Ginger allergy occurs due to a body reaction to the ingestion of the spice. Its symptoms can be gastrointestinal or cutaneous. How to identify it? Here we detail it.
Allergies to spices are rare. However, certain cases of allergy to ginger and other related seasonings, such as turmeric, have been detected.
Most of these types of reactions are characterized by triggering adverse cutaneous or gastrointestinal processes. Only in some cases can a state of inflammation develop.
However, the usual thing when developing allergies is hypersensitivity to some protein, as stated in an article published in the journal Pediatrics and International Child Health.
In particular, cow’s milk and gluten are the ones that cause these reactions the most, but spices can also be triggers in some cases. How to recognize ginger allergy?
How to recognize ginger allergy?
Despite the fact that a process of intolerance is often called an “allergy”, allergy to ginger is characterized by manifesting itself, above all, at the intestinal level. The consumption of this food can cause the appearance of gas, colic, and diarrhea.
Even in very extreme cases, anaphylaxis would be triggered, according to a case report published in The Journal of Dermatology. In any case, such severe reactions are not usually frequent regarding the consumption of spices.
In the same way, it is possible that this type of allergy triggers a series of reactions at the skin level, such as irritation, redness, and hives. In fact, it could cause itching in the mouth.
Ginger allergy can cause gastrointestinal symptoms or skin reactions.
Allergy Prevention
Food allergy is a type of pathology that, although it can be treated, is chronic in nature. Even so, a series of measures can be carried out to prevent its appearance.
For example, feeding with breast milk until the first year, and the inclusion of complementary feeding after 6 months, reduces the risk of this type of autoimmune pathology. Excessive hygiene can also cause the body to become hypersensitive when encountering a foreign substance, even if it is not harmful.
In addition, it is recommended to carry out a varied diet, so that the digestive system finds different nutrients and gets used to its metabolism. Removing certain foods from the diet may not generate an allergy, but a subsequent intolerance process.
What to do in case of allergy to ginger?
If you suspect that you have an allergy, the most important thing is to see a specialist (allergist) to receive a clinical diagnosis. This will be the one who tells you what your degree of awareness is, and if it is necessary to remove said product from the diet or only moderate its consumption.
From there, it is necessary to assess the risk that anaphylaxis may occur if you come into contact with the allergen in question. This turns out to be an extreme and rare situation, especially in the case of a ginger allergy.
However, it may be advisable to avoid some culinary spices if you suffer from this pathology. In this way, you will save gastric and intestinal problems.
To avoid ginger allergy, it is best to avoid eating the spice. It may even be necessary to avoid other varieties such as turmeric.
Allergy to ginger, a rare case
Although it is possible to develop an allergy to almost any substance, culinary spices are not usually related to this type of pathology. Despite this, ginger is capable of producing hypersensitivity reactions in certain people. Early diagnosis is important to avoid complications in this regard.
It should be remembered that life habits are capable of favoring the development of these situations. The absence of breastfeeding or an unbalanced intestinal flora can generate allergies and intolerances in the medium and long term.
As it is a chronic problem, the best solution is to reduce or restrict the consumption of the food in question. You may even need to avoid other spices in your family, such as turmeric.
From this, it is best to adopt a varied and complete diet from a nutritional point of view. In fact, it is advisable to try supplementation with probiotics in order to improve symptoms. Of course, all are under medical supervision.