Report Implicates Peanut Allergy in Teen’s Death After Intimate Act
Why Nuts Upset Your Stomach And How To Fix It
Nuts interact with digestion in complex ways. They are nutrient-dense and packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, yet their digestion can be challenging for some people. Unlike simple carbohydrates, nuts require more effort to break down due to their fiber content and natural compounds. While some individuals process nuts without issue, others experience bloating, gas, or discomfort.
Different nut varieties also influence digestive reactions. Almonds and walnuts, for example, contain more fiber and tannins, which can slow digestion. Cashews, on the other hand, have lower fiber but contain fermentable carbohydrates that may cause bloating. These variations explain why some people can tolerate certain nuts better than others.
Phytic acid and digestionNuts contain phytic acid, which affects nutrient absorption. This natural compound acts as a protective agent for nuts but presents challenges for human digestion. Phytic acid binds to minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, reducing their bioavailability. This means that even though nuts are rich in nutrients, the body may not absorb all of them effectively.
For individuals with sensitive digestion, high phytic acid intake can contribute to bloating or discomfort. Soaking nuts overnight or roasting them can help break down some of this acid, making them easier to digest. However, the body can also adapt to phytic acid over time, particularly in those who regularly consume fiber-rich foods.
Recognizing food intolerancesNut intolerances are not the same as nut allergies. While nut allergies involve an immune response that can trigger severe reactions, intolerances are usually digestive in nature. Symptoms like bloating, cramping, or changes in bowel movements may appear hours after consumption.
The key difference is the timeline of symptoms. A nut allergy typically causes immediate reactions, such as swelling or difficulty breathing. In contrast, an intolerance develops gradually, often linked to the body's difficulty in breaking down certain nut compounds. Keeping a food diary can help identify whether nuts are the cause of digestive discomfort.
Portion control and fiber processingEven for those without nut intolerances, portion size plays a crucial role in digestive comfort. Nuts are high in fiber, and consuming large amounts suddenly can lead to gas and bloating.
The digestive system needs time to adjust to increased fiber intake. A gradual increase in nut consumption allows gut bacteria to adapt, reducing the likelihood of discomfort. Pairing nuts with water or foods rich in digestive enzymes, such as pineapple or papaya, may also help improve digestion.
Strategies for better digestionMethods such as soaking or sprouting can reduce phytic acid levels, making nutrients more bioavailable. Chewing nuts thoroughly is another key factor, as breaking them down properly in the mouth helps ease digestion further down the line.
Pairing nuts with other foods can also help balance their digestive impact. Consuming them with yogurt or fermented foods may introduce beneficial probiotics, supporting gut health. Additionally, spacing out nut consumption rather than eating large quantities at once can prevent digestive overload.
When to seek professional adviceSome digestive issues with nuts may require medical attention. While occasional bloating or discomfort is common, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored. If nut consumption leads to chronic digestive distress, inflammation, or other unusual reactions, it may indicate an underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a specific intolerance.
A healthcare provider can perform tests to determine whether the issue stems from a nut intolerance, digestive enzyme deficiency, or another gastrointestinal disorder. Personalized guidance can help adjust nut consumption while maintaining a balanced diet.
Looking aheadResearch continues to explore how nuts affect digestion. Ongoing studies investigate the role of gut microbiota in nut tolerance, as well as how different preparation methods influence digestibility. As nutritional science advances, new insights may offer more tailored strategies for incorporating nuts into daily diets without discomfort.
For now, understanding individual tolerance, practicing portion control, and adjusting preparation methods can significantly improve the digestive experience. By taking a mindful approach to nut consumption, it is possible to enjoy their benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.
Top In Allergy/asthma: Dupilumab Ineffective For Peanut Desensitization; Asthma Blood Test
February 07, 2025
2 min read
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Researchers observed that only 8.3% of 24 children or adolescents with peanut allergy passed a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge with at least 444 mg of peanut protein after receiving dupilumab for 24 weeks.
They found that the use of adrenaline as rescue medication and grade 2 allergic reactions occurred more frequently during the challenge.
Fewer than 10% of children or adolescents with peanut allergy passed a desnsitiaztion food challenge after receiving dupilumab for 24 weeks. Image: Adobe Stock "The impact of the findings for the everyday clinician is that dupilumab monotherapy may not be an effective treatment for desensitization in patients with peanut allergy," Sayantani B. Sindher, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine and pediatrics – allergy and clinical immunology at Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, told Healio. "However, the reduction in total IgE and [peanut-specific]-IgE levels, as well as the decrease in allergic reactions of grade 2 or higher, suggest that dupilumab may still have a role in managing symptoms and reducing the severity of allergic reactions."
It was the top story in allergy/asthma last week.
Another top story included a blood test that used cyclic adenosine monophosphate to diagnose asthma and determine its severity.
Read these and more top stories in allergy/asthma below:
Dupilumab does not desensitize children with peanut allergy
Following receipt of dupilumab for 24 weeks, most children or adolescents with peanut allergy did not achieve desensitization to peanut exposure, according to study results published in Allergy. Read more.
Blood test uses cyclic adenosine monophosphate to diagnose asthma
Blood tests for cyclic adenosine monophosphate may be a simple and useful option for diagnosing asthma and determining its severity, according to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Read more.
