Kimberly Scott April 27, 2009
Category:Food Talk, Health/Fitness
What are food allergens?
Food allergies occur when the body has a negative effect to a particular food protein; Reacting when the immune system mistakenly attacks a food protein which can release chemicals which cause a reaction resulting in a symptom including hives, itching, etc. Reactions occur immediately after the food is eaten or even several hours afterward depending on the person and their intensity to of the level of reaction. Estimated 7 million Americans have food allergies.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of a reaction to a food allergy can consist of 1 or more:
- Hives
- Swelling of the faces, eyes, hands, feet, or throat
- Wheezing, tightening in the throat, or shortness of breath
- Itching in or across mouth, face, scalp, or hands
- Gastrointestinal systems: Abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
- Can result in Death in sever cases
Most Common Allergens:
The most common allergens are milk or dairy products, tree nuts, peanuts, soy and soy products, wheat, shellfish, fish, and egg or egg products.
