True food allergies involve the body's immune system. Whereas a food intolerance originates in the gastrointestinal system and involves an inability to digest or absorb certain substances.
Almost any food can provoke an allergic reaction. The following is a list of eight foods that account for 90 percent of allergic reactions.
| Food Types | Main Foods | Hidden Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Milk and Milk products | Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, ice cream, cream soups and certain baked goods and desserts. | Deli meats cut on same slicer as cheese, some canned tuna, nondairy products and prepared meats. |
| Eggs (especially egg whites) | Cakes, mousses, ice cream, sherbets and other desserts, mayonnaise, salad dressings, French toast, waffles and pancakes. | Toppings on specially desserts, some egg substitutes, processed cooked pasta. |
| Soy and Soy products | Soy, soybeans, tofu, textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed protein, miso, soy sauce, tamari, tempeh, natural and artificial flavours, vegetable broth and vegetable starch. | Major ingredient in processed foods. |
| Wheat and Wheat products | Cereals, bread or bread related products, dry soup mixes, cakes, pasta, gravies, dumplings, products containing flour; beer and ale. | Some hot dogs, ice cream, imitation crab and imitation meats. |
| Peanuts | Peanuts and peanut oil, peanut butter, peanut flour, baked goods and candy with nuts, natural flavoring. Wise to avoid all nuts. | Many candies, sunflower seeds, African, Chinese, Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese food. |
| Tree nuts | Candy and baked goods with pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and pistachios; oils from nuts. | Natural and artificial flavours, barbeque sauce, some cereals, crackers and ice cream. |
| Fish | Fresh, canned, smoked or pickled fish, fish-liver oils, caviar, foods containing fish, such as bisques, broths and stews. | Caesar salad dressings and imitation crab. |
| Shellfish | Crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, lobster and crayfish; mollusks such as clams, oysters and scallops; and seafood dishes. | Caesar salad dressings and imitation crab. |
Tags : common food allergens