Food Allergies + Original Articles

Dolphins may seem like an unlikely model for improving human diets, but these marine mammals can teach us the importance of quality vs. quantity when it comes to food. In order to be healthy, we humans need a balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and trace elements), phytochemicals (bioactive compounds in food), and water (to replenish fluids). Unfortunately, much of the food we consume today is deficient in these essential elements.

If your child has a food allergy, her risk of suffering a reaction may increase as she gets older. Here's why. The pre-school and kindergarten years were difficult times for your child with food allergies. But as your child grows, so may her risk of having a serious food allergic reaction. It's not because the problem worsens as a child ages, but rather that...

Dangers can lurk anywhere from the ball game to the dentist's office. Here's how to protect yourself. Here are five common settings where food allergies and other allergens can put you at risk. Use these tips to help you navigate through each situation safely: 1. Picnic in the Park Your family picnic at the local park can quickly take a turn for the worst if you have food allergies.

If you're allergic to seafood, you'll want to double-check before popping this popular pill. In recent years the medical community has become increasingly aware of all of the ways fish oil supplements can improve your health. But if you suffer from fish allergies, fish oil can put you at increased risk for having a reaction. That's why it's important to learn more about the pros and cons before you take your next dose.

Here's how your doctor will determine if you have an intolerance to substances like lactose or gluten. Only 3 to 4 percent of adults have true food allergies. If you experience bloating after consuming a plate of pasta, or gassiness after enjoying an ice-cream sundae, you most likely have a more common condition: Food intolerance. While it's confusing to tell the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance, the main difference is that an allergy to an offending food is an immune system reaction.

Your reactions to certain foods could point to something less serious than a true allergy. Do you avoid certain foods because you're a picky eater or is it because you're allergic to a food item? It can be difficult to tell the difference since the symptoms of food distaste/ intolerance and a true food allergy can appear very similar. Navigating Food Allergies and Intolerances An article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that at least half of all Americans who think that they have a food allergy are mistaken.

While many food allergies begin in childhood, the fact is that at any age, you can suddenly find yourself dealing with an allergic reaction to something you've had to eat or drink. It's true, adults could develop food allergies. Both adults and seniors can experience food allergy symptoms for the first time. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to serious or even life threatening.   Common Food Allergy Triggers ...

Care for your child with confidence with these 10 tips. Taking your child to the hospital for treatment can be a confusing and emotionally taxing experience. And as a parent, you're required to serve a dual role, as both loving family member and patient advocate. "Parents are an integral part of their child's health-care team, even in the hospital," says Karen Bergan, parent leader and chairwoman of the Family Advisory Council at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian.

10 back-to-school tips. For nearly nine million American children, going back to school presents questions beyond what to wear or bring. Are there peanuts in that birthday treat from a classmate? Will running in gym class trigger asthma? Could a bee sting during recess cause anaphylactic shock? Despite all the things confronting them, you can take steps to ensure your kids don't fall prey to schoolhouse allergies and asthma.

How to keep allergies and asthma from traveling with you. When vacations kick into high gear, allergies and asthma often follow suit. The good news? "There are steps you can take to minimize your symptoms," said Dr. Richard W. Weber, an academy leader and allergist in Denver, Colo. He recommends following these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Consider visiting your allergist or immunologist for a physical if you're planning to go on a long vacation.

The symptoms you experience after eating a food containing gluten hold the key to whether it's an allergy or intolerance. Do crackers give you hives? Does your stomach cramp from a slice of pizza? It could be the result of either an allergic reaction or intolerance to gluten. Unfortunately, it's often frustrating. What is Gluten? Gluten is a protein that's contained in a variety of wheat, rye, and barley products.

It can be tricky to eliminate gluten from the diet, and when you must simultaneously manage your blood sugar, eating can get downright complicated. Here are the tips to follow. It's not uncommon to have both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, both of which are autoimmune diseases (as are lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.) Both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease require an extra measure of dietary vigilance in order to stay healthy and feel good.

