Food allergies are all the result of hypersensitivity to proteins found in different foods. What type of protein allergy you have will determine the type of elimination diet that needs to be implemented. In order to identify which foods are triggering an allergic reaction, your doctor may recommend a challenge diet that helps identify possible allergens that can be used in allergy testing. Do not change your diet without first talking with your doctor.
Challenge Diet
A challenge diet is not intended to diagnose a medical condition, but rather help narrow down the food proteins that might be causing an allergic reaction. A challenge diet, also called an elimination diet, removes all possible food allergens such as wheat, soy, milk and eggs. For two weeks, avoid consuming foods that contain these ingredients. At the end of the two week period, slowly add each food back into your diet and keep a detailed food journal that document when you ate specific foods and when symptoms develop. Share your journal with your doctor for further testing.
Allergy Testing
Allergy testing is performed by an allergist, the most medically qualified doctor to clinically diagnose a food protein allergy. The suspected food proteins will be injected under your forearm to see how your skin reacts. The protein injections that cause inflammation, redness or bumps will be further tested with a sample of your blood. A blood sample is sent to a lab where the suspected proteins are introduced into your blood to see if it creates immunoglobulin E antibodies. IgE antibodies are allergy-fighting agents that are only produced by the body during an allergy. The results of a blood test will provide a clinical diagnosis.
Food Protein Allergy Diet
Whatever food allergy you’re diagnosed with, plan to eliminate that food from your diet. Even a small amount of the food protein can trigger an allergic reaction. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a milk allergy, avoid eating butter, cheese, yogurt, milk, curd, lunch meats, ice cream, non-dairy creamers and any other food product that contains milk proteins. The most common food allergens are required by federal law to be listed under an allergy warning on the food package.
Consideration
Some foods, such as milk, provide essential nutrition that will need to be supplemented after eliminating certain foods. If you continue to experience symptoms after modifying your diet, call your doctor for considering other digestive conditions, such as food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.
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