Why do I have food allergies?

I'm allergic to eggs, peanuts, cashew nuts, bananas, salmon, tuna, soy beans, and other things. Why do I have food allergies? Does everyone have at least one allergy?

I don't think it's because you eat too much. And I don't recommend fasting either. Not everyone has at least one food allergy, but it is still very common. There's a range of food allergy symptoms, ranging from tingling or a rash around the mouth, to a life-threatening reaction involving hives, breathing difficulties and other symptoms.

I'm curious about the list of foods you mentioned. Allergists rely on skin and blood testing to determine food allergies. Have you had these tests done? Have you had any reactions in the past to any of those foods? The 6 most common foods that account for ~80-90% of food allergies include: nuts, milk, egg, soy, wheat, fish/shellfish. You mentioned many of these foods. I'm guessing that the banana allergy is different.

If you're curious about your food allergies, I would see an allergist. We're best equipped to deal with these issues. I know because I am one. Good luck, and if you have other questions, you should visit the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network at www.faan.org. Good luck!

P.S. I would disregard the above advice regarding "provocation" testing. The writer is describing what is called Intradermal Testing, or an injection just under the skin. It is very easy to elicit a reaction through this method, and it is also VERY dangerous for someone with food allergies, because such a test can actually CAUSE a life-threatening reaction. It sounds like everyone with a positive "reaction" is then subjected to some useless and very expensive treatment. It's scary to hear what people are doing out there...

Please, see a qualified physician-allergist if you have additional questions.

I once had a coworker named Dean Wheeler who was allergic to everything. He had allergies to wheat, gluten, eggs, dairy, meats, wool, nuts, shellfish, denim, cotton, leather, perfume, cologne, the smell of popcorn, any sort of detergent, most soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, and most carpets. You name it, Dean-o was allergic to it.

Seriously, cause you probably eat too much. (me too)

Google "fasting" and you may be amazed at the recent research that shows how easily "all allergies are ameliorated or cured after only a few days on a water fast".

edit: After an extended "fast" you may find yourself no longer allergic to most of those things you just listed. (The fast can reset your system, and give you a fresh start with those food items.)

I too have numerous food allergies, most of mine can be linked to a cross reaction to latex. Banana was the final clue for my allergist.

It was the one food that linked most of my allergic reactions to a latex rubber allergy. We had been trying to figure out my allergies for a year or so.

None of the blood tests my doctor did showed I have a latex allergy, but my history does. he felt it was too dangerous to do a skin prick test. I had an allergic reaction and went to ER after eating at a fast food place - I learned they had handled my food with latex gloves. It wasn't the food, it was the latex proteins left on the food.

Read more about this food connection at:
http://www.latexallergyresources.org/top...
or other food relations at;
http://www.tdlpathology.com/index.php?op...

Even trained allergist can miss this link to latex allergy. The blood test called a RAST only tests for about 15 of the proteins in latex, you could be allergic to any other of the 200+ proteins in latex that aren't used in the test.

The foods like banana, avocado, kiwi, tomato and more closely resemble the make up of the latex proteins - So your body thinks it's eating latex protein and reacts.

I didn't have trouble with latex condoms, or using latex gloves until much later as my allergy progressed. I don't know what came first, the latex allergy, or the food allergy then I started reacting to latex.
it's serious Check it out.

follow up with your allergist & GI doctor. you may need a referral to a doctor who specializes in autoimmune disorders. definitely talk with a counselor.