A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a food that is wrongly considered to be invasive and produces specific antibodies to deal with the perceived attack. This initiates a sort of chain reaction, because the next time a person eats a similar sort of food, the immune system produces chemicals in a misguided attempt to deal with the problem. The allergic reaction to these chemicals produces a variety of disorders ranging from breathing difficulties, to loss of consciousness, and even death from a condition known as anaphylaxis.
The most common foods that trigger allergic reactions are eggs, wheat, milk, peanuts, some other nuts, soy, fish and shellfish. However, some people are affected by other foods. Whatever the cause, once identified, that particular food or foods, must be avoided at all costs.
Because food allergy is a potentially serious condition, medical advice should always be sought to determine the best way of dealing with the problem. A doctor will be able to assist in identifying particular foods that the patient should avoid, as well as being able to assist with other dietary recommendations. It is unfortunate that some of the triggers or allergens as they are otherwise known, are among the foods that are the most nutritious. There are estimated to be around 11 million allergy sufferers in the USA alone, so medical practitioners are well prepared to advise.
Fortunately many people outgrow their allergies, but for others they are a lifelong threat. It is to be hoped that there will be a breakthrough eventually, and that research will improve or eliminate allergy related health problems. In the meantime food allergy sufferers can enjoy a fairly normal existence, as long as their condition is properly managed, by strict avoidance of foods that are associated with their problem.
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