| An allergy can be described as a malfunction of the | | | | As with other types of allergies there is no cure for |
| immune system, an exaggerated response to certain | | | | a food allergy. Some children do grow out of some |
| substances. Your body mistakenly believes that | | | | food allergies as they age although allergies to |
| something it has touched, smelled or eaten is harmful | | | | peanuts, fish, shellfish and nuts are often considered |
| to it and your body releases massive amounts of | | | | lifetime allergies. You or your loved one must simply |
| chemicals, such as histamine to protect itself. | | | | avoid the food that causes the allergy. This can be |
| It is believed that 11 million Americans suffer from | | | | difficult, especially when eating out in a restaurant. |
| food allergies. These allergies are as varied as food | | | | Depending on the severity of allergy, even slight |
| itself is. Some people suffer from an allergy to one | | | | cross contamination of food products can cause |
| food, some too many. The most common food | | | | reactions. |
| allergies are generally eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts | | | | Food labeling is a very important component of |
| (such as walnuts), fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. | | | | avoiding foods that trigger allergies. Since 2000 the |
| Symptoms of food allergies are varied and range | | | | FDA has been presenting information on allergy risks |
| from a tingling of the mouth to swelling of the | | | | and labeling requirements to manufacturers. They |
| tongue and throat to difficulty breathing to hives, | | | | seek to have manufacturers change some labels to |
| cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and in some instances | | | | be easier to read, using plain language like "milk" on a |
| death. | | | | label instead of "caseinate". |
| There are ways to help you or your loved one | | | | In the case of a milk or egg allergy there are |
| manage your food allergies. First seek the help of an | | | | alternatives that can be used when cooking or |
| allergist. Your allergist will perform a patch test to | | | | baking. There are many online sites dedicated to |
| determine the exact cause of allergic reactions. This | | | | supplying information, education and support to those |
| will be the guideline you use as you develop a diet | | | | with food allergies. |
| based around your food allergies. | | | | |