Food Allergies

Allergies occur when an allergen or antigen invades the immune system. Antigen is a substance that signals specialized cells to make antibodies or immunoglobulins to find and mount attacks on foreign invaders, sometimes the wrong cells are attacked thereby causing harm or allergic reactions. About 2 to 8 percent children have allergies and 1 to 2 percent adults have clinical proven allergic reactions to certain food, drugs. Allergies can be hereditary in some people; for e.g if both parents have something they are allergic to, it is likely that their offspring could have an allergic reaction with similar or different symptoms.

                             There are different kinds of allergies

Environmental Allergy is an allergic reaction caused by substances that can trigger an allergic reaction when inhaled or ingested. This type of allergy can be caused by both indoor and outdoors factors such like grass pollen, green pollen, chemicals, secondhand cigarette smoke, mold, dust and some pet food containing preservatives and additives. Children are usually more vulnerable to environmental allergens.

Drug Allergy can be an unwanted side effect of a medication. Symptoms may include rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, kidney and lung damage, also it can be fatal in severe conditions.

Food Allergy is caused when the body's immune system comes in contact with an internal foreign invader. These allergens are known to provoke the same symptoms each time. Some allergens  are easily identified because symptoms will develop as soon as you eat the food your body is allergic to. Some people can tolerate certain foods better than some others who may be hypersensitive to a tiny trace of the suspected allergenic substance. How severe the allergy is depends on the intensity of the symptoms, how the food was prepared and how much you ate. About 85 percent of children lose their sensitivity within the first 3 to 5 years of their life while older children. Adult  can experience severe reactions when tree nuts, peanuts or seafood is ingested. The most common allergenic foods for infants are egg, milk, peanut, wheat.

Allergic symptoms includes: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, ingestion, headaches, itching, skin rashes or hives, wheezing, shortness of Breath- asthma attacks.
Severe symptoms includes the swelling of the skin and mucous membranes. Swelling in the mouth or throat- this can be potentially fatal because it can block the lungs airways. Anaphylactic shock (a life threatening collapse of the respiratory and circulatory system) may occur.

                                       Common food allergens:
Milk and milk products-such as milk, cheeses, yogurt, cream, ice cream, cream soups, and certain baked goods and desserts. Hidden source include deli meats cut on same slicer as cheese, some canned tuna, nondairy products, and prepared meats.

Eggs (egg white) used in cakes, mousses, ice cream, sherbets, and other desserts; mayonnaise, salad dressings, french toast, waffles and pancakes. It can be found hidden in toppings on specialty deserts, some egg substitutes, processed pasta, pasta soup.

Soy and soy products- soy, soybeans, tofu, textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed protein, miso, soy sauce, tamari, tempeh, natural and artificial flavors, vegetable broth, and vegetable starch. Can be found as a hidden ingredient in processed food.

Wheat and wheat products- cereals, bread or bread-related products, dry soup mixes, cakes, pasta, gravies, dumplings, products containing flour; beer and ale drinks, some hot dogs, ice cream, imitation crab and imitation meats.

Peanuts-peanuts and peanut oil, peanut butter, peanut flour, baked goods and candy with nuts, natural flavoring-avoid all nuts,candies, sunflower seeds.

Tree nuts- candy and baked goods with pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios; oils from nuts. Can be hidden in Natural and artificial flavors, barbecue sauce, some cereals, crackers, and ice cream.

Fish- fresh, canned, smoked or pickled fish, fish-liver oils, caviar, foods containing fish such as bisque's, broths, and stews, Caesar salad dressings and imitation crab.

Shellfish-Crustaceans, such as shrimp, crab, lobster, and crayfish; mollusks, such as clams, oysters, and scallops; and seafood dishes, Caesar dressings and imitation crab.

If you suspect you have got allergies take personal note of what you are or not allergic to by removing the suspected food item from your diet  for two weeks, if the symptoms goes away, then after the two week is over reintroduce the suspected  items. If your allergy returns you are allergic to that which is in your food.