Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
May is Allergy Awareness Month! Did you know 33 million Americans have food allergies? That’s 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children, and allergy prevalence is on the rise.
A food allergy is when your body’s immune system reacts to a certain food. Signs and symptoms can include hives, vomiting, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock—a life-threatening reaction that affects the whole body.
There are now nine major food allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. which we’ll talk more about this next week. While 9 foods account for most food allergies in the U.S., virtually any food can cause an allergic reaction. Even a very small amount of the problem food is enough to cause a reaction.
Can people outgrow their food allergies? Yes, it’s possible! For example, many children outgrow food allergies to milk, soy, eggs, and wheat. However, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are less likely to be outgrown.
Shellfish is the most common food allergen to develop later in life – you might eat it for years before suddenly experiencing an allergic reaction. If you have any concerns about a food allergy, always consult a certified allergist for guidance and treatment options.
This week, learn more about the food allergies affecting you or someone else you care about. Tune in each week this month for more food allergy support and recommendations.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. The content for this episode was provided by Rachel Mannen, Nutrition and Wellness Educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources:
· Food Allergy Research and Education https://www.foodallergy.org/
