Causes Of Food Allergies

The statistics says that up to three out off every hundred people suffer from food allergies. Its cause is rooted in the immune system. The food we consume contains the allergen substances which trigger an allergic response from the immune system. The immune system reacts to these allergens by launching an attack on the offending proteins in the allergenic foods. The immune system is an amazing configuration of molecules and cells which work hard to defend against foreign bodies and harmful invaders. When a threat is detected by the immune system, antibodies are produced which attack the threatening substance. The war between the antibodies and the offender is what causes the symptoms experienced by allergy sufferers.

Symptoms of food allergies may range from mild to potentially fatal. These symptoms include skin irritations such as hives, rashes or itching. Gastrointestinal discomfort may also be present. The most dangerous reaction is called anaphylaxis which is characterized by rapid onset, difficulty breathing, rash, swelling of the throat and a dramatic drop in blood pressure. If not treated immediately, this condition can be fatal. The most common treatment for anaphylaxis is an injection of adrenaline also called epinephrine. Individuals who know they have severe food allergies usually keep an epinephrine syringe handy in case they accidentally ingest an allergic substance.

There are eight foods recognized by the FDA as the most common offenders when it comes to food allergies. They are eggs, milk, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts. It is important to understand the differences between tree nuts and peanuts, as well as fish and shellfish. Tree nuts include things like walnuts and almonds. Some people are allergic to peanuts but not tree nuts and vice versa. Shellfish includes clam, crab, oysters and lobster. Fish would include salmon, flounder, tuna and trout. Some people can eat fish without a problem yet are highly allergic to shellfish.

Some people think they have food allergies when actually they have food sensitivity or intolerance. If you experience a reaction to a certain food that is noticeable but not life threatening, write down all the details. What did you eat, when did you eat it, what kind of symptoms did you have and how soon after consumption did they occur. This information should be taken to a certified allergist who can evaluate you for food allergies. Of course, if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis such as throat swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.

Symptoms Of Food Allergies News:
Granola is chock full of healthy goodness, and you can make your own (The Idaho Statesman)
Making your own granola is cheaper and healthier - you control the ingredients, which is ideal for people with food allergies or on special diets...


What is a good food for a cocker spaniel with food allergies?
What is a good food for a cocker spaniel with food allergies? I called the vet b/c my dog keeps biting at her paws and itching like crazy. She also smells when she itches. The vet says it is most likely food allergies. ...


Clarifying food allergy warnings (The Herald-Mail)
WASHINGTON - It's one of the biggest frustrations of life with food allergies: That hodgepodge of warnings that a food might accidentally contain the wrong ingredient...


Allergies to cows milk: diagnosis and care
The allergy to cows milk protein is the most common food allergies. It affects 2 to 3% of children under one year, but remains under-diagnosed, because sometimes difficult to diagnose. It occurs at birth or at weaning, persists during ...


Food Allergies Require Proper Diagnoses: Assumptions About .
A recent study at University of Wurzburg in Germany found that doctors and patients make assumptions about food allergies that affect life quality and may be dangerous...


Sandwich, Soda Allergy Stops Woman's Heart - FOXNews

Sandwich, Soda Allergy Stops Woman's Heart
FOXNews - 23 hours ago
The woman, who did not want her name released, had not realized it was the food and drink causing her illness. Medics diagnosed the condition and notified .
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Showing entries for Category: cat-food - San Francisco Examiner
There are several schools of thought on commercial dog food vs. a raw diet. Some believe that commercial food is poison to your pet and others feel that bones are hazards to a dog's system. Some feed their dogs a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw ...


Whole Foods pulls mislabeled 'gluten-free' meals from shelves after Tribune story (Chicago Tribune)
Report a month ago had found high levels of allergen in products Responding to a Tribune investigation and mounting consumer pressure, Whole Foods Market said Tuesday it has pulled three popular "gluten-free" products because the items actually contain the substance...


Medina family and schools take on food allergies (WKYC Cleveland)
MEDINA -- Ronnie Newlands has become the face of childhood food allergies in Medina...


Medina family and schools take on food allergies - WKYC
MEDINA -- Ronnie Newlands has become the face of childhood food allergies in Medina. He is the star of a new video being shown on local cable channels in Medina and in the Medina School District. Ronnie has severe food allergies that are life ...





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