What to Eat or What Not to Eat
We've all probably heard someone — a friend, a family member, or even a stranger — exclaim, I have allergies! This said after they've had an uncontrollable sneezing attack, or they've suddenly started frantically to scratch a burning itch.
Are they really having an allergic reaction?
Some chemicals have a negative effect on the body. In many cases these chemicals are toxic (poisonous) to the human body, and they can make a person severely ill or even die. So if you think that you have allergies, it is best to know what materials might cause you discomfort or make you sick.
When an allergic reaction occurs, the body is reacting to antigens. Antigen is the scientific name for "any substance the body regards as foreign or potentially dangerous." Antigens are usually proteins. Nuts, eggs, chicken, shellfish, chocolate, legumes, wheat, and milk are common foods that when ingested, might cause allergic reactions.
Other substances that can produce antigens are metals, dust, animal hair, medicines, and colognes. But be aware, this is only a very short list of possible antigens. If any of them come in contact with a person whose body is sensitive to these types of substances, they can also combine with and modify a person's own body's proteins.
Unfortunately, however, most people don't find out what they are allergic to until they have become sick or have had some type of allergic reaction.
What if I do feel sick or break out in a rash from something I've eaten?
If you suspect that you are having a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, a severe headache, chest pain, or constant vomiting), always contact a medical professional immediately.
What if I am diagnosed as allergic to a particular food?
If you suspect or know you are allergic to particular foods, you should be aware of food toxicities. Reading labels and asking questions can be beneficial to keeping you from dealing with the results of having a toxic reaction.
Can you be exposed without even knowing it?
Yes. You could eat something as simple as bread, but the pan used for baking it could have been greased with peanut oil. Peanut oil is commonly used in cooking foods. There are many people whose bodies can't tolerate peanuts.
- Note warnings on labels of products. Example: "Manufactured on shared equipment with nut containing products." The words may be written in boldface type and written in a very small font size.
- If you are having difficulty reading the small print written on labels or on anything else, you should inform your parents, a guardian or eye care professional. It is important to have your eyes checked.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is the consumer protection agency for the United States. It reviews and monitors all marketed products, and it sets all regulation standards. The FDA warns the public when there may be a health risk.
- Food & Drug Administration (FDA) food alert: (10/4/2002) Campbell Soup Company issues allergy alert on Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup Across 13 states. Recall of 10¾ oz cans of soup of this brand. It may contain undeclared shellfish protein (clams). Code AUG2004 08292 CU B8EL (and four numbers - XX:XX representing military time).
In many developed countries, such as in the United States, much of the food consumed is processed (prepared, packaged and distributed for sale far from where it is produced). To protect not only consumers, but also farmers and other businesses that process and manufacture food products, laws have been enacted that require all ingredients be listed on the outside of all food, beverage, or medical packaging. In the United States, the FDA regulates this.
In countries where foods are sold fresh daily at open markets (e.g. meats, poultry and fish), and are baked on the premises, these products tend to be purer.
It is always wise when eating outside of your home — whether you're at a friend's home, a restaurant, at school, a party, or at a snack bar — to put embarrassment aside and ask what the ingredients are in whatever you might soon be eating. It doesn't hurt to have a plan of action for any allergic problem you may encounter — your life might depend on it!
Shawn H. Taylor, L.D.O.
Boston, Massachusetts
* Reprinted from Positive Teens Magazine Volume 4 Issue 6, Nov/Dec 2002
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