If there is an abnormal response triggered by the immune system, because of some food items, it is known as food allergy. There are various foods that cause allergy in humans. If the allergic reactions are very serious, it is capable of creating a serious condition or even death. Peanuts and tree nuts and two food items that cause a very serious condition called anaphylaxis.
There are some foods that cause allergies very commonly in humans. They are fish, such as shellfish, crabs and lobster with shrimp. There are some others such as eggs and even milk. Milk, eggs and nuts affect children especially. Soy and wheat are also responsible for food allergies in the body. Some reactions to food may not be called as allergies, but they may be called as intolerance to food. The immune system is not responsible for causing any intolerance to food. They may feel like a food allergy, and thus you will have to consult a doctor about the same. Some individuals may be allergic to various types of food, but there are certain foods, which cause allergies in about ninety percent of humans.
They are the food types mentioned above. The body will believe that these foods are harmful, and in turn will react to protest against the intake of them. The protein that triggers the food allergy is known as the allergen. There are several millions of people around the world who have food allergies, and the number is rising every day. About eight percent of children below the age of five have food allergies, and about four percent of the adults have them. There are about hundreds of deaths every year around the world because of food allergies. Food allergy will be distinct compared to food intolerance and other food diseases. Doctors will be immediately able to diagnose the same.
The treatment will include a list of food items, which you will have to avoid, in which the individual will have to avoid all the food types that they are allergic to. Inhaling or touching the food avoidance may also be recommended for those who are very sensitive to the foods. If the surface has come in contact with the food, then the surface will also have to be avoided. If certain people have food allergy, then it is recommended as they carry emergency kits, or as recommended by the doctor. There are various symptoms, which are associated with the food allergies. They are itching in the throat, skin, mouth and eyes. There could also be abdominal pain, stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea.
There can be difficulty swallowing or there could be nasal congestion. Some food allergies may be genetic, and this also has to be consulted with the doctor. If an individual faces symptoms of food allergy while consuming certain foods, then it is a must that they avoid such foods in the future. If consumed again, it could lead to serious conditions. Maintaining a history of food allergy is a good suggestion for such patients.
By: NaNa Dumro
About the Author:
There are some foods that cause allergies very commonly in humans. They are fish, such as shellfish, crabs and lobster with shrimp. There are some others such as eggs and even milk. Milk, eggs and nuts affect children especially. Soy and wheat are also responsible for food allergies in the body. Some reactions to food may not be called as allergies, but they may be called as intolerance to food. The immune system is not responsible for causing any intolerance to food. They may feel like a food allergy, and thus you will have to consult a doctor about the same. Some individuals may be allergic to various types of food, but there are certain foods, which cause allergies in about ninety percent of humans.
They are the food types mentioned above. The body will believe that these foods are harmful, and in turn will react to protest against the intake of them. The protein that triggers the food allergy is known as the allergen. There are several millions of people around the world who have food allergies, and the number is rising every day. About eight percent of children below the age of five have food allergies, and about four percent of the adults have them. There are about hundreds of deaths every year around the world because of food allergies. Food allergy will be distinct compared to food intolerance and other food diseases. Doctors will be immediately able to diagnose the same.
The treatment will include a list of food items, which you will have to avoid, in which the individual will have to avoid all the food types that they are allergic to. Inhaling or touching the food avoidance may also be recommended for those who are very sensitive to the foods. If the surface has come in contact with the food, then the surface will also have to be avoided. If certain people have food allergy, then it is recommended as they carry emergency kits, or as recommended by the doctor. There are various symptoms, which are associated with the food allergies. They are itching in the throat, skin, mouth and eyes. There could also be abdominal pain, stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea.
There can be difficulty swallowing or there could be nasal congestion. Some food allergies may be genetic, and this also has to be consulted with the doctor. If an individual faces symptoms of food allergy while consuming certain foods, then it is a must that they avoid such foods in the future. If consumed again, it could lead to serious conditions. Maintaining a history of food allergy is a good suggestion for such patients.
By: NaNa Dumro
About the Author:
The article written by Nana Dumro, please visit the website for more information as it provides more knowledge about Food Allergy Treatment and Food Allergy Natural Treatment
Food Allergy Versus Food Intolerance
Among the allergies rampant in American lives today, food allergy is one of the top three. However, some people misdiagnose food allergy as food intolerance. There are certain similarities but one must be careful in administering medicines to a person with an allergy.
The wrong medicine for the wrong condition can increase the allergic symptom resulting in anaphylaxis and even death. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction where all the symptoms swiftly attack the entire body all at the same time.
Symptoms Of Food Allergy
Food allergy is an allergic reaction to certain types of food. The most common food allergens are: cow’s milk, wheat, peanuts and other tree nuts, eggs, fish, soybeans, shellfish, meat and certain types of drugs. The allergic reaction can vary depending on the type of allergen but they have the same number of symptoms:
- Rashes or hives begins to appear on the skin. In extreme cases, the swelling and hives can spread to the entire body.
- Swelling of the certain areas near the mouth.
- Swelling of the ear
- Redness and itchiness of the eyes.
- Runny nose
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Difficulty in breathing and wheezing, sometime signs of asthma
Food intolerance has much of the same symptoms except the runny nose and watery eyes. Most often, food intolerance results in diarrhea and swelling of certain areas of the body.
Aside for the similarities in symptoms, a food allergy is more severe than food intolerance. Someone with food intolerance can eat small portions of the food he is allergic to. They can still enjoy the food, though in small quantities. But to a person with food allergy, that small portion can immediately trigger an allergic reaction. And if not treated at once, the patients can go into anaphylaxis.
What makes a food allergy more life threatening is because of the immediate threat to the person. Someone with food allergy can have an anaphylactic shock and start to experience the swelling of the throat muscles. This can block the air passage of the person and could result to death.
Another real danger is the sharp drop in the blood pressure of the patient. In this case, the person with food allergy may experience mental confusion and dizziness.
Food Allergy Treatment
A food allergy can be treated as soon as the symptom occurs. For rashes, there are skin creams available to ease the swelling and itchiness. The antihistamines will give relief to symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes and swelling. These medicines can be bought right in the local drugstores and does not require a prescription.
For those who experience the severe food allergy reactions, a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline), either self- injected or given by the doctor can immediately reverse the symptoms. As of now, a shot of epinephrine is the most effective treatment for food allergy and other types of allergies.
Preventing Food Allergy
Although food allergies cannot be prevented, the best way to defeat it is by staying away from the food a person is allergic to. Taking a risk will only cost you more pain in the future. So it is best to see the doctor to get a proper diagnosis and guidelines on what to eat and what not to eat.
Making the right diagnosis on food allergy versus food intolerance can be tricky. It all depends on how severe the allergic reactions are and the number of symptoms that show up on the person when exposed to the food allergen.
By: Charlene J. Nuble
About the Author:
The wrong medicine for the wrong condition can increase the allergic symptom resulting in anaphylaxis and even death. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction where all the symptoms swiftly attack the entire body all at the same time.
Symptoms Of Food Allergy
Food allergy is an allergic reaction to certain types of food. The most common food allergens are: cow’s milk, wheat, peanuts and other tree nuts, eggs, fish, soybeans, shellfish, meat and certain types of drugs. The allergic reaction can vary depending on the type of allergen but they have the same number of symptoms:
- Rashes or hives begins to appear on the skin. In extreme cases, the swelling and hives can spread to the entire body.
- Swelling of the certain areas near the mouth.
- Swelling of the ear
- Redness and itchiness of the eyes.
- Runny nose
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Difficulty in breathing and wheezing, sometime signs of asthma
Food intolerance has much of the same symptoms except the runny nose and watery eyes. Most often, food intolerance results in diarrhea and swelling of certain areas of the body.