If you're allergic to fruits and veggies, know that you can still get the recommended daily amount. Learn the tricks to be able to eat your greens without the itching and scratching. Does the itchiness that comes with eating an apple, peach, or carrot deter you from getting your necessary servings of fruit and veggies? If so, you may have oral allergy syndrome—or an allergy to fruits and vegetables. What's worse is that if you're also allergic to ragweed, grass, pollen, or birch, you're more likely to have this kind of allergy.

EoE can be commonly confused with acid reflux disease, but it's a condition that's believed to be caused by an allergic reaction to common food proteins. Eosinophilic Esophagitis (commonly referred to as EoE) often looks and feels like acid reflux disease, but it doesn't respond to the common treatments. Your doctor might not be able to tell the difference between the two conditions without running some telltale diagnostic tests.

Researchers from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine have developed a groundbreaking strategy that can potentially end peanut allergies. Researchers from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine have developed a groundbreaking strategy that can potentially end peanut allergies. In a preclinical trial performed on mice, they used a new type of immunotherapy to turn off the immune system response and this allowed it to tolerate the peanut protein with no ill-effects.

If you found out that you can no longer eat gluten, that doesn't mean your diet must be filled with dull food items from now on. Learn about your delicious gluten-free options so that your digestive system can function well again. You've probably seen the proliferation of gluten-free products at your local grocery store and wondered if you should be eating these foods. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. Approximately one in 20 Americans is sensitive to gluten.

Unfortunately, no matter where you plan to travel, your food allergies will always be with you. So don't just plan your vacation itinerary, plan on ways you can stay safe on your trip, too. Unfortunately, no matter where you plan to travel, your food allergies will always be with you. So don't just plan your vacation itinerary, plan on ways you can stay safe on your trip, too. Whether you're heading to the beach, the countryside, or the mountains, be mindful that you could come on contact with your allergens.

There seems to be an overlap between allergies and a variety of chronic illnesses and researchers are trying to explore why. See what connections have been identified so far. Why is it that some people can tolerate most allergens, while others find that the slightest contact with certain foods, pollen, and insects sets a motion of serious immune system reactions? The medical community is still trying to understand exactly what makes certain people's bodies more vulnerable to harmless triggers.

When you have food allergies, organizing your kitchen and other food storage areas isn't just convenient—it's essential. Everyone can benefit from having a well-organized home. But when you have food allergies, organizing your kitchen and other food storage areas isn't just convenient—it's essential. An organized fridge and pantry can make it easier to locate your safe foods and can save you from making life-threatening mistakes.

Do you think of allergies as an equal opportunity disease? If so, you might be surprised to know when it comes to immune system reactions to certain foods and drinks, there seems to be a strong sex difference. Do you think of allergies as an equal opportunity disease? If so, you might be surprised to know that there seems to be a strong sex difference—at least when it comes to immune system reactions to certain foods and drinks. Food Allergy Symptoms in Women When it comes to allergies and sex, women are more likely to suffer from food allergies than men—although researchers aren't sure exactly how or why such differences exist.

Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it. Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it. Celiac Disease Perhaps the most often misdiagnosed chronic digestive problem is celiac disease, which affects as many as 1 in 133 people in the U.

You may jog or take exercise classes regularly to help look and feel your best. But if you're one of the few people who suffer from exercise-induced anaphylaxis, participating in strenuous activities can put your health at serious risk. If you're one of the few people who suffer from exercise-induced anaphylaxis, participating in strenuous activities can put your health at serious risk. While this form of severe allergy reaction is quite rare, researchers believe that a particular food allergy could be to blame for setting the problem into gear.

You may jog or take exercise classes regularly to help look and feel your best. But if you're one of the few people who suffer from exercise-induced anaphylaxis, participating in strenuous activities can put your health at serious risk. You may jog or take exercise classes regularly to help look and feel your best. But if you're one of the few people who suffer from exercise-induced anaphylaxis, participating in strenuous activities can put your health at serious risk. While exercise-induced anaphylaxis is quite rare, researchers believe that some type of a food allergy is probably to blame.

After finishing a delicious meal, you suddenly feel itchy and your stomach hurts. Could the problem be caused by a food allergy or a food intolerance? It can be difficult to tell at first, but there are signs that can help you get to the root of the problem. After finishing a delicious meal, you suddenly feel itchy and your stomach hurts. Could the problem be caused by a food allergy or a food intolerance? It can be difficult to tell at first, but there are signs that can help you get to the root of the problem.

