Many people with allergies are reluctant to try other products within the same food families. This is first because of the unknown risks and second because they really do not understand the relationship of food families to their particular allergen.

What Is A Food Family

Most people assume this term means nuts which includes all types of nuts and then vegetables, fruits, meats and on and on. This is a common misconception though.

An example would include the birch food family includes the filbert and hazelnut, the beechnut family includes the beechnut and the chestnut, the brazil nut is in a family by itself and the cashew family includes, other than the cashew, the mango and pistachio. The common peanut is not a nut at all. It is actually part of the legumes family which also includes the peas, lentils and some dried beans.

Much of this information must be covered with a dietitian so you can be sure which foods may be your cross-over allergy triggers.

Below is some information which shows the possible risk level of an allergy reaction. The first item is the name which you may be allergic to. The following information shows a list of items then you may also be sensitive to because they are in the same food family. Talk with your doctor and dietitian first and proceed carefully when adding any of these to your diet.

Remember though, this list is no where near being complete. Please check with your doctor if you may have any unanswered questions.

High Possible Risk Of A Cross-Over Reaction

Shrimp allergy -- crab or lobster cow's milk -- goat's milk cantaloupe -- watermelon, guava, avocado, pumpkin, cucumber, squash

Medium Risk Of Possible Cross-Over Reaction

walnuts -- pecans, english or black walnuts, hickory nuts salmon -- swordfish, sole birch (ragweed) -- apples, peaches, honeydew peach -- apples, plums, cherries, pears latex glove -- kiwi, banana, avocado

Low Risk Of Cross-Over Reaction

Kiwi, avocado or banana -- latex glove peanut -- beans. peas, lentils, licorice cow's milk -- beef (meat ) from cow fowl eggs -- poultry (meat) from fowl

Because this much is evident from the information above, do not assume if you are allergic to one fruit you are automatically sensitive to every other fruit also. Allergies and botanical food names can be deceiving. This information must be covered between you and a professional.

It is not wise to avoid an entire food group completely from your diet because there is a slight chance you could also be sensitive. The human body requires a balance of nutrients from many food sources for optimal health.