Nearly 11% of American adults have food allergies, and many others experience troubling food sensitivities. At the Center for Antiaging Aesthetic and Rejuvenation Medicine PLLC, triple board-certified physician Yale (Yoel) R. Smith, MD, uses his nearly 40 years of experience to skillfully diagnose food allergies and sensitivities in the Suntree neighborhood in Melbourne, Florida. Dr. Smith can tailor a food allergy and sensitivity treatment plan for your individual needs, so call the office or book your appointment online now.
Request an AppointmentWhat are food allergies?
Food allergies occur when you have an unusual response to a certain food. A list of just eight foods account for 90% of food allergies. These include:
- Eggs
- Milk and other dairy products
- Peanuts
- Fin fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
- Soy
Sesame is another very common food allergy among adults.
More than 10% of Americans have food allergies. An equal percentage believe they have allergies but actually don’t.
In those cases, symptoms are usually due to a food sensitivity. With a food allergy, your immune system reacts to the food, but a food sensitivity is a digestive system reaction rather than an immune reaction.
While food sensitivities are less severe and not as dangerous as food allergies, both can cause very unpleasant and worrisome symptoms.
What are the symptoms of food allergies?
Food allergy symptoms can include:
- Hives
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tongue swelling
- Weak pulse
- Paleness or bluish skin
- Dizziness
The most severe food allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that restricts breathing and causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure and heart rate.
What are the symptoms of food sensitivities?
Food allergy and sensitivity symptoms can overlap, greatly increasing the chance of confusion among the causes. Some common symptoms of a food sensitivity include:
- Abdominal pain
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Gas and bloating
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
Because your brain and gut are connected, food sensitivities can even cause mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
How are food allergies and sensitivities treated?
Dr. Smith starts with comprehensive functional medicine testing to determine your specific allergies or sensitivities. He then formulates a plan to help you become healthier. Along with avoiding your trigger foods, you may need nutraceuticals and other treatments that help you heal your troubled gut.
If you have a life-threatening food allergy, you need epinephrine for emergencies. Carry your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times. It could save your life if you accidentally ingest a food you’re highly allergic to.
If you suspect you have food sensitivities or allergies, testing at the Center for Antiaging Aesthetic and Rejuvenation Medicine PLLC can get to the root of your symptoms. Call the office or click on the online scheduling link to set up your consultation today.