• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home / Articles / Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    What is a Food Allergy?

    Posted On Aug 25, 2010 · Updated On Aug 25, 2010

    What is a Food Allergy?
    Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    Share

    Food allergies may be one of the most prevalent health problems in our country and are certainly the biggest problem that I see in my clinic. But if you're like most of my patients, you're probably thinking, "Not me, I don't have a food allergy."
    Most people think they have a pretty good idea about food allergies. They may know someone who has one and think, "My problem isn't like theirs." Or they may just think that food allergies normally result in hives, a rash, or some kind of medical emergency.
    In fact, food allergies can be the cause of many chronic health problems.

    What Is An Allergy?

    An allergy is what results when your immune system is inappropriately activated. Your immune system is designed to attack bacteria, viruses and parasites. It is not intended to attack the food you eat. But this is exactly what happens with some people. This is called a "food allergy" or "food intolerance."
    When your immune system is activated, antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) are produced. Antibodies in turn trigger an inflammatory response. Inflammation causes pain and tissue damage, leading to further symptoms. Increased mucous production is another aspect of an immune response.
    When a food is broken down and absorbed, it is distributed through your bloodstream to all of your tissues. Therefore an allergic reaction can occur just about anywhere in your body.
    We don't really understand why a food allergy can exhibit itself so differently in different people. However, every individual is unique and seems to have a unique weak point where symptoms of a food allergy show up first.

    Article Courtesy: Dr. Stephen Wangen

    You May Also Like

    • The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
      The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
    • Abdominal Pain and the Emergency Room
      Abdominal Pain and the Emergency Room
    • Nutrition for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
      Nutrition for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
    • What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
      What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
    « More About Food Allergies: IgE and IgG & IBS
    Gluten Free Flour Guide from Gluten Free Mama »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. smilinggreenmom says

      August 30, 2010 at 4:33 pm

      Our son has food allergies to several things and we always make sure we have his Epi-Pen! It is scary and he even had a bunch of intolerances that caused him to have severe eczema too. Thankfully his Belly Boost probiotics have helped him dramatically with that though. It's hard as a parent to go through this and I always feel bad for the little ones who have to as well.

      Reply

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sign up for our Newsletter & live deliciously G-Free

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    two bowls of pad thai on light background

    Try This Delicious Recipe For Pad Thai with Shrimp or Tofu

    sliced poached chicken breast on a bed of arugula

    How To Poach Chicken Breast Perfectly

    The Best Recipe For Homemade Meatballs: Italian Stuffed Meatballs

    sprinkling cheese on a bowl of Mushroom ragu

    Vegetarian Ragu Recipe That You Have To Try: Lidia's Mushroom Ragu

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved