Food allergies vary greatly and are highly common among adults and children alike. According to the latest national food allergy study, approximately 32 million Americans have food allergies; 26 million of these are adults and 5.6 million are children. As you can see, allergies are extremely common despite the fact that some children are able to outgrow milk, wheat, and egg allergies by the age of 16. Not everyone is so lucky.
What is interesting about food allergies is the wide variety of foods and ingredients that can trigger a range of reactions that span from minor to life-threatening. Some food allergies go undiagnosed as individuals naturally avoid certain foods due to the way it makes them feel afterward. Our bodies can instinctively know what to avoid and what to indulge in at mealtime.
However, getting a clear diagnosis is always the safest way to manage food sensitivities and avoid negative physical reactions.
What are the most common food allergies?
Let’s dive in.
Common Food Allergies
Believe it or not, all food allergies stem from just eight major categories. And while the symptoms and reactions may vary, it is important to know what makes a person allergic and work on avoiding these types of foods in your everyday life.
- Cow’s milk; lactose intolerance is one of the most common childhood allergies that can carry on into adulthood. Allergic reactions may occur five to 30 minutes after consumption causing: swelling, rashes, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Eggs are another common allergy stemming from childhood that some adults outgrow or continue to have a sensitivity towards. In some cases, egg allergies are only from either the yolk or the whites. Either way, these food allergies will cause digestive problems, skin rashes and hives, respiratory problems or in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
- Peanuts, tree nuts, and seeds have sometimes fatal allergic responses. Peanuts are especially common and pose a serious threat to the body’s health. As much as 50% of anaphylaxis-related deaths are a result of peanuts, tree nuts, or seed allergies. Avoiding peanuts or other tree nuts and oils are best to ensure you preserve your health.
- Shellfish from shrimp, lobster, scallops, or prawns commonly trigger an immediate allergic reaction. Shellfish allergies do not go away over time; they persist into adulthood. What’s worse, even vapors from cooking shellfish can be enough to cause a serious allergic reaction. Stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and anaphylaxis are common reactions to shellfish allergies.
Wheat and soy products are some other common allergens people typically suffer with. Unfortunately, abnormal immune responses are common, along with causing inflammatory reactions. It is not easy or convenient to find products that do not include reactionary ingredients.
However, there are more restaurants and products being made with food allergies in mind. It may not be easy to get over the taste of certain foods, but it is well worth it for your health when you do.
Chompie’s Has it All
At Chompies, we serve up dishes to accommodate anyone with food sensitivities, allergies, or specialized dietary restrictions. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1979 and we’re proud to be the breakfast choice for countless hungry Arizonans. We are known for our New York style menu serving classic deli items like bagels, mile-high sandwiches, salads, and colossal Reubens. We are proud of our long history of Jewish kosher dishes and all-American options and look forward to creating experiences you will not forget.
Visit one of our locations today to experience our many amazing dishes and drinks we offer. No matter if you need something gluten-free, kosher, or keto, we have something for everyone that won’t disappoint!
