Food Allergies & Food Intolerance

Food Allergies & Food Intolerance

An allergy to peanuts, shellfish, eggs, soy or wheat triggers symptoms similar to those for an intolerance to certain foods, like dairy products. Food allergies occur when the body attacks a food it mistakes as harmful, causing symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath or hives. With food intolerance, the digestive system alone rejects the food, finding it difficult to digest properly. This can result in nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, headaches or gas.
Recently Answered
Q What foods should I avoid if I'm allergic to milk?
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Dr. Paul Ehrlich, Allergy & Immunology
Anyone following a milk-free diet due to a milk allergy must avoid:   Artificial butter flavor   Butter, butter fat, buttermilk   Caseinates (ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium)   Cheese, cottage cheese, curds  ... Full Answer
Q Why are food allergies more common in children than adults?
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Dr. Larry Chiaramonte, Allergy & Immunology
The incidence of food allergy is much higher for children than for adults. The reason for the much higher rate among kids is partly the result of the fact that most people "outgrow" their food allergies, peanuts being the exception. Only 10 to 20... Full Answer
Q How is peanut allergy diagnosed?
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Doctors usually begin diagnosis of a peanut allergy by doing a physical exam and hearing about your symptoms. The next step to diagnosing a peanut allergy may include a skin prick test, a blood test, or both. Medical professionals, usually allergy... Full Answer
Q How do I manage my peanut allergy on a daily basis?
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Though it may seem obvious, the best way to manage a peanut allergy is to avoid peanuts. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces laws that require clear labeling of ingredients, particularly ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Read... Full Answer
Q What are alternatives to peanut butter if I have a peanut allergy?
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If you have a peanut allergy, there are other nut butters that you can try. Just about any type of nut can be made into a nut butter. It's as simple as grinding nuts in a food processor until they form a paste. Some nut butters will be creamy,... Full Answer
Q Does peanut allergy run in families?
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Peanut allergies, like most types of allergies, tend to run in families. That means that if your parents have had a peanut allergy, you're much more likely to develop the condition, too. However, it's not just a history of peanut allergy that increases... Full Answer
Q How can I prevent food allergies in my child?
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Parents have long been advised to avoid introducing certain foods -- spices, dairy, wheat, for example -- before a specific age. There is some merit to this; these foods do seem to cause an allergic response in some children. So it’s wise to be... Full Answer
Q What foods can I eat if I have multiple food allergies?
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Being diagnosed with multiple food allergies can be challenging.  This said, there are many alternatives as far as food choices go to allow more flavor, texture and nutrients.  It is important that you schedule a session with a registered... Full Answer
Q Can I develop wheat allergies as an adult?
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It is uncommon for teenagers and adults to develop a wheat allergy. However-once adults develop wheat allergies-they tend to have them for the rest of their lives. Wheat allergies are most prevalent in children. However-children often outgrow this... Full Answer
Q How is celiac disease different from a wheat allergy in children?
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Celiac disease and wheat allergy are two different conditions. Celiac disease is a permanent harmful reaction to gluten. Gluten is contained in some grains. The major grains that contain gluten are wheat, rye, and barley. Children with celiac... Full Answer