Brewer’s Yeast Allergy
Brewer’s yeast, which is also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a kind of fungus. It belongs to Saccharomysetaceae family. Many people are allergic to alcohol because that it has brewer’s yeast allergy. It is used in making beverages and alcohols as it has a bitter taste. People, who have brewer’s yeast allergy, also suffer from allergy to vitamin B for the same reason that brewer’s yeast is the main constituent of vitamin B.
Brewer’s yeast is a nutritious fungus and is rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins. It is made of grains and hop is used for brewing purposes. It is also high in chromium. Brewer’s yeast can be used in the form of tablet, capsule or powder. People with diabetes should be careful to exposure to brewer’s yeast, as the chromium in it may affect the medications that are used to maintain sugar levels.
Symptoms of brewer’s yeast allergy
Bakers, wine and beer crafters and people, who suffer from brewer’s yeast allergy, develop antibodies to the allergen, which triggers various allergic reactions whenever they eat or handle foods or beverages that contain brewer’s yeast. If you feel you suffer from brewer’s yeast allergy symptoms, you can better consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. The following are some common symptoms of allergy to brewer’s yeast.
Mouth and throat symptoms: Allergy symptoms may start when the patient inhales or ingests the foods that contain the allergen. As it is a food allergy, it first affects the mouth and throat with several symptoms like itching and swelling in the lips, tongue, mouth and throat. Severe swelling may cause trouble in swallowing.
Eye and skin symptoms: Those who work with brewer’s yeast are more likely to be affected by contact allergy symptoms. When tiny airborne particles reach the eyes, allergy sufferers may experience redness and itching in the mucous membranes or conjunctiva of the eyes. Some people suffer from red, itchy and painful rashes or hives on the skin, as they are exposed to yeast or eat foods that contain yeast.
Nasal congestion: As a result of allergy, inflammation occurs in the upper respiratory tract and it causes runny nose, postnasal drip and nasal congestion. It happens due to the reaction of histamine that is released by the body due to the intake of alcohol.
Digestive tract symptoms: The symptoms of brewer’s yeast allergy on digestion develop more gradually, but generally within an hour or two of contact. If the allergen enters the stomach, the allergy sufferers experience several stomach irritations such as nausea, vomiting, pain and uncontrollable cramping. As the allergy affects the intestine, further cramping and diarrhea may develop. Excessive alcohol consumption also may trigger allergic reactions in stomach. The patient may feel himself gassy and bloated after drinking very little. Although diarrhea may occur, it is not common in all people with brewer’s yeast allergy.
Fatigue: Allergy to brewer’s yeast may cause a drop in sugar and an increase in mineral chromium in the blood. Both of these reactions may cause tiredness and fatigue in people. If you suddenly feel fatigue after drinking alcohol, it can be a sign of allergy to brewer’s yeast. Drinking a glass of orange juice or engaging in any physical activity will help you to re-energize yourself.
Migraines: While headache is caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain, the reason of migraines is too much blood flow. As alcohol thins the blood, the blood flow to brain naturally increases causing a migraine headache.
Brewer’s yeast allergy may even result in respiratory and cardiac arrest, allergy sufferers should try to avoid consumption of alcohol and other beverages as much as possible.