Food allergies are more common than you might think. They affect 5% of adults and 8% of children, and the amount is increasing as time goes on. Any food can ultimately result in a food allergy, but there are some foods that the human body is predisposed to be allergic to. Food allergies are what happens when food triggers an abnormal immune response in your body. This is primarily caused by your immune system failing to recognize some of the proteins in food as safe and not harmful. This can lead to inflammation and irritation in mild cases, and death in more serious cases. It can also lead to some other irritations like swelling of the tongue, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and itchiness. Below are some of the top foods that cause allergic responses when consumed.
Cow’s Milk
Milk allergies occur most often in infants and young children. This is especially the case when they have been exposed to cow’s milk before they turn 6 months old. While it is an extremely common allergy, a lot of children will outgrow it by the time they turn 3 years old. Some adults can end up being lactose intolerant later in life as well. A lot of humans lack the actual genes necessary to digest lactose. This can make consuming dairy products extremely dangerous and result in all manner of unwanted symptoms.
Eggs
Egg allergies are the second most common food allergy affecting children. But this isn’t the worst thing; 68% of children who have egg allergies will outgrow them by age 16. They are also not often life threatening. Instead they cause digestive distress, skin irritations, and respiratory problems. If you suspect you have a food allergy, try to determine if you’re allergic to the egg white or egg yolk. It is possible to be allergic to one and not the other.
Tree Nuts
Nut allergies are some of the allergies people are most familiar with. It is one of the most common food allergies in the world. While people with nut allergies aren’t necessarily allergic to all nuts, it is recommended that you avoid all nuts to be safe.