Aside for the similarities in symptoms, a food allergy is more severe than food intolerance. Someone with food intolerance can eat small portions of the food he is allergic to. They can still enjoy the food, though in small quantities. But to a person with food allergy, that small portion can immediately trigger an allergic reaction. And if not treated at once, the patients can go into anaphylaxis.
What makes a food allergy more life threatening is because of the immediate threat to the person. Someone with food allergy can have an anaphylactic shock and start to experience the swelling of the throat muscles. This can block the air passage of the person and could result to death.
Another real danger is the sharp drop in the blood pressure of the patient. In this case, the person with food allergy may experience mental confusion and dizziness.
Food Allergy Treatment
A food allergy can be treated as soon as the symptom occurs. For rashes, there are skin creams available to ease the swelling and itchiness. The antihistamines will give relief to symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes and swelling. These medicines can be bought right in the local drugstores and does not require a prescription.
For those who experience the severe food allergy reactions, a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline), either self- injected or given by the doctor can immediately reverse the symptoms. As of now, a shot of epinephrine is the most effective treatment for food allergy and other types of allergies.
Preventing Food Allergy
Although food allergies cannot be prevented, the best way to defeat it is by staying away from the food a person is allergic to. Taking a risk will only cost you more pain in the future. So it is best to see the doctor to get a proper diagnosis and guidelines on what to eat and what not to eat.
Making the right diagnosis on food allergy versus food intolerance can be tricky. It all depends on how severe the allergic reactions are and the number of symptoms that show up on the person when exposed to the food allergen.
By: Charlene J. Nuble
About the Author:
Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about food allergy, please go to: food-allergy.allergyanswers.net or go to: allergyanswers.net blog.
Things You Should Know and Do if You Have a Food Intolerance
Things You Should Know and Do if You Have a Food Intolerance
Do you think you might have a food intolerance? Well, you wouldn’t be alone. There are claims that anywhere between 40% and 70% of the population suffer from at least one food intolerance.
The symptoms can be rather vague: intestinal upset, fatigue, headaches, and some reactions that seem more allergic than anything else. They can also show up hours or even days after consuming the problem food, making it very difficult to identify the cause of your ailments. To be sure of what you’re dealing with, seek the help of a physician. Let your doctor know what your body is experiencing. He or she can then refer you to a nutritionist or other food intolerance specialist to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs.
Wheat and lactose intolerance are common complaints. There are special tests that can be used to determine whether a person suffers from these conditions. If wheat intolerance is detected, you should also be checked for celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, since gluten is a wheat protein.
Of course, any intolerance will require adjustments in the way you eat. Be sure to inform your friends and family of your diagnosis so they can plan meals appropriately. Caretakers and schools should be informed if a child is found to have a food intolerance.
What changes can you make to ensure that you or your loved ones are safe from problem foods and substances? First, become a great food label reader! Every country in the European Union is required to display certain nutritional facts on prepackaged food labels. These foods must be clearly marked if they contain certain ingredients in concentrations higher than 10 mg/kg or liter. These ingredients are tree nuts, peanuts, seafood, milk, eggs, fish, gluten, soya, celery, sesame seeds, mustard, sulphites, and lupin.
It’s best to check the ingredients of everything you purchase prepackaged. Please note that foods which are not prepackaged, like most deli or bakery items, aren’t subject to the same labeling requirements. If your intolerance is severe, you should avoid foods that might be exposed to other foods you’re susceptible to during preparation.
You can also look for supermarket lists or specialty stores that sell foods which are free from certain problematic ingredients. Wheat, gluten, and dairy-free alternatives are becoming easier to find as there is more awareness about these intolerances. And some of them are really delicious!
Of course, you could always go online to look for the foods you need. It’s easy to find nutritional information that way. Just be sure to check the labels as well, since recipes can change without warning. The web is also a great source for recipes that are “free from” whatever it is you need to avoid. Honestly, it doesn’t have to be difficult!
