Want To Effectively Handle A Food Allergy?

June 28th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
Riley Hendersen asked:


Having any kind of food allergy can certainly crimp eating habits, but for most, it’s something that is just dealt with without too many problems, especially when the allergy is developed at an early age.

A food allergy or any kind of food intolerance can be mild or severe, and many people are allergic to foods and don’t even realize it. Mild symptoms like an upset stomach or heartburn is common after eating particular kinds of food, but most people don’t equate such as an allergy. However, there’s a difference between a food allergy and food intolerance, and the public in general should know what that is.

The body has an unusual response to an allergy that is caused by the body’s immune system and comes with specific and sometimes extremely uncomfortable symptoms that occur within minutes of eating sensitive foods and include hives and rashes. A reaction may also induce asthma and weakness or lightheadedness, and in some cases, anaphylactic shock.

Excessive swelling in body tissues, including the larynx, which can cut off oxygen supply, causes this condition, and while most people don’t suffer such severe reactions, many people allergic to nuts, especially peanut butter or shellfish can develop these symptoms. The sudden drop in blood pressure can be deadly.

Additional common symptoms also include itching and difficulty swallowing. Nausea, and on occasion, vomiting results, along with abdominal pain.

Food intolerance is not quite the same as a food allergy and is caused not by the immune system, but by other body systems. Symptoms of food intolerance may be gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and stomach cramps. Many babies and young children are allergic to milk and soy products that can lead to colic and poor growth. Almost twenty percent of infantile colic, or chronic crying at night, may be due to those babies allergic to milk or soy products found in most powdered baby formulas.

The most common culprits in adults are shellfish, such as shrimp, crab and lobster, and nuts that grow on trees, like walnuts and acorns. Other foods like fish and some meat are also common allergy sources. Nuts, especially peanuts are to be blamed for more severe allergic reactions in many patients.

If you think you may be suffering from any type of food allergy, first try to limit your intake of such foods and see if that helps relieve symptoms. If you’re not sure what is causing allergic symptoms, a visit to your doctor will more than likely initiate a series of skin-prick or scratch tests which will introduce particular food allergens in minute quantities into your skin to watch for local reactions.

While having a food allergy may at times put a damper on eating habits, millions of people around the world suffer from one sort of or another and lead perfectly happy, normal lives. Once you know what you’re allergic to, just avoiding such foods may relieve symptoms of food allergy, and nothing more is necessary or required.



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Looking for a premium dog food following allergy testing. Any ideas?

June 28th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
deety3 asked:


Our Golden has always been fed Innova EVO but had chronic ear infections. We had him allergy tested, and the results were whoppers — food allergies include pork, eggs, soybean, lamb, flax or flaxseed oil, barley, brewers yeast and green peas. Also, no grasses (you’d be surprised what’s in some dog foods).

I’m trying to find a HIGH quality kibble (no freezer room for raw, and canned is bad for his teeth) which does not have any of these ingredients, and preferably lists a protein as the first 2 or 3 ingredients. At this point, the only thing I’ve found is Royal Canin’s Veterinary Diet Potato & Venison Large Breed, but the quality doesn’t thrill me.

Any suggestions?

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Protecting Your Child from the Clutches of Food Allergy

June 25th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
Abhishek Agarwal asked:


All parents want their children to have everything they need. As a parent, you would want your child to get the very best, which is why you might be willing to work hard in order to meet your children’s needs and demands. You are willing to work as hard as possible so that your child has the best living conditions, delicious foods and all the nutrition he or she requires. You also want them to go the best schools and have all the toys they wish to play with.

As is evident, any parent would naturally be interested in the growth, health and happiness of their child. Then it is no surprise that parents get worried and anxious when their children fall sick. Presently, there are a number of children who suffer from food allergy that can severely affect their way of life.

When it comes to child food allergy, great care must be taken regarding what the child eats. The child’s eating should be monitored carefully. As children are innocent and do not have a clue about the kind of food that is good for them and the kind of food that is bad for them, it becomes your duty to watch what the child eats. However, if your child is now a school going kid, you must not forget that his classmates might eat food to which your child is allergic. You should never forget that children like to taste everything and there is nothing keeping him away from allergic foods. You cannot always keep your eye on your child, and he is likely to trip somewhere along t he way.

