By: DairyFreeGina
Let’s talk food allergies! You’ve probably heard the term and maybe even know someone with a food allergy, but what does having a food allergy really mean?
What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is a potentially, life threatening condition where the body’s immune system thinks certain foods are trying to harm it. The body’s immune system mistakenly targets normally, harmless proteins and treats these as a threat. Histamine and other chemicals are released to fight the “invader,” much like the body does with bacteria or viruses.
A food allergy is NOT a food sensitivity or intolerance. A food allergy does NOT mean the affected person is a picky or fussy eater.
People with food allergies eat the way they do to survive. Eating just a little bit of the food we are allergic to is not an option because even the smallest, trace amount of the allergen could send us into anaphylaxis and possibly death. Yes, food allergies can kill.
How Many People in the U.S. Have a Food Allergy?
About 32 million Americans have a food allergy according to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) – that’s one in 13 kids and 1 in 10 adults. In the U.S., food allergies send a person to the emergency room every three minutes.
Food allergies can develop anytime in a person’s life, even into adulthood.
Is there a Cure for Food Allergies?
There is no magic pill or vaccine to cure a person with a food allergy. The only way to treat the condition is to strictly avoid the food(s) you are allergic to.
Which Foods are Most People Allergic to?
While any food can cause an adverse reaction, nine types of food account for about 90 percent of all reactions: milk, eggs , peanuts, tree nuts, fish , shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame are the most common allergens .
What are the Symptoms of a Food Allergy?
Allergic reactions vary and not every food allergy reaction is the same. That’s why vigilant avoidance of the allergen is important.
Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food .
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- How is a Food Allergy Diagnosed?
If you suspect a food allergy, see an accredited, board certified allergist. Do not waste your time on home testing kits, muscle testing, hair testing or other unproven tests .
An allergist will take a detailed health history and discuss the foods you eat and reactions to those foods. The allergist may conduct tests to help identify a food allergy. While these tests alone do not always provide clear-cut answers, the allergist will combine your test results with the information given in your medical history to provide a diagnosis. These tests may include: Skin Pick Test. Blood Test ,Oral Food Challenge, Trial Elimination Diet.
Do you have a food allergy? Do you know someone with a food allergy? Tell us in the comments section how food allergies impact your life, and please share this post on social media and via email.
DairyFreeGina is allergic to milk and lamb, and eats vegan and gluten free. Gina is a life long fitness enthusiast, runner and dancer who is passionate about talking food, nutrition, health and exercise. Gina loves cats big and small, calls Disney World her 2nd home– and often blogs on these topics too.
@DairyFreeGina. This article is available for print publication with the written consent of DairyFreeGina who can be reached via email at dairyfreegina@hotmail.com
