​Many of people believe they have a food allergy because they react to a food in some way. However, most of the time it’s not an actual allergy but sensitivity to the food they are experiencing. A “true” allergy is where there is an IgE mediated immune reaction within the body. These allergies affect about two to three percent of the population only.  
An IgE allergy reaction can result in symptoms such as a rash or hives and can also be as drastic as anaphylaxis which is where the mouth and tongue swell along with constriction of the airways. People diagnosed with this type of allergy carry an EpiPen with them in case of exposure as extreme reactions are life threatening. An IgE reaction is usually noticed very soon after consuming the food.
The most common allergy foods are peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy beans and soy products, dairy, wheat, oranges, shellfish and fish.
Food intolerance or sensitivity is where the body has developed an IgG mediated immune reaction to a food. This is where IgG antibodies are created in the body after it recognises the protein in that food as an allergen or “enemy”.  

Now that Australia has been labelled "The Fattest Nation on Earth" we need to seriously look at Metabolic Syndrome and what that means for us and our long-term health. This syndrome is where pre-diabetes / diabetes (or poor blood glucose management and metabolism) and the onset of cardiovascular disease can affect you at the same time. It can be a slippery slope to really poor health if it is not addressed and corrected using the best nutrition and lifestyle management. Metabolic syndrome can affect our children too, not just adults, and this is where it becomes very worrying. You or your loved ones may have this syndrome or be at high risk if you have: