Food Allergies
An allergy is an inappropriate response of the body’s immune system to an otherwise harmless substance. Food normally does not provoke a response from the body but when it does an antibody called immunoglobin E (IgE) is produced and circulates through the blood. This starts a chain reaction every time a particular food is eaten that leads to the allergic reaction. The protein fragments responsible for the allergic reaction are broken down by cooking, stomach acids or enzymes.
Symptoms May Include:
- Itching tongue and / or mouth
- Trouble breathing & swallowing
- Diarrhea and / or abdominal pain
- Hives and / or intense itching
- Recurrent headaches
- Onset immediate or delayed.
Some foods (i.e. wheat & dairy) have
been linked to behavioral reactions in
susceptible individuals. Children will
often outgrow these allergies.
Download Wellness Card for Food Allergies
