Food allergies are a common health concern among people of all ages, but there are certain types of food that are more likely to cause reactions than others. If you’re not certain about what is triggering your symptoms, allergy testing can help confirm the cause. Here are the most common food allergens and how you can recognize them.

What Are the Most Common Food Allergies?

People can be allergic to just about any food, but there are nine in particular that cause the most reactions, including milk, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, eggs, soy, wheat, and sesame. Cow’s milk is the most common food allergen among children, although most will outgrow this allergy by adulthood. Shellfish is the highest ranked food allergy for adults.

How Can You Tell if You Have a Food Allergy?

Food allergies develop when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies proteins found in food as a threat. The immune system then stimulates the release of antibodies to attack the substance, which causes a reaction. 

Most reactions occur within a few minutes of eating the food allergen, although it may take up to two hours in rare cases. Symptoms can range to mildly uncomfortable to severe and life-threatening. The major signs of a food allergy include an itching or tingling sensation in the mouth or throat; swelling, especially in the lips, throat, or face; abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or hives, rashes, or eczema.

A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis. These reactions occur suddenly and worsen rapidly, leading to symptoms like constriction or tightening of the airways, feeling dizzy or faint, collapse or loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, or a swollen throat that leads to difficulties breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Emergency medical treatment is critical when anaphylaxis is triggered. If left untreated, the condition can result in a coma or even death.

If you experience allergy symptoms after eating, see your health care provider or an allergy specialist. A diagnosis may even be faster if you arrive during your reaction. In general, food allergies are confirmed using allergy testing. Skin prick tests and blood tests are the most common methods of diagnosis.

If you suspect you are dealing with food allergies, reach out to Health Works Integrative Medicine for professional allergy testing. Located in Brentwood, TN, this health center is dedicated to finding and treating the root cause of your symptoms to help you achieve better health and wellness. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and techniques and patient-centered care, they take a personalized approach to treating everything from asthma and osteoporosis to insomnia and ADHD. Learn more about their process online and call (615) 927-4281 to schedule an appointment.