Find more information about food intolerances, allergies, and home tests at http://www.foodintolerancenews.com
By: Kimberly Buchanan
About the Author:
Do you think you might have a food intolerance? Well, you wouldn’t be alone. There are claims that anywhere between 40% and 70% of the population suffer from at least one food intolerance.
The symptoms can be rather vague: intestinal upset, fatigue, headaches, and some reactions that seem more allergic than anything else. They can also show up hours or even days after consuming the problem food, making it very difficult to identify the cause of your ailments. To be sure of what you’re dealing with, seek the help of a physician. Let your doctor know what your body is experiencing. He or she can then refer you to a nutritionist or other food intolerance specialist to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs.
Wheat and lactose intolerance are common complaints. There are special tests that can be used to determine whether a person suffers from these conditions. If wheat intolerance is detected, you should also be checked for celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, since gluten is a wheat protein.
Of course, any intolerance will require adjustments in the way you eat. Be sure to inform your friends and family of your diagnosis so they can plan meals appropriately. Caretakers and schools should be informed if a child is found to have a food intolerance.
What changes can you make to ensure that you or your loved ones are safe from problem foods and substances? First, become a great food label reader! Every country in the European Union is required to display certain nutritional facts on prepackaged food labels. These foods must be clearly marked if they contain certain ingredients in concentrations higher than 10 mg/kg or liter. These ingredients are tree nuts, peanuts, seafood, milk, eggs, fish, gluten, soya, celery, sesame seeds, mustard, sulphites, and lupin.
It’s best to check the ingredients of everything you purchase prepackaged. Please note that foods which are not prepackaged, like most deli or bakery items, aren’t subject to the same labeling requirements. If your intolerance is severe, you should avoid foods that might be exposed to other foods you’re susceptible to during preparation.
You can also look for supermarket lists or specialty stores that sell foods which are free from certain problematic ingredients. Wheat, gluten, and dairy-free alternatives are becoming easier to find as there is more awareness about these intolerances. And some of them are really delicious!
Of course, you could always go online to look for the foods you need. It’s easy to find nutritional information that way. Just be sure to check the labels as well, since recipes can change without warning. The web is also a great source for recipes that are “free from” whatever it is you need to avoid. Honestly, it doesn’t have to be difficult!
Find more information about food intolerances, allergies, and home tests at http://www.foodintolerancenews.com
By: Kimberly Buchanan
About the Author:
Kimberly Buchanan has been interested and involved in various aspects of the health industry for over 10 years. She has personal experience with food intolerances and allergies as well as experience helping others discover the cause of and cure for their own intolerances, allergies, and other health related ailments (eg vitamin deficiency, weight gain).
Food Intolerances and Allergies – is it Just in your Head
Food intolerance has become a major health issue today, dividing conventional and alternative medicine.
1. Are we a bunch of hypochondriacs?
“An astonishing 45% of us believe we are allergic to basic foodstuffs such as wheat and dairy – causing anything from headaches to bloating and insomnia.” (1) So how do we get to a stage of leaky gut?
It is believed that through one of the most common digestive problems the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) arise.
It is believed by many health practitioners Leaky gut is associated with one of the most common digestive problems; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Definitions
Food allergy – Is a genetic condition that affects about 2% of the population. The reaction to the food can range from a rash to something very severe including anaphylactic shock. The RAST test confirms this by detecting the antibody (like IgE). Common foods associated with a genetic inherited allergy are: cows milk, soy, tree nuts, eggs, strawberries, bananas, chocolate, wheat, peanuts, fish, shell fish, beans and oranges. Those with a true food allergy if ever exposed to that food more than once will know about it. (2)
Food intolerance/sensitivity – Involves any adverse reaction to foods, but whereby the immune system’s roll is uncertain because the standard tests appear negative. There are other tests including the ones outlined in the Daily Mail but the validity of many is questionable. (2)
So where does this leave the 45% who experience real problems like abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhoea after eating a particular food? Furthermore, according to the Allergy Clinic scientific studies have suggested that intolerance may trigger or worsen the symptoms of a range of common conditions including asthma, joint and muscle pains, headaches, migraines, sinusitis, hyperactivity, ADHD, chronic fatigue, and Crohn’s Disease. (3)
Possible sources of food intolerance
There is a strong suggestion that the increased permeability of the gut wall, known as leaky gut syndrome (LGS), is behind food intolerance. The basic premise behind LGS is that large molecules pass through the weak (leaky) gut wall and enter into the bloodstream. This results in calling to arms the body’s defensive mechanisms like white blood cells that produce antibodies to destroy the invaders.