Firstly, histamines trigger the occurrence of allergies. Usually histamines are found inside animal dander, pollens and also in some foods. There are many people who are allergic to different kinds of food and they need to exercise extra caution. It will also be beneficial for you if you learn how exactly allergies work. every time your child takes in histamine, allergic reactions are triggered. Normally considered harmless, histamine can cause the white blood cells and the immune system attacks the histamine. This can also cause sneezing, a running nose and different swellings located at different places. The body considers this to be a mechanism of self defense against harmful substances in the body.

Some children suffer form such sever food allergy that their entire life is affected by it. In some instances of allergy attacks, your child might have to be taken to a hospital. This is the reason why it becomes necessary for you to identify the kind of food your child is allergic to.

Normally, children suffer allergy due to histamines present in shellfish and peanuts. They might develop allergic reactions to other food items, shellfish and peanuts are the main items that trigger allergies.

Identifying the cause of allergic attacks in your child’s body is another way of keeping track of your child’s diet. However, it is recommended that you seek a pediatrician’s advice in order to determine the allergens triggering off attacks in your child’s body, as they are medically qualified to conduct the tests necessary for quick and accurate diagnosis. Your pediatrician will conduct a series of examinations in the lab including skin tests in order to locate the cause of the allergy.

If your child suffers from food allergies, you should follow all the above instructions and find out what food your child is allergic to in order to give him or her a normal life.



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Can juicing the same thing everyday cause a food allergy?

June 18th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
Lola asked:


One of you left me helpful advice that jucing cabbage everyday can help colitis. I am excited to start except I keep reading that jucing the same kind of vegtable daily can cause a food allergy? How can this be? what would the symptoms be? How long do you have to be drinking the juice to start to develop the allergy?

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Allergies - Food Allergies

June 8th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
Anezka asked:


In this article we’re going to focus on one of the most annoying types of allergies, especially to people who love to eat.

You go out to the local pizza parlor, order two slices with extra cheese, sit down at the booth with your pizza in one hand and coke in the other and chow down. A few hours later after you’ve arrived back home just in time to watch your favorite TV show, suddenly your stomach feels like it’s about to erupt like a volcano. You run like a madman to the bathroom just in time to experience what seems to be the complete emptying of your insides.

Welcome to the world of food allergies and intolerances.

In the case of the runs after eating a couple of slices of pizza most likely you’re lactose intolerant which is just one type of food allergy. Technically, you can be allergic to just about any kind of food but there are some that seem to be more common that others.

Before we go any further let’s define exactly what a food allergy is. Food allergies can be broken down into 2 categories. The first one is hypersensitivity. This is an adverse reaction of the immune system itself and is unrelated to any actual physical effect of the food or food additive. These reactions are caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

The second category is food intolerance. This is actually caused by the food itself and is not a function of the immune system itself overreacting to the food or food additive. The symptoms of an intolerance may be very similar to those of an actual immune symptom reaction but the causes are quite different.

Of the two, actual immune system reactions are the more common, though it does appear that a trend to intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, is on the rise. What actually happens with food allergies is that people with allergies produce IgE antibodies to specific epitopes in the food allergen. These antibodies bind to IgE receptors on the mast cells of tissue that are on the skin, digestive tract and respiratory system. The exposure of these antigens causes the release of histamines. This ultimately results in mucus secretion and muscle contraction which then leads to a wide range of symptoms which can range from unpleasant to serious or even severe. How severe?

Allergic reactions to food can be fatal almost immediately following the ingestion of food. Probably one of the most prevalent and dangerous of these food allergies are people who are allergic to peanuts. Just recently, as of this writing, a girl died simply from kissing someone who had recently eaten peanuts. That is how dangerous these allergies can be.

Less severe reactions to food allergies are oropharyngeal pruritus, angioedema, stridor, cough, dyspnea, wheezing, and dysphonia.

Aside from peanuts, the most common foods that people are allergic to are tree nuts, and shellfish.

Unfortunately the best way to avoid food allergies is to have a food allergy test done and then to avoid the foods that show positive on the test.



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Anaphylaxis Food allergy - Its Symptoms And Treatment

June 7th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Any person will never realize if he/she is allergic to a kind food unless and until they have consumed the food allergen. For the reaction to happen and create a symptom it requires a certain quantity of food.

