By: DairyFreeGina
Imagine sitting down to a meal that smells and looks delicious. Your mouth is watering and your taste buds are alive thinking about that first bite. For many, eating a meal is a pleasurable event. Going to a restaurant or having dinner with a friend is also a simple pleasure. But for those with a food allergy, the thought of eating and actually doing so can be terrifying. That’s because eating something containing an allergen can produce serious medical consequences and even death.
Over 30 million people in the United States have a food allergy. Chances are this is you or someone you love. With so many affected by food allergies it’s important to understand what this serious medical condition really means.
What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is a potentially life-threatening condition. 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. Food allergies can develop at any time in a person’s life. The cause of food allergies is unknown.
A food allergy is NOT a food sensitivity or intolerance.
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. Even the smallest, trace amount of the allergen can send us into anaphylaxis and possible lead to death. Yes, food allergies can kill and sadly every year deaths occur from a food allergy.
Is there a Cure for Food Allergies ?
There is no cure for food allergies. There is no magic pill or vaccine. The only way to treat the condition is to strictly avoid the food(s) containing the allergen(s). Despite this, those with food allergies can still eat delicious food and thrive.
Which Foods are Most People Allergic to?
Any food can cause an adverse reaction. However, 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 .
- 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 analyze your test results. They will combine them 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