This condition is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, which allows larger-than-normal particles such as undigested food, microbes, wastes, and toxins to get into the lymphatic system or bloodstream, triggering an immune response that causes inflammation. Although leaky gut syndrome (also known as intestinal hypermeability) isn't generally recognized by conventional physicians as a real medical condition, there is increasing evidence that the problem is genuine. Leaky gut syndrome is the result of damage to the intestinal lining.

Having a collection of spices could be the best way to get the right taste to your recipes. But exposure to certain spices could push your immune system into overdrive. Here's what you need to know. You probably have a collection of spices in your kitchen cabinet that you use to adjust the right taste to your recipes. But for a small number of people, exposure to certain spices can push their immune systems into overdrive. If you fall into this group, here's what you need to know.

If you suffer from a common form of eczema called atopic dermatitis, which causes red, irritated, and itchy skin, you could be at an increased risk for developing food allergies. If you suffer from a common form of eczema called atopic dermatitis, which causes red, irritated, and itchy skin, you could be at an increased risk for developing food allergies. Until recently, it was assumed that people with food allergies were prone to experiencing typical eczema symptoms as a side effect.

Some asthma sufferers say that a few beers or a glass of wine does nothing to aggravate their symptoms. Some even claim these libations help to improve their symptoms. Yet other asthmatics find that drinking alcohol worsens their chronic respiratory symptoms. How can such a large discrepancy exist? Here's why. Some asthma sufferers say that a few beers or a glass of wine does nothing to aggravate their symptoms. Some even claim these libations help to improve their symptoms.  Yet other asthmatics find that drinking alcohol worsens their chronic respiratory symptoms.

Not only does indoor and outdoor air quality affect asthma symptoms, but these foods can also wreak havoc on your lungs. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Scientists from National Jewish Health, a Denver, CO hosptial that focuses on respiratory health, conducted a comprehensive study on food allergies. They looked at blood serum levels among children and adults to determine their sensitivity to some common foods.

Ever enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, only to be marred by sneezing, a rash, or other aggravating symptoms? If so, you may be one of the millions of people coping with the effects of a wine allergy. Do you ever enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, only to be marred by a headache, sneezing, rash, and other allergy symptoms? If so, you may be one of the millions of people coping with the effects of a wine allergy. Wine Allergy Findings Wine allergies affect about eight percent of wine drinkers today, but the good news is that scientists may have uncorked some new findings that could make it possible for you to drink red or white wine in the future without ill effects.

Many people consider kiwis to be their favorite fruit. Sweet and juicy, these delicious picks are high in fiber, potassium, and handful of essential vitamins. Yet as the popularity of kiwis grow, so do the number of people who are allergic. Do you enjoy the sweet taste of kiwi? This popular fuzzy-skinned fruit (which originates from China) is high in potassium, vitamins C, A, and E, and fiber. A growing number of people consider kiwis to be one of their favorite picks. Yet as the popularity of kiwis grow, so does the number of people who are allergic to this tart, Eastern fruit.

Do allergy-free foods exist? The concept sounds appealing, but even though there isn't a "one size fits all" approach to deal with allergens, there are ways you can keep your allergens at bay. Wouldn't it be nice to have a list of foods that are safe for everyone with allergies to eat? While the concept may sound appealing, in reality, there isn't a "one size fits all" approach to deal with allergens. That is why it's essential to know which foods set off your immune system to help guide your own shopping strategy.

Do you live for the satisfying taste of a decadent treat? Here are four safe gluten-free foods that can add some extra flavor into your week. Do you live for the satisfying taste of a decadent treat? If you have celiac disease (an intolerance to gluten, the protein in wheat), you know there are lots of limits on what you can eat. But the options for delicious wheat-free foods have also greatly increased in recent years.

What if you could keep your food allergies off the Thanksgiving dinner menu this year? If this sounds like an appetizing idea, read on to see how to minimize your risk. What if you could keep your food allergies off the Thanksgiving dinner menu this year? If this sounds like an appetizing idea, read on to see how to minimize your risk. You know all too well the dangers food allergies pose on a daily basis. When you socialize at holiday time, the problem can be magnified.

