The gluten-free health trend has swept the nation but that’s not the only food allergy around. Believe it or not, most food allergies are the result of a select few allergens.
The “big eight,” or the most common allergens in food, are eggs, fish, milk, tree nuts, shellfish, peanuts, soy, and wheat. An allergic reaction is not quite the same as a food intolerance. Those who have food intolerances, such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, have digestive or other issues with foods that are not necessarily the same as an allergic reaction.
Even so, food intolerances must be taken seriously, as they can cause conditions like diarrhea, dehydration, and even malnutrition in extreme cases of prolonged digestive upset. Allergic reactions to these foods can range from mild itching to much more severe symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, fainting, or full-on anaphylactic shock.
Cutting out these allergens and irritants can be a literal life-changer for many people who suffer from these conditions. Many people with allergies and intolerances have no idea that their reason for suffering is a result of their inability to process specific foods.