Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Not all food reactions are allergic. You can have a food intolerance, which results in many of the same symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Many people confuse these food intolerances for allergies; however a reaction to a food intolerance does not involve the immune system. It is not a histamine reaction. Many people with food intolerances can ingest small amounts of the food item without a problem, whereas even a very small amount of a food one is allergic to will result in an allergic reaction. An example of food intolerance is lactose.
Food Allergy Considerations
If you do suffer from a food allergy, you can’t assume that simply avoiding the actual food that you are allergic to is enough. You must also read food labels and ask questions when dining out to ensure that you do not inadvertently ingest a food allergen that you have a reaction to. Below I summarize some additional considerations you should take in avoiding food allergens, but it is still important to be your own advocate and to always be aware of what you are eating.
Egg allergy
Eggs come in more forms than scrambled or over easy. They are also used to make foams and toppings for coffee and bar drinks, and can be found in a lot of commercially produced pastas. Egg whites can even be found in some egg substitutes. Since flu vaccines are grown on egg embryos they can contain a little egg protein, so it’s important to tell your doctor if your child is allergic to eggs before he receives the flu shot.
Fish and shellfish allergy
Fish and shellfish allergies are commonly reported in both adults and children. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to one type of fish it is recommended that you avoid all types, and the same is recommended for seafood. If you do suffer from this allergy you should avoid seafood restaurants due to a high probability of cross contamination of food preparation surfaces. Some people who suffer from fish and seafood allergies can have a reaction just from walking through a fish market or being around fish while it is cooking.