It may be too late for you to eliminate your milk protein allergies, but one study says it might not be too late for your newborn baby. Are you allergic to milk? It may be too late to change this fate, but according to researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel, it could be possible to help eliminate this danger for your newborn baby with one simple step . Milk Protein Allergy Milk allergies are particularly common among children.

Just because you have wheat allergies doesn't mean you have to give up all your favorite foods. It's simple to cook delicious treats at home, using allergy-free ingredients in exchange for wheat. Having a wheat allergy can place many limits on what you can safely eat. However, it doesn't mean you have to give up all your favorite foods. It's simple to cook delicious treats at home, using allergy-free ingredients in exchange for wheat. Since most recipes call for wheat flour, you'll need to find wheat substitutes that are safe to eat.

Could tick bites and red meat allergies have a common link? The connection between the two might surprise you. Could tick bites and red meat allergies have a common link? Quite possibly, according to allergists at a practice in Sydney, New South Wales. They discovered that a group of patients who'd experienced a rare allergic reaction to meat also had a significant reaction to a tick bite in their medical history.

If you love that tart rush you get when you bite into an apple, but find that it's usually followed by an itchy feeling in your mouth or on your tongue, it could be allergies. Do you love that tart rush you get when you bite into an apple, but find that it's usually followed by an itchy feeling in your mouth or on your tongue? If so, you might suffer from oral allergy syndrome. As many as one third of allergy sufferers experience oral allergy syndrome, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI).

Identifying causes for post nasal drip is the only way to find the best treatment. Though it can be difficult to decipher, consider these possible culprits. Post nasal drip is a common condition that happens when mucus from the back of your nose thickens and drips down into your throat. When this occurs, it can make you cough and try to clear your throat. This can sometimes be accompanied by bad breath and sinus pressure.

Dealing with egg allergies can be difficult. Read on to learn about the latest findings and ways you can prevent an egg allergy from happening. Since eggs are a common ingredient in many recipes, if you're allergic to eggs, eating can be quite challenging. Here are some common symptoms of egg allergies: Hives, itching Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting Runny nose Wheezing Research Findings If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be interested in the research findings published in the August 2010 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JCAI).

The majority of Americans who believe they're experiencing an allergic reaction to the things they eat may actually be suffering from some other ailment. Think you've got food allergies? You may need to think again. The majority of Americans who believe they're experiencing an allergic reaction may actually be suffering from some other ailment. This finding was revealed as part of a widespread effort by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to weed through the many inconsistencies and misconceptions that exist in defining food allergies and create some standardized guidelines for diagnosing this serious problem.

Are yeast allergies for real? Many conventional doctors are skeptical about this widespread diagnosis, saying that it's very rare and in most cases, doesn't really exist. Many people today believe they're allergic to yeast. This fact can pose a real challenge, since yeast is a common ingredient contained in an array of popular foods and drinks. To help those who fall into this category to safely navigate daily living, some alternative practitioners offer various treatment options.

Got a child with a peanut allergy? If so, you know all too well the serious risks that go along with it. While this condition can be life threatening, researchers have recently discovered that it might be successfully treated in some cases. Find out how. Got a child with a peanut allergy? If so, you know all too well the serious risks that go along with it. While this condition can be life threatening, researchers have recently discovered that it might be successfully treated in some cases. Find out how.

You may be thankful to your parents or grandparents for passing down your blue eyes or your long legs, but their genes may be responsible for your certain allergies as well. You know that certain traits such as hair color, body type and intelligence are often passed down from generation to generation in families. But are you aware that the same is true for the likelihood of experiencing a rare type of food allergy called eosinophilic esophagitis or EoE?  For people who suffer from this serious condition, a study published in Nature Genetics in March of 2010 now reveals that a master "allergy gene" could actually be to blame.

Ever wonder if your food allergies and asthma are related? Find out if this could be true. If you suffer from food allergies and asthma, you may wonder if the two conditions could be related. In fact, it's relatively rare for asthma to actually be caused by an allergic reaction to something you eat or drink. It's more likely to be prompted by seasonal triggers, illnesses or other types of reactions to things in the environment.

