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