Food allergies effect more and more people. Learn some indications and signs that you or someone you know may have allergies to some foods.

What Happens IN the Body?

An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly thinks that something (ingested) is meant to harm the body. People with allergies truly have an over-sensitive immune system. In essence, the body then releases antibodies to the food which leads to chemicals (such as histamines) being released into the blood stream.

What Happens OUTSIDE the Body?

Histamines can be seen through the eyes, nose, throat, skin, GI tract, or lungs. Sometimes only one reaction will be present; other times multiple will appear. Many people do not realize they have food allergies because they do not see the "traditional" reactions like sneezing or impaired breathing. Digestion is becoming a more and more frequent sign of allergies to foods.

Eyes

Many people experience puffy, watery eyes as a result of food allergies.

Nose, Throat, Lungs

When a food is ingested that one is allergic to, people can begin to have a stuffy nose, impaired breathing or wheezing. Personally, I have experience all of the above as a result of eating things I'm allergic to. People with severe food allergies (such as these) need always have some sort of emergency EpiPen because it could be a life or death situation.

Skin

Our skin is one of the most frequent ways for toxins and reactions to escape. Many times when I have done cleanses, my skin is the first place I see a reaction. Nonetheless, hives and other rashes are the most common expression of an allergic reaction. Itching, bumps, or redness and puffiness around the mouth and face are very common in food allergies.

Digestion

Reactions in the GI tract, or gastrointestinal system, are very common as well. Responses such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramping can occur as a result of food allergies. I have even heard of constipation problems occurring as a result of food allergies (especially to gluten).

Food Intolerance is not the same as Food Allergy. A food intolerance is the bodies inability to break down a food (such as lactose in milk), whereas a food allergy involves the immune system. Fortunately, food intolerances are not as threatening as food allergies, but it is important to note there are differences.

The easiest way to know if there is a food allergy, as opposed to a food intolerance, is the TIME it takes to appear. Food allergies appear almost instantly. My daughter has more issues with her digestion than any other reaction, which most likely means she has an intolerance, instead of an allergy. I personally say she has an allergy because I have seen it be very painful for her and want to keep her away from certain foods.

Anyone with severe allergies (that possibly experience any of these issues at once) can have a reaction called anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening reaction. I am not here to scare anyone, but if you know anyone with allergies, it is really important to know the facts so you can help if there are any issues. I carry an EpiPen with me at all times because I have had one too many scares with food allergies.

It is said that many children that have parents with allergies should be very cautious. My husband has asthma and I have sever allergies, so we are very careful with our little girl. Just as a note, here are the most COMMON food allergies:
* Cow's milk
* Eggs
(Just as a tip, the egg WHITE is said to carry more allergens then the yolk - children under 2 years could avoid the whites of eggs.)
* Peanuts
* Soy
* Wheat
* Tree Nuts
(These could include cashews or walnuts.)
* Fish
* Shell Fish
(This includes any fish with a shell, such as shrimp.)

If you notice that you or your child have adverse effects to eating certain foods, check with your medical professional. There are ways you can help be safe around food. To date, there are no known ways to prevent food allergies. Many are adivsed to AVOID foods they have allergic reactions to. Check with your doctor for the best regimen for you or your kids, as each of us is different.

Please share your experiences with food allergies. You are not alone in this sometimes frustrating ailment. Next week, we will be talking about eating out!

In The Series

Food Allergies: The Beginning For Me

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