Food Allergies and Intolerance - Nutrition

Explain a Histamine intolerance.

Cannot break down histamine so it accumulates in blood causing headaches or migraines. Found in beer, red wine, sardines, spinach

What is MSG? What are the symptoms?

Monosodium glutamate. Added to things like meat and Chinese foods. Symptoms: dizziness, sweating, flushing, rapid heartbeat, ringing sound in the ears

Are there treatments for allergies?

Not exactly, just remove it from diet and wear a medical ID bracelet so others can identify you

What are the reactions to food intolerance?

Reactions: headache, diarrhea, swelling, stomach pain

What are the three typical tests used to determine if someone has an allergy? Explain them

*-Double-blind placebo controlled food challenge (gold standard) - with medical supervision -Immunoglobulin E Tests - a protein from the immune system in response to an allergy. Therefore if they are allergic to food, IgE will be present in the blood -Skin Prick to identify absence of food allergy with a control on water pricked at the same time

How are fruit and latex allergies related?

30-50% of those people with rubber latex allergies may also be allergic to avocados, kiwi, chestnuts, banana, papaya, mango, tomato, bell-pepper

Food Intolerance

Adverse reaction to a normally harmless substance NOT involving the body's immune system

Food Allergy

Adverse reaction to a normally harmless substance involving the body's immune system

Explain Celiac Disease and it's symptoms

Allergy to gluten (wheat, rye, barley) in the small intestine Symptoms: diarrhea, weight loss, cramps, anemia (these could take a while to recognize and diagnose) If gluten is consumed after diagnosis, risk for colon cancer increases

Food Intolerance: What is the cause and typical food sources?

Cause: missing or abnormal enzyme Foods: lactose, sulfite, histamine, aged cheese, wine or beer, mushrooms, pineapple, tomatoes, food coloring, chocolate

Explain Anaphylactic Shock and the typical foods causing it.

Death can result from blood supply being cut off. Epinephrine is the "cure" 8 foods: nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, milk, shellfish, fish, wheat

What happens with food and the immune system (steps in an allergic reaction)?

Food allergens trigger immune system through ingesting, inhaling vapors, and touching food. Then, immune system forms antibodies in skin, lungs, eyes, nose, or throat which will signal secretion of histamine. Then, the allergic reaction will occur with next encounter through skin eruptions, GI upset, or respiratory problems.

What are the causes and symptoms of Lactose Maldigestion?

Symptoms occur within several hours of consuming lactose due to the missing enzyme, Lactase resulting in GI track problems. About 25% of the population has this.

Can you outgrow an allergy?

Yes, 6% of children have allergies and only 4% of adults do. But severe allergies or allergies developed as an adult usually do not go away.