So how do we get to a stage of leaky gut?
It is believed that through one of the most common digestive problems the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) arise.
According to Dr. Dan Rutherford, GP, IBS is the commonest condition seen by doctors and some estimates suggest that as many as one in five of the adult population in the UK suffer from it at any one time. (4)
So what is the source of IBS?
Experts give a range of probable causes including:
• Poor diet (including eating foods our bodies are not accustomed to)
• Toxins
• Lack of stomach acid or digestive enzymes
• Drugs (antibiotics, cortisone)
• Dysbiosis (leading to a bad bug overgrowth, e.g. Candida)
• Stress
• Inadequate chewing
As you can see this is a controversial topic because of the lack of hard evidence.
The Daily Mail (Tuesday, March 7th, 2006) contained an article called “The Allergy Fraud” from the reporter Charlotte Dovey. After receiving a RAST test (a blood test indicating an allergy) from a Harley Street doctor she was told she suffered from no food allergies. Then Ms Dovey compared the RAST result with other various methods of allergy detection from alternate medicine practitioners. Or as the reporter put it: entered the “wacky world of food intolerance testing”.
Now Ms Dovey, who was told by various alternate practitioners that she was intolerant to a range of foods like wheat, dairy and citrus (when the RAST test showed no allergies) concludes: “if I took this advice, my diet could be dangerous. Basics such as wheat, gluten, sugar and lactose are staples”. (However this I believe is an incorrect statement as I have personally seen amazing transformations from people giving up two commonly considered intolerances; wheat and dairy.)
What is interesting to note is the health columnist for the Daily Mail is Dr. John Briffa, author of Bodywise. Dr. Briffa is widely regarded as one of Britain’s foremost experts in the field of natural health. His book is an excellent source on the various causes of excess weight including food intolerance.
Dr. John Briffa has come up with a 10 question test as a guide to whether food intolerance may be a problem for you.
The following questionnaire is designed to help you ascertain whether food sensitivity is a problem for you. Score each question as indicated, and then add up your total score.
1. Do you feel lethargic soon after eating?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
2. Do you often feel better if you don’t eat?
No 0 points
Marginally better 2 points
Much better 4 points
3. Did you have problems such as colic, glue ear, ear infections, eczema, asthma or recurrent tonsillitis as a child?
No 0 points
Yes, occasional problems 3 points
Yes, frequent and/or severe problems 5 points
4. Do you have recurrent, unexplained symptons?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
5. Do you suffer from excess mucus or catarrh formation in the throat, nose or sinuses?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
6. Do you feel particularly drawn to certain foods such as bread or cheese?
No 0 points
Occasionally 2 points
Frequently 4 points
7. Do you have dark circles under your eyes?
No 0 points
Yes 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
8. Do you suffer from fluid retention? (Tight rings, puffy face or ankles and a weight which fluctuates by two or more pounds
from day to day are classic signs.)
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
9. Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 1 points
Frequent or severe problems 2 points
10. Do you suffer from eczema, hives (urticaria) or undiagnosed rash?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
Interpreting your score 0-9:food sensitivity is unlikely10-20:food sensitivity should be considered as a possibility and testing is recommended21 and above:food sensitivity is very likely and testing is highly recommendedSo what are the options if you have food sensitivity? Apart from the various tests conducted by allergy clinics a food elimination diet is one of the most common methods practitioners use.
