Food allergy – myth versus truth

Food allergy – myth versus truth

General,  there are many points of view on food allergies that do not correspond with reality. Food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system fight off attackers – such are considered, erroneously, certain food components (eg proteins).

It is important to know the actual data on food allergies, since many of the myths about this topic can be confusing and can affect a person’s quality of life. Symptoms of food allergies can manifest in a dangerous way, but informed person can take corrective action as soon as possible.

Myths about food allergies
– Myth – Food allergies are not real

Fact: Food allergies are real and involves the body’s immune system. In the case of food allergies, the immune system mistakenly believes that a food is a harmful invader and releases histamine and other chemicals to protect the body. Symptoms may include hives, vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory disorders.

– Myth – Food allergies are not dangerous

Fact: Food allergies can endanger a person’s life. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that starts suddenly and can be fatal.

– Myth – Most people can eat small amounts of food that is allergic

Fact: Even if some of the people with food intolerance can eat small portions foods that cause disorders, people with allergies to certain foods, then you should strictly avoid them.

– Myth – Real Allergies develop after adolescence

Fact: This is true. In most cases, food allergy symptoms appear during childhood but can develop at any time after the first exposure to a food. Instead, after adolescence increases the predisposition to certain allergens. For example, seafood allergy occurs the first time in childhood, even adulthood.

– Myth – Allergies persist during the entire life

Fact: Most children exceed food allergies after age 10, except those who are allergic to nuts and peanuts. Research has confirmed that two out of ten children are allergic after childhood.

– Myth – The thermal processing, food allergens are destroyed and food can be eaten without problems

Fact: Actually, serve food proteins allergenic foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts and seafood do not decompose at high temperatures or in contact with stomach acid. These proteins can undergo molecular changes, and the effect will be diminished allergen. However, it matters and how food is cooked: boiled peanuts are less allergenic than roasted peanuts.

– Myth – Some people may be allergic to fruits and vegetables

Fact: This may happen to some of the people diagnosed with hay fever and those who are sensitive to pollen or people who are allergic to latex. Symptoms include itching or rash around the mouth and lips, so that this allergy is called oral allergy syndrome.

By cooking at high temperatures, allergens that cause this type of reaction can be destroyed. There are also some vegetables that are stronger than others allergenic raw, such as, for example, the situation celery.

– Myth – An allergy or food intolerance can be easily autodiagnosticat

Fact: This is false. An increasing number of people believe that their symptoms are caused by an allergy or food intolerance. Over 30% of people believe they are allergic or intolerant to one food or several foods, but experts estimate that only 5-8% of children and 2-4% of adults have food allergies.

– Myth – If a family member suffering from food allergies, then the other members are prone to these

Fact: If one of your parents or siblings was diagnosed with allergic diseases such as eczema, asthma or food allergies bronisc, have a higher risk of developing these types of allergies. However, it may not manifest exactly the same allergies.

– Myth – People diagnosed with food allergies are more likely to develop food allergies and other

Fact: It is true that the tendency to develop allergies, a person already suffering from a food allergy is greater. Thus, it can react to other types of allergens and allergic cross-reactivity may occur. This means that if a person is allergic to peanuts could react and family food legumes such as soybeans, peas, lentils or beans.

– Myth – If you have an allergy or food intolerance and you may have an allergic reaction to cosmetic products

Fact: This is true: if you are an allergic person is important to read the label of every product that comes into direct contact with your body, not just the food we eat. The exemmplu, some cosmetics may contain oils or extracts of fruits or vegetables.

– Myth – If you suffer from allergies, reactions will be more severe every new contact with allergen

Fact: reactions to allergens are unpredictable. When they occur, they can be as less severe or intense than previous reactions. In addition, a person may not always have the same symptoms when exposed to the same allergen. Reaction depend on the type and dose of allergen allergy.

– Myth – allergy or food intolerance can be cured

Fact: This is false. There is currently no cure for allergies or food intolerance. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid allergens. Researchers are trying to discover whether raising strategies, such as those used to treat hay fever, can be applied to food allergies.

However, more studies are needed in this direction. If you think you have an allergy or food intolerance is important to consult your doctor before starting to exclude certain foods from your diet.