Allergy (27)

Food allergy

Allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to harmless substances, such as pollen from trees, grasses or weeds. We then speak of hay fever. But one can also be allergic to animal dander, droppings of dust mites and fungi.

Our immune system protects our bodies against attacks and the penetration of foreign substances by making antibodies, among other things.

In the case of an allergy, the immune system is disrupted and makes antibodies (IgE) that cause adverse reactions. In the case of food allergy, the reaction occurs quickly, often within minutes to 2 hours. There is also a delayed reaction. This can occur up to 48 hours after eating the food. The culprit is then difficult to identify. There is also a non-allergic form of food hypersensitivity. Examples are lactose intolerance and sulfite hypersensitivity.