Food allergies: everything you need to know

The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America reports that over 32 million Americans have food allergies.  

Over 26 million (10.8%) U.S. adults have food allergies. 

About 5.6 million (7.6%) U.S. children suffer from food allergies. 

Save yourself from losing to an allergy!  

In this article, we will talk all about food allergies, their treatment, how you can save yourself, and how to prevent them.
 

What are Food Allergies?  When our body’s defense cells/immune system reacts to a certain food it’s called Food Allergy. They are usually mild, but sometimes they can be serious.  

Millions of Americans every year make a visit to the ER (emergency room) after having a food they were allergic to and over 160 foods have been identified to cause allergies. However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these 8 foods cause 90% of all food allergies: 

  • Peanuts. 
  • Eggs. 
  • Milk. 
  • Fish. 
  • Wheat. 
  • Shellfish. 
  • Soy. 
  • Tree nuts.  

 

What are the symptoms of a food allergy? Symptoms show up within minutes or hours of eating a food you are allergic to. They can range from mild to severe and may be life-threatening if not treated promptly. 

 You can experience symptoms like: 

  • Hives 
  • Flushed skin or rash 
  • Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth 
  • Face, tongue, or lip swelling 
  • Vomiting or diarrhea 
  • Abdominal cramps 
  • Coughing and wheezing 
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness 
  • Swelling of the throat and/or vocal cords 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Loss of consciousness 
  • Anaphylaxis-It’s the most severe and often rapid reaction to a food which can make it hard or impossible to breathe. Without medical assistance, it can be life-threatening. 

 

Treatment  

  • There is no cure for food allergies. All you can do is identify the food you are allergic to and avoid eating it. 
  • Always keep epinephrine autoinjectors for emergencies if you are prone to allergic reactions to food.  
  • Keep in mind to contact 911/medical care services near you if you are experiencing an allergic reaction. 

 

Prevention: If you have food allergies, the best way to keep yourself safe is to avoid that food. 

  • Always read the labels on the food products.  
  • Whenever you eat outside, make sure to confirm with the chef and your waiter about the ingredients that you are allergic to. 
  • Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to let others know you have a food allergy. In case you get an allergic reaction, they can help you.  
  • Keep your emergency medications/ epi-pen handy (if you have a severe reaction).  
  • In babies, breastfeeding during the first 6 months can help prevent lactose intolerance (allergies to milk and milk products).

If you want to learn more about diet and nutrition, call us on 1-347-384-5690 to get a free consultation. And if you’re in need of dietary advice, get a free consultation, or walk-in for an appointment at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website to book an appointment online at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@doralhw.org if you have any queries.