Some of the most deadly allergies are those caused by food. While some people have no allergies, others are allergic to one or more things. Food allergies are difficult, however, because the offending particle is actually ingested, and therefore harder to remove.

Many children and adults live with a variety of food allergies everyday. It can be stressful and frustrating. Avoiding different foods, educating others about their allergies, and always planning ahead are just some of the constant challenges that face people with allergies. But, the effort is worth it: the more aware we become, the more we can support people with food allergies in their day-to-day living.

Sometimes proteins in some foods can cause allergic reactions. The reaction happens soon after you have had that food, usually within 2 hours. Sometimes you and your doctor can find out what you are reacting to. With a food allergy, the body reacts as though that particular food product is harmful. As a result, the body’s immune system (which fights infection and disease) creates antibodies to fight the food allergen, the substance in the food that triggers the allergy.

The common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, wheezing, nausea, swelling around the mouth or throat, itchy skin rashes, and abdominal pain. These symptoms develop immediately after you take the food you are allergic to. The severity of symptoms depends on the food.

Most common food allergies for children

• Cow’s milk. Sorry but this could also mean you react to cream, cheese, ice cream and even chocolate!
• Eggs (maybe cakes and biscuits too)
• Peanuts
• Fish and shellfish
• Soy beans, soy milk, soy flour
• Wheat (bread, cakes, biscuits)
• Some berry fruits like strawberries.