If you recently experienced a life threatening allergic reaction and you aren't sure about the cause, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out if it could be a delayed allergy to meat. Many people have delayed anaphylactic responses and can't seem to trace them back to the triggers. But scientists from several institutions, including the University of Tennessee, University of Virginia, and the John James Medical Centre in Australia, conducted a study examining the experiences of 60 people who had unexplained reoccurring anaphylactic reactions to see if any patterns existed.

If you have seafood allergies, getting this common medical procedure without taking proper precautions could prove to be dangerous. Are you allergic to seafood? If so, then you may be concerned about having a Computed Tomography (commonly referred to as CT) scan done. This procedure often uses a contrast dye that can trigger a dangerous immune system response in some people. The Basics about CT Scans If you've ever had a CT scan performed, you know that this is a diagnostic screening tool that uses a computer-enhanced machine to analyze two-dimensional photos of your body.

Perhaps you had Chinese food last week and shortly afterward, you felt your tongue swell, you broke out in hives and started wheezing. If this sounds familiar, you could be allergic to soy beans, a common ingredient used in some of the popular dishes. Perhaps you had Chinese food last week and shortly afterward, you felt your tongue swell, you broke out in hives and started wheezing. If this sounds familiar, you could be allergic to soy beans, a common ingredient used in some of the popular dishes.

If you're a chocoholic who also happens to have a chocolate allergy, you may feel cursed. But there are ways to get your fix—without risking your health. Who doesn't love chocolate?  Most of us do, but if you have a chocolate allergy, you've probably got a whole list of desserts that look and smell good but are completely out of reach. However, the good news is that these days, you may be able to find other safer, but equally tempting, treats.

How can you be sure that the foods you eat are free from your biggest allergens? Thanks to federal food allergen labeling laws, food manufacturing plants are required to step up to the plate and tell you in advance what their pre-packaged foods contain. How can you be sure that the foods you eat are free from your biggest allergens? Thanks to federal food allergen labeling laws, food manufacturing plants are required to step up to the plate and tell you in advance what their pre-packaged foods contain.

Help your kids enjoy the year's spookiest night without sacrificing nutrition. For children, October 31 is one of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year. And is it any wonder? Not only is Halloween an excuse to dress up in scary costumes; it's also an opportunity to snatch up massive amounts of sugary treats. According to the National Confectioner's Association, 93 percent of U.

Is a steaming cup of fresh coffee the first thing you reach for every morning? If so, you're certainly in good company. But according to some researchers, if you suffer from a caffeine allergy, your java habit could actually be causing you harm. The Caffeine Habit You might feel that drinking coffee helps you feel more awake and alert, but according to the Caffeine Awareness Organization, the coffee habit can be putting you at risk for a number of unwanted consequences. While the scientific data about the prevalence of people with a caffeine allergy is slim, there's been increasing awareness about the fact that caffeine maybe at the root of a host of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms affecting many Americans.

Do you often find yourself feeling ill when you eat certain fruits, vegetables or other foods that are extremely acidic? If so, there could be one of several different culprits to blame. You could have an allergy to citrus or to citric acid, or even to foods that have a high level of acidity. A Range of Problems Various types of allergies and intolerances to citrus, citric acid and foods with high acidic properties do exist, but doctors say that they are usually quite rare. As a result, there isn't a great deal of information readily available about the topics, posing challenges for the people trying to get to the root of their problem, and for doctors who are putting all of the pieces together to make a proper diagnosis.

If your child is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, even the slightest exposure can put him at risk for a potentially life-threatening reaction—making the safety of his environment critical. Nut Allergy 101 When you're dealing with a child who has a nut allergy, you probably insist on keeping your kitchen nut free. But what happens when he leaves the confines of your home? Other settings may pose many dangers that are out of your control.

If you've got a few extra pounds that won't seem to bulge no matter how much you diet and exercise, food allergies could be to blame. When it comes to food allergies and weight gain, there's been increasing attention in recent years to the fact that some people who're overweight may be able to trace the problem back to the way their bodies respond to certain foods they eat. A 2007 study published in The Journal of the American Diabetes Association explains that when people eat foods that cause an immune system response, this can set off a chain reaction.

