There are a number of different ways to identify Food Allergies – each with differing rates of success and advantages/disadvantages. A lot of people complain that the Elimination Diet is “too hard” but in most cases it is the required course of action. We’ll be exploring all of the different identification methods in this upcoming series of posts. But first… an introduction to food allergies.

Food Intolerance vs Food Allergy

These two terms along with “Food Sensitivity” seem to be used interchangeably. In my opinion, Food Sensitivity covers both Food Intolerance & Food Allergy.

Food Allergy (for simplicity and for the purpose of this blog) means any adverse reaction to food where the immune system is involved. Allergens in food trigger antibodies etc etc.

Food Intolerance is any adverse reaction to food where the immune system involvement is unproven or allergy tests are negative. (Unfortunately for migraine sufferers, food intolerance and not necessarily an allergy has a big impact on migraine attacks and intensity. The bad news is a lot of doctors don’t regard Food Intolerance as a sound diagnosis.)

Some Known Food Allergies

• Peanut Allergy
• Nuts / Tree Nuts
• Shellfish
• Milk
• Eggs
• Soy
• Wheat
• Latex (food cross-reaction)

Some Identification Methods For Food Allergies

We’ll be going through some of these methods/topics relating to identifying food allergies (among others).

• Elimination Diet (everyone’s favorite)
• Skin Prick Tests
• Blood Tests
• Medical History
• Symptoms Reported For Food Allergies
• Things To Look For

Peanut Allergy is one of the most common and deadliest of the food allergies. The AAAAI states that it affects approximately 3 million Americans. Similarly, about 1.5% of children have an allergy to peanuts in Canada.

Peanut Allergy Symptoms

Initial symptoms of a Peanut Allergy can include a runny nose, itchy skin rash or swollen lips and tongue. If you are allergic to peanuts, symptoms can show up as quickly as a few seconds after being exposed to the tiniest trace. For example, a child can have an allergic reaction just being in close proximity to someone who has a peanut butter sandwich.

Symptoms can progress to sever swelling, difficulty in breathing and ultimately heart failure and death.

Peanut Allergy Cure?

Unfortunately like most allergies there is no cure. The best defense against a Peanut Allergy attack is prevention through strict avoidance of anything containing traces of peanuts. As it is a potentially deadly allergy, warnings are placed on all products that either contain peanuts or have been manufactured in factories that also process peanut products.

The cause of Peanut Allergies is not known. It is wise to take extra precautions for children who are born to families whose members are known to be allergic to peanuts. In such cases, peanut products should not be introduced until after 2-3 years of age as it is often difficult for a parent to quickly discover the cause of a crying child’s anguish. Less than 20% of children with a peanut allergy outgrow it, so it is a condition that has to be managed over time.

But there is hope for the future…

A recent article claims that Allergen-Free Peanuts are currently in development. Initial trials have reportedly shown no reaction among people with a Peanut Allergy and 100% deactivation of the allergens found in peanuts. Great news!

Handling An Allergic Reaction

Parents who have children that are allergic to peanuts should notify the child’s teachers, school nurse, friends and other parents of the condition to ensure that everyone is prepared in case the child has an anaphylactic shock.

Adrenaline or epinephrine injectors should be kept close by at all times in case of an allergic reaction. Both the child and its parents should be familiar with how to use them.

“Jude The Dude” is a nice little video that children should watch to learn how to manage their Peanut Allergy:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Peanut-Free Lunch Ideas For Children

• Canned fruit in juice
• Fresh fruit
• Fruit salads
• Rice/Pasta
• Canned fish
• Chicken/turkey/roast beef
• Hummus with pita bread
• Yoghurt

It is advisable to stay away from most Asian foods (eg some noodle dishes or satay) as they are often made using peanut oil.

Recommended Reading for Peanut Allergy in Children: The Peanut Butter Jam