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How To

How to Live With an Allergy to Seafood

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

Fish is one of the most common food allergens, but it is easier to avoid than many other foods. Some people are allergic to all fish; others are only sensitive to certain groups.

From Quick Guide: Seafood Restaurant Guide
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Acidophilus
  • Bromelain
  • Quercetin
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin C
  1. Step 1

    Get tested to see if you are allergic to all fish. Some people can tolerate saltwater fish but not freshwater, or vice versa.

  2. Step 2

    Get tested before eating shellfish. Some people have allergies to both fish and shellfish.

  3. Step 3

    Avoid all fish and shellfish that you are allergic to.

  4. Step 4

    Read labels, particularly on processed Asian-style foods. Shellfish and fish are very popular in Asian cuisine. Make sure the food does not contain fish products. Check with the manufacturer if uncertain.

  5. Step 5

    Avoid imitation shellfish. It is made with fish products.

  6. Step 6

    Ask at restaurants, particularly Chinese and other Asian cuisine, if an item is unfamiliar. Make sure that fish products are not included in sauces and broths.

  7. Step 7

    Ask how products are prepared at restaurants that offer fish dishes. Fish may be fried in the same oil as other items.

  8. Step 8

    Add a supplement of vitamin C with bioflavonoids to your diet, 1,000 to 5,000 mg per day in divided doses. It helps your body cope with allergens and decreases inflammation.

  9. Step 9

    Use quercetin, 500mg twice per day. It helps decrease allergic reactions and supports the immune system.

  10. Step 10

    Take acidophilus. Use according to product label. It helps digestion by maintaining healthy intestinal flora.

  11. Step 11

    Use a multienzyme complex to help improve digestion. Use according to product label and take with meals.

Tips & Warnings
  • Do not attempt to reintroduce fish into your diet if you have experienced a severe reaction to it. You must avoid it permanently.
  • At this time, allergy shots are not available for food allergies.
  • Cooking fish does not reduce its allergens. Broiled fish will have the same allergic effect as sushi.

Comments  

llasidog said

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on 3/6/2009 Shellfish oil along with a mixture of vegetable oils is an ingredient of vaccine adjuvants. Since it is an inactive ingredient, it doesn't have to appear on the package insert and is a protected trade secret. This could be the main cause of shellfish allergy?

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 My son has a seafood allergy and seems to tolerate seafood if he takes Zyrtec one hour before eating seafood and another pill within the next 24 hours.

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