Food Allergies

Living with a food allergy can be challenging, so it’s important to learn how to avoid triggers and manage allergy symptoms. In this section, find information on food allergies, including diet, health, and nutrition. Additionally, access advice on lactose intolerance, gluten-free diets, non-dairy foods with calcium, and alternative sources of protein. Tips for taking probiotics and prebiotics are included as well.

Common Food Allergies

With a food allergy, the body’s immune system sees a particular food product as harmful and creates antibodies to fight the perceived threat. An allergy can be triggered by any type of food; however, there are certain foods that are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions.

The top eight food allergy triggers are milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, eggs, shellfish, soy, and fish. A mild allergic reaction can cause itchy eyes, skin rash, sneezing, diarrhea, and/or stomach cramps. More severe symptoms include difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling of the tongue or face, nausea, hives, and vomiting. Symptoms of food allergies may occur suddenly or develop over several hours.

Most food allergies develop in childhood. Children with milk, eggs, and wheat allergies often grow out of their sensitivity. Peanut allergies, on the other hand, are usually a dangerous, lifelong condition. It is advised by the FDA that parents consult a pediatrician before introducing infant foods containing ground peanuts.

Both children and adults can develop an allergy to other, less common foods. Uncommon food allergies can be triggered by meat, seeds, gelatin, fruits, or spices.

Food Intolerances

Food intolerances occur when certain enzymes are not present or when the body reacts to a chemical. Lacking the enzyme used for breaking down sugar, for instance, often results in lactose intolerance.

Unlike allergies, intolerances do not involve the immune system and, while uncomfortable, are not life-threatening. Food intolerances, however, are often mistaken for allergies. This has led to a rise in people avoiding specific foods without proper medical guidance.

It’s important to note that self-diagnosing a food reaction could result in health complications such as nutrient deficiency.

Living With Food Allergies

The most effective treatment for food allergies is, of course, to avoid the food that causes problems. Carefully reading ingredient labels and being aware of cross-reactions between closely related foods is important.

In families that have food allergies, preparing meals can feel daunting. This, however, is an opportunity to teach children about healthy and safe eating. If your child has an allergy, look at recipes together and get them involved in the shopping and packing of school lunches.

If dining out, watch out for any hidden trigger foods. In some cases, certain food types contain allergens that can cause a reaction. Milk and dairy, for example, can be hidden in foods such as hot dogs, canned tuna, desserts containing caramel coloring, and some chewing gum.

Learn more about managing food allergies with Penn State Extension. In addition, on this page you’ll find health and nutrition tips for gluten-free and lactose intolerance diets.