Egg Sensitivity: Identifying Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Other Details
If you suspect you have an egg intolerance, it's essential to avoid eggs for a while to see if your symptoms improve. An egg intolerance, unlike an allergy, involves the digestive system rather than the immune system. Symptoms may include bloating, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and abdominal pain.
Common food ingredients that contain eggs include egg whites, dried eggs, egg yolks, and powdered eggs. However, there are numerous egg alternatives available for purchase, made from plant-based starches, soy, nuts, or seeds.
Flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water can replace eggs in baking, while unsweetened applesauce and pureed fruit can be used as egg replacements in baking, as they play a similar role to eggs in baked goods. Aquafaba, the liquid that results from cooking chickpeas and other legumes, can also replace egg whites, mimicking their fluffiness in cakes, mousses, and vegan meringues.
For those trying to avoid eggs, it's crucial to read the labels on food products before consuming them, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food manufacturers to list eggs on food labels.
In the kitchen, common plant-based egg replacements include flax eggs, chia eggs, applesauce, mashed banana, and aquafaba. Flax and chia eggs are made by mixing the seeds with water and allowing them to rest for a few minutes, while applesauce and mashed banana add moisture and sweetness to your dishes. Aquafaba mimics egg whites perfectly for fluffiness in cakes, mousses, and vegan meringues.
For those seeking egg-free alternatives for popular dishes, there are numerous recipes available online. Tofu scramble, for example, can be made by crumbling firm tofu and cooking it with turmeric, nutritional yeast, vegetables, and spices as a vegan substitute for scrambled eggs. Vegan chocolate cakes often use egg substitutes like flax eggs or aquafaba to bind and provide moisture, while vegan meringues can be made using aquafaba.
Allergy-friendly and egg-free baking recipes, including cakes and desserts, can be found on websites like "The Allergy Chef" and "Nesta Asia," which share many gluten-, dairy-, and egg-free recipes. Instagram accounts like Alice Wiggins offer gluten- and dairy-free vegan recipes, including pastry crusts and fluffy meringue toppings for desserts.
It's essential to remember that an egg intolerance is different from a food allergy, with symptoms being less severe and not life-threatening. If you suspect you have an egg intolerance, speak with a doctor to confirm your suspicions and ensure your diet includes other sources of essential nutrients. If you experience symptoms of anaphylactic shock, seek emergency medical help immediately.
[1] Nesta Asia: https://nestasia.co/blogs/recipes/egg-substitutes-for-vegan-baking [2] Alice Wiggins: https://www.instagram.com/alicewiggins/ [3] The Allergy Chef: https://www.theallergychef.com/ [4] Vegan Meringues Recipe: https://minimalistbaker.com/aquafaba-vegan-meringues/ [5] Baking Soda and Vinegar for Fluffiness: https://www.thespruceeats.com/baking-soda-and-vinegar-substitute-for-eggs-2281067
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