Your 3d Coach
Craig Burton
References
1. The Allergy Fraud, Charlotte Dovey, Daily Mail, March 7th, 2006
2. Nutrition and lifestyle coach manual, Level 2, Chek Institute, 2002
3. www.allergyclinic.co.uk
4. www.netdoctor.co.uk
5. Bodywise, Dr. John Briffa, CIMA books, 2000
By: Craig Burton
About the Author:
1. Are we a bunch of hypochondriacs?
“An astonishing 45% of us believe we are allergic to basic foodstuffs such as wheat and dairy – causing anything from headaches to bloating and insomnia.” (1) So how do we get to a stage of leaky gut?
It is believed that through one of the most common digestive problems the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) arise.
It is believed by many health practitioners Leaky gut is associated with one of the most common digestive problems; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Definitions
Food allergy – Is a genetic condition that affects about 2% of the population. The reaction to the food can range from a rash to something very severe including anaphylactic shock. The RAST test confirms this by detecting the antibody (like IgE). Common foods associated with a genetic inherited allergy are: cows milk, soy, tree nuts, eggs, strawberries, bananas, chocolate, wheat, peanuts, fish, shell fish, beans and oranges. Those with a true food allergy if ever exposed to that food more than once will know about it. (2)
Food intolerance/sensitivity – Involves any adverse reaction to foods, but whereby the immune system’s roll is uncertain because the standard tests appear negative. There are other tests including the ones outlined in the Daily Mail but the validity of many is questionable. (2)
So where does this leave the 45% who experience real problems like abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhoea after eating a particular food? Furthermore, according to the Allergy Clinic scientific studies have suggested that intolerance may trigger or worsen the symptoms of a range of common conditions including asthma, joint and muscle pains, headaches, migraines, sinusitis, hyperactivity, ADHD, chronic fatigue, and Crohn’s Disease. (3)
Possible sources of food intolerance
There is a strong suggestion that the increased permeability of the gut wall, known as leaky gut syndrome (LGS), is behind food intolerance. The basic premise behind LGS is that large molecules pass through the weak (leaky) gut wall and enter into the bloodstream. This results in calling to arms the body’s defensive mechanisms like white blood cells that produce antibodies to destroy the invaders.
So how do we get to a stage of leaky gut?
It is believed that through one of the most common digestive problems the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) arise.
According to Dr. Dan Rutherford, GP, IBS is the commonest condition seen by doctors and some estimates suggest that as many as one in five of the adult population in the UK suffer from it at any one time. (4)
So what is the source of IBS?
Experts give a range of probable causes including:
• Poor diet (including eating foods our bodies are not accustomed to)
• Toxins
• Lack of stomach acid or digestive enzymes
• Drugs (antibiotics, cortisone)
• Dysbiosis (leading to a bad bug overgrowth, e.g. Candida)
• Stress
• Inadequate chewing
As you can see this is a controversial topic because of the lack of hard evidence.
The Daily Mail (Tuesday, March 7th, 2006) contained an article called “The Allergy Fraud” from the reporter Charlotte Dovey. After receiving a RAST test (a blood test indicating an allergy) from a Harley Street doctor she was told she suffered from no food allergies. Then Ms Dovey compared the RAST result with other various methods of allergy detection from alternate medicine practitioners. Or as the reporter put it: entered the “wacky world of food intolerance testing”.
Now Ms Dovey, who was told by various alternate practitioners that she was intolerant to a range of foods like wheat, dairy and citrus (when the RAST test showed no allergies) concludes: “if I took this advice, my diet could be dangerous. Basics such as wheat, gluten, sugar and lactose are staples”. (However this I believe is an incorrect statement as I have personally seen amazing transformations from people giving up two commonly considered intolerances; wheat and dairy.)
What is interesting to note is the health columnist for the Daily Mail is Dr. John Briffa, author of Bodywise. Dr. Briffa is widely regarded as one of Britain’s foremost experts in the field of natural health. His book is an excellent source on the various causes of excess weight including food intolerance.
