Does Some Wine (or Beer) Trigger Your Food Allergies?

Have an allergic/sensitive reaction after drinking certain wines but not others? Beer, of course is made with wheat and barley, so if you have celiac disease or an allergy to these grains, find a gluten-free beer that you like.  However, if you have multiple food allergies, or are vegan, wine and beer both have "fining agents" that can be

• bone marrow
• casien (milk)
• egg albumum derived from egg whites
• shellfish shell fiber (called "chitin")
• fish oil
• gelatin (dervied from animal parts)
• gelatin (derived from fish membranes)

... Some wines have even used grains, although in my own research it seems this practice is not as prevalent anymore. I've started researching this more deeply, and glad to find this article on Lifehacker​ confirming my suspicions.  Does this answer any burning questions?

There is the great debate about how distillation and refining of alcoholic beverages breaks down the proteins so that the immune system doesn't see the allergen anymore. Being a canary in a coal mine, myself, I can tell, with one sip, if a beverage contains my allergens - distilled out or not. Even if a so-labeled potato vodka has a mix of refined grain alcohols in the bottle, my body reacts nearly instantly. If it does not, I have no problem. The fining agents, however, are not distilled out of the beverage, so even if you are not a creature of great sensitivity like myself, but still have allergies, this is something of which to be aware.

What can you do?

Look for unfined wines or unfinished wines as a start. There are no laws requiring labeling of fining agents in alcoholic beverages, so you will not find them on the label. Unfined wines might be a little more cloudy, but this will clear up with time. Besides, its better to be safe and drink cloudy wine.

Barnivore has a great list of vegan wines. So if you are allergic to dairy, fish, or animal products, this is another great place to do your own research.

Here are a couple of articles on the subject:

Why Wine Can Trigger Your Food Allergies

Not All Wine is Vegan, and Here's Why

Thanksgiving Tip: How to get a gluten-free turkey

As you get to your local grocery or local farm to pick up your turkeys, remember that your gluten-free guests need a turkey that is gluten-free. "What?" There has been a common, yet declining practice of injecting the turkey or chicken with a broth or saline solution that contains gluten (in order to plump the bird). This is especially true for pre-prepared and pre-roasted birds. If your bird is pre-herbed, or has a seasoning package with it, pass on it. Seasoning mixes often contain gluten as well.

Make sure to double check with the processor of your turkey or chicken to make sure it is not injected with broth. Your best bet is to find a local farm who is in charge of the complete processing of the turkey, but there are more and more mainstream processors who are offering gluten-free turkeys.

Jenni-O Fresh Whole Turkey

Butterball Frozen Whole Turkey

Read more about the Most Surprising Places for Hidden Gluten

Party Survival Tip #5: Bring Your Auto-Injector

In the hustle and bustle of toole, ties, high heals and host gifts, remember that accidents can happen and be prepared.

#5.    Bring your auto-injector If you are at risk of anaphylactic shock, remember your auto-injector/ Epi-Pen, just in case you ingest something unexpected that gives you an allergic reaction.

For More Holiday Survival Tips:  Six Tips to Help Your Stick to Your Eating Plan by David Fisher, R.D.

Party Survival Tip #2: Bring Your Own Food

Parties are AWESOME!  Great food, great people, wonderful conversation... and great risk for cross contamination at the table.  Here's our 2nd Party Survival Tip to help you stay reaction free. 

#2.    Bring food This is the only sure fire way to know you’re safe eating the food. Most likely, no one will notice that you only ate what you brought, especially if you brought multiple dishes.  Remember, you can’t be completely sure what ingredients someone has used in a dish.  Even if you ask them, they might forget to mention that tablespoon of nut flour; or they may not realize that soy sauce is gluten-filled, or that the butter substitute they used actually contains dairy.  So especially if you are highly allergic, bring your own food - and share it.

For More Tips from Registered Dietician, David Fisher:  Six Tips to Stick to Your Holiday Eating Plan During the Holidays

Going to a Party? Make a plan to stay safe.

This adage rings true: failing to plan is planning to fail. A plan can be as formal or informal as you’d like.

Some people will sit down and write a plan with pen and paper, while others will simply think it over for a few minutes. Both approaches are fine! Be sure to cover things like handling family gatherings, work parties, cravings, what you’ll do when presented with your favorite off-limits dessert/drink/side dish, etc. Get creative, but be thorough! Be sure to plan in safe treats to avoid feeling deprived and to have something to look forward to.

Read more party tips from David Fisher, R.D.:  How to Stick to Your Eating Plan During the Holidays