The Most Common Food Allergies

A food allergy is described as an immune reaction to certain foods and recent statistics suggest that more than 50 million Americans have one. And while the belief that most people outgrow their childhood allergies is somewhat true. Allergies can actually appear at any age – even in your adult years. In fact, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), it’s possible to develop an allergy to a food that you have eaten for years with no issues.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the eight major food allergies in the United States. This is everything you need to know about each including the signs, symptoms, and treatment for each.

Eight foods that account for 90% of food allergies

Milk

A milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk as well as products containing milk. It’s one of the most common food allergies in children. Wheezing, hives, and digestive problems after eating milk-based products are the most common indicators of a milk allergy. A severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, requires immediate medical attention. 

An allergy to milk occurs when your body identifies certain milk proteins as harmful which triggers a negative immune reaction causing a range of symptoms as indicated above. The main proteins known to cause allergies in milk are casein and whey – it’s possible to be allergic to just one or both. There are certain factors that might increase the risk of milk allergy, these include 

• Atopic dermatitis
• Family history 
• Age (it is more common in younger children)

The most common sources of milk to avoid with a milk allergy include

• Milk in all its forms (whole, low-fat, skimmed, etc)
• Yogurt 
• Butter
• Ice cream
• Cheese 
• Chocolate
• Protein powder

If you suspect that you or your child has a milk allergy, speak with your healthcare provider. It’s likely that they will ask questions about symptoms, perform a physical exam and suggest trying an elimination diet which involves taking milk products out of your diet and adding them back to see if it causes a reaction. If you are diagnosed, the most reliable way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid milk and products containing milk.

Tree nuts

A tree nut allergy is an immune reaction to nuts and seeds that come from trees (not to be confused with a peanut allergy – more on that below). This type of allergy usually lasts a lifetime with very few people known to outgrow it. Some of the most common symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, itching in the mouth or skin, and nausea. Tree nuts are one of the food allergens most often associated with a severe allergic reaction, if this occurs, it’s important to seek medical care immediately. 

For those with a tree nut allergy, their immune system reacts to specific proteins present in tree nuts. This is why some people who are allergic to certain tree nuts may not be allergic to all types of tree nuts. 

Some examples of tree nuts that can trigger allergic reactions include

• Brazil nuts
• Almonds 
• Cashews
• Hazelnuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Walnuts 

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms after eating tree nuts or products containing tree nuts such as nut butter or oils, speak with your doctor. They will be able to help you identify the trigger and cause of your symptoms. If you are found to have an allergy, it will be recommended that you avoid tree nuts, and depending on the severity of your allergy, you may be provided with an EpiPen. 

Eggs

Egg allergies, like milk allergies, are most often seen in children. According to the Mayo Clinic, most children outgrow their egg allergy before adolescence however this isn’t the case for everyone. Symptoms can include skin rashes, hives, and other digestive problems. While an egg allergy can cause more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, it’s not extremely common. 

With egg allergies, the immune system identifies specific proteins in eggs as threatening or harmful, which is what causes a whole range of symptoms. There are some conditions and factors that can increase the risk of developing an egg allergy, including

• Atopic dermatitis
• Family history 
• Age (it is more common in children) 

An egg allergy can be a reaction to an egg yolk, egg white or both. Some foods that should be avoided with an egg allergy include

• Mayonaisse 
• Baked goods
• Some bread
• Pancakes and waffles 
• Buttercream 
• Crackers

Find out if eggs are triggering your allergic reaction and symptoms by visiting your healthcare provider. They will be able to help rule out any other causes and, if you are diagnosed, guide you toward the best steps to take toward controlling and minimizing your symptoms – this will typically include avoiding eggs and products containing eggs.

Peanuts 

Peanut allergy is one of the most common allergies worldwide. Hives, redness, itching, stomach cramps, and shortness of breath after eating peanuts or products containing peanuts are just some of the more common symptoms of a peanut allergy. According to Mayo Clinic, some people with peanut allergies can experience a severe allergic reaction from being exposed to even the smallest amount of peanuts. 

