There are millions of people around the world and in the United States that suffer from food allergies. Interestingly enough, the very first time that an offending substance is ingested, there is no reaction from the body. It is the second time that it is taken in that the body reacts with symptoms of an immune system gone haywire.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to ingested ingredients vary from person to person and can include anything from minor tingling of the tongue to massive anaphylactic shock and death. The most common food that causes allergies in this country is the peanut, and the number of sufferers continues to increase every year. Other symptoms of this or any other food allergies include numbness and tingling of the mouth and lips, trouble breathing, swelling of the throat, vomiting, upset stomach, and loss of consciousness. Which symptoms a person reacts with depends on the severity of the case and on the individuals themselves.

Although many people can be allergic to many different foods, some of the most commonly reported offenders are eggs, milk, peanuts and tree nuts, fish, wheat, soy, and different types of shellfish. A whopping 90% of all cases of allergic reactions can be attributed to the aforementioned foods! Fortunately, manufacturers, restaurants, and companies are now required by law to clearly state if any of those ingredients are found in any of the items that they produce, serve, or make available. If any of these are used in their cooking processes, by law they must state so. The FDA in many peoples’ opinions has done a pretty good job at making everyone aware of the dangers of this condition.

If you are one of the millions of people that suffer with food allergies, it is extremely important that you read the ingredients labels of everything you purchase in the grocery store. If you go out to eat at a restaurant, don’t hesitate to ask if the offending ingredients are used in any of the dishes that you are interested in ordering. If you suffer from severe symptoms, be sure that you ask if the ingredients are used in the same pans or near the food that you will be eating. Ask that your meal be prepared completely separately with all clean utensils and dishes.

If you suspect that you may have food allergies, it is very important that you talk to your doctor about different tips and pieces of good advice to keep you happy and healthy without the dangers that those foods present to you.