Misconceptions about food allergies can be dangerous to people who suffer from them. Part of managing food allergies is ensuring that you have the right information about them. If you suffer from food allergies, here are some of the most commonly believed myths about food allergies and the truth.

Food Avoidance Means You Do Not Have to See a Doctor

Some people mistakenly believe that just not eating the food they are allergic to helps them to manage their allergy. As a result, they skip seeing an allergy specialist to treat their condition. 

In actuality, there are many reasons for you to see an allergy specialist. One of the most important is that until you see a specialist, you cannot be 100-percent sure that a certain food causes your allergic reaction. There are many ingredients that are shared by foods and it is possible that a different food is triggering your reaction. 

When you practice food avoidance, you could also be potentially missing out on foods that you need to eat for certain nutrients. As a result, you could develop another diet-related health condition, such as anemia. If you have an assessment with a specialist, he or she can help you identify which foods are safe to eat and help you develop a diet that is healthy and safe. 

There Is No Way to Completely Avoid Food Triggers

When foods are processed by manufacturers, a range of ingredients might be used to get the final product you buy in the grocery store. Some people with food allergies believe that because of this, it is impossible to completely avoid foods that they are allergic to. 

In reality, with the help of an allergy specialist, you can learn how to read food labels so that you can identify foods that could trigger a reaction. Food manufacturers are required to label their foods to indicate whether or not it could potentially trigger an allergic reaction for people with certain allergies. 

In addition to this, your allergy specialist can help you with identifying steps you can take when eating out to avoid being exposed to a food trigger. You will learn what questions to ask about menu items and which modifications you need to request to ensure that the food you eat is safe to consume.  

Your allergy specialist can help clear up any other food allergy misconceptions you have heard and help ensure you have the right information to safely manage your allergies. For more information, contact someone like Allergy Asthma & Immunology Associates.

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