Advice On Becoming Familiar With The Origins Of Food Allergic Reactions

At different points in our lives, we all face a variety of medical problems, some of which impact us as physical ailments while others hammer away at us with perhaps more frustrating diseases. But when an affliction – such as a food allergy – comes as a result of simply eating, this can be particularly discomforting.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what causes allergies, especially if you have a delayed allergic response.

People with an immediate-onset allergy generally react to one or two foods, while those with a delayed-onset sensitivity may react to as many as 15. Keep reading to learn how to find out what causes allergies and the body’s allergic response.

How the Allergic Reaction Works

A food allergy is actually an immune system function. Basically, the body senses a substance that it doesn’t like or want inside the body. It responds by releasing white blood cells along with histamine and leukotrienes, which cause inflammation. That inflammation can occur in the stomach, intestinal tract, throat, mouth or in the form of a rash.

The immune system may also manufacture antibodies. These “mop up” the food in the intestines, blood or elsewhere in the body, creating tiny particles called immune complexes. These can also lead to harmful physical effects.

With immediate-onset allergies, symptoms will appear within one to two hours of eating even a small amount of culprit food. They often manifest as hives, hay fever, asthma or swelling of the mouth, lips or respiratory tract.

With delayed-response allergic reactions, symptoms will appear up to 72 hours after eating the culprit food. They’re usually provoked by eating a large amount of it or ingesting it frequently.

Finding Out the Diet Resulting in Your Allergies

Keep Track of Everything You Eat

The best way to monitor your consumption and track down an allergy is to keep a food diary. By monitoring everything you eat and tracking your symptoms, you will start to see a pattern, eventually allowing you to pinpoint certain trigger items you eat.

Eliminate Culprit Foods

When you think a particular food may be causing your allergies, try to stop eating it for at least three weeks. Once the food is out of your system, try reintroducing it. If you experience the symptoms, then you’ve found your allergy.

If this single-food elimination doesn’t work, exclude all the most likely culprits for three weeks. Then try a small amount of one of these foods every four days to see if it triggers a reaction. However, if you are not knowledgeable about nutrition, don’t attempt this exclusion diet without medical supervision.

Also, be aware that when you give up a food to which you are allergic, you may experience temporary withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability. This is normal and should not be cause for concern.

Eliminate the Culprit Food

Once you’ve found your culprit food, it’s time to eliminate it from your diet. Ideally, your symptoms should disappear within 3 to 6 months. Sometimes, if the allergy isn’t severe, the foods can be gradually reintroduced in small amounts. Before you do so with certain foods, though, you may want to consult with your doctor or a nutritionist.

By creating an awareness of what you eat and how it affects your body, you can begin to learn the causes of your allergies and take appropriate action.