Dr. John Briffa has come up with a 10 question test as a guide to whether food intolerance may be a problem for you.
The following questionnaire is designed to help you ascertain whether food sensitivity is a problem for you. Score each question as indicated, and then add up your total score.
1. Do you feel lethargic soon after eating?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
2. Do you often feel better if you don’t eat?
No 0 points
Marginally better 2 points
Much better 4 points
3. Did you have problems such as colic, glue ear, ear infections, eczema, asthma or recurrent tonsillitis as a child?
No 0 points
Yes, occasional problems 3 points
Yes, frequent and/or severe problems 5 points
4. Do you have recurrent, unexplained symptons?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
5. Do you suffer from excess mucus or catarrh formation in the throat, nose or sinuses?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
6. Do you feel particularly drawn to certain foods such as bread or cheese?
No 0 points
Occasionally 2 points
Frequently 4 points
7. Do you have dark circles under your eyes?
No 0 points
Yes 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
8. Do you suffer from fluid retention? (Tight rings, puffy face or ankles and a weight which fluctuates by two or more pounds
from day to day are classic signs.)
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
9. Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 1 points
Frequent or severe problems 2 points
10. Do you suffer from eczema, hives (urticaria) or undiagnosed rash?
No 0 points
Occasional or mild problems 2 points
Frequent or severe problems 4 points
Interpreting your score 0-9:food sensitivity is unlikely10-20:food sensitivity should be considered as a possibility and testing is recommended21 and above:food sensitivity is very likely and testing is highly recommendedSo what are the options if you have food sensitivity? Apart from the various tests conducted by allergy clinics a food elimination diet is one of the most common methods practitioners use.
Your 3d Coach
Craig Burton
References
1. The Allergy Fraud, Charlotte Dovey, Daily Mail, March 7th, 2006
2. Nutrition and lifestyle coach manual, Level 2, Chek Institute, 2002
3. www.allergyclinic.co.uk
4. www.netdoctor.co.uk
5. Bodywise, Dr. John Briffa, CIMA books, 2000
By: Craig Burton
About the Author:
Article by Craig Burton. Craig is a prominent European based holistic health and fitness coach and founder of 3D Personal Training Systems. Craig is a Sports Science graduate with postgraduate accreditations in nutrition, massage, athletic training, and corrective exercise therapy.
He is the author of “The 21 Day Roadmap to Health” available at http://www.21dayroadmap.com.
Receive your FREE 3d pts tools including the 7 Part Series: Success Strategies for transforming the body, mind and spirit, our FREE monthly Peak Performance Newsletter and our FREE questionnaire to find out more about your current health status at http://www.3dpts.com/freetools.
For more information and articles on health and fitness visit http://www.3dpts.com/articles.
A Look at the Cause of Food Allergy
An allergy takes place when the immune system suddenly has an abnormal response to a certain material that is usually not detrimental to most individuals except those who have allergies. When an allergy is triggered by a substance or allergen, a person’s body recognizes this as a trespasser and subsequently releases chemicals to fight off the “trespasser” causing symptoms that can range from a simple irritation to a fatal reaction that may even lead to death.
Food allergy is a reaction made by the immune system in which antibodies are produced by the body as a result of a negative effect to some foods. Though there are many individuals who claim that they have food allergies, there are only a few who really have certain allergic reactions to food. Most people confuse food allergy with food intolerance. Food intolerance and food allergy are both sensitivity reactions to food, but intolerance to certain types of food does not affect the immune system and isn’t really a life threatening incident.
As of the present time, the medical world still has not found any cure for food allergies. Allergy management only involves the prevention of intake of food allergens and some diet modifications.
Looking closely, during an allergic reaction, the body’s immune system releases antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin E. It subsequently causes the production of chemicals like histamine in the process of “protecting” the body. Now, these chemicals are the root cause of symptoms which may include an irritation in the eyes, skin, throat, lungs, and the gastrointestinal organs. These takes place whenever the individual is exposed to the allergen.
