Tag: Crabs

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis in an Irritating Nutshell

A person will never know if they are allergic to a certain type of food unless they have eaten the food allergen itself. It takes a certain amount of food for the reaction to take place and trigger a symptom.

Food allergy and anaphylaxis are closely related, but they have their own defining differences that will be discussed as you read on.

Plus, a person can also develop allergic reactions to foods that are closely related to the original food allergy he or she has. Say, an allergy to oysters can also lead to an allergic reaction when the person eats shrimp, crabs, or fish.

In food allergy, the individuals immune system reacts in two ways. The body may respond through the use of mast cells. These mast cells can come about at just any part of the human body but its favorite spots make itself known to the world is in the throat, lungs, eyes, skin, and especially the organs of the gastrointestinal system. The other type of response is through the bodys release of immunoglobulin E antibodies that travel through the blood system. It then eventually causes the discharge of the body chemical histamine which then causes the activation of allergic reactions in the common body sites previously mentioned.

On the other hand, anaphylaxis is derived form the Greek words ana and phylaxis, which subsequently means back and protection. It is the abrupt allergic response that is much more intense than the common allergy which can be lethal to the sufferer. Chief causes of anaphylaxis include insect stings, skin contact to latex, medications, and food. Anaphylaxis may also be idiopathically caused or, in lay mans terms, unknown causes.

Like in food allergy, anaphylaxis involves the reaction of the different body sites; the only difference is the intensity of the response and only a small amount of the allergen is needed for the reaction to take place. The time span before signs and symptoms become evident ranges from within a few seconds up to a few hours after allergen exposure.

Anaphylaxis can come about following the intake of food, skin contact, or even as simple as inhalation of the food aroma. The life threatening type of anaphylaxis is called anaphylactic shock. In anaphylactic shock, only a tiny amount of the food allergen is needed to cause death to the sufferer within moments of exposure.

Individuals who are in danger of undergoing an anaphylactic reaction are those who have a history of allergy to food, asthma, and eczema. They are more likely to experience an anaphylactic response that can be fatal. Another population group who are also at risk of anaphylaxis, through the evidences of current studies that have been conducted, is teenagers who are afflicted with a certain type of food allergy. This is due to the fact that teenagers have frequent tendencies to eat out, are daring and experimental in their endeavors, and are more likely to fail to identify symptoms of anaphylactic reaction. Moreover, teenagers have tendencies to forget to carry with them essential medications which can either be caused by self-consciousness common to their age group.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may be similar to that of food allergies. Basically, an incident of anaphylaxis initially starts with an itchy or irritating sensation, and some individuals experience a metallic after-taste. Anaphylactic symptoms may also include hot flashes or sudden warm feeling, inflammation of the throat and oral cavity, hives, dyspnea or labored breathing, low blood pressure, diarrhea, gastric irritations, and fainting or loss of consciousness.

Furthermore, there are cases wherein the symptoms fade away for a moment but then come back within a few hours; this incidence is known as biphasic reaction.

To prevent food allergy and anaphylactic reactions, careful scrutiny of food labels, diet modifications, specific instructions in food orders in restaurants, and certain medications can be of great help in reducing the incidence of any type of reaction. Moreover, a consultation to the physician is advisable for an efficient management plan and if allergies seem to run in families because it can also be hereditarily caused.

Seafood On The Grill

Some Of The Best Stuff

While meat or poultry would never be out of anyones grilling vocabulary, everyone who is onto grilling should also have some dose of grilled seafood. Not only does seafood give a healthier option to those who cannot have too much of meat but they also taste really good if you know how to prepare them the right way. With the many pleasant things you can turn seafood into by the use of your grill; it is no wonder why it is getting more popular by the moment.

Considering that, you might want to try having seafood the next time you and your family go grilling. So to educate you with what seafood would be great on the grill as well as what are some good things to do with them, here are some tips that would describe in detail the ideal way of cooking and having it.

Grilling Fish

When it comes to grilling seafood, fish should always be at the top of the list. With some nice fishes and a grill alone, you would able to produce so much delectable dishes with only that. In grilling fish, you would first have to classify fish into firm and tender, whole and fillet and use different grilling approaches when in comes to the fish depending on how you would classify them. Be aware that aside from direct grilling, you could also roast, sear and do a lot more with fishes on the grill.

For firm fish such as tuna and swordfish, the best way of having them is to grill them right on top of the fire since other types could easily crumble and fall right inside the grill. Make sure that the fire is not too strong as not to burn the fish but just right as to make the fish juicy and tender right after being grilled. Another way to cook fish is to have them smoked with the use of seasoned wood chips. The smoke made by these chips would infuse the fish with a different but really pleasant flavor.

Crustaceans

We all have tried crabs, lobsters and shrimps most likely boiled but most of us most likely have not tried having them cooked on top of the grill. When it comes to preparing these, you should be aware that one of the best ways of having them is to have them grilled. Grilling them gives a much different but very delicious flavor as compared to other ways of preparing crustaceans.

Grilling crustaceans is quite easy; some would even consider it easier to grill than fish. The firm meat keeps it whole all throughout the grilling process and unlike fish, crustaceans do not crumble or crack at the surface and fall into the grill. Since it is so, it is even a good item in the grill for beginners to start with.

Other Good Seafood

Other seafood such as squid, octopus and different shells are also great on the grill. However, you have to be careful in grilling squid and octopus since having them slightly overcooked would make them very chewy, tough and flavorless. But if you cook them right, it would be the exact opposite and would taste absolutely great.

Grilled seafood would also go well with other favorite items on the grill such as vegetables, poultry and beef. With grilled seafood, your days with your family on the grill are sure to be much better.