Eight foods cause 90 percent of all food allergic reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.
People often blame wheat for their intestinal trouble, but if you suspect pasta, bread, and crackers are making you sick, you may have a gluten intolerance. Symptoms include abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is found in grain-based products such as cereal, bread and beer.
According to the Mayo Clinic, simple gluten intolerance is not actually a food allergy, but it can still cause uncomfortable symptoms.
Celiac disease
Serious gluten intolerance is called celiac disease. In this case, gluten triggers the body's immune system. For that reason, it's considered an autoimmune disease. It is often genetic, which means it runs in families, and it has serious implications.
Peanut and shellfish allergies
Allergies to some foods, such as peanuts, can be very dangerous. Reactions range from minor irritation to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Food allergies cause 30,000 cases of anaphylaxis a year, requiring 2,000 hospitalizations and causing 150 deaths.
Shellfish allergies can also cause anaphylaxis. Sufferers may be allergic to only certain kinds of shellfish or to all shellfish. The shellfish category includes marine animals with shells, such as clams, lobster and shrimp, as well as octopus and squid.
Special arrangements
Dining out can be a challenge that begins with asking restaurant staff a series of questions about dinner ingredients.
Going to a buffet or sit-down dinner party can be a problem for the same reason. Some people bring their own food, which may offend the hostess. Some decline such invitations or attend without eating. Food allergies can be socially isolating.
When traveling, people with food allergies often solve the dining problem by staying in a place where they can prepare their own meals.
