It is important to understand that a food allergy is not a disease. It is more of an immune response or a condition in which the body cannot cope with a certain type of food. It may lead to problems like indigestion and inflammation in the stomach or it may show physical effects like rashes or boils on the body.
There is no cure for food allergies but to stay away from foods that can cause them. It is quite difficult to be in public places, in restaurants, or while travelling when one is allergic or sensitive to different types of foods, as the available options are limited and one cannot indulge in food carefree.
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Even though a lot of restaurants and hotels are now becoming more conscious of food allergies and are ready to make modifications to their food, it is not something that you can expect everywhere. However, being allergic to food doesn't mean that one has to miss out on all the fun of eating delicious food and becoming a part of the feast. In this article, one can find some amazing substitutes for common food allergies that can be used while cooking food at home or ordering food outside.
Also Read: How Do You Know What Causes A Food Allergy?
* Coconut Milk
Lactose intolerance is a pretty common condition these days. It is not just limited to adults or old people; children as well as infants these days may have this allergy. A person who is allergic to dairy may experience symptoms like nausea, upset stomachs, vomiting, and hives. Coconut milk is a great substitute for cow milk or buffalo milk, as it has the same creaminess. The taste of coconut milk is pretty fresh and one can use it for breakfast cereals, adding curries, baking, and a lot of other purposes.
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* Baking Powder
Many people tend to not consume eggs by choice and there is also a significant portion of people who are allergic to eggs. This allergy is triggered by the proteins present in eggs and may evoke skin and respiratory problems. However, eggs are an indispensable part of the baking process and help make cakes, muffins and other bakery items fluffy and tasty. If one cannot consume eggs, then using baking soda or xanthum gum is a considerable option. Other than this, one can also use applesauce puree or mashed bananas, as they're also equally good binders.
* Coconut Or Almond Flour
Gluten intolerance is a condition where a person cannot digest wheat and some other grains that have gluten in them. Gluten is a type of protein that is found in the wheat plant and some similar grains. In India, wheat flour is one of the most popular flours, as it is used to make rotis, parathas, and a lot of other Indian flatbreads. Instead of using wheat flour, a person suffering from gluten intolerance can use coconut flour or almond flour. A combination of corn flour and rice can also be a great source of carbohydrates for the body.
* Apple Cider Vinger
Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, or any other fruit that have citric acid in them may cause problems like acidity and inflammation in the stomachs of a lot of people. Though this is not a very common problem, many people still experience it every time they have some of the other citrus fruits. Some of the common symptoms of having a citrus allergy include soreness in the throat, a swollen tongue and congestion. Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute that can be used to give a citrusy flavour to food without having to worry about any side effects.
* Almonds
Peanuts are a type of nut that many people are allergic to. The most ferocious form of peanut allergy may show in the form of skin flares, tingling in the throat and mouth, and even the inability to breathe. Instead of using peanuts, one can go for roasted almonds, some roasted almonds or even roasted oats. These are going to add a similar kind of crunch and nutty flavour to the food. The best part is that both oats and almonds are pretty good for the heart and do not have any kind of side effects, such as increasing cholesterol levels in the body.
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* Chickpea
People suffering from an allergy to soya can use chickpeas. Some people are allergic to soya as well as dairy. In this case, one needs to find a plant-based alternative that is safe for consumption and, at the same time, healthy. Chickpeas can be eaten as they are or in the form of flour. One can also make milk from chickpeas, as it is quite nutritionally dense. Chickpeas are very rich in different types of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, zinc, iron, phosphorus and fibre, which makes them a great alternative to soya as well as dairy.