Common Food Allergies
Need to Know
Issue No. 6: Food, Nutrition, and Access in Our Communities
Words - Diana McDonnell
Illustration - Alexandra Folino
A food allergy is when a certain food causes your body’s immune system to overreact to the exposure and to treat it as an invader. It is possible to develop a food allergy at any age, even if it’s a food that a person has eaten for years without issue.
Typical symptoms of a food allergy can include:
Skin reactions such as hives, tight throat, trouble swallowing, stomach cramps, vomiting, coughing or wheezing, and dizziness.
The most serious and life-threatening reaction is called anaphylaxis, which can cause trouble breathing and send a person into shock.
People with allergies can be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, so that a person can inject themself if they are accidentally exposed to their allergen and experience anaphylaxis. The time it takes for symptoms to arise can vary from minutes after ingestion to several hours. A person may not experience the same symptoms every time they have their trigger food. Allergists can help diagnose and manage food allergies. Once a person is diagnosed, they know what food to avoid and can take precautions by reading food labels and informing restaurants when eating out.
Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a delayed food allergy that can develop in infancy when a baby is being transitioned to formula or solid food. It is characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, and can become very serious if it leads to dehydration.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a condition that involves a build up of a type of white blood cells in the esophagus which causes inflammation and sometimes injury. This can be a reaction to food allergens or acid reflux.
Top 8 Most Common Food Allergies and Foods to Look Out For
Eggs - mayonnaise, baked goods
Though egg whites are usually the source of allergies, eggs should be avoided entirely because it’s impossible to separate the yolks from the whites completely.
Milk - butter, cheese, yogurt
Cow’s milk is what most people are sensitive to. But be cautious! Other milks, like goat, can affect people too.
Peanuts - arachis oil, peanut butter, mixed nuts
People who are allergic to peanuts are more likely to have allergies to tree nuts as well.
Tree nuts - almond, cashew, pesto, pecan, walnut
Tree nuts can be found in many snacks such as cookies, energy bars, and flavored coffees.
Fish - anchovies, cod, salmon, tuna
It’s sometimes recommended to avoid fish markets and restaurants completely for those with a fish allergy, because being near a place where fish is cooked can cause reactions too.
Shellfish - crab, lobster, shrimp
People with shellfish allergies may also need to avoid mollusks such as oysters, clams, and scallops.
Wheat - certain breads, cereals, crackers, couscous
Wheat can also be found in unexpected things like beer, sauces, salad dressings, and fried and processed foods.
Soy - soymilk, tofu, edamame
Soy can also appear in items like canned soups and baked goods, so read labels closely.
