Food Allergies and Intolerances Flashcards

1
Q

Define Food Allergy

A

Abnormal immune system response which produces antibodies in response to proteins in the diet

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2
Q

Facts about food allegries

A

Reaction time ranges from seconds to days
Can be fatal
170 + foods cause reactions
More common in females
Sensitivity levels vary

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3
Q

When are allergies most common

A

Infancy, childhood, young adult

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4
Q

What are common allergy foods in children

A

Eggs (Albumin)
Wheat
Milk (Casein)
Peauts
Fish
Shellfish and molluscs
Soya
Tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazel, brazil, almonds, pistachio, macadamia)

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5
Q

Other allergy foods

A

Cottonseed, sesame seed, poppy seed, legumes, sunflower seed
Celery
Corn
Meat and meat products
Fruits
Mustard
Mayonnaise

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6
Q

Symptoms of food allergies

A
  1. Classic: itching, reddening skin, asthma, swelling, choking, runny nose
  2. Gastro: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal gas, bloating, pain, constipation, indigestion
  3. General: headache, skin reaction, tension, fatigue, tremors, psychological problems
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7
Q

Treatment of allergies

A

Avoid food from diet
Read labels carefully

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8
Q

Define Food Intolerance

A

Non-imunological response to a food or food additive. It is a less severe reaction than an allergy. Larger amounts of the food are needed to produce symptoms.

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9
Q

Food intolerances can be related to

A

Digestive enzymatic defects (lack of lactase, sucrase)
Substances present in foods
Alcoholic beverages
Fermented foods

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10
Q

Undefined intolerances

A

Food additive reaction in predisposed individuals to chemicals added to food.

Sulphites: wine, dried potatoes, dried fruits, gravy, soup mixes
Causes: flushing, airway spasms, loss of blood pressure

Mono-sodium glutamate: aromat, processed foods, soups, marinades
Causes: increased blood pressure, numbness, sweating, vomiting, headache, facial pressure

Tartrazine: food colouring
Causes: airway spasms, itching, reddening skin

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11
Q

Treatment of food intolerances

A

Avoid the offending food, total avoidance might not be needed

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12
Q

Common diseases linked to food intolerances

A
  1. Celiac disease
    Damage to small intestines caused by gluten, protein in wheat, rye, barley, less often oats and oat bran
    Leads to malabsorption of most nutrients
    Gluten free is recommended
    Corn, potato, rice, soybean allowed
  2. Irritable bowl syndrome
    Stomach pain, bloating, flatulence, alternating diarrhea and constipation
    Eat normal, balanced diet, high fiber, increased fluid, keep food record
    Avoid: excessive fat, caffeine, sugar, alcohol
  3. Lactose intolerance
    Lactose - milk sugar
    Shortage of lactase - can not digest milk
    Stomach pain, bloating, flatulence, inflammation of digestive tract
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13
Q

Define Celiac disease

A

Occurs when the immune system reacts with unusual antibodies, triggered by protein in gluten. This causes inflammation of the villi in the small intestine, preventing the absorption of nutrients

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14
Q

Other forms of gluten intolerance

A
  1. Non-celiac sensitivity - similar symptoms to celiac disease, harder to detect (needs a gluten free diet)
  2. Wheat allergy - histamine response to wheat
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15
Q

Causes of celiac disease

A

Immune system reacts to gliadin and glutenin in gluten
Nutrients are not absorbed
It is hereditary
Women, caucasians and Europeans are more prone to it
Those breastfed longer, higher risk
Depends on the amount of gluten a person consumes and the age they consume it

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16
Q

Comorbidities of celiac disease

A

Addison’s disease
Autoimmune disorders
Intestinal cancer
Lactose intolerance
Thyroid disease
Type 1 diabetes
Down syndrome

17
Q

Diagnosis of celiacs disease

A

Blood tests are taken and a biopsy is done. It can be confused with: IBS, Anemia, Intestinal infections, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Celiac’s blood will have higher levels of auto antibodies. A negative test - non-celiac gluten sensitivity

Symptoms vary but can include:
Stomach cramps, Bloating, Constipation, Indigestion, Lost or gained appetite, Diarrhea, gas, becoming lactose intolerant, nausea, vomiting, stools which float, bloody/fatty stools, weight loss

18
Q

Symptoms of malnutrition due to celiac disease

A

Depression, anxiety, fatigue, weakness, bruising easily, delayed growth and weight gain in children, hair loss, itchy skin, irregular menstrual cycles, delayed puberty, mouth ulcers, nosebleeds, muscle cramps, sore joints, seizures, numb hands and feet, tooth decay and colour change in children

19
Q

Managing celiac disease

A

It can not be prevented/cured
Do not eat gluten - villi can heal and nutrients can be absorbed again
Ask a dietician for advice
Visit support groups
Ask what has gluten when eating out
Buy alternative products (Soya and rice flour)
Wheat free is not gluten free
Eat plain meat, fish, chicken, legumes, nuts, seeds, oils, milk, cheese, eggs, fruit and vegetables
Beware cross-contamination

Healing times:
3 to 6 months in children
2 to 3 years in adults

20
Q

Problems from not managing celiac disease

A

Autoimmune disorders
Osteoporosis and other bone diseases
Intestinal cancer
Anemia
Liver disease
Hypoglycemia
Infertility and miscarriages
Death