One question that we often hear from the parents of food allergic children is: Why have food allergies become so common these days?

That’s a difficult question, though many researchers are working hard for the answer. There are a variety of scientific theories that are currently being discussed. One potential cause could be the relatively recent introduction of genetically modified foods.

Genetically modified crops (GMOs) were introduced in the U.S. in the early 1990s, and foods created from these crops hit our supermarkets shortly thereafter. These crops have modified genes that allow them to grow faster, bear more fruit or even create their own insecticide. In layman’s terms, this engineering is the process of taking genes from one strain of an animal, plant, virus or bacteria, etc. and then inserting them into another, with the goal of reproducing characteristics of the original host species in the receiving species.

One example is a specific soybean variety genetically modified to be virtually immune to the popular Roundup herbicide, a chemical which kills almost any other plant. Of course, we consumers are then eating these modified soybeans.

How good are these foods for the human immune system? No one really knows! But some preliminary research studies have linked genetically modified foods with the creation of food protein antibodies in mice.

Another theory is called the “hygiene hypothesis” – which basically says that because we keep our homes, schools, other public places, and general environment too clean, we don’t give our immune systems something “worthy” to work on. The result is that our immune systems turn on themselves, and create problems such as the peanut protein, for example.

The hypothesis gained some credibility in the late 1980s, when health researchers compared the rates of allergies and asthma throughout the newly unified Germany.
Researchers assumed that the children growing up in the communist East, a poorer, dirtier environment, would suffer from more allergy and asthma than youngsters in the West, with its cleaner and more modern environment.

Actually, the opposite was found to be true. Children in the polluted areas of East Germany had lower allergic reactions and fewer cases of asthma than children in the West.

This is in line with the hypothesis, which suggests that when the human immune system lacks practice fighting bacteria and viruses, perhaps from an overly sanitary lifestyle, the system then overreacts to harmless substances like pollen.

In addition to a less sanitary environment, East Germany families tended to be larger, and rely more on the use of daycare for young children, two more factors that could attribute to their children being exposed to more microbes and potential irritants.

And there are many other potential culprits for the increase in food allergies – such as overall genetics, eating allergic foods during pregnancy, or use of vaccines in children. But there are no clear-cut or obvious reason(s) for the increases in food allergies, and for now these are just educated guesses, and nothing more.

We hope that science and medical research can one day unlock the mystery of food allergies, and how we can potentially treat or even cure them sometime in our future. Until then, the only completely reliable defense is avoidance…so the Allergy Free Shop will be here to provide the most up to date information and the allergy free foods and products that you need to keep your loved ones safe.

Labels: allergens, allergic reaction, allergy free, anaphylaxis, big eight, food allergen, food allergy, ingredients, peanut allergy, peanut proteins, wheat allergy

The Allergy Free Shop exists to provide parents and caretakers with allergen-free foods and products for those with food allergies and sensitivities. We also strive to provide resources that help to provide guidance to those just beginning their education about specific food allergies affecting their children.

Soy allergy is a hypersensitivity to the dietary substances that derive from the soybean, and is one of the more common food allergies in the US. As with most food allergies, symptoms of allergic individuals can be minimal, moderate or severe; and include wheezing, a tingling or itchy sensation in the lips, mouth or throat, sneezing, light headedness and flush skin. Hives, rashes and asthma attacks can all occur.

In more serious cases the reaction to soy proteins in allergic individuals can become bronchospasm, or obstruction of the airway, and hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure. This may lead to anaphylaxis, a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that we have discussed before. In event of a severe allergic reaction, the victim should see a physician or immediately go to the emergency room, as anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Severity of Reaction

Unlike some other food allergies, many people with soy allergy can tolerate small to moderate amounts of soy protein: the typical dose needed to induce an allergic response is about 100 times higher than for many other food allergens. In fact, 90% of sufferers can tolerate doses up to 400 mg.* As a result, not all of those allergic to soy need to avoid very minor sources of soy protein such as soy oil or soy lecithin.

But allergic individuals would still be wise to have epinephrine on hand in case of major ingestion, and also an antihistamine (such as Benadryl, or diphenhydramine) for more minor exposures or reactions.

Prevalence of Soy Proteins

Each "Big Eight" allergy presents its own set of issues and challenges. For some food allergies, like peanut, the primary concern is the severity of the reaction. In this regard, soy allergy reactions are not usually as “severe” as other food allergies. But there’s a trade off. Because of its nutritional profile and low cost, soy is used in all kinds of products these days.

Those allergic to soy protein should always read food ingredient labels carefully, and avoid any foods containing soybean. Many of these items clearly have "soy" in their names, such as soy flour, milk, nuts or sauce. Other items such as edamame, miso, natto or tofu contain soy proteins.

Textured vegetable protein is used in many restaurants and also contains soy, as do many flavorings and broths used in cooking. (In fact, a majority of fast food restaurants use soy protein in at least some of their products.) Most allergic individuals should also avoid dining at Asian restaurants completely, since most Asian foods and sauces can contain soy. Even some candies contain soy.

Making the situation even worse, some products don't list soy protein or soy flour on their labels - yet they still contain soy! There are still many latent issues resolving how soy should be regulated.

