How to Live With an Allergy to Shellfish

By eHow Health Editor

Rate: (12 Ratings)

Studies have disclosed that the protein tropomyosin may be the culprit in causing allergic reactions to some shellfish, including shrimp. While some people are affected by any shellfish they eat, other persons need only avoid shellfish in related groups.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Acidophilus
  • Bromelain
  • Food Enzymes
  • Quercetin
  • Vitamin C

Step1
Avoid eating all shellfish. This includes shrimp, clams, oysters, lobster, crayfish, mussels and snails.
Step2
Get tested first, before attempting to eat shellfish of an unrelated group. For example, you may be allergic to shrimp, but can still eat clams. Testing first will help you avoid a potential allergic reaction.
Step3
Read labels - particularly on processed Asian-style foods. Shellfish and fish are very popular in Asian cuisine. Check with the manufacturer if uncertain.
Step4
Ask at restaurants, particularly Chinese and other Asian cuisine, if an item is unfamiliar. Make sure that shellfish is not included in sauces and broths.
Step5
Ask how products are prepared at restaurants that offer shellfish. Both French fries and clams, for example, might be fried in the same oil.
Step6
Avoid handling shellfish. It can cause a reaction in sensitive individuals.
Step7
Limit exposure to cooking fumes. It can cause a reaction in sensitive individuals.
Step8
Add a supplement of Vitamin C with bioflavonoids to your diet, 1,00 to 5,000 mg per day in divided doses. Or try quercetin, 500 mg twice a day. These supplements help your body cope with allergens, decrease inflammation and support the immune system.
Step9
Take acidophilus according to product label. It helps digestion by maintaining healthy intestinal flora.
Step10
Use a multi-enzyme complex to help improve digestion. Use according to product label and take with meals.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do not attempt to reintroduce shellfish back 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 the food does not decrease an allergic reaction. Cooked oysters, for example, will produce the same reaction as raw ones.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments

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on 1/1/2008 wow...this explains a lot to me, as does the comment,thanks, you may have just saved a life.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/21/2006 Some skin moisturizers contain marine collagen, and some marine collagen is made from shellfish. Using these products can cause a severe rash; in extremely sensitive people, it is possible to get a life-threatening reaction.

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eHow Article: How to Live With an Allergy to Shellfish

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

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