Monday, September 15, 2008

Food Allergies Really Bite!

By Dorothy Medlum


A food allergy is a reaction by the body's immune system to something you ate or drank. Food allergies are more common in young children and in people who have other allergies, such as hay fever and eczema.

Food allergies must be taken in a serious manner. Tiny amounts of food can cause a reaction if you are allergic to it, and a severe reaction can be life threatening as well as sudden.

The body's immune system mistakenly believes that a harmless substance (a food) is harmful during a food allergy. To protect your body, the immune system then produces substances called antibodies to that food.

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 actually peanut oil. When dining out, be aware that African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese dises often contain peanuts or are contaminated with peanuts during the preparation process. Additionally, foods sold in bakeries and ice cream shops are often in contact with peanuts. Many brands of sunflower seeds are produced on equipment shared with 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

Celiac disease and wheat allergy are two distinct conditions. Celiac disease, or celiac sprue, is a permanent adverse reaction to gluten. Wheat -allergic people have an IGE-mediated response to wheat protein. These individuals must only avoid wheat. Most wheat-allergic children outgrow this allergy.

Keep in Mind

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

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