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Wheat allergy refers
specifically to adverse reactions involving immunoglobulin E (IgE)
antibodies to one or more proteins of wheat, including albumin, globulin,
gliadin and glutenin (gluten). Allergic reactions to wheat may be
caused by ingestion of wheat-containing foods or by inhalation of
flour containing wheat (Baker's asthma). If you are mildly allergic
to wheat, you may be able to try wheat products again. First refrain
from all wheat products for at least six months, and then try a small
amount. If you don't have a reaction, you may be able to tolerate
wheat occasionally. If you have had a severe reaction to wheat, do
not attempt to reintroduce it.
If you have a wheat allergy, there are many suitable solutions for
cooking wheat free, such as Oat Flour, Rice Flour, Corn Flour, and
more. When baking with wheat-free flours, a combination of flours
usually works best. Experiment with different blends to find one that
will give you the texture you are trying to achieve with your particular
recipes.
Try substituting 1 cup wheat flour with
one of the following:
| 7/8 cup rice flour |
| 5/8 cup potato starch flour |
| 1 cup soy flour plus 1/4 cup potato starch
flour |
| 1 cup corn flour |
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Commonly asked questions about Wheat Allergies:
| What is the difference
between celiac disease and wheat allergy? |
Celiac disease and wheat allergy are two
distinct conditions. Celiac disease, or "celiac sprue,"
is a permanent adverse reaction to gluten. Those with celiac
disease will not lose their sensitivity to this substance. This
disease requires a lifelong restriction of gluten.
The major grains that contain gluten are wheat, rye, oats, and
barley. These grains and their by-products must be strictly
avoided by people with celiac disease.
Wheat-allergic people have an IgE-mediated response to wheat
protein. These individuals must only avoid wheat. Most wheat-allergic
children outgrow the allergy.
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Are kamut and spelt safe alternatives
to wheat?
|
No. Kamut is a cereal grain which is related
to wheat. Spelt is an ancient wheat that has recently been marketed
as safe for wheat-allergic individuals. This claim is untrue,
however. Wheat-allergic patients can react as readily to spelt
as they do to common wheat..
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Keep in Mind
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| Read labels carefully. At least
one brand of hot dogs and one brand of ice cream contains wheat.
It is listed on the label. |
| Many country-style wreaths are decorated
with wheat products. |
| Some types of imitation crabmeat contain
wheat. |
| Wheat flour is sometimes flavored and shaped
to look like beef, pork, and shrimp, especially in Asian dishes. |
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If you suspect that you have a wheat allergy, consult
your physician or allergists and get tested!
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