In adults, shellfish, fish, tree nuts (such as walnuts or almonds), and peanuts cause 90% of all allergic reactions.

In children, foods high in protein (peanuts, milk or dairy products, wheat, soy, tree nuts, and eggs) cause 90% of their allergic reactions.

If you have a reaction to one type of food, you might also be allergic to similar foods. For example, if you are allergic to peanuts, you may also have adverse reactions to other legumes, such as soybeans or peas.

Symptoms of a food allergy may include:

• A tingling sensation inside your mouth and swelling of the lips.
• Stomach or abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Rash, hives or itching.
• Wheezing, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

As you introduce new foods into your own or your growing children's diet, be aware that allergic reactions can show up as just a mild rash. Severe reactions can include anaphylaxis, often characterized by a swelling of the throat that could be fatal if not treated immediately.

“We are not born with food allergies. They are acquired as we become sensitized to a food,” says Dr. Eric Born, D.O., of Parchment Family Practice. “Some of people's favorite foods are the ones to which they are sensitive. What happens is that these foods are not fully digested or broken down into their simple amino acid sequences. When they get into the bloodstream, the body doesn't recognize them as food, thinks they're a foreign invader and produces an antibody, which causes the allergic reaction,” Dr. Born explains.
Studies have also shown that breastfeeding (for up to six months) helps to prevent allergies. Delaying introducing milk protein formulas or foods like wheat-based products and peanuts into your child's diet can also help, but there are no firm guidelines on age. Processed foods with additives like dyes, thickeners and preservatives can also trigger allergic reactions.

How is a food allergy diagnosed?
“We eliminate and challenge certain foods and diagnose allergies through skin and blood tests,” says Dr. Born. “We tend to check mostly for IGG food allergies, which are delayed sensitivity reactions. These occur hours to days after the food is ingested and we use a blood test. Then there are the IGE immediate food allergies, where you are eating the food and react while you still have the fork in your hand,” he notes. “The intra-dermal test we use is similar to a TB test, where you introduce the allergen extract just barely under the skin.” Dr. Born notes that over half the people he tests for allergies at his Parchment practice are sensitive to dairy products.

What is the treatment for a food allergy?
A food allergy is best treated by avoiding the foods that cause it and knowing what to do when you accidentally ingest a food allergen. Those with life-threatening reactions to certain foods are often trained to give themselves an injection of epinephrine. Strict avoidance of the foods that cause a reaction and systematic testing are the key to living with this type of allergy.

Are herbal remedies or natural vitamins likely to prompt allergic reactions?
According to Dr. Eric Born, “There is no direct evidence that taking supplements can cause reactions. However, you should read the ingredient label carefully to see if there are any common allergens like gluten contained in the mix.” Currently, there is no single regulating agency to oversee the quality and safety of herbal products. There are several herbs that can exacerbate allergies or react with medications, so it's a good idea to learn as much as you can about herbal supplements before trying them. You can find more herbal consumer information on a website called www.consumerlab.com. To get specifics on allergies and testing, contact Parchment Family Practice at 269-344-6183.