Food Allergies

Food Allergies - Reasons, Symptoms, Precautions, and Treatment

A young child showing a rash on their arm after eating food, indicating an allergic reaction.
Many people enjoy eating, but some must avoid certain foods due to allergies. The number of these individuals has increased in recent years. They believe they have allergies or that their stomachs can't tolerate certain foods and drinks. However, research has shown that only a small number of people have true allergies.

Why do some people have allergies to certain foods?

An EpiPen and allergy medication placed next to a meal, emphasizing preparedness for food allergies.

A report has been published in one of the medical magazines of America in which experts have presented different opinions about allergies to certain foods and drinks. But most of them have consensus that allergies begin due to the immunity system. Allergies from foods or drinks are due to proteins present in them. The immune system understands that this protein is harmful to the body. So, when this protein enters the body, the immunity system of the body makes an antibody (a kind of protein) which is called Immunoglobulin E.

This antibody targets the protein that enters the body. When a person consumes food containing this protein again, the antibody produces chemicals, including a substance called histamine. Typically, histamine plays a beneficial role in the immune system. Therefore, experts struggle to understand how immunoglobulin E and the production of histamine lead to the manifestation of allergy symptoms. This information indicates that eating the food for the first time may not trigger an allergy, but consuming it again might induce an allergic reaction.

Why can't the stomach digest some of the foods?

A nutrition label with allergens like wheat, soy, and nuts highlighted in bold text.

Some people have allergies to some foods and drinks, just like some people's stomachs can't tolerate some foods and beverages. This problem belongs to the digestive system, not the immune system. Therefore, no antibodies are made. In fact, the deficiency of an enzyme (a chemical substance) may be the reason, or some specific chemical substances in the food can't be easily absorbed in the stomach. For instance, some people can't digest sugar in milk because their stomachs don't produce the necessary enzymes to digest the sugar in milk and its products.

Antibodies are not produced due to the indigestion of food, which results in symptoms appearing when a person eats a particular food for the first time. Sometimes, the stomach digests a small amount of the food, but if the food is over-consumed, the stomach fails to digest it. Conversely, even small amounts of certain foods and drinks can be deadly for individuals with allergies to them.

Symptoms

A concerned parent speaking with a doctor about their child's food allergy symptoms in a clinic.

The following can be the symptoms of allergy to certain foods and drinks:-

- Swelling of the throat, eyes, or tongue

- Acne on the body

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

Low blood pressure and dizziness are seen in people who have severe allergies. They can faint, and even their heartbeat can stop. These symptoms of allergy can quickly become severe and even deadly.
Allergies can be triggered by any type of food. However, the following items are most commonly known to cause allergic reactions:

A school cafeteria tray labeled with allergy-safe food options for children.

- Milk

- Eggs

- Fish

- Animals having shells like Prawns, Shrimps, and Crabs

- Peanuts

- Soybeans

- Dry Fruits like Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios, and Cashews

- Wheat

Food allergies can affect people of any age, from toddlers to adults. Research shows that if parents are allergic to certain foods or drinks, their children are more likely to develop similar allergies. Interestingly, many children seem to outgrow these sensitivities as they get older. It’s important to note that food intolerance — when the digestive system struggles to process certain items — is usually less severe than a true allergic reaction. Still, both can cause discomfort. Common symptoms of food allergies include the following:

A graphic illustration showing symptoms of food allergies such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

- Pain in the stomach

- Bloating stomach

- Flatulence

- Acne on the skin

- Fatigue

- Dysentry

- Headache

- Agitation

Some foods are commonly difficult for the digestive system to handle, including:

- Milk

- Wheat

- Gluten (a protein found in wheat flour)

- Alcohol

- Yeast

Treatment

Fruits are good for health

If you suspect that you have a food or drink allergy, or if your stomach has difficulty handling certain foods, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Self-diagnosing and avoiding specific foods without medical advice can be detrimental to your health, as it might deprive your body of vital vitamins and nutrients.

For individuals with severe allergies to certain foods or beverages, the only effective treatment is complete avoidance of those triggers. On the other hand, those with less severe allergies or individuals whose stomachs can tolerate small amounts may be able to consume small portions of the offending food. However, in some cases, even those who can digest small quantities may need to avoid that food altogether.

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