It’s estimated that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, according to FARE, or Food Allergy Research Education, and about every 3 minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room. Unfortunately, the allergy symptoms aren’t the only cause for concern—the related inflammation can be a contributing factor to systemic strain on the body and immune system, and if not stopped, can ultimately lead to a host of diseases. What are food allergies, their symptoms, and what are the health benefits of food allergy testing?

What is an Allergy?

Simply put, an allergy is an over-reaction of your immune system, which is your body’s natural defense system. “A food allergy occurs when the body has a specific and reproducible immune response to certain foods,” reports the CDC. “Although the immune system normally protects people from germs, in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to food as if it were harmful.”

What Are the Most Common Food Allergies and Symptoms?

The CDC states that these 8 staples of the American diet are responsible for 90% of food allergy reactions:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Crustacean Shellfish
• Wheat
• Soy
• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts

Food allergy symptoms range anywhere from mild (itching, hives, or cramping) to severe or life threatening (difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest tightness, vomiting, or even anaphylaxis). Even if allergic reactions to these foods are not acute or chronic, you may still be experiencing a subclinical response in the body, with transient or disconnected symptoms that might be difficult to recognize as a food allergy, though inflammation is still a concern in these cases. Because any allergic reaction engages the body’s inflammatory cascade, which is a chain reaction of chemical and immune reactions in the body, any allergic responses should be avoided.

Health Benefits of Food Allergy Testing

Food allergy testing can give you a clear answer about what foods you need to avoid to eliminate food allergy symptoms and to stop the inflammatory response from contributing to systematic inflammation. Since the majority of inflammatory diseases, including Alzheimer’s, asthma, arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, heart and vascular diseases, MS, neuropathy, stroke, and digestive issues start in the gut with autoimmune reactions, early intervention can help to prevent them. Also, food allergies may actually be a trigger for or associated with other allergic conditions like atopic dermatitis and gastrointestinal diseases, so food allergy testing may provide the health benefit of being able to treat those conditions by avoiding the allergen instead of use of medication.

Are you interested in Early Detection of Serious Medical Issues?

An annual wellness exam is one of the best ways to maintain your health and assess any concerns about your diet or wellbeing. Visiting Atlanta Medical Clinic gives you the opportunity to discuss your concerns or any health issues before they become serious, and to learn about ways to improve your nutrition and lifestyle. Contact us today for a wellness appointment!