Anaphylaxis and allergy caused by food are related closely. They do have their differences and their own definitions.

A person could develop an allergic reaction to the food which is related closely to the original allergy that he/she has. An allergy, say, to oysters could lead to allergic reactions when a person takes fish, shrimp or crabs.

A person’s immune system tends to react in 2 ways when he/she has food allergy. The body may or may not respond to the use of mast cells. The mast cells can be found in any part of the body but it is most likely to be found in eyes, skin, lungs, and throat and especially in the areas of gastrointestinal system. The other kind of response is by the releasing of immunoglobulin E by the body. These antibodies travel across the blood system. Then it causes the discharge of the chemical histamine which in turn causes the allergic reactions to activate in the body parts that were mentioned above.

Anaphylaxis is derived from the words phylaxis and ana which mean protection and back in Greek. The abrupt response for this allergy is greater in degree strength than the normal allergy that can be vital to the sufferer. Main causes for anaphylaxis are the latex which is in contact with the skin, insect stings, food anaphylaxis and medications. There may be even unknown causes.

Anaphylaxis involves the reaction, like in allergy caused by food, of different body parts. The main difference is that only a limited amount of allergen and intensity of the response is required for this reaction to happen.

Anaphylaxis could come about by the intake of skin contact, inhalation of (food) aroma, food, etc. anaphylactic shock is the type of anaphylaxis which is life threatening. Only a meager amount of allergen is required to cause death to the person within few minutes of exposure in anaphylactic shock.

People who have a bad history of allergy to asthma, eczema and food are the ones who are in danger of getting this anaphylactic reaction. These reactions are fatal creating a sense of fear. Another group of individuals who are at risk of anaphylaxis are teenagers who are affected with a certain kind of food allergy present especially in junk foods. This because of the fact that these teenagers tend to eat outside very often, are experimental and daring in their new endeavors and so they fail to find the symptoms of this dangerous reaction. To add to these woes teenagers often forget to carry important medications which is caused due to self- consciousness.

Anaphylaxis symptoms are alike to that of allergies caused by foods. The process of anaphylaxis initially gears up with an irritating or itchy sensation and few individuals experience different kinds of irritation. Anaphylactic symptoms also include sudden warm feeling, labored breathing, inflammation of the oral cavity and throat dyspnea, hot flashes, diarrhea, hives, and loss of consciousness, fainting, gastric irritations and low blood pressure.

There are several cases where symptoms fade away for quite sometime but gradually come back in 2 to 3 hours. This is called biphasic reaction.

To prevent or avoid anaphylactic reactions and food allergy diet modifications, proper scrutiny of food labels, specific instructions in orders taken in restaurants and certain type of medications could help you in minimizing the reaction that takes place. Moreover, Consultation of the physician is very important and advisable for carrying out an efficient and systematic management plan. This allergy can also be caused by hereditary genes.



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What To Do With A Food Allergy?

June 7th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
Riley Hendersen asked:


For many, food centers on celebrations - holidays, school events, special occasions, and family reunions. Food is not only a source of energy and sustenance, but for some, food is a highlight at these events. Food is what we look forward to as we sit down at the big table to celebrate. But unfortunately, for an individual that is managing a food allergy, these joyous events can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing.

A food allergy is usually diagnosed during early childhood, but some individuals can develop an allergy to a certain food in the later stages of life. In order to make a proper diagnosis, an allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergies, will begin testing. Testing may include a scratch test to expose the skin to possible irritants. If the skin reacts by exhibiting redness or swelling, the individual may have sensitivity to the corresponding type of food.

Ninety-percent of allergic reactions stem from fish and shellfish, milk, nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts and cashews, and eggs. Even though these foods account for a majority of the food allergy cases, some individuals may be allergic to any type of food such as fruits, vegetables, and certain types of meats.

When an individual has a food allergy, they may experience itching, hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, watery eyes, stuffy or itchy nose, and excessive sneezing during exposure to a certain food.

Occasionally a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes the body to react to the allergy within minutes or hours after being exposed to the food. At times, anaphylaxis can develop extremely quickly. During this type of reaction, an individual may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, tingling sensations throughout the body, and tightness in the throat. Anaphylaxis can progress quickly and may become life threatening if treatment is not received immediately.

