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Living with food allergies requires a lifestyle much different than the normal omnivores around us. There is a keen difference between food intolerance and food allergies. A food intolerance is more common, producing undesirable reactions to certain foods. Lactose intolerance is an exemplary food intolerance, one which I personally suffer from. With Lactose Intolerance, the individual lacks specific enzymes needed to digest the lactose properly, and with too much consumption of dairy, symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating are likely to soon follow. Food intolerances are often associated with dairy, wheat, and peanuts. A food allergy, on the other hand, involves the immune system. According to allergy specialist, James Li, "Only about 2 percent of adults and 6 percent of children have a true food allergy. Far more people have a food intolerance, unpleasant symptoms triggered by certain foods." When a person has a food allergy, his/her immune system sends up red flags of a harmful impostor as certain food substances enter the body. Our bodies being remarkable disease fighters unfortunately, with a food allergy, will attack the specific food substance the next time of consumption; it becomes marked and identified as an allergen and the body produces substantial amounts of antibodies and histamines to counter it. This inward assault causes a physical allergic reaction, often resulting in symptoms such as mouth tingling, hives, wheezing, and even unconsciousness. A food allergy can come from a plethora of food sources and often depends upon the individual. Common food allergies include: dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, and fish.

Though understanding the disagreeable consequences of being Lactose Intolerant, I didn't truly understand the severity of food intolerances and allergies until I met and married by husband. I never had problems with any allergies, yet he falls into the two percent of adults that suffer from food allergies, being dangerously allergic to such foods as peanuts, eggs, and dairy products. As a young wife, I fell into a conundrum when out grocery shopping. Jesse grew up with his allergies and was well-acquainted with them; however, I was the one who had a complete dietary makeover. As I hit the shelves at the local store, I soon realized that "milk" was not the only term for the substance when criticizing ingredient labels; I also needed to scrutinize its various synonyms, such as casein, whey, and sodium caseinate. I

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