Two Kinds Of Food Allergies


by Rex Magnum - Date: 2008-06-02 - Word Count: 437 Share This!

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is caused by the body's immune system reacting to something you have either eaten or drank. These allergies are more common in children and in people who also have other allergies. Very minute amounts of food can cause a reaction if you are allergic to it, and a severe reaction can be life threatening and occur suddenly.

When the body's immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a harmful one, an allergy has occurred. Such is the case in food allergies. The substance your body sees as harmful is the food itself.

Your body has to protect itself, so the immune system creates substances called antibodies to that food. The next time you eat that certain food, your immune system releases large amounts of chemicals to protect the body. These chemicals then trigger symptoms that can affect both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract, and the skin.

Tips for Managing a Peanut Allergy

Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been reflavored with a nut, such as a pecan or walnut. Mandelonas are peanuts which have been soaked in almond flavoring.

Arachis oil is peanut oil. If you are eating at an African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, or Thai restaurant, their dishes oftentimes contain peanuts or are contaminated with peanuts during the preparation process. Foods that are also sold in bakeries and ice cream shops often are in contact with peanuts. Many brands of sunflower seeds are produced on equipment shared with that of peanuts.

Keep in Mind

Most allergic individuals, studies show, can safely eat peanut oil-sometimes. If you are not sure, ask your doctor if you should avoid peanut oil because of your peanut allergy. Most experts agree if you have a peanut-allergic patient, he/she needs to avoid eating tree nuts as an extra precaution. Peanuts are found in many foods and candies, especially chocolate candy. Check your labels carefully. Contact the manufacturer if you have questions.

Tips for Managing a Wheat Allergy

Wheat allergy and Celiac disease are not the same thing. They are two entirely different conditions. While Celiac disease is a permanent adverse reaction to gluten, wheat allergy can be outgrown. Wheat -allergic people have an IGE-mediated response to wheat protein. These individuals are to only avoid wheat. Most children who are wheat-allergic outgrow this allergy.

Keep in Mind

Read labels carefully. At least one brand of ice cream and one of hot dogs contain wheat. It is listed on their label. Many country-style wreaths also are decorated with wheat products. Some types of imitation crabmeat contain wheat. Wheat flour is also sometimes flavored and shaped to look like beef, pork, and shrimp in Asian dishes.

Related Tags: allergies, celiac disease, food allergies, food allergy, wheat allergy

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