POLLEN COUNT
Many people need personalized nutrition plans to maintain good health. With the rise in food allergies across the United States– about 30 million people have them–it is vital to get food allergy testing and to customize your diet to avoid allergic reactions. Read here about how our board-certified allergists can help you feel better and know what foods are best for you.
Why Should I Have Food Allergy Testing?
Food allergies can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions called anaphylaxis. These reactions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful and releases chemicals called histamines to fight them off.
Food allergy reactions may include:
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Oral swelling (tongue, lips and throat)
- Runny nose and congestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Wheezing
Anaphylaxis can cause low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. It can even be life-threatening if the symptoms are not treated quickly and effectively.
The most common foods people are allergic to include:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Soy
- Sesame
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wheat
Food allergy testing done by a board-certified allergist will reveal your specific triggers so that you can avoid consuming these items. Through testing, your allergy specialist can identify your body’s unique triggers. This information is important in the development of a personalized nutrition plan which works for your lifestyle and your health, too.
What Does Food Allergy Testing Involve?
Your allergy specialist can test you for food allergies in a number of ways. The most common is the skin prick test which places a small amount of the suspected food allergen under the skin. Positive reactions on the skin, such as redness or swelling, indicate a food allergy.
Another type of food allergy testing is a blood test. This involves drawing a blood sample and testing it for specific antibodies which your body produces in response to certain foods. A positive result indicates a potential food allergy.
In some cases, allergy specialists recommend patients start elimination diets. With an elimination diet, you stop consuming possible food allergens for a period of time and then slowly reintroduce them one at a time to see if any symptoms arise and if so which foods trigger symptoms.
Finally, some people need to take oral challenge tests. Done in the allergist’s office for close monitoring of vital signs and the possible development of severe reactions, oral challenge tests involve consuming increasing amounts of a suspected allergen until a reaction develops (or not). Oral challenge tests are very reliable and pinpoint precisely what a person is allergic to.
How Can I Customize My Diet to Avoid Allergic Reactions?
If you have been diagnosed with a food allergy, stop including the specific allergen in your diet. This can be a challenging task, as many of today’s processed foods contain numerous ingredients or may be cross-contaminated during preparation, particularly in restaurants and other dining-out situations. However, with careful planning, you can still enjoy a varied diet without compromising your health.
Here are some tips to help you customize your diet to avoid allergic reactions:
Educate Yourself About Food Labels
Read labels carefully when purchasing packaged foods. Look for any mention of the allergen in the ingredients list. Pay attention to any warning statements such as “may contain…” or “processed in a facility that also processes…” that list the specific allergen you are trying to avoid.
Cook at Home More Often
The best way to ensure that your food is free from allergens is by cooking it yourself. You will have control over all the ingredients used in the preparation of meals and snacks.
Inform Caregivers About a Child’s Food Allergies
If your child has food allergies, be sure to inform teachers and caregivers about what he or she can and cannot eat. Also, educate them about what to do in case of a severe allergic reaction.
Being proactive about managing your food allergies can prevent potentially life-threatening reactions and allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods. By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can continue living a healthy life while managing your food allergies.
Food Allergy Testing from Oak Brook Allergists in Elmhurst, IL
At Oak Brook Allergists, we have four board-certified allergy specialists on staff. They treat children and adults and see many patients who are concerned about food allergies and how to live well with them.
If you are one of those individuals, please don’t wait to call us for an in-depth consultation at one of our four offices in Elmhurst, Plainfield, Naperville or Downers Grove, IL. We are known for our caring and accurate treatment plans.
Let us assist you! Call today at (630) 574-0460 or request your appointment here. We know we can help you understand and manage your allergies.
