(NaturalHealth365)  Food allergies are all too common in our society.  Many Americans find themselves unable to eat certain foods because of allergic reactions.

Now, a new study has found that food allergies are increasing at an alarming rate, and almost half of food allergy sufferers are allergic to multiple foods. As if that wasn’t bad enough, these food allergies can have far-reaching effects on physical and mental health besides limiting diet choices.

Food allergies adversely affect physical and psychological health

The new study, published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, examined data from surveys of 38,408 children and 40,443 adults.  Researchers found that two in five children and almost half of adults had food allergies and were allergic to multiple foods.

The study participants also reported the effects of food allergies on their physical and psychological well-being.  Unfortunately, an increase in this health issue was linked to severe allergic reactions and epi-pen use, a higher psychological burden, and allergy-related visits to the emergency room.  There’s some evidence that it may even trigger learning disorders in both children and adults.  Needless to say, all of these effects can negatively impact a person’s quality of life and well-being.

This is bad news for public health since food allergies are a significant public health issue that affects over 32 million people in the United States alone.  But what’s more disturbing is the rapid increase in the prevalence across America.

According to the CDC, food allergies increased by a whopping 50% just between 1997 and 2011, and tree nut allergies in children have tripled in recent years.

What is driving the sudden increase in prevalence?

There’s no doubt that multiple food allergies are becoming an issue that we can’t ignore.  But why?  While the data is clear that this health issue is on the rise, the answers as to why are less clear.  Some scientists have suggested a possible connection between food allergies and vaccines.  The truth is: adults (and children) are being injected with many more toxins, in these shots today, than ever before in history.

For instance, one recent study determined that children who were fully vaccinated had a 4.31 times higher chance of also having severe food allergies.  Other research has shown that aluminum adjuvants, common in some vaccines, actually induce allergies in rats when injected along with an allergen.

In 1968, only 6% of children had a chronic disease.  Today, over half of U.S. children have a chronic disease like obesity, ADHD, autism, allergies, or autoimmune issues.

What should you do if you suspect food allergies?

Whatever their cause, food allergies can be a huge burden on your mental and physical health.  Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs in yourself or your children.

Digestive problems, irritability, asthma, trouble concentrating, or dark eye circles could all be food allergy symptoms.

If you think you may be suffering from a food allergy, it’s worth getting tested for it.  The most common food allergens include wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, corn, and seafood.  You may also try eliminating a common allergen from your diet to see how you feel.

ChildrensHealthDefense.org
ScienceDirect.com