Think that you're going to break out in a severe case of itchy hives, and gasping for air if you have a food allergy? Not always. While some severe food allergies, like allergies to tree nuts, may cause dramatic reactions, there are other signs to food sensitivities. The Guardian lists seven other signs that you may have a food sensitivity:
- Oral itching and tingling - Itchiness is a common symptom of food allergies, but when it appears in the mouth in the absence of other more severe reactions (like wheezing), it may be an indication of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). OAS is not well known, but seems to be a common response to raw fruits and vegetables like carrot, celery and apples. I've never experienced it with those foods, but I do sometimes feel a little itchy when I eat a mango.
- Headaches and migraines - Culprits can be monosodium glutamate (MSG), other food preservatives, amines (which are found in chocolate, mature cheese and red wine) and food coloring
- Respiratory distress - Often due to sulfites, which are preservatives found in dried fruits, prepackaged salads and canned foods
- Digestive malaise - I have no idea what it means, but "frothy" diarrhea indicates lactose intolerance, and other digestive problem like bloating, gas and diarrhea could indicate gluten intolerance.
- Skin complaints - Some forms of celiac disease will have no digestive problems, but will appear as itchy blisters on the skin
- Cravings
- Tired all the time
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