Managing allergic reactions to foods
There are nine major food allergens -- milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, sesame and fish and crustacean shellfish -- that cause about 90% of serious food allergy reactions in the U.S. They affect about 33 million Americans, including almost 6 million children, and cause around 500 deaths annually.
The treatment for a severe allergic reaction -- anaphylaxis -- is the immediate administration of the fight-or-flight hormone epinephrine, aka adrenaline. Since 1987, that's been able to be done on the spot with an injection from an EpiPen. This reverses symptoms such as rashes, itching or hives; swelling of the lips, tongue or throat; trouble breathing or wheezing; dizziness; stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The pen is lifesaving, but for the needle-phobic, it can cause anxiety, and even reluctance to use it when needed. Now, an epinephrine nasal spray to stop a serious allergic reaction to food, medication or an insect bite has been Food and Drug Administration-approved for adults and kids weighing more than 66 pounds. It uses the same easy-to-use delivery device as NARCAN nasal spray that combats opioid overdoses. Ask your doctor if it's right for you and then, if you need assistance buying the new nasal spray, contact neffyconnect at 877-696-3339.
Not everyone who has food woes has an allergy. Instead, they have a food intolerance -- lactose and gluten are common ones. For help managing that, check out "Digestive Enzymes to Aid in Food Intolerance" and "Colostrum -- This Superfood Isn't Just for Babies" at iHerb.com/blog and Dr. Mike's favorite helpful supplement, Life's First Naturals bovine colostrum.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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