Alcohol Allergy
If you are really allergic to alcohol then you suffer from allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. suggests that it is more often than not, the other ingredients that cause allergic reaction such as yeast and sulfur dioxide instead of alcohol itself.
We do not know how people can suffer from allergies to alcohol products because many of the usual symptoms associated with alcohol consumption also associated with an allergic reaction. Reddening of the skin of the face and neck, itchy eyes and nose, hives, loss of motor functions, vomiting, and eczema are the typical reactions of the contents of wine and beer and also symptoms of allergic reactions to alcohol.
Some people in Asia experience descent unusual flushing reaction after ingestion of alcohol. This is believed to be caused by a genetic disorder. The body can not metabolize alcohol correctly. It has been suggested that anyone who experiences a flushing reaction after drinking alcohol may be at risk for esophageal cancer, disease liver, alcohol and related conditions.
Sulfur dioxide is added to wine since Roman times. It inhibits yeast growth, preventing the wine becomes wine vinegar thus giving a longer life. Sulfur dioxide also helps to give the old wine of its many different flavors. There is limits on the quantity of sulfur dioxide winemakers are permitted to add. Wines with more than 25 parts per million of sulfur dioxide should be included in the wine label.
Allergies to yeast found in wine and beer, although rare, can cause an allergic reaction and usually manifests as hives.
Red wine contains more histamine from white wines. Taking antihistamines before drinking wine can help reduce the allergic effects of histamines. Fruit wines contain low levels of histamine in wine grapes.
The egg white is commonly used in the fining process. The imposition of fines is the process where unwanted organisms are eliminated by the addition of egg whites or bentonite. The strong drop of the suspension and removed, creating and a wine course. None of the egg white or bentonite is supposed to remain in the wine after the fining process is completed clearly bentonite egg not listed on the label as part of the components of wine.
If you are not sure what is giving you problems you could try the test food challenge. Avoid all allergy causing foods and beverages for several weeks. Then the doctor will give you a pill of each suspected agents at a time under close supervision. If symptoms appear within two hours after taking the pill, then you are allergic to it and will have to avoid.
Always consult your physician before using this information.
About the Author:
Dr Vincent Crump, of the Allergy Clinic Auckland, UK
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