Although any type of food can cause allergic reactions to different types of individuals, there are eight major foods out there that are often the main culprits of an allergic reaction. These eight major allergy-causing foods are: fish, soy, milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.
By and large, individuals afflicted with allergies react only to some allergy-causing foods. Sometimes, allergy to a certain type of food may also cause allergic reaction to foods that may be related with the allergen food. This incidence is known as cross-reaction. For instance, an allergic reaction to wheat may also cause a reaction to rye. Allergy to pollens subsequently causes an allergy to green apples, hazelnuts, almonds, and peaches. A reaction to goat’s milk may also be associated with an allergy to cow’s milk. And the list goes on and on.
Moreover, individuals who have been afflicted with asthma and/or eczema may also be at risk of developing a food allergy. With bad luck, they would probably have a reaction that is more severe than those people who only have food allergy to worry about. This is due to the fact that when an allergy takes place the person will be under stress which then may lead to triggering their asthma and/or eczema which will aggravate the situation.
But the intensity of the reaction will depend on some circumstances like the individual’s sensitivity threshold to the food allergen, amount of eaten food, and the exposure scale the person has to the food.
Although, there is no cure to allergies, self-discipline and vigilance will help you, the allergy-sufferer, overcome these food problems. There may be some medications out there that alleviate the symptoms but a consultation to the physician will give you a better understanding to your allergy problems as well as treatment recommendations.
By: Jack Sands
About the Author:
Food allergy is a reaction made by the immune system in which antibodies are produced by the body as a result of a negative effect to some foods. Though there are many individuals who claim that they have food allergies, there are only a few who really have certain allergic reactions to food. Most people confuse food allergy with food intolerance. Food intolerance and food allergy are both sensitivity reactions to food, but intolerance to certain types of food does not affect the immune system and isn’t really a life threatening incident.
As of the present time, the medical world still has not found any cure for food allergies. Allergy management only involves the prevention of intake of food allergens and some diet modifications.
Looking closely, during an allergic reaction, the body’s immune system releases antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin E. It subsequently causes the production of chemicals like histamine in the process of “protecting” the body. Now, these chemicals are the root cause of symptoms which may include an irritation in the eyes, skin, throat, lungs, and the gastrointestinal organs. These takes place whenever the individual is exposed to the allergen.
Although any type of food can cause allergic reactions to different types of individuals, there are eight major foods out there that are often the main culprits of an allergic reaction. These eight major allergy-causing foods are: fish, soy, milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.
By and large, individuals afflicted with allergies react only to some allergy-causing foods. Sometimes, allergy to a certain type of food may also cause allergic reaction to foods that may be related with the allergen food. This incidence is known as cross-reaction. For instance, an allergic reaction to wheat may also cause a reaction to rye. Allergy to pollens subsequently causes an allergy to green apples, hazelnuts, almonds, and peaches. A reaction to goat’s milk may also be associated with an allergy to cow’s milk. And the list goes on and on.
Moreover, individuals who have been afflicted with asthma and/or eczema may also be at risk of developing a food allergy. With bad luck, they would probably have a reaction that is more severe than those people who only have food allergy to worry about. This is due to the fact that when an allergy takes place the person will be under stress which then may lead to triggering their asthma and/or eczema which will aggravate the situation.
But the intensity of the reaction will depend on some circumstances like the individual’s sensitivity threshold to the food allergen, amount of eaten food, and the exposure scale the person has to the food.
Although, there is no cure to allergies, self-discipline and vigilance will help you, the allergy-sufferer, overcome these food problems. There may be some medications out there that alleviate the symptoms but a consultation to the physician will give you a better understanding to your allergy problems as well as treatment recommendations.
By: Jack Sands
About the Author:
Find tips about strawberry allergy and soy allergy at the Common Food Allergies site.