RD Andy Desantis, Toronto, Ontario
Symptoms usually appear within minutes to a few hours after eating the food and may include:
- Hives, itching, or rash
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful and triggers a reaction. They can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening emergencies.
Common Food Allergens
The most common food allergens include:
- Peanuts
- Tree Nuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Fish
- Shellfish
RD Andy Desantis, Toronto, Ontario
-
- Impact on children and families
- Children with food allergies may experience bullying, embarrassment, or anxiety.
- Parents and caregivers often report elevated stress and anxiety related to keeping their child safe.
- Possible biological links
- Some research suggests that allergic conditions may be associated with higher rates of mental health symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
- Scientists are studying whether immune system activity and inflammation play a role, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
How food allergies can affect mental health
- Stress and anxiety
- People with serious food allergies may experience ongoing worry about accidental exposure, especially if reactions can be life-threatening.
- This can lead to increased anxiety, hypervigilance, and fear around eating, traveling, social events, or dining out.
- Social isolation
- Food allergies can make school, work, parties, restaurants, and family gatherings more challenging.
- Feeling different or excluded may contribute to loneliness, low mood, or reduced quality of life.
RD Andy Desantis, Toronto, Ontario
Food allergies can have a significant impact on nutrition, especially if major food groups must be avoided. A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a specific food protein, potentially causing symptoms ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.
Common Food Allergies and Nutritional Concerns
| Food Allergy | Nutrients That May Be Affected |
|---|---|
| Milk | Calcium, vitamin D, protein, riboflavin |
| Egg | Protein, vitamin B12, selenium, choline |
| Wheat | Fiber, B vitamins, iron |
| Soy | Protein, iron, some B vitamins |
| Peanut/Tree Nuts | Healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, magnesium |
| Fish | Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, protein |
| Shellfish | Protein, zinc, selenium |
RD Andy Desantis, Toronto, Ontario
A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Signs include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the throat
- Rapid drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
If anaphylaxis is suspected, use prescribed emergency medication (such as an epinephrine auto-injector) and seek emergency medical help immediately.
RD Andy Desantis, Toronto, Ontario
If food allergies are leading to:
- Persistent anxiety about eating
- Avoidance of many foods beyond what is medically necessary
- Panic attacks
- Depression or hopelessness
- Significant interference with daily life
it can be helpful to speak with both an allergist and a mental health professional. Treatment may involve allergy management, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or support groups.