A reaction by the body's immune system to something you ate or drank is called a food allergy. These particular allergies are more common in children than they are in adults. These are also more common to those who may have other types of allergies.

Very minute amounts of food can cause a reaction if you are allergic to it, and a severe reaction can be life threatening and occur suddenly.

The body's immune system mistakenly believes that a harmless substance (a food) is harmful during a food allergy. To protect your body, the immune system then produces substances called antibodies to that food.

The next time you eat that particular food, your immune system releases huge amounts of chemicals, such as histamines, to protect the body. These chemicals then trigger symptoms that can affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.

Tips for Managing a Peanut Allergy

Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been reflavored with a nut, such as a pecan or walnut. Mandelonas are peanuts which have been soaked in almond flavoring.

Arachis oil is actually peanut oil. When dining out, be aware that African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese dises often contain peanuts or are contaminated with peanuts during the preparation process. Additionally, foods sold in bakeries and ice cream shops are often in contact with peanuts. Many brands of sunflower seeds are produced on equipment shared with peanuts.

Keep in Mind

Most allergic individuals can safely eat peanut oil -sometimes. If you aren't sure, ask your doctor. You should avoid tree nuts as an extra precaution. Be mindful also that many candies and other foods contain peanuts, especially chocolate candy. Read all labels carefully. You can check with the manufacturer if you have any questions. Peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions. If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine for you, you should carry it with you at all times.

Tips for Managing a Wheat Allergy

Wheat allergy and Celiac disease are not the same thing. They are two entirely different conditions. While Celiac disease is a permanent adverse reaction to gluten, wheat allergy can be outgrown. Wheat -allergic people have an IGE-mediated response to wheat protein. These individuals are to only avoid wheat. Most children who are wheat-allergic outgrow this allergy.

Keep in Mind

Read labels carefully. At least one brand of ice cream and one brand of hot dogs have wheat in them. It is listed as an ingredient on the label. Many country-style wreaths are also decorated with wheat products. Some varieties of imitation crabmeat contain wheat. Wheat flour is sometimes flavored and shaped into designs such as beef, pork, and shrimp, especially in Asian dishes.