Advice On Determining What Causes Food Allergic Reactions
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what causes allergies, especially if you have a delayed allergic response.
People with an immediate-onset allergy generally react to one or two foods, while those with a delayed-onset sensitivity may react to as many as 15. Keep reading to learn how to find out what causes allergies and the body's allergic response.
Understanding the Allergic Response
A food allergy is actually an immune system function. Basically, the body senses a substance that it doesn't like or want inside the body. It responds by releasing white blood cells along with histamine and leukotrienes, which cause inflammation. That inflammation can occur in the stomach, intestinal tract, throat, mouth or in the form of a rash.
The immune system may also manufacture antibodies. These "mop up" the food in the intestines, blood or elsewhere in the body, creating tiny particles called immune complexes. These can also lead to harmful physical effects.
Generally, with immediate-onset allergies, you'll experience your allergic reaction within an hour or two of eating the trigger food. The allergy will often manifest itself as hives or hay fever-like symptoms, but it can also be a swelling of the throat or mouth area.
With delayed allergic reactions, you may not see symptoms for as many as 3 days. Typically, delayed reactions are caused by a large amount of the culprit food.
Finding Out the Diet Resulting in Your Allergies
Keep a Food Diary
The best way to monitor your consumption and track down an allergy is to keep a food diary. By monitoring everything you eat and tracking your symptoms, you will start to see a pattern, eventually allowing you to pinpoint certain trigger items you eat.
Eliminate Culprit Foods
When you think a particular food may be causing your allergies, try to stop eating it for at least three weeks. Once the food is out of your system, try reintroducing it. If you experience the symptoms, then you've found your allergy.
If you believe your allergy may be caused by multiple culprit foods, try eliminating all the suspect items from your diet for three weeks. After this cleansing period, begin to eat a little of each individual food, one-by-one. Allow for a four-day window between introductions. During this period, keep a careful eye on your symptoms.
Also, be aware that when you give up a food to which you are allergic, you may experience temporary withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability. This is normal and should not be cause for concern.
Omit the Allergy Food
Once you've found your culprit food, it's time to eliminate it from your diet. Ideally, your symptoms should disappear within 3 to 6 months. Sometimes, if the allergy isn't severe, the foods can be gradually reintroduced in small amounts. Before you do so with certain foods, though, you may want to consult with your doctor or a nutritionist.
By understanding your allergies, the types you have and seeing the relationship between then and what you eat, you can find out which afflict you and gain relief.
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