Understand Food Allergies and How to Best Manage them

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system has an abnormal reaction to a harmless food or one of its components, such as a protein. This reaction triggers an allergic response, causing an array of uncomfortable symptoms, such as a rash, hives, wheezing, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, food allergies can result in a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

Deciphering Between Food Allergies and Food Intolerances

It is important to distinguish between food allergies and food intolerances, as they are two separate medical issues. A food intolerance occurs when the body is unable to break down certain components, such as lactose, found in certain foods. The symptoms of a food intolerance, while uncomfortable, typically do not reach the level of life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Common Food Allergens

Food allergies can be triggered by a variety of offending foods. The eight most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. While other foods can trigger allergic reactions, these eight foods account for most food allergies in the United States. As such, becoming familiar with these particular foods and preparing for potential reactions is of the utmost importance.

How to Manage a Food Allergy

Prior to making lifestyle changes, consulting a doctor is essential to understanding the particular components of a food allergy. Avoidance of the specific food triggering the allergy is key for the prevention of allergic reactions. If an allergic reaction does occur, it's important to carry antihistamines or an epinephrine autoinjector. Proper use of an epinephrine autoinjector can save a life and therefore is invaluable in treating a serious reaction.

In conclusion, food allergies are becoming increasingly more common and it is important to understand them and how to properly manage them. While avoiding allergens is the best way to prevent a reaction, there are various tools, such as antihistamines and an epinephrine autoinjector, available to treat a reaction so it is important to be familiar with them. Consulting a doctor is the best way to learn more about managing a food allergy.