The topic of food allergens has become very popular in recent years. Being knowledgeable about these allergens is important whether you have them or not. Here are the top 10 food allergens and how to avoid them:

1. Wheat and gluten: The best way to avoid gluten is to have a 100 percent gluten-free diet. This means one cannot eat food with wheat, rye or barley in it. Examples of this include bread, pizza, pasta and baked goods.

2. Soy: Mainly found in legumes, which are a type of bean, many processed foods also have soy in them. The best way to avoid soy is to eat a natural diet, staying away from legumes such as chickpeas, lima beans and lentils.

3. Shellfish: It is important to avoid eating seafood all together; especially crab, shrimp, lobster, oysters, squid and mussels. Be extremely wary of cross-contamination.

4. Fish: The best way to avoid a fish allergy is to not eat at seafood restaurants. This is because if you are allergic to one type of fish, you are more than likely allergic to another type of fish.

5. Tree nuts: This allergy consists of brazil nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts and pistachios. Experts advise that if you have a known allergy to tree nuts, to stay away from all types of nuts.

6. Peanuts: If you are allergic to peanuts, it is critical to stay away from peanuts at all costs. This type of allergy, if peanuts are ingested, can likely lead to death.

7. Eggs: Mayonnaise and most baked goods are to be avoided with an egg allergy. It is advised to carefully check the labels of dried pasta, processed meats and some beverages, such as root beer.

8. Milk: A milk allergy is different than lactose intolerance. Those with the allergy must avoid cow’s milk and things made with cow’s milk. This mostly occurs in young children, who then grow out of the allergy.

9. Sesame: It is vital to avoid Asian foods because sesame is an essential ingredient in many types of Asian food. It is also important to make sure to not eat burger buns that have sesame seeds on them.

10. Celery: Located in various spices and found in many processed foods like casseroles and soups, be sure to check the label of soups and other canned products for celery.

Wheat and gluten, milk, soy, egg, peanut, tree nut and fish and shellfish are always labeled by the ingredients list of all products. These allergies cover 90 percent of all allergies in the United States.