Table of Contents
Series Foreword xi
Introduction xiii
Guide to Health Literacy xv
Common Misconceptions about Food Allergies and Sensitivities xxiii
Questions and Answers 1
Incidence and Diagnosis of Food Allergies, Intolerance, and Sensitivities 3
1 What is a food allergy? 3
2 What is a food intolerance? 6
3 What is a food sensitivity? 8
4 What are the signs and symptoms of a food allergy? 14
5 What are the signs and symptoms of food intolerance? 15
6 What are the signs and symptoms of food sensitivity? 16
7 How are food allergies diagnosed? 18
8 How are food intolerances diagnosed? 23
9 How are food sensitivities diagnosed? 24
10 What causes food allergies? 26
11 What causes food intolerances? 36
12 What causes food sensitivities? 41
13 Is there an environmental connection among the development of food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities? 43
14 Are food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances permanent? 48
15 Are certain groups of individuals more susceptible to negative food reactions? 49
16 What is the prevalence of food allergies in the United States and in the world? 51
17 Are food allergies and negative reactions to foods on the rise? 56
Treatment of Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities and Prevention 61
18 How are food allergies treated? 61
19 How are food intolerances treated? 63
20 How are food sensitivities treated? 64
21 What is an emergency treatment plan for severe allergic reactions? 67
22 What are the pros and cons of banning allergenic foods from schools or public places? 69
Managing Nutrition and Food Reactions in the Real World 73
23 How does an individual stay healthy and manage their diet when one or more food groups must be eliminated from the daily diet? 73
24 Can an individual eat out in restaurants, at school, or in public places without fear? 78
25 How does an allergic individual navigate the supermarket safely? 79
26 Do food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities have an impact on the emotional health of the individual and their family? 82
27 Are there support groups available for individuals with food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances? 83
28 What resources are available to individuals with food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances that can help them manage their daily life and meals more easily? 83
The Past and Future: Food Allergy History, Current Research, and New Possibilities 85
29 How were food allergies first discovered? 85
30 How were food sensitivities and food intolerances first distinguished from food allergies? 91
31 What is the history of diagnosis methods for food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities? 93
32 What is currently being done to improve food allergy testing and diagnosis methods? 96
33 What is current research discovering about food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities? 97
Case Studies 103
Glossary 117
Directory of Resources 123
Index 127
About the Author 131