Almost every human being has some allergies and they might be sensitive to something. Some have food allergies and so they shun the food that causes them allergic reactions. Surveys and research show that almost one third of all adults are allergic to different foods. Allergy can be defined as the hypersensitivity of the body to accept any type of food. Symptoms can be different for every individual but the common ones can be red eyes, patchy red skin, and problem in breathing, runny nose, hives, eczema, itchiness of the body, fever and asthma. The food or any substance that causes the allergy is called the allergen. Allergy spreads rapidly and there are different tests that are done to find out the root of the allergy. Along with the tests and treatments for allergy, there are certain food myths also that people follow blindly without applying logic.
- Allergy and intolerance of food are the same – People don’t know the difference between food allergy and food intolerance. Even though the symptoms or the causes can be same, but there is a lot of difference between both. Intolerance of food is the lack of enzymes that are needed to digest food and food allergy is when the immune system is not responding the way it should be and tends to make acute symptoms.
- Reading labels on canned food can save you from allergies – It is always advised that people who are sensitive to foods should read the labels before buying the canned food, but still there is no guarantee of allergy. Surveys have proved that 50% of food allergies are caused due to sauces and dressings.
- If you are allergic to one type of food, you will always be allergic to that food – Allergies are not for a lifetime, they often change or disappear. Sometimes they may disappear without doing anything or even spring up.
- No cure for food allergies – It is believed that there is no cure or medicine for food allergies, but one can try some other form of medication like natural remedies, herbal medicines and homeopathic medicines that are beneficial for food allergies and food intolerance. It helps in the normalizing and stabilizing the digestive system and heals the damaged intestines. These treatments can go a long way and can eradicate the food allergy and food intolerance for foods that cause these allergies.
- Food allergies are not serious – This is not true as food allergies can be fatal and people can have reactions called as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be sometimes experienced as anaphylactic shock and it can be fatal if not treated in time. People with allergies need to know that anaphylaxis need to be treated immediately with the injection of Epinephrine and should be carried where they go. In the United States alone, every year there are more than 30,000 emergencies that are caused due to anaphylaxis because the reaction of the body is sudden and severe and can be life threatening to people.
It is known that every individual can be allergic to different types of food, but 90% of people are allergic to the food like milk, soy, wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. It is always advised to avoid the consumption of food that causes the intolerance or allergy.
