You can't eat peanuts because you likely have a peanut allergy, where your body's immune system mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as harmful.
Understanding Peanut Allergies
When someone has a peanut allergy, their immune system goes into overdrive when exposed to peanuts. Let's break down what happens:
- Immune System Overreaction: As the reference states, "When someone has a peanut allergy, the body's immune system, which normally fights infections, overreacts to proteins in peanuts."
- Mistaken Identity: The body perceives the proteins in peanuts as dangerous invaders.
- Defensive Response: The immune system launches an attack to fight off these "invaders," causing an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of a Peanut Allergy
The severity of the allergic reaction can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling (lips, tongue, throat)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening reaction)
Managing a Peanut Allergy
If you have a peanut allergy, it's crucial to take steps to manage it:
- Avoid Peanuts: Carefully read food labels and avoid products that contain peanuts or may have been cross-contaminated.
- Carry Epinephrine: If prescribed by your doctor, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) in case of a severe reaction.
- Inform Others: Let family, friends, and caregivers know about your allergy.
- Medical Alert: Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace.
Why Some People Develop Peanut Allergies
The exact reasons why some people develop peanut allergies are not fully understood, but genetics and early childhood exposure may play a role.
