Dealing with Food Allergies : A Practical Guide to Detecting Culprit Foods and Eating a Healthy, Enjoyable Diet

A food allergy is an immune system response to a food that the body mistakenly believes is harmful. Chemicals released by the immune system to protect the body trigger allergic reactions — varying widely from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Often difficult to diagnose, food allergies can be lifetime afflictions — with no treatment other than avoiding the offending food. Dealing with Food Allergies presents up-to-date information on current diagnostic methods and treatment options. An authority on food allergies and intolerances, the author describes the effects of food allergies on the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory and digestive tracts; discusses treatment by allergists and other healthcare professionals; and empowers readers to manage their food allergies. Illustrations, charts, and tables are included.

A PhD-level Canadian expert on food allergies offers a balanced approach to detecting and eliminating food sensitivities, while maintaining a nutritionally sound diet. She provides information on immune system allergic reactions, the debate over diagnostic blood tests, alternative sources of nutrients, elimination diet recipes, meal plans, incremental dose challenges, and a glossary. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Presenting up-to-date information on current diagnostic methods and treatment options, this guide describes the effects of food allergies on the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory and digestive tracts; discusses treatment by allergists and other healthcare professionals; and empowers readers to manage their food allergies. Includes material on allergies or intolerance to milk, lactose, eggs, wheat, grains, soy, peanuts, nuts, seeds, fishes, shellfish, yeast, mold, nickel, disaccharide, histamine, tyramine, salicylate, artificial colors, benzoate, sulfites, BHA, BHT, nitrates, nitrites, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) "Food is central to every aspect of our life on every level: physical, psychological, and emotional."