What are Food Allergies?
Food allergies are any type of food or food byproduct that produce a mild to severe allergic reaction in an individual. This reaction happens because your body thinks that a certain aspect of the food is trying to cause you harm and sends antibodies to fight causing an allergic reaction. Many mild food related allergies induce stomach discomfort and rashes. Mild reactions cause discomfort but are not life threatening. Severe food allergies cause inflammation and can be life threatening without proper medical treatment.
There has been evidence that determines that allergies can run in families. People are more likely to have certain allergies if someone in their family has them. Children …show more content…
The easiest way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the food or any bi-products made from the food. You should pay careful attention to nutritional labels and to different food names. Wheat will at times be referred to as gluten and someone that is allergic to wheat would then know that they need to invest in gluten free items. You need to know all the different names that your food allergen goes by, so you know what to avoid.
When you are eating out, you need to call ahead to the restaurant, and ensure that they are prepared to cater to a food allergy sufferer. If they are up for the challenge then when you arrive you need to remind your hostess and waiter of your food allergies. Many people with severe allergies carry around allergy cards that state everything that they are allergic to and the degree of reaction. These cards are sent back to the chef so that they know, exactly what you are allergic to, and can make the appropriate accommodations. If you find a restaurant that is willing to make the accommodations, you should reward them with your loyalty. It is always better to try a favored classic, than to try something new and end up in the hospital because of an allergic