A reaction to one or more foods may occur anytime during an individual's life. The most common reactions are food poisoning, food intolerance, and food allergies. Between 2 and 5 percent of the American population has some sort of food allergy. This is caused when our immune system reacts to substances in the foods that we eat. This may result from eating too much of a certain food, or it may result from a one-time exposure.
Food allergies are common in children under age three.
These allergies often resolve by age 6, but they may recur off and on throughout life. These reactions are usually mild, but may occasionally be serious. Most people with food allergies react to very few foods. This makes it possible to avoid the problem foods and to eat a normal diet. Looking for substitutes such as rice flour bread instead of wheat bread, or soymilk instead of cow's milk, will help us to maintain a safe and satisfying diet.