True food allergies are reactions involving immune mechanisms to food protein. Allergies account for about 20 % of all food reactions. Food intolerance involves non-immune reaction to foods or additives. Allergies and food intolerance are difficult to diagnosis. Treatment varies due to the severity of the allergy or food intolerance. One can be allergic to certain foods only under certain conditions. Only one to two percent of adults and five to eight percent of children have true food allergies. Food intolerance with no auto immune response, food poisoning, or irritable bowel may be mistaken for a food allergy.

Common Foods That Cause Allergic Reactions

Foods that trigger 90% of traditional food allergies:

Peanuts
Tree nuts: walnuts and pecans
Fish
Shell fish
Eggs
Milk
Soy
Wheat

Reliable Testing For Food Allergies

History and symptoms
Skin prick test
Blood test (RAST)
Elimination diet
Food challenges

Dietary Treatment

The most effective treatment is strict avoidance of offending foods.

Read all labels clearly
Genetically modified food do not require labeling. They may contain an allergic protein from a different species
Eat a well balanced diet
Try to consume a diet with variety to ensure adequate nutrients

There Is Help!

Medical Nutrition Network can help you plan balanced meals, even with severe food allergies! An assessment of your daily diet intake is necessary to determine if you are meeting your nutritional needs. Our Registered Dietitians can help you plan creative, healthy meals that make it easy for your child or you to live with food allergies.