An allergic reaction to kidney beans is considered uncommon but an individual faces a higher risk if he/she is allergic to other foods included in the legume family. Soy beans and peanuts are two of the most common legumes that are capable of triggering reactions among highly sensitive individuals.
Once an individual is allergic to either of these foods, he/she is at greater risk for developing an allergic reaction to kidney beans. If the individual develops adverse reactions after consuming kidney beans, a doctor should be consulted right away to determine the severity of the symptoms.
Am I allergic to kidney beans?
An allergy to kidney beans occurs due to the overreaction of the immune system to the proteins present in the bean. Shortly after the consumption of kidney beans, the body will not recognize it as food and starts to defend itself with histamine and antibodies.
The antibodies are produced to fight off the proteins of kidney beans while histamine attempts to protect the body against infection. Substantial amounts of histamine can cause inflammation of the soft tissues in different parts of the body. This is the main cause of the allergy symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of kidney bean allergy can range from mild to moderate. In rare circumstances, the individual can develop a severe allergic reaction that can progress into anaphylactic shock. The usual symptoms include the following:
- Severe diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Eczema or hives
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Sneezing episodes
- Coughing
If any of these symptoms are present, it is best to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
Connection with peanut and soy allergies
It is important to note that kidney beans are linked to soy beans, thus capable of causing an allergic reaction once eaten. String beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, chickpeas and black beans are closely connected to the soy bean. If the individual is allergic to one bean, it does not necessarily mean that he/she is also allergic to others.
Many individuals believe that peanuts are tree nuts, but they are actually legumes. Take note that peanuts contain similar proteins with several tree nuts and other legumes. Once an individual is allergic to kidney beans or peanuts, he/she must be careful with other beans. The doctor should be consulted so that proper advice can be given on what to eat and what to avoid.
Management
An effective treatment for any food allergy is avoidance of the trigger foods. Once the individual develops allergy symptoms from other legumes closely linked to kidney beans, the mild symptoms can be managed with an antihistamine to minimize the amount of histamine in the body.
If the individual wants to use a plant-based protein for a soup, he/she can utilize quinoa to gain similar nutrients since it is considered as a highly nutritious food without the risk of ending up with an allergic reaction.