Types of Food Allergies

Due to GI problems or infections the lining of the intestinal tract allows partially digested particles of harmless food into the blood stream. The body's immune system mistakes the harmless food molecule for a threatening invader like a virus or bacterium. IgE antibodies attach themselves to the molecule, then signal to other immune cells (mast cells) to attack the molecules by releasing histamines and other destructive chemicals.

Common culprits are usually food with large protein particles; 90% of cases involve nuts, shellfish and eggs.

A site that does a great job of explaining the difference between food intolerances and allergies is: