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If you experience an unpleasant reaction such as hives, nausea or diarrhea when
you eat certain foods, you may have a food allergy. Then again, it may be a food
intolerance. Either way, your best response is often to avoid the offending food
in the future.
Food allergies. If you have a true food allergy, your immune system is
unusually sensitive to a protein contained in particular foods. When a food
containing the protein is eaten, the immune system produces antibodies to
attack what it considers a foreign and harmful substance. This reaction
triggers the release of histamines and a chain of reactions that result in
uncomfortable, sometimes life-threatening symptoms affecting the skin, the
respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, or even the cardiovascular system.
True allergic reactions to foods are rare, but can be quite severe, and include
tingling in the mouth, swelling of the tongue or throat, shortness of breath or
difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, dangerously low blood
pressure and unconsciousness. In fact, an estimated 150 people in the U.S. die
each year from a severe food allergic reaction. The symptoms of an allergic
reaction appear quickly, usually within two hours after the offending food is
consumed.
For adults with food allergies, the most common triggers are shellfish such as
shrimp and lobster, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and eggs. Reactions in children
are most often caused by eggs, milk, soy and peanuts. Children may outgrow
certain food allergies, but those that first appear in adulthood usually remain
for life. In addition, true allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish
are usually life-long for both children and adults.
Food intolerances. If the adverse reaction to food doesn't involve the body's
immune system but rather is the result of the body's inability to digest
certain foods or components of foods, it is called a food intolerance. Lactose
intolerance is a common type of food intolerance. Individuals with this
condition cannot properly digest milk due to the body's deficiency of an enzyme
called lactase, which breaks down the sugar in milk. If a lactose-containing
substance such as milk is consumed, cramps and diarrhea result. For some, the
reaction occurs with any amount of the offending food. Others can enjoy small
amounts of lactose-containing foods, but have trouble digesting a full glass of
milk or bowl of ice cream, for example.
Dealing with a food allergy or intolerance. Currently, there are no cures for
food allergies or intolerances. There are digestive aids that can help with
intolerances to the sugars in milk and beans. For annoying - but not severe -
food allergy symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine. For severe
reactions, an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) may be necessary. People
prone to severe reactions to food are advised to wear an alert bracelet or
necklace.
Once a food allergy or intolerance is diagnosed, follow these steps to help
prevent an adverse reaction:
- Consult with your health care professional or a registered dietitian to learn
how to manage your food allergy or intolerance.
- Always know what you are eating and drinking. Read food labels carefully.
- Learn the common ingredient terms for the offending substance. For example,
if you are allergic to eggs, avoid foods that list albumin and globulin in the
ingredient list.
- When eating out, ask about ingredients and preparation methods of menu items
before ordering.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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