Is it ok for wheat allergy sufferers to eat bread?
Quick Answer
No
People with a wheat allergy have an abnormal immune response to at least one of the proteins that exist in wheat. Eating bread, which typically contains wheat, can trigger an allergic reaction.
What Is It?
A wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to foods containing wheat, one of the top eight food allergens in the United States. This allergy is most common in children and is usually outgrown before reaching adulthood.
How to Tell
Symptoms of a wheat allergy can range from mild, such as hives, to severe, such as anaphylaxis. Other symptoms may include nausea, irritation of the mouth and throat, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and digestive discomfort.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating bread when you have a wheat allergy can lead to serious health risks.
- Anaphylaxis: This is a life-threatening reaction that can constrict the airways and lower the blood pressure.
- Malnutrition: Regularly consuming foods that trigger an allergic reaction can lead to malnutrition.
- Weight loss: This is often a consequence of malnutrition.
Safe Alternatives
There are many wheat-free alternatives to bread available, such as those made from almond flour, coconut flour, or other gluten-free grains.