
To this day, I HATE popcorn balls!
Fortunately for me, I grew out of those allergies. Of course as I got older, I developed sensitivities to other things. In our day and age, food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies have become common with a number of people. But what exactly is an allergy anyway?
According to the National Library of Medicine, an allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.

The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It also reacts to foreign substances called allergens, which are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem. But in a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, the immune system launches a response. Chemicals such as histamines are released. These chemicals are what causes the adverse reactions in the body which are referred to as allergy symptoms.
Common allergens include:
Drugs
Dust
Food
Insect venom
Mold
Pet and other animal dander
Pollen
Some people have allergy-like reactions to hot or cold temperatures, sunlight, or other environmental factors. Sometimes, even friction (rubbing or roughly stroking the skin) can cause these symptoms.
An allergy is not usually inherited per se, or passed down through the family line. However, both family genetics and environmental factors can play a role. If either of your parents have allergies, the chance is likely you will have allergies. The chance is greater if your mother has allergies.
Allergies may make certain medical conditions, such as sinus problems, eczema, and asthma, worse.
Once allergies have developed, treating the allergies and carefully avoiding allergy triggers can prevent reactions in the future.
Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergies
Many people have what is called a food intolerance. This term refers to heartburn, cramps, belly pain, or diarrhea that can occur after they eat foods such as: Corn products, or milk and dairy products. These people are the folks you hear saying, “I like____, but it doesn’t like me.” While the symptoms of a food intolerance can be troublesome, these symptoms pale in comparison with those who suffer from the less common but more serious food allergies.

If you develop symptoms shortly after eating a certain food, you may have a food allergy. Key symptoms of a food allergy include hives, a hoarse voice, and wheezing.
Other symptoms that may occur include:
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing

Light-headedness or fainting
Nasal congestion
Nausea
Runny nose
Swelling (angioedema), especially of the eyelids, face, lips, and tongue
Shortness of breath
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but a few foods are the main culprits. The most common food allergies are to:
Eggs (mostly in children)
Fish (older children and adults)
Milk (mostly in children)
Peanuts (people of all ages)
Shellfish such as shrimp, crab, and lobster (people of all ages)
Soy (mostly in children)
Tree nuts (people of all ages)
Wheat (mostly in children)
Food additives -- such as dyes, thickeners, and preservatives -- can cause either a food allergy or intolerance reaction.
While there are treatments available to combat other allergies, the only proven treatment for a food allergy is to avoid the food altogether. It is also very important to read the ingredient label on the package, or inquire about ingredients at a restaurant before making the choice to eat it.
As I have become more attuned to my body over the years, I am finding myself to be more and more sensitive to foods that contain artificial ingredients and preservatives. In fact, I had to stop eating a popular donut shaped breakfast cereal because it caused me to break out in hives. In this age of the skyrocketing amount of convenience foods being produced that are loaded with chemicals and artificial ingredients, more and more people have reported similar symptoms.
If you suspect that you might have a food allergy or intolerance, be smart, and consult a healthcare professional for advice. Be even smarter by making informed decisions about the food choices you make for you and your family!