Food Allergies: Solving the Mystery

Although sufferers of seasonal allergies battle itchy eyes, runny noses and other irritants in the spring and fall—those with food allergies can face far more severe consequences all year-round.

With food allergies, the body reacts to an offending food as if it were a virus or bacteria, manufacturing antibodies to fight off the invader. This causes the release of histamines, substances responsible for reactions including: hives, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, constipation, vomiting and anaphylaxis—a severe form of shock that can be fatal.

The most common food allergies are found in cow's milk, egg whites, peanuts, wheat and citrus fruits. Other not-so-common offenders are tomatoes, shellfish, chocolate and strawberries. Cooking can reduce the effect of some allergens but may increase the effect of others.