The proteins found in peanuts differ from tree nuts which means it’s not guaranteed that someone who is allergic to peanuts will also be allergic to tree nuts (and vice versa). However, you are more at risk of a peanut allergy if you have another allergy, other risk factors include

• Family history of allergies 
• Atopic dermatitis
• Age (it is more common in children) 

Just some examples of foods containing peanuts that can cause allergic reactions include

• Mixed nuts 
• Baked goods
• Cereals
• Granola 
• Bread 

If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy after eating peanuts or products containing peanuts, make sure to take steps toward finding out more. You can do this by keeping track of your symptoms, checking in with your doctor, and following their advice. If diagnosed, it’s likely you will be advised to avoid peanuts and you may be given an EpiPen to use if a severe reaction does occur. 

Fish

A fish allergy refers to an allergy to finned fish such as tuna or salmon which means it differs from a shellfish allergy. Some of the most common indicators of a fish allergy include skin rash, stomach cramps, and nausea after eating fish. Unlike other common food allergies, an allergy to fish tends to be more likely to occur in adulthood rather than in childhood. 

Like all allergies, a fish allergy occurs when the immune system recognizes a specific substance present in fish as harmful. As mentioned, it is common to develop a fish allergy a little later in life however some people do experience it from childhood.

Some fish that can cause a reaction in those with a fish allergy include 

• Tuna
• Salmon
• Cod
• Catfish

Remember that allergies can be treated and your symptoms can be controlled! Speak with a healthcare provider you trust if you are experiencing discomfort after eating fish or products containing fish and get the answers you deserve.

Wheat

A wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to foods containing wheat – not to be confused with Celiac disease which is a different type of immune reaction to a specific protein found in wheat (gluten). Wheat allergy symptoms typically include irritation in the mouth, hives, congestion, nausea, and diarrhea after eating wheat. 

Exposure to a specific protein in wheat is what causes a wheat allergy. Experts believe you are at an increased risk of wheat allergy if family members have allergies.

Some of the foods that may contain wheat proteins and should be avoided with a wheat allergy include

• Bread
• Cereals
• Pasta
• Couscous
• Crackers 
• Dairy products
  

Discomfort after eating products containing wheat may indicate a wheat allergy however it may also be a sign of another underlying condition such as Celiac disease. There are a number of methods that can be used to make an accurate diagnosis including a physical exam, specialized tests, and trialing an elimination diet.

Shellfish

Shellfish allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in certain marine animals (which is how it differs from a seafood allergy). Symptoms can range depending on the severity of the allergy, this means that while some people might experience abdominal discomfort, itchy skin, or nausea, others can have an anaphylactic reaction (a severe allergic reaction). 

Similar to a fish allergy, people of any age can develop a shellfish allergy however it is more commonly seen in adults. You are also at an increased risk if you have a family history of allergies.

People with a fish allergy may still be able to eat shellfish and vice versa. There are a number of different types of shellfish that can cause an allergic reaction, these include

• Crabs
• Lobster
• Shrimp
• Prawn
• Squid
• Mussells
  

Diagnosis of a shellfish allergy may require specialized tests, physical exams, and trialing an elimination diet – much like the process for other allergies. If you are diagnosed with a shellfish allergy, it’s important to remember that your symptoms can be controlled and kept to a minimum by avoiding shellfish. 

Soybeans

A soybeans allergy also referred to as a soy allergy, is a reaction to soy – a complete protein found in numerous foods. This type of allergy is most commonly seen in children and most do outgrow the allergy. Hives, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea after eating products containing soy are all signs of a soy allergy. 

Soybeans are a member of the legume family along with peanuts, beans, and lentils. This is why studies have shown that those with a soy allergy are also at an increased risk of a peanut allergy or a peanut sensitivity. 

There are a number of different foods that contain soy and should be avoided with a soy allergy

• Non-dairy alternatives (soy milk, soy yogurt, soy cheese, etc)
• Soybean 
• Soy sauce
• Tofu
• Edamame
• Miso
• Tempeh

A visit to the doctor is the most reliable way to get an accurate allergy diagnosis. Once diagnosed, it is likely that it will be recommended you avoid products containing soy. You may also be given an EpiPen to treat a severe allergic reaction. 

If your symptoms after eating specific foods remain unexplained, one of the best ways to find out more is to take steps toward getting a diagnosis. You can do this by taking an at-home food allergy test and visiting your doctor for a follow-up exam or by going directly to your doctor to get the answers you deserve.