Maternal allergy status, infant birth season impact milk microbiome of mothers
Researchers identified a strong correlation between the milk microbiome of mothers with allergic disease and the season of infant birth, study results published in Allergy showed. Read more.
Disparities persist in testing for inborn errors of immunity despite sponsored program
Significant racial disparities persisted in genetic testing for inborn errors of immunity despite the removal of financial barriers, according to a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Read more.
Six-month asthma control score on mepolizumab predicts remission in eosinophilic asthma
Of four treatment response measures recorded at 6 months of mepolizumab treatment, an Asthma Control Questionnaire score was deemed "best predictor" of 12-month remission in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, study results suggested. Read more.
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12-year-old Girl Dies After Drinking Milkshake Prepared In An Unwashed Blender
A young girl has died after drinking a milkshake that had been prepared in an unwashed blender.
Mia St Hilaire ordered a milkshake at the Pop Inn Cafe on Southwark Park Road in south-east London, but shortly after drinking the beverage, she was rushed to hospital.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the 12-year-old tragically died.
Now, it has been revealed the girl suffered from a severe allergic reaction to the shake, and the cafe operator responsible has been fined over the incident.
The girl died after drinking a milkshake from this London cafe (Google Maps)Mia's parents said the youngster had a tree nut allergy, leading Southwark Council to believe the drink prepared by the cafe had traces of hazelnuts or almonds in.
CCTV footage then revealed the cafe's operator, Baris Yucel, had not cleaned the blender before making Mia's drink, meaning it possibly had traces of nuts made from a previous order that triggered Mia to go into an anaphylactic shock.
Southwark Council argued the drink was the trigger to Mia's allergic reaction, and that her death could've been avoided, BBC news reports.
In December last year, Yucel pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates' Court to six charges, including serving food that contained an allergic ingredient, a lack of allergen signage or information visible to customers, and a failure to identify cross contamination risks of allergenic ingredients.
The 47-year-old was fined £18,000 (around $22,0000) and ordered to 100 hours of community service in his sentencing on Friday (January 24).
Mia's grieving parents, Adrian and Chanel, said in a statement: "We think of Mia every day and knowing her death could potentially have been prevented so simply, only adds to how heartbroken we are as a family.
"We hope this conviction and fine sends a loud message to businesses serving food and drinks across the country, of the devastating consequences of failing to take food safety seriously", reports Your Local Guardian.
The family's attorney, Michelle Victor, also highlighted that businesses failing to adhere to food safety protocols can have 'tragic consequences'.
Meanwhile, the UK's food allergy charity, The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, said in a post on Instagram: "This is yet another death of a young person from a food allergy that should never have happened. We have met Mia's parents on several occasions, and our hearts are absolutely broken for them and their terrible loss.
"Rules around allergen safety are there to protect people with food allergies and must be taken seriously by all café and food operators. Food allergies are not a choice or preference, but a serious medical condition that can for some be fatal."
The girl died after the authorities found the blender hadn't been washed (Getty Images)The charity added that while the cafe's fines and community service is 'welcome', it does not believe the sentencing 'reflect[s] the gravity of what happened to Mia'.
Its statement continued: "How many more people must be hospitalised or die before all food operators realise these rules are not an optional extra, but essential for keeping their customers safe?"
The cafe continues to be monitored by the local authority, and has been granted a five-star Food Hygiene Rating in two occasions since the incident.
A lawyer for Yucel also said the businessman had 'shown genuine remorse' and 'a day does not go by' when he doesn't think of Mia or her family.
UNILAD has contacted the Pop Inn Cafe for comment.
Signs of anaphylactic shockAnaphylaxis, otherwise known as anaphylactic shock, is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that happens quickly, according to the NHS.
An allergy attack might look like:
Anyone can have an allergic reaction, regardless of age, race, or gender, as the body's immune system reacts to a substance, usually food or drink, by producing antibodies that attack allergens.
In turn, this can cause an allergic reaction to the skin, airways, sinuses, or digestive system.
On the more serious scale, anaphylaxis is not as common, but occurs when the body overreacts to the substance and develops within four hours, or even minutes, of contact with an allergen.
People who have allergic conditions, such as asthma or the allergic skin condition of atopic eczema are most at risk of developing anaphylaxis.
Common anaphylaxis triggersThe most common allergen triggers of anaphylaxis are:
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency which requires an adrenaline shot.
Some people with severe allergies carry an auto-injector, which has to be injected into their outer thigh and held in place for five to 10 seconds.
Paramedics will still need to be contacted as the sufferer could still be unwell, even after the shot.
A second dose may need to be administered to their opposite thigh.
The person suffering the attack will need to lie flat with their legs raised, or sat up if they are struggling to breathe.
If they become unconscious, they'll need to be moved to the recovery position on their side with their head tilted back and chin lifted.
CPR will need to be performed if they stop breathing or their heart stops.
How many people die from anaphylaxis? An epipen will be needed to administer adrenaline in an anaphylactic episode (Getty Images)The risk of death from anaphylaxis is low, at about one percent in the United States, or around 500 to 1,000 people dying from it every year.
In the UK, there are around 20 deaths every year.
The leading cause of fatalities from allergens are peanuts and tree nuts.
The NHS states with 'prompt and proper treatment', most sufferers make a 'full recovery'.
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