10 Myths about Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to a component of a food, usually a protein. This causes a range of symptoms, including skin irritations, facial tissue swelling, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiousness/distress, decreased blood pressure, fainting, trouble breathing, and shock. These symptoms can be mild to severe, and can lead to loss of consciousness or death if not appropriately treated. In this article we will dispel several common myths about food allergies.
Myth: Food allergies are rare.
Truth: Food allergies (as opposed to the more prevalent food sensitivities/intolerances) are increasingly common, affecting 5-6% of young children and 3-4% of adults in Canada.1
Myth: I can’t be allergic to that.
Truth: Some people think that if they make it through childhood without developing any food allergies then they are out of the woods. However, this isn’t true; you can develop a food allergy at any age. In fact, allergies to food develop through a combination of genetic susceptibility and a high amount of exposure to the food, so if you consume large amounts of foods that you are susceptible to in adult life you could develop an allergy. For example, allergies to fish are very common in Japan, where it is a dietary staple.2
Myth: Once allergic, always allergic.
Truth: Some children outgrow allergies. It’s more common in those with milk, soy, and egg allergies, but it can happen occasionally in children with peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies as well.3
Myth: Stomach pain has nothing to do with allergies.
Truth: Stomachaches can sometimes be the first sign that you have a food allergy. If you are concerned, get tested because your allergy symptoms could worsen, leading to a severe reaction later.2
Myth: If it causes problems, you are allergic.
Truth: There are many reasons that foods can cause you symptoms, including sensitivities, intolerances, or consuming or touching something that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or other toxins. Visit your doctor if you are concerned about recurrent symptoms.2
Myth: It’s all about the peanuts.
Truth: While peanut allergies are common, affecting 2% of Canadian children, Health Canada lists tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, seafood, soy, wheat, and sulphites as other common triggers.1
Myth: Consuming small amounts of the trigger food can eliminate the allergy.
Truth: This is based on the idea that you can train your immune system to recognize the trigger as safe by exposing it to small amounts of the food. In specific situations there is some merit to this technique, but you should never do this without a physician recommending and monitoring the process, as it can be very dangerous if you have a severe reaction.2
Myth: You only have to worry about food and drinks.
Truth: The ingredients you are allergic to can turn up in unexpected places and cause a reaction if you are exposed. For example, people with peanut allergies need to be careful with medications, vitamins, cosmetics, sunscreens, mousetraps, pet food, craft materials, and even stuffing in toys, as these can all contain peanuts. This is true for most food allergies, so make sure to be aware of possible non-food sources.4
Myth: Food allergies cause ADHD.
Truth: Some people believe that food allergies could be causing their or their child’s attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although it is possible for food to affect symptoms of ADHD, and many other diseases, having a food allergy cannot cause ADHD.2
Myth: Epinephrine is dangerous.
Truth: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a life-saving hormone administered as a drug by injection. If you are having a severe reaction to a food allergy, it can mean the difference between life and death. When faced with a life-threatening allergy exposure, do not be afraid to use this medication.2
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