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Food allergies are much more prevalent in our society than most of us realize. One of the reasons that food allergies are more prevalent now than in years past is that most of us do not vary our diet sufficiently. A lot of us eat the same foods each week. In addition, comparing the ingredient list of most processed foods shows that even though we are eating a different food, we are eating a lot of the same ingredients. Eating the same foods all of the time makes it more likely that we will develop an allergy.

There are several food groups that people are commonly allergic to. They are: wheat, corn, soy, dairy, nuts, fish, and eggs. A lot of the ingredients in the foods we eat come from one of the food groups listed above. Almost everything we eat contains soy lecithin and/or soybean oil (from soy), exanthan gum (from corn), corn syrup or maltodextrin (can be from corn). If you are allergic to one of the groups named above, you may also have to avoid eating foods that contain ingredients that are derived from the food group you are allergic to.

Reactions usually occur within the hour after the food is eaten. They are not limited to, but include: breathing difficulties, excessive tiredness, sleepiness, the feeling that an elephant is sitting on your chest, fluctuations in blood pressure, fluctuations in blood sugar, headache, muscle aches, irritability (minor or extreme). The list could go on and is probably as varied as we are as individuals. Many times a person actually craves a food they are allergic to.

If you suspect you may have a food allergy, the process of identifying it is similar to the one mothers use when they are introducing a new food to a baby. If you suspect a food allergy, keep a journal of which food you have eaten and what you have observed about your body.

If you have any reason to think you have a life threatening reaction to any food, consult a doctor first and do not attempt to solve the mystery or self-treat. If you believe you have a non-life threatening allergy symptom and decide to investigate it yourself, it may be best to use it as a guideline only. Taking results of your investigation to your doctor will be a great help. There are serums that can be given as an injection, even for food allergies. However, sometimes, it is best to avoid the food altogether.

People who identify and treat their food allergy are often surprised and elated at the difference it makes in their health.

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