Food Allergies and Intolerances – Facts for Seniors

March 5, 2010 | Posted by: Carebuzz | Posted in: Safety Concerns for Boston Seniors,Senior Health and Nutrition in Boston | Tagged: Boston Senior Care, Food Allergies, Food Intolerances —

Boston Elder Care enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors often suffer from food allergies and intolerances. It is quite common for seniors to have to battle both of these ailments. This can make things very difficult when trying to maintain a healthy diet. Seniors with allergies and intolerances have to avoid eating certain foods that will trigger a reaction. The best way to battle these conditions is to gather as many facts as possible and alert others to the medical condition. The list that is below contains some important facts for seniors about allergies and intolerances.

1. There are eight foods that account for more than 90% of all food allergies. These include eggs, peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Many people can have an anaphylactic reaction when they ingest a food they are allergic to.

2. Anyone with a food allergy or intolerance should know what foods make them ill and do their best to avoid these foods. It is important to make mention of any food allergies to anyone who is preparing food you will be eating.

3. Food allergy symptoms appear almost immediately after eating the food. The symptoms can include itchy nose and throat, watery eyes, shortness of breath or hives. There are many symptoms, but these are the most common.

4. Food intolerance is when the body cannot digest the food components. This is common with foods that contain lactose or sulfides. The symptoms may include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea or nausea. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance is not life-threatening.

5. If you have a food intolerance or allergy, make sure to meet with a dietician to understand what foods you need to avoid. You also need to learn about food ingredients so you know what to watch for. Make sure to read all labels on packaged foods and inform family members and friends of the intolerance or allergy.