouble Swallowing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- You may feel a tightness in your throat
- Lips, tongue, mouth, or the area around the eyes swelling
- Difficulty in breathing
- Anaphylactic shock
Sesame Allergic Reactions
We can assure you that it’s not fun to say, “I am allergic to sesame seeds.” Some allergic reactions are so severe that you may need to visit the ER. Allergic reactions include:
- You start to develop hives all over your body.
- You feel a tingling sensation in your mouth
- You may have swelling of your lips, throat, and tongue.
- You might start to wheeze or feel pains in your chest.
- Also, the area around your eyes becomes swollen.
Sesame allergy in children
Sadly, some kids can’t enjoy certain treats. Sesame allergy is one such problem. Sesame allergy is the ninth most common allergen among children and adults in the U.S. It affects about 17% of all food-allergic kids.
Sesame can cause an immune reaction because the body believes it is harmful.
Sesame oil or seeds can cause allergic reactions in children, just like adults. You may notice hives, or they might feel itchy. They may have a swollen or painful face, stomach pain, or find it difficult to breathe.
About one out of 100 people have developed an allergy to these tiny seeds in recent years. Watch out for sources such as flaxseed, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, and macadamia nuts.
Sesame Allergy: Foods to Avoid
It is important to avoid sesame-containing foods, including bread, cookies, and crackers.
Foods Containing Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds can be used in a variety of cuisines all over the world. Sesame seeds can be found in many foods, both sweet and savory. Sesame seeds are often found in the following foods:
- Sesame seeds are commonly found in bread.
- Breadsticks may contain sesame seeds.
- This ingredient is often found in hamburger buns.
- Sesame seeds are also used in bagels.
- Pasteli is a mixture of sesame seeds.
Foods Containing Sesame Oil
You should reconsider your favorite stir-fry dish if you’re a fan and allergic to Sesame.
Sesame oil is used in most Asian dishes. It’s a cooking oil derived from sesame seeds. Foods containing Sesame should be avoided.
- Sesame oil is used in many salad dressings.
- Sesame Oil is used in many Asian dishes.
- This oil is used in some marinades and sauces. Barbeque sauce may also contain this oil.
- Sesame Oil is used in some fried foods.
- Sesame Oil in Packaged Snacks Some snacks, like chips, may contain Sesame.
Sesame from Other Sources
Many foods contain Sesame. Not only oil or seeds. You might be surprised to learn that it’s also in other products.
- Benne seed
- Gingelly
- Gomasio
- Halvah
- Sesame flour
- Hummus
- Sausages
- Other types of processed meats
Sesame Allergy: Treatment and Management
It is essential to avoid foods containing Sesame, read labels, and be aware that other allergens may react with Sesame. Are you ready to learn more about managing and treating your sesame allergies? Continue reading!
Sesame and Other Foods to Avoid
Sesame is a common allergen and sensitivity. If you have a sesame allergy or know someone who does, you should avoid foods containing Sesame to prevent an allergic response. Cross-contamination in food preparation is a major concern when it comes to Sesame, which is one of the most common allergens. You can avoid Sesame by following these simple steps:
- I don’t eat sesame seeds. Do not be afraid to tell someone new about your sesame allergies that you do not eat anything with sesame seeds.
- You should also avoid eating foods cooked in sesame oil.
- Sesame can be hidden in many foods, including bread, hummus, and tahini. It would help if you always were on the lookout for Sesame.
- Avoid certain Asian recipes, as they often contain sesame seeds or oil.
- It is important to check the food labels on jars and packets. If the title says “sesame,” it’s not worth buying.
- On labels, Sesame is sometimes called Gingelly, Benne, or Simsim. Always look out for other names.
- It is better to avoid a product that says “may contain traces” of nuts or seeds.
- Be sure to let people know about your food allergy when they invite you for a meal.
Reading food labels
For those with allergies to Sesame, reading food labels is essential. This helps us determine whether a product contains Sesame. When reading food labels, here are some things you should keep in mind:
- You can find the word “sesame” in the ingredients list. You may see “sesame oil,” “sesame seeds,” or other forms of Sesame listed.
- Cross-contamination is a risk. Sesame may not be an ingredient in some products, but they can still become contaminated during production. You can look for statements like “may contain sesame” and “manufactured at a facility which also processes sesame.”
- Check for allergen labeling. Sesame is an allergen that must be clearly labeled on packaged foods sold in the U.S. as of January 1, 2023.
- Many names know Sesame. Tahini, for example, is a paste that is made of sesame seeds ground and is used commonly in Middle Eastern Cuisine.
Cross-Reactivity With Other Allergens
You should be aware that you could also have cross-reactivity if you are allergic to Sesame. Cross-reactivity occurs when the proteins of different foods are close enough to cause an allergic reaction.
Sesame allergy can also cause cross-reactivity to rye and other foods like kiwi and poppy seeds. It may even be a reaction with certain tree nuts such as hazelnut or black walnut. If you are allergic to Sesame, you could also be sensitive to certain foods like hazelnuts and black walnuts.
For individuals with a sesame allergy, some allergists suggest avoiding foods that could cause cross-reactivity, such as peanuts and tree nuts. Consult your doctor or an allergist for specific advice on which foods to avoid based on your situation.
When to Consult a Doctor
You must seek medical help if you have experienced symptoms or a severe reaction to Sesame. A doctor will be able to provide you with a correct diagnosis as well as help you develop a treatment plan.
You may be referred to an allergist or recommended tests. You should also consult a health professional if, by accident, you eat Sesame.
It is important to seek medical advice in order to manage your sesame allergies effectively and ensure your safety. If you or someone else you know suffers from severe sesame allergies, you may want to consider the following options:
- Consider wearing a Medical ID. If you or the child in your care has a severe sesame-allergic reaction, wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet that specifies this allergy.
- Epinephrine is a must-have for anyone with a sesame allergy. Your doctor will prescribe an auto-injector of epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen), and you should know how to use this in an emergency.
The conclusion of the article is:
It is important to avoid sesame seeds or sesame oils if you are allergic to Sesame. Be sure to carefully read the labels on your food and know other sources of Sesame that you may be eating.
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any allergic symptoms. Sesame allergies are no longer a threat to your health.