The Impact Of Food Allergy 

By Chef Williams 

What in the world is food allergy you may ask
Food allergy is 

An unpleasant or dangerous immune system reaction after a certain food is eaten.Talking of food allergies and it's reaction'- you might also mistake food intolerance for food allergy.

The difference between food allergy and food intolerance.

Physical reactions to certain foods are common, but most are caused by a food intolerance rather than a food allergy. A food intolerance can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy, so people often confuse the two.

A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. It can cause a range of symptoms. In some cases, an allergic food reaction can be severe or life-threatening. In contrast, food intolerance symptoms are generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems.

If you have a food intolerance, you may be able to eat small amounts of the offending food without trouble. You may also be able to prevent a reaction. For example, if you have lactose intolerance, you may be able to drink lactose-free milk or take lactase enzyme pills (Lactaid) to aid digestion.

I'll share with you y'all  my 15 top food allergens that I think everyone should know about and there are many more.

There are 15 major food allergens which need to be mentioned (either on a label or through provided information such as menus) when they are used as ingredients in a food product or meal. However you can be allergic to any food substance.

The top 15 food allergens are:

Celery

Cereals containing gluten

Crustaceans

 Egg

 Fish

 Lupin

Milk

Molluscs

MustardTree Nuts

Peanuts

Sesame seeds 

 honey

Soya and Sulphur dioxide (sometimes known as sulphites)

So I happen to be working in a food production where we cater for over a 1000 teenagers  and adults and when cases like food allergy or food intolerance areas everyone is on they run .Believe me it's not good a experience for anyone

Now let's talk about the Symptoms of food allergies

Symptoms

For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe. For other people, an allergic food reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food.

The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:

Tingling or itching in the mouth

Hives, itching or eczema

Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body

Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting

Dizziness, lightheadedness

"Anaphylaxis" 

What is Anaphylaxis ?

In some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause life-threatening signs and symptoms, including:

Constriction and tightening of the airways

A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe

Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure

Rapid pulse

Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

Emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis. Untreated, anaphylaxis can cause a coma or even death.

Causes of food allergy

When you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly  identifies a specific food or a substance in food as something harmful. In response, your immune system triggers cells to release an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the allergy-causing food or food substance (the allergen).

The next time you eat even the smallest amount of that food, IgE antibodies sense it and signal your immune system to release a chemical called histamine, as well as other chemicals, into your bloodstream. These chemicals cause allergy symptom.In children, food allergies are commonly triggered by proteins in:

Peanuts

Tree nuts

Eggs

Cow's milk

Wheat

Soy

In adults, the majority of food allergies are triggered by certain proteins in:

Shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab

Peanuts

Tree nuts, such as walnuts and pecans

Fish

Risk factors of food allergies

 

Food allergy risk factors include:

Family history. You're at increased risk of food allergies if asiiiiithma, eczema, hives or allergies such as hay fever are common in your family.

Other allergies. If you're already allergic to one food, you may be at increased risk of becoming allergic to another. Similarly, if you have other types of allergic reactions, such as hay fever or eczema, your risk of having a food allergy is greater.

Age. Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. As you grow older, your digestive system matures and your body is less likely to absorb food or food components that trigger allergies.

Fortunately, children typically outgrow allergies to milk, soy, wheat and eggs. Severe allergies and allergies to nuts and shellfish are more likely to be lifelong.

And they're Complications to food allergies.Complications of food allergy can include:

Anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Food allergy may cause a skin reaction, such as eczema.

Now they're also Prevention from all of this:

Early introduction of peanut products has been associated with a lower risk of peanut allergy. Before introducing allergenic foods, talk with your child's doctor about the best time to offer them.

However, once food allergy has already developed, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to know and avoid foods that cause signs and symptoms. For some people, this is a mere inconvenience, but others find it a greater hardship. Also, some foods — when used as ingredients in certain dishes — may be well-hidden. This is especially true in restaurants and in other social settings.

I know  you all are anxious to ask your questions.So hit me 😊??