Treatment of Soy Allergy

An exclusion diet with continual avoidance of soy containing products is the only sure way to avoid allergic reactions. It is highly recommended that both children and adults with soy allergy carry epinephrine injectors in case of anaphylaxis.

Allergy Free Shop offers a wide variety of foods that are Soy Free. A few of our best sellers include Orgran’s Apple & Cinnamon Pancake Mix, Health Times' Brown Rice Cereal for babies, and EnerG Foods Brown Rice Loaf bread.

Our goal is to provide you with a wide variety of allergy-free products for you and your children, a place where you can find EVERYTHING that you need in one place. And with ongoing vigilance, and armed with an understanding of your child’s or loved one’s food allergy, you CAN avoid exposure and reactions to these specific food allergens!

* C. Cordle, Soy Protein Allergy Incidence and Severity, Journal of Nutrition May 2004.

Labels: allergy free, anaphylaxis, big eight, food allergen, food allergy, ingredients, soy, soy protein

Over 12 million Americans have a food allergy, and this number is rising. One clear example, the number of children with peanut allergies recently doubled over a 5-year period. Scientists aren't completely sure why the numbers are increasing, and are working hard to find out. But many would agree that more robust research budgets are needed to study all aspects of food allergies, including treatment and prevention.

And the stakes are high, since Americans currently make 30,000 visits to the emergency room for food allergy every year. Thankfully, one thing that research has demonstrated is that immediately injecting epinephrine - a hormone which suppresses the immune system - into the thigh muscle is the best treatment for severe allergy reactions and anaphylaxis.

Teens and young adults are at highest risk for fatal allergic reactions to food, often because they aren't in the presence of a mindful parent, or perhaps that they tend to consume food more quickly. By studying teens' behaviors, researchers have identified ways to decrease their risk through food avoidance and education, by teaching them to identify the signs of anaphylaxis, to carry epinephrine at all times and to be able to properly inject it.

Anaphylaxis can occur with many different symptoms, and can develop in just a few minutes or hours later. The most common symptoms are usually hives or general itchiness, flushing skin and/or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Shortness of breath, abdominal pain or vomiting, and feelings of lightheadedness (due to drop in blood pressure) are other common signs.

If you have a teen with food allergies, or a child that will soon be a teenager, they should know to avoid certain foods, and hopefully feel comfortable asking questions and reading labels. It is equally important that you take the time to go over these symptom details and the proper identification and treatment of acute reactions. And make sure they always have epinephrine available to them at all times.

Yes, this may mean some ongoing inquiries or continual education for your child. But remember, many teens and young adults feel as if they are invincible and/or don’t always plan ahead, so these reminders could save their life!

Labels: allergens, allergic reaction, allergy free, anaphylaxis, big eight, dairy allergy, food allergy, peanut allergy, tree nuts allergy, wheat allergy

The Allergy Free Shop exists to provide parents and caretakers with allergen-free foods and products for those with food allergies and sensitivities. We also strive to provide resources that help to provide guidance to those just beginning their education about specific food allergies affecting their children.

Prevalence & Prognosis

Tree Nut Allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from tree nuts, causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms for millions of people.

Tree nut allergies occur mainly, but not exclusively, in children. They are usually treated with an exclusion diet and vigilant avoidance of foods that may be contaminated with tree nuts or nut particles and/or oils.

Common tree nuts include cashews, almonds, pecans and walnuts. It should be noted that tree nut allergy is slightly different from peanut allergy because the type(s) of nuts that cause the allergic reactions are not the same. Peanuts are actually considered legumes, whereas tree nuts are classified as dry fruits.

The symptoms of peanut allergy and nut allergy can be the same, but a person with tree nut allergies may not necessarily be allergic to peanuts, and vice versa. For a frame of reference, research by Mount Sinai School of Medicine shows there is a 30 to 60% chance a child with a peanut allergy will develop a tree nut allergy as well. As with all food allergies, it is possible to "outgrow" tree nut allergy.

Tree Nut Avoidance

Similar to other allergies, the most severe nut allergy reaction is called anaphylaxis, and is an emergency situation requiring immediate attention and treatment with epinephrine. A strict exclusion diet and vigilant avoidance of foods that may contain or be contaminated with tree nut allergens is the only 100% effective treatment.

Some people also wonder if other common food products are classified as tree nuts, such as coconut, nutmeg or water chestnuts. The answer is no, although it is possible to be allergic to these food items on their own. (Coconut has even been determined to be a tree nut by the FDA for the purposes of labeling, but does not cross react with tree nuts allergies.)

Allergy Free Shop offers a wide variety of foods that are Tree Nut Free. Some of our best sellers are Orgran’s Vanilla Outback Animals and Itsy Bitsy Bears, as well as No Nuttin’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, and Vermont Nut Free’s yummy chocolate covered pretzels. Our entire line of Tree Nut Free products can be found here.

Our goal is to provide you with a wide variety of allergy-free products for you and your children, a place where you can find EVERYTHING that you need in one place. And with ongoing vigilance, and armed with an understanding of your child's or loved one's food allergy, you CAN avoid exposure and reactions to Tree Nut allergens!

Labels: allergens, allergic reaction, allergy free, anaphylaxis, big eight, food allergy, ingredients, peanut proteins, tree nuts allergy