In today's world of nutrition, allergies and sensitivities are becoming more and more important. The growing variety of food offers consumers a rich choice, but this variety can make life difficult for people with a food allergy or sensitivity. Finding the right nutrition solutions is therefore extremely important for comfort in daily life.
What Are a Food Allergy and a Food Sensitivity?
A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts excessively to particular foods, with symptoms such as itching and breathlessness that can be severe. A food sensitivity usually does not involve the immune system. It tends to cause milder symptoms than an allergy, but it is still uncomfortable. Lactose intolerance, for example, is described as a sensitivity.
Which Foods Cause Allergies?
The most common food allergies are caused by milk, eggs, peanuts, fish and shellfish. These foods pose a risk to people who are prone to allergic reactions. Allergies seen in childhood, in particular, can last for life, and new allergies can also develop in adulthood.
Allergy Tests and the Diagnosis Process
Allergy is usually diagnosed by a doctor using blood tests and skin prick tests. These tests help identify which foods a person may be allergic to. A dietitian or doctor then prepares a personal eating plan based on the results, to help keep allergic reactions to a minimum.
People with a food allergy need to stay away from trigger foods. For example, dairy-free alternatives are suggested for someone with a milk allergy, and options such as almond milk and soya milk add variety to the eating plan. Your dietitian or doctor will also look at whether any nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, could fall short and advise you on how to make them up.
Food Sensitivities and Elimination Diets
For people with a food sensitivity, some foods may need to be reduced or left out of the eating plan completely. An elimination diet can play a part in this process. The foods that cause the sensitivity are identified under the supervision of a dietitian, then removed from the diet for a set period while reactions are observed.
Gluten-Free Diet and Coeliac Disease
A gluten-free diet is necessary for people with coeliac disease. In this condition the protein gluten damages the gut. Foods that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley and rye, must therefore not be eaten. Some people who do not have coeliac disease also experience gluten sensitivity and turn to gluten-free products.
Lactose Intolerance and Alternatives
Lactose intolerance is seen in people who cannot digest the lactose in dairy products, and it causes bloating, gas and stomach ache. For people with lactose intolerance, options such as lactose-free dairy products and yoghurt are available. Plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and coconut milk are also popular.
The Effect of Allergies and Sensitivities on Quality of Life
People with a food allergy or sensitivity need to take care with what they eat in order to protect their quality of life, otherwise they may face difficulties in daily life. A suitable eating plan supports the health and quality of life of people with allergies.
People with a food allergy or sensitivity also need to be careful when eating out. Asking about the ingredients of dishes matters for avoiding allergens. Reading food labels also helps to spot allergenic ingredients, which helps to keep the risk of a reaction as low as possible.
Precautions for Daily Life
People with food allergies and sensitivities should take some precautions in their daily lives. Choose alternative products instead of foods that contain allergens. People who have been prescribed emergency allergy medicines by their doctor should carry them with them, as advised. This makes it easier to manage an allergic reaction.
Allergies and sensitivities are important factors to manage for a healthy life, and coping with them is possible with the support of professionals. With the right nutrition solutions and safe food choices, symptoms can be kept to a minimum. People with an allergy or sensitivity can live well by creating a safe eating plan.
This article is for general information only; please consult your doctor and dietitian about your own situation.
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This content is for information only. For a personalised nutrition programme, please consult a dietitian.
