A high percentage of people suffer from allergies; some of the most common reactions include a sensitivity to nuts (primarily peanuts), gluten and dairy products. Nut allergies are considered high risk because their side effects can be very severe. However, those who are intolerant to wheat are considered low risk because after eating something with wheat, they often just feel … [Read more...]
Coriander beer? Nut beer? Brewers! Leave our beer alone!
Did you know that other ingredients such as coriander, orange and even nuts can be added during the brewing process to add flavour to the hops? Mildly interesting if you like real ale but if you have an allergy to any of these things, that little fact is quite alarming. Could this pose a problem for those with allergies? What happens to the allergenicity of coriander, for … [Read more...]
Is Tung Oil safe for nut allergic people?
Have you ever heard of tung oil? It's pronounced 'tongue' and certainly didn't make me think of nuts when I first saw the can. My husband bought some after doing in-depth research into the best oil to treat un-oiled oak kitchen work tops for our new kitchen. Have I mentioned the new kitchen? It's very shiny and new and exciting at the moment - the novelty will soon wear … [Read more...]
Allergy to hair dye – PPD allergy
Have you ever had your hair dyed? Or even used a kit to dye your hair at home, after all, it's never cheap to get hair coloured at a salon. Have you ever wondered what's in the hair dye itself and what effect that might have on you? Most people don't give it a moments thought and most never have any reason to; up and down the country men and women are changing hair colour every … [Read more...]
What is that froth on black coffee?
Have you ever wondered what the white froth that appears on the top of fresh real coffee really is? Not the instant sort, the proper coffee you get in cafes or from making it in a coffee maker or cafetierre. If you have a dairy allergy you might be excused for being a little suspicious. After a few recent allergic reactions in coffee shops I was beginning to suspect that … [Read more...]