Food allergies have been on the rise for the past 30 years. For many sufferers, it's more than an inconvenience and a discomfort --- it's a problem. Food allergies can begin at any age and can affect anyone of any race and ethnicity. Some can be lifelong and unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies. Whatever the causes, allergies are part of our lives and they affect the way we live. Life doesn't have to become unbearable, just manageable.
Foods Commonly Associated With Food Allergy:
-Milk
-Eggs-Peanuts
-Tree nuts
-Soy
-Wheat
-Fish
-Shellfish
Milk, egg, soy and wheat allergies eventually may be outgrown.
However, peanut and tree nut allergies, fish and shellfish allergies tend to be lifelong.
What is the difference between food intolerance and food allergy?
Food intolerance refers to the body's reaction to food that doesn't involve the immune system. It tends to have multiple causes and multiple symptoms and more difficult to diagnose.
Food allergy is the result of the body's immune system over-reacting to a substance that is normally harmless. Reactions occur within minutes of exposure to food. The most serious reactions (known as anaphylaxis) occur very quickly and have symptoms widespread within the body.
THERE IS NO CURE FOR FOOD ALLERGIES.
Don't despair!
The solution is learning to manage your life in spite of the allergies.
Early recognition, diagnosis and management & strict avoidance of the food allergens are crucial measures to control the allergies and to prevent serious health problems. Family support is necessary as well. But the most important tools in allergy management are education and research. As a sufferer and a family member, keep yourself informed at all times!
For food ideas and everything & anything else in between:
Contact the Gluten-Free Vegan Baker @ myglutenfreeveganhaven@yahoo.com.
The Gluten-Free Vegan Baker is based in Malaysia.