Dealing with a food allergy is sometimes difficult. Watching what you eat and being aware of the ingredients contained in food is very important. In order to be in control of a food allergy, individuals need to eliminate the food item from their diet. Medications are not available for food allergies, so the best course of action is to stay clear of the foods that are known to cause distress; this includes both the eating and touching of foods.

In addition to preparedness, communication is the key to successfully managing a food allergy. This includes asking the ingredients contained in menu items when eating out. Also, be sure to discuss a food allergy with a host of a party you are attending. Explaining a food allergy to the people serving the food will give you the important information you need to prevent becoming ill.

Being aware of the menu before an event and choosing the best available options can help minimize anxiety about having a reaction to a food allergy. Knowing what is available and reading the ingredient labels can assist individuals who suffer from a food allergy in making educated decisions; which can help return a passion for food and enjoyment to return to those joyous celebrations.



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Who Else Wants To Know About Asthma Food Allergy?

June 5th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
Eddy Kong Ww asked:


There are findings that many asthmatics don’t consider food an asthma trigger, particularly in adults. Most of the studies connecting food and asthma are done with children, who it is understood may be food allergic.

So recently, food allergy is yet another factor that asthma patients should not miss from their endless list of allergens.

In the United States 3% of children and 1% of adults suffer from food allergy each year; out of these approximately 30,000 cases of food-induced anaphylaxis and about 150 people die.

How sensitve are you to food?

Food sensitization is mostly prevalent in city inhabitants who have asthma. Researchers found approximately 45% of the children who suffered of asthma and were in the study were sensitive to at least one food allergen and had a higher rate of hospitalization. These cases require more steroid medication to control the allergy attack.

Many food studies have found that certain foods do trigger allergy and subsequently an attack.

Food allergy is referred to adverse immunologic reaction to food. The primary target organs of food allergic reaction are the skin, gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system.

Both acute reactions and chronic disease such as food allergy may occur due to food allergens. To diagnose food allergy requires a careful in depth search for possible causes. Once sure of the cause one can proceed to treatment or elimination of the foods.

Allergy and the respiratory tract.

Food induced asthma is an IgE-medicated diseases that may be caused by indigestion or from inhalation of vapors released during cooking or otherwise.

The prevalence of asthma allergy in the general population is insignificant however; research shows that approximately 5% of children with asthma who have been under study have shown signs of asthma allergy.

While food may not be a major allergen for asthma patients it is possible to trigger asthma attacks.

Asthma allergy is not something asthma patients should worry about at every step but at the same time do not strike it altogether of your list.

If you encounter discomfort with some foods that lead to an asthma attack, take immediate action of treating and/or removing those foods from your diet.

Some foods products to watch

There are eight food products that causes a major portion, over 90% of food allergies and they are, milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy and tree nuts i.e. almonds, walnuts and pecans.

Keeping these products in mind it will help you observe any reaction occurred when or after consuming them.

As mentioned above food is not one of the main causes in an asthma attack however, prevention is better then a cure therefore, being careful will only help prevent an asthma attack in the future.

Although food allergies had been connected with respiratory symptoms in the past, this was first study to link them with changes in the air-passage ways through the lung-function.

There are more free articles relating to asthma at my site. Therefore, I strongly urged you to start your journey and start taking a look at my site and to get your asthma treated as soon as possible, if you are serious of getting back your asthma free life again.



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Is it possible to develop a food allergy?

June 1st, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
Alex asked:


Ok so I used to really like tuna. I think it was maybe in 3rd grade when I stopped eating it as much. Then in 4th grade I tried it again, and it made my throat and mouth itchy, and gave me heartburn. I’ve only tried it about 2 or 3 times since then, and I’m afraid to eat it again. (Which isn’t really a problem because I don’t eat seafood anymore) But did I develop an allergy to tuna?

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My cat’s allergy formula food has been recalled. Can you recommend another brand?

May 26th, 2009 | Posted in Health   Add Comment
food allergy
KDiddy asked:


My cat has food allergies and the only food that has worked for him is Natural Balance Venison and Grean Pea allergy formula. That product was just recalled today. I believe the canned food is still ok, but I don’t want to feed him canned food all the time. Can anyone recommend another allergy formula dry food? Please help! I don’t want my kitty to suffer from a food allergy attack.

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