What are Some Symptoms of Food Allergies?

Many people who have food allergies are not even aware of the problem. Not all allergic reactions are severe or extremely noticeable. Some symptoms of food allergies may take the form of irritation or headaches. There are some warning signs that you may be suffering from simple food allergies.

Many different food allergies cause headaches and migraines. The chemicals and additives that are abundant in some foods can be a factor in these symptoms. Many people suffer headaches after ingesting preservatives and colorings found in some foods.

Tingling and itching in the mouth area is another symptom of food allergies. This condition is known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS). It occurs in around 20% of hay fever sufferers when they eat raw vegetables and fruit.

Rashes are another common symptom of food allergies. Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), which appears as blistering and red blotches, can occur due to an allergic food reaction. The blistering usually appears on the knees, buttocks and elbows. This allergy is thought to be related to celiac disease. Celiac disease is the body’s adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and oats that sets off the production of antibodies, causing tissue damage to the gut.

Lactose intolerance is a common food allergy. The inability to digest the milk sugar found in many dairy products can lead to digestive complaints and can also induce celiac disease. Problems may appear as diarrhea, abdominal bloating and indigestion.

Many people suffer from breathing problems due to food allergies. Breathing problems are a symptom of serious food allergies. Intolerance to certain foods may set off bouts of asthma in asthma sufferers. Certain preservatives found in processed foods are commonly known to cause wheezing. Food preparation can also set off allergies when allergens become airborne through peeling and chopping.

Other problems caused by allergies in food may include a constant feeling of lethargy. If a person is sensitive to particular foods, then the slow digestion of these foods requires a certain amount of energy. This energy is subtracted from other energy reserves throughout the body, leaving the sufferer tired and lethargic.

Many people who have problems with the digestive process can end up craving certain foods. When the digestive system fails to convert food proteins into amino acids, symptoms and cravings occur. Improperly digested food particles are left out of the blood stream and can cause not only cravings, but addiction. This may be a problem for some people at the beginning of a diet, when certain allergens are removed from their food intake.