The second step on the atopic march, and the one for which we will spend the most time is food allergies. A food allergy occurs when the immune system produces IgE in response to a protein in a food. This causes an allergic reaction that includes symptoms like digestive issues, hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis. Food allergies can be life threating if they progress to anaphylactic shock. Food allergies are not the same as food sensitivities or intolerances. Food allergies will cause symptoms whenever the food is eaten and can cause symptoms through other exposure (skin, etc.).
How Food Allergies Affect Your Life
The only way to manage food allergies at this point is to avoid the food you are allergic to. There are some strategies that allergists can prescribe to help lessen the severity of reactions, and in children, they may be able to build tolerance and get those foods into their diet again, but that is not a guarantee. If you are needing to avoid foods, especially the top 8 food allergens, you also are avoiding the main source of major nutrients in your diet and it is important to work with a professional to ensure you are not becoming nutrient deficient. Other ways food allergies affect your life:
-stress of not being able to just eat anything
-having to read food labels to make sure ingredients haven’t changed
-finding allergen menus and speaking to restaurant managers to make sure you don’t accidently eat a food you are allergic to
-can be isolating as many social events revolve around food, and it’s awkward to go if you can’t eat the food
-some people treat food allergies like a joke
-having to find food swaps to get a similar nutritional and flavor profile
-adjusting to foods that taste different or have a different texture
Integrated Harmonies Can Help
At Integrated Harmonies, we are committed to helping you navigate the overwhelm of food allergies and are here to support you however you need. Trying to figure out food labels? Need food swaps to get the same nutrients? Need recipe ideas that are safe for you? We’ve got you covered! Click here to book your first session. It may even be covered by your insurance!
I am not a doctor. The information contained on this website are for educational and informational purposes only. The information contained on this Website and the resources available for download through this website is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed medical or health advice.
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