Food Allergies

Food allergies are immune system reactions that are triggered when the body identifies a food as harmful even though it is actually harmless for most people.

Common symptoms:

• Hives, itching, or swelling of the lips and face
• Digestive discomfort such as nausea or abdominal pain
• In severe cases, difficulty breathing

A helpful distinction: This is not the same as a food intolerance; in an allergy the immune system is involved, and reactions can be faster and more intense.

Who should you see? A clinical dietitian helps identify the foods involved and organize a safe, balanced diet, usually in coordination with an allergist. If you notice repeated reactions after eating certain foods, the sensible thing is to have it evaluated by a professional before cutting out foods on your own.