[Karren_Hutton]

Anyone have food allergies? My daughter had a lot growing up.... wasnt' much she could eat or drink.. and I am slightly allregic to corn... I can eat it but if I eat too much or for too many days in a row I start to feel really really bad..... and get dark circles under my eyes....

Here's what FoodAlergy.org says:

Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, there are eight foods that account for 90% of all food-allergic reactions. These are: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut (walnut, cashew, etc.), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.

What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is an immune system response to a food that the body mistakenly believes is harmful. Once the immune system decides that a particular food is harmful, it creates specific antibodies to it. The next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals, including histamine, to protect the body. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and/or cardiovascular system. Scientists estimate that approximately 12 million Americans suffer from food allergies.

What is the best treatment for food allergy?
Strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the only way to avoid a reaction. Reading ingredient labels for all foods is the key to avoiding a reaction. If a product doesn’t have a label, individuals with a food allergy should not eat that food. If you have any doubt whether a food is safe, call the manufacturer for more information.

Is there a cure for food allergies?
Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction. Many people outgrow their food allergies, although peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are often considered lifelong allergies. Research is being done in this area, and advances are being made. Click here for research information.

Should I stop eating a food if I think I’m allergic to it?
Removing a food from your diet can leave you with an unbalanced diet, which may cause other health problems. Seek a doctor’s assistance before making significant changes in your diet.

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
Many people think the terms food allergy and food intolerance mean the same thing; however, they do not. A food intolerance is an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Lactose intolerance is one example of a food intolerance. A person with lactose intolerance lacks an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar. When the person eats milk products, symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain may occur.

Source - http://www.foodallergy.org/questions.html

[CellyCell]

Because of my eczema I'm not SUPPOSE to eat certain food like tomato, wheat, eggs... all the good stuff or it'll create flareups. But pfft, most food contains the stuff I'm not allowed to eat but I eat it anyway.

[princessraini30]

I am allergic to shellfish. And that literally happened overnight. I had some shrimp and had to go to the emergency room b/c I could feel my throat tightening up..they said within a half hour my breathing had gone down 10%. They gave me a high dose of benadryl to counteract it. Plus I had hives all over my face and neck. So, I basically avoid it, and have to watch when I go to buffets b/c sometimes someone will use the same prongs in the shrimp as in the chicken and then I'll get home and feel itchy. So, it's gotten more sensitive every year.

[speedy]

I now have heaps of food allergies, it's so annoying. I can't eat any fruit or veggies (other than avocado, broccoli, carrot and cauliflower), I'm lactose and gluten intolerant, can't have black tea or coffee.

It's pretty restrictive, I'd love to be able to eat those foods again but they make me too sick.

[Adrienne]

I dont think i'm allergic to anything really but i'm very picky and stick to common foods. I know alot of people are allergic to seafood but the reason i don't know if i'm allergic to it is becuase i personally hate seafood. I especially can't stand the smell.

[pretty_pink13]

walnuts for me and dairy and I am pretty sure some kinds of meat. Sugar apparently breaks me out too...lets see what else....lol

I usually am pretty good about my diet because I am pretty sensitve although I slip up occasionally- I can't be perfect even though I know I will suffer for it later

[magosienne]

i actually made a list ... eggs, barley, oats, there's still the gluten issue i'm dealing with, and in general grains give my intestines a hard time.

the gluten issue is what bothers me most. although it's not clear, it seems my body can only absorb a small quantity before my intestines go on strike. i also have headaches almsot everyday, with migraines every once in a while.