Page 6 - ROOT by Brock Janiuary February 23

Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-
foods/prebiotics-and-probiotics-creating-a-healthier-you

ALLergen AwareneSS: FOOD ALLERGIES 101

You probably know at least one person and cheese, is quite common. With this Source:
in your immediate circle with an allergy, condition, the body isn’t allergic to lactose; https://www.eatright.org/health/allergies-
sensitivity, or intolerance. These terms are it cannot properly break it down, causing and-intolerances/food-intolerances-and-
commonly used interchangeably; however, GI distress. Like allergies, sensitivities and sensitivities/are-food-sensitivity-tests-accurate
an allergy is not the same as a sensitivity or intolerances can develop at any age. Oglethorpe, Alice. “What’s New with Food
intolerance. Correctly diagnosing an allergy requires an Allergies”. Better Homes and Gardens.
Food allergies are an immune system allergist. However, many people are now December 2021.
response to a food item the body has deemed forgoing the trip to the doctor for at-home
an “invader.” The reactions commonly test kits. The rise in popularity of this type
experienced include hives, a scratchy throat, of testing is leading people to misdiagnose
vomiting, and anaphylaxis. Eggs, fish, themselves. The at-home kits measure
shellfish, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, the wrong antibody – IgG. Production
and sesame – The Big Nine – cause most food of this compound usually happens after a
allergies. While they are the most common meal, so its presence is not indicative of an
allergens, you can have an allergy to any food allergy but simply recently eaten food. Tests
item. Food allergies can develop at any age, administered by allergists look for the IgE
even as an adult. Interestingly, some people antibody – this signifies an immune response
diagnosed with a food allergy at a young age produced by the body to a possible trigger.
may even grow out of it.
Are you experiencing reactions when eating
Sensitivities and intolerances are related to specific foods? Your best bet is to contact
the digestion of a specific food item and are a doctor to determine the culprit. Also,
not immune system-related. For example, consider reaching out to a registered dietitian
intolerance of lactose, a naturally-occurring nutritionist (RD/RDN) to help you navigate
sugar in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, your nutritional needs.