How often do you hear people say they’re allergic to a particular food? According to WebMD (www.webmd.com), allergies are immune system responses to food ingredients, usually proteins. The body thinks the food is an invader, so it produces antibodies to fight it off. WebMD also states that the most common food allergies in adults are peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans and almonds), fish, and shellfish. The most common food allergies in children are milk, eggs, soy products, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish and shellfish. Usually, people get symptoms when they eat a food to which they’re allergic. Even one bite of the food may cause symptoms. These symptoms can be one or more of the following:
* Rash or hives
* Nausea
* Stomach pain
* Diarrhea
* Itchy skin
* Shortness of breath
* Chest pain
* Swelling of the airways to the lungs
11th April 2012