Holidays parties are an ideal time to splurge on delicious food--but if you suffer from food allergies, you need to proceed with caution. Why Worry? Holiday season is a time to be merry, but for people with food allergies, you also have to be prepared for anything. The fact is that when you cook meals at home, you know exactly what foods you need to avoid and you can take complete control.

Cooking when you have food allergies is difficult, but our tips help make it easier. If you or someone in your family suffers from food allergies, you probably go to great lengths to cook up allergy-free meals and treats. This can pose quite a challenge, though, since many popular recipes contain ingredients that could trigger allergy symptoms.

If you suffer from fast food allergies, this meal option could serve up more than convenience. Wondering what to serve for dinner tonight? If you don't have time to cook, the convenience of visiting a fast food restaurant can be tempting, especially with the nutritious options some establishments have added to their menus. Yet for people who suffer from fast food allergies, the dangers of eating out may be more than they can stomach.

Surprising discoveries have been made about how to potentially eliminate milk allergies. If you or your child has a milk allergy, you probably go to great lengths to steer clear of all dairy products that can trigger a reaction. Therefore, the findings of a new study may go against your instincts. Researchers representing John Hopkins Children's Center and Duke University recently discovered that drinking milk can actually be helpful in overcoming a milk allergy.

If you enjoy having a glass of wine with dinner or a few beers at happy hour, you're certainly not alone. But have you ever found that even a small amount of alcohol causes you to have a negative reaction? If you enjoy having a glass of wine with dinner or a few beers at happy hour, you're certainly not alone.  But have you ever found that even a small amount of alcohol causes you to have a negative reaction?  If so, you might have an alcohol intolerance.

Get the facts on this potentially dangerous, but manageable, reaction. If you have a serious allergy to peanuts or shrimp and have ever found yourself having a reaction to similar foods, you likely experienced food allergy cross reactivity—a problem that causes great concern for many people today. The Truth About Food Allergies According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, food allergies are relatively rare, affecting only about 2 percent of adults in the United States.

Learn about this growing allergy--and if you might be at risk. Could you be allergic to sesame? If so, you are part of a growing number of people who have a reaction to products made from sesame seeds and sesame seed oil. And since sesame is contained in many foods and other products, this ingredient can be very difficult to avoid.

While the link between food and asthma is relatively rare, there are people who do experience it first-hand. The Truth about Asthma and Food When you consider asthma causes, you might be surprised to find out as few as about five percent of the 20 million or so asthmatics in the United States can actually trace their symptoms back to the things they eat and drink.

If you fall ill after eating acidic foods, a citrus allergy could be to blame. Do you often find yourself feeling ill when you eat certain fruits, vegetables or other foods that have a high acidic content? If so, there could be one of several different culprits to blame. You could have an allergy to citrus or to citric acid, or even to foods that have a high level of acidity.

If you suffer from a range of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms every time you eat foods containing wheat, rye, malt, barley and oats, a gluten allergy could be to blame for your distress. Is it a Gluten Allergy? Do you think you could have a gluten allergy? Or do you have a digestive problem called celiac disease? Both conditions are caused by eating things containing gluten and both have very similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate.

Find out why it is essential to take the time to educate yourself about the signs of a seafood allergy. While many Americans look forward to eating out at a nice restaurant, if you’re one of the 7 million people who has a seafood allergy, such an occasion can actually be quite stressful. This is because eating at any dining establishment where seafood is served puts you at risk for being exposed to the proteins that can cause the allergic reaction, and the dangers involved in this scenario can be quite great or even potentially fatal in extreme cases.

Many of those who think they have a food allergy are, in fact, really suffering from a food intolerance or sensitivity, which can sometimes look very similar to food allergies but actually occurs in a different way. Have you experienced a negative reaction from something you ate? If so, you may wonder if you have a food allergy. A food allergy can be a serious condition that causes a host of symptoms that will make you feel miserable. But the good news is that food allergies are not nearly as common as most people think.

If you are allergic to peanuts, you know how crucial it is to steer clear of anything even vaguely in the nut family. Otherwise, you can be putting yourself and your health at great risk. Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy in the United States, affecting 1.5 million people, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. And while some people only experience mild symptoms, others suffer much more serious consequences.