Main Food Allergies

One of the things we need to do when we learn to eat healthy food is watch for symptoms of a food allergy. Signs of food allergies can be itching, headaches, upset stomach, post nasal drip and many other things that make you just feel out of sorts and sickly.

Here are the most common foods that people have allergies to. They have been called the sensitive seven because they cause more problems than other everyday foods. If you eat these and have any problem you are likely allergic to them. Try them one at a time to test for any sensitivity.

The Sensitive Seven (from Elson Haas, The False Fat Diet)

Most common allergenic foods, including organic forms of these and all products made from these foods:

1. Wheat
2. Pasteurized dairy especially cow’s milk
3. Sugar
4. Corn
5. Soy
6. Supermarket eggs
7. Peanuts

I don’t eat supermarket eggs (only pastured, grass fed chicken eggs) or soy but I’m certain I’ve consumed these products in other foods. I did find that peanuts cause cold sores for me sometimes. Another food that causes problems for me is bananas. Bananas make the roof of my mouth and my throat itch. I can eat them with another food but not alone.

When my son was 5-years-old he had food allergies to corn and chocolate. He outgrew them but when he ate either one his lips would swell. Very scary to think his throat could also swell. Luckily he has no problem now.

Test foods to see if you are sensitive to them – if you do have allergies to certain foods, stay away from them.