Order a flaxseed allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to flaxseed. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample. Flaxseed is the fruit of the flax plant, which has been cultivated for its fibers for much of recorded human history and often woven into textiles. Flax is an annual plant which after flowering, contains one to ten seeds.
Linseed is a popular food item in much of Europe. It's a common ingredient in cereals and breads. It can be sprouted and used as a salad ingredient. It's also a component of cattle feed.
The seeds are high in oil, containing about 35% oil, which is extracted and used to produce varnish, paint, linoleum, and soap.
Linseed is used in a wide variety of items, including cereals, milk from flax-fed cows, laxatives, hair tonic, shampoo, depilatories, infusions, dog food, cattle feed, patent leather, fabric, carpets, insulating materials, cough remedies, breads, health store muffins, and other "health food" products.
An allergy to flaxseed triggers a reaction in an individual's immune system. The body views certain substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies to these contaminants. These antibodies cause histamine to be released, which will cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Allergy symptoms vary from one individual to the next ranging from mild to severe reactions, which can be experienced within minutes to hours after exposure. Common symptoms of a flaxseed allergy may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness
- Hives
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Trouble breathing
- Thinner blood
- Spike in blood sugar
