MECHANISM OF ALLERGY TO BEANS

Beans, which belong to the genus Phaseolus vulgaris , in South America began to be grown and eaten as early as 7000 years ago. And the ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a medicine to heal wounds.

It was in those days that the first mention of an allergy to beans appeared. And this is not surprising, because this product contains 75% protein. This is the same as in the meat of any animal or bird. And where there is protein, there is allergy …

It occurs due to an overly active reaction of the immune system to the substances contained in this plant, a representative of the legume family. Immediately after ingestion, the body of a sensitive person mistakes the product for an enemy agent and begins to defend itself with the production of antibodies, which eventually stimulate the synthesis of histamine. Antibodies fight bean proteins, perceiving it as an infectious agent. And histamine is trying to protect the body from this imaginary infection. Excess histamine causes soft tissue inflammation in various parts of the body.

To soften this reaction, the beans should be soaked in water for 10-12 hours and then boiled for at least an hour.

This is how the beans are prepared for Ukrainian borscht, which without it will not only have no taste, but also the necessary nutrients. Namely:

• iron

• magnesium;

• potassium;

• phosphorus;

• copper

• saponins.

In our country, white beans are more common than others, which lower cholesterol levels. It also has diuretic, hypoglycemic and hypotensive properties. In addition, it is white beans that almost do not cause excessive gas formation, which cannot be said about its green and black “relatives”.

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY TO BEANS

They can proceed easily or, conversely, cause anaphylactic shock.

If you are allergic to this product, the following symptoms are observed:

•    nasal congestion,

• manifestations of asthma

• digestive disorders;

• suffocation;

•    labored breathing;

• wheezing;

•    cough,

• sneezing.

Digestive disorders are manifested by diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.

The skin may react with hives or eczema anywhere on the body.

Non-allergic reactions include flatulence . It is the result of bacterial fermentation of resistant starches and bean oligosaccharides that cannot be digested by normal intestinal enzymes.

This most common adverse reaction is not dangerous, but causes significant discomfort. Especially when a person is in public places.

DIAGNOSTICS OF ALLERGY TO BEANS

You can diagnose bean allergy by keeping a food diary on your smartphone. If your suspicions are confirmed, you should contact an allergist who will conduct a skin prick test or a molecular test that can determine your reaction to 99.9% of the allergens that exist in the world.

If you are really at risk of serious allergic reactions, doctors will attribute the use of an adrenaline dispenser. It may be needed when you feel a sudden drop in blood pressure, choking, and other symptoms of anaphylaxis.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF ALLERGY TO BEANS

The best way to avoid allergies to beans is to eliminate them from your diet . Moreover, in most cases, the reaction is caused not only by the use of beans, but also by the inhalation of vapors during its heat treatment. Neglect of this rule can provoke asthma symptoms. Therefore, people who are allergic to this dish, it is better not to visit restaurants where it is prepared, and not to order dishes from legumes in catering establishments.

After all, if you are allergic to beans, you often need to avoid eating other legumes:

• alfalfa;

• clover;

• peas;

• lentils;

• lupine;

• mesquite ;

• soybeans;

• peanuts;

• tamarind, etc.

You should be very careful, because beans and other legumes can be part of most sauces, pates and marinades. Therefore, before trying them, you should carefully ask what this or that product consists of. Sometimes it’s better to call the manufacturer in general to find out the ingredients of a particular delicacy.

If you can’t resist the temptation or inadvertently try a bean product, take an antihistamine.

If this does not help, see a doctor. He will conduct a detailed analysis of your symptoms and prescribe more effective medications.

Supporters of a vegetarian diet are advised by doctors to replace beans with quinine, which also contains enough protein, but rarely causes allergies.