The Mayo Clinic states, “Food allergies affect an estimated 6 to 8 percent of children under age 3 and up to 3 percent of adults.” Many children eventually outgrow their food allergy, but that’s not always the case.
Food allergies vs food intolerance
A food allergy is an immune system reaction that takes place soon after eating a certain food. Food intolerance is often confused with food allergy, and the distinction can be a bit grey. The major difference is that food intolerance is bothersome, but less serious and does not result in an immune system reaction.
We’ve all experienced a food intolerance before, whether we realize it or not. It’s the headache after a glass of red wine and the upset stomach after eating beans. An immune system reaction occurs when your body mistakes a harmless food as a foreign invader, causing your immune system to release histamines to attack it.
Allergic reactions can range from annoying to life-threatening, and the onset of symptoms usually occur anywhere up to two hours after consuming the culprit. The most common symptoms are:
- Tingly or itchy mouth
- Hives, itching, or eczema
- Swelling (most commonly of the face or in the mouth)
- Trouble breathing
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Signs include: constricted airways, swollen throat, drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Food allergies can result in a coma or death if left untreated.
These seven foods cause around 90% of allergic reactions:
1. Milk it for all it’s worth.
A cow’s milk allergy is much more prevalent in children because, in most cases, a tolerance is developed between the ages of two and four. This food allergy is common during infancy, but it is phased out. A great number of adults experience an intolerance to milk, mistaking it for a food allergy.
2. Eggsactly what I was afraid of.
Most people that suffer from an egg allergy only react to the egg whites, not the yolk. It is better to play it safe and steer clear of eggs altogether though. Even if you separate the whites from the yolk it is still possible to accidentally ingest protein from the egg whites. Be wary of unsuspecting items that may contain egg whites, like: wine (egg whites may be used in the winemaking process), certain vaccines, and lollipops.
3. & 4. Are you (tree and pea)nuts?
Peanut food allergies aren’t always associated with tree nut allergies, but if you’re allergic to one, you may also need to avoid the other. Tree nuts include: almonds, cashews, walnuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, filberts, and hickory nuts. It’s easy enough avoiding the obvious foods, such as peanut butter, brownies with walnuts, or peanut oil, but some of the things harboring nuts are much more unassuming. Be wary of honey, salad dressings, veggie burgers, and cereals, to name a few.
5. Wheat a second…
Avoiding foods with wheat can seem impossible when you have a food allergy. So much of what we consume daily has some form of wheat in it. Your best defense will be to know what usually has a wheat byproduct and how you can substitute it. Aside from general consumption, some beauty products, wreaths, and play dough have wheat in them, so consult a doctor about whether you should avoid touching products containing your food allergy.
6. Something smells fishy.
Fish food allergies are most common in adults. Aside from the obvious, avoid Worcestershire sauce (some barbecue sauces contain this as well) and Caesar dressing. Both of these products are likely to contain anchovies. Don’t eat at seafood restaurants, shop for fish, or cook fish, as the proximity could lead to an allergic reaction.
7. Stop being shellfish.
Like fish, shellfish food allergies are found most often in adults. If you’re allergic to shellfish, skip seafood restaurants, inform waiting staff of your allergy (in order to prevent cross contamination), and stay out of places when shellfish is being cooked. You could be allergic to a protein that is released into the air during the cooking process.
Get a food allergy test!
At Atlanta Medical Clinic we offer food allergy testing and dietary analysis. Call us today for a free consultation.