UNDERSTANDING COMMON FOOD ALLERGIES

More than 12 million Americans have food allergies; millions more have food intolerances. What's the difference? In short, allergies can be deadly; intolerance often is a digestive problem, more annoying than serious. But how you know which you have, and what can you do about it? Here is a guide:

ALLERGIES

A true food allergy is the body's mistaken notion that food is an invader or an attacker. The immune system snaps into fighting mode. It produces a protein called Immunoglogulin E that attaches to blood and other cells and sends out histamine and other chemicals in a futil attempt to protect the body. The chemicals cause itchiness, hives, breathing difficulties, tightness in the throat and swelling of the tongue and face. In extreme cases, a reaction causes death. So what can you do? Learn the foods that might harm you and avoid them. If you slip up, a doctor can prescribe a fast-acting antihistamine and an epinephrine auto-injector to carry with you in case of accidental exposure. Epinephrine treats the rare but dangerous drop in blood pressure and breathing problems. How can you tell what's causing your allergy? Get ready to play detective, because allergens are sneaky. Allergens have non-food sources too. Where else can allergens hide?

1. MILK: In deli meats, nondairy whipped topping, grilled restaurant steaks

2. EGGS: In pasta

3. PEANUTS: In Asian food, ice cream, baked goods

4. TREE NUTS: In BBQ sauce, cereals, crakers

5. FISH/SHELLFISH: In salad dressings, steak sauce

6. SOY: In sauces, soups, peanut butter, cereal

7. WHEAT: In hot dogs, imitation hot dogs, ice cream

FOOD INTOLERANCES

Unlike allergies, food intolerances are not life-threatening. Symptoms often occur long after you've eaten - even the next day. They are vague, ranging from bloating and diarrhea to headaches and lethargy. Although the immune system is sometimes involved, the protein IgE is not. Any food can cause intolerance and it can start at any age. With intolerance, you may be able to eat small amounts of the offending food, like a scoop of ice cream, without a reaction. Here are common intolerances that may trigger reactions:

1. LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Reactions: Gas, bloating, abdominal disconfort, diarrhea

Sources: Milk, yogurt, ice cream, sour cream and other dairy foods

2. MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) INTOLERANCE

Reactions: Headache, flushing, chest discomfort

Sources: Canned soups, processed meats, Asian restaurants, frozen meals, packaged flavor enhancers

3. SULFITE INTOLERANCE

Reactions: Severe constriction of the airways in people with asthma

Sources: Red wines, dried fruits and packaged foods

4. HISTAMINE INTOLERANCE

Reactions: Headache, flushing, runny nose, diarrhea

Sources: Some wines, cheese, tuna, mackerel

5. GLUTEN INTOLERANCE

Reactions: Gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea

Sources: Wheat, rye, barley, beer, salad dressings, cold cuts, hot cocoa mixes and canned soups

Whichever you have - an allergy or intolerance - work with your doctor to identify the foods that trigger a reaction, learn where they lurk and avoid them as you would a patch of poison ivy.

source: www.lifescript.com