Common food allergies affect millions of people around the world and can cause a wide range of symptoms—from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), just eight foods account for approximately 90% of all allergic food reactions. These include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.)
• Fish (bass, cod, flounder, etc.)
• Shellfish (crab, lobster, shrimp, etc.)
• Soy
• Wheat

The FDA requires that all packaged food products in the United States clearly list these common food allergens on their ingredient labels. Many other countries have similar food allergy labeling laws designed to protect consumers and reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

Common Food Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of food allergies vary widely and can affect multiple organ systems, including the digestive tract, respiratory system, skin, and even the brain. While most people associate food allergy symptoms with rashes or hives, the reality is that reactions can be far more diverse.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are the most frequently reported common food allergy symptoms:

• Tingling or itching in the mouth
• Hives, eczema, or generalized itching
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
• Wheezing, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

In some cases, food allergies can also trigger mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or brain fog—especially when combined with food sensitivities that cause low-grade inflammation in the gut and nervous system.

Common Food Allergies and Their Broader Impact on Health

While severe reactions are often obvious, subtle or chronic food allergy symptoms can go undiagnosed for years. Food allergies and food sensitivities are now known to play a role in many chronic conditions, including:

• Digestive disorders (IBS, bloating, reflux, diarrhea, constipation)
• Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, rashes)
• Autoimmune issues (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Mood and cognitive issues (depression, anxiety, brain fog)
• Pediatric behavioral challenges (ADD, ADHD, irritability)

Because of these far-reaching effects, food allergy testing and food sensitivity testing are an important part of functional and integrative medicine assessment.

Common Food Allergies – Diagnosis and Treatment

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), the most effective treatment for food allergies is identification and strict avoidance of the offending foods. This starts with food allergy testing to identify both IgE-mediated allergies (immediate reactions) and IgG-mediated sensitivities (delayed reactions).

For individuals at risk of severe reactions, allergists recommend carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) at all times. While there is currently no absolute cure for severe food allergies, new approaches are being studied, including:

• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) – gradually increasing exposure to allergens under medical supervision
• Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) – using small allergen doses under the tongue to build tolerance
• Anti-IgE therapy – targeting the immune antibody responsible for allergic reactions
• Chinese Herbal Medicine – explored for its role in immune modulation and inflammation reduction

Despite these emerging therapies, food allergy avoidance remains the cornerstone of management. Many food allergies to milk, eggs, or soy may improve with age, but others—such as peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies—are often lifelong.

Common Food Allergy Testing Options

There are two major immune pathways involved in reactions to food—IgE and IgG antibodies—each requiring different testing methods.

1. IgE Food Allergy Testing

• Detects immediate hypersensitivity reactions, which can cause hives, swelling, breathing difficulty, or anaphylaxis.
• Conducted through serum (blood) IgE testing or skin prick testing performed by an allergist.
• Essential for diagnosing severe or potentially life-threatening food allergies.

2. IgG Food Sensitivity Testing

• Identifies delayed immune reactions that may occur hours or days after eating a food.
• These reactions commonly contribute to digestive issues, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and mood disturbances.
• Performed through dried blood spot or serum testing, such as the Food IgG + Candida & Yeast Panel available through Lab Tests Plus.

Both forms of testing provide valuable insights. IgE testing identifies classic allergic reactions, while IgG testing helps uncover hidden food sensitivities that may drive chronic inflammation and other long-term health complaints.

Recommended Tests for Food Allergies and Sensitivities

At Lab Tests Plus, we offer several advanced testing options to identify and address common food allergies and sensitivities:

• Food IgE Antibody Test – identifies severe and immediate allergic reactions.
• Food IgG + Candida & Yeast Antibodies Test – detects delayed immune reactions and hidden food sensitivities.
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis – assesses gut health and microbial imbalances that worsen allergic responses.
• Organic Acids Test (OAT) – identifies yeast, bacterial, and metabolic factors contributing to immune and digestive dysfunction.

Each test comes with a personalized written interpretation from Dr. Kurt Woeller or Dr. Tracy Tranchitella, including targeted recommendations for dietary changes, supplementation, and lifestyle strategies to reduce inflammation and improve immune resilience.

Final Thoughts on Common Food Allergies

Common food allergies are not only a concern for immediate allergic reactions but also for their potential role in chronic inflammation and systemic illness. Identifying and addressing food allergies and food sensitivities through accurate laboratory testing is the first step toward restoring balance and long-term wellness.

At Lab Tests Plus, our goal is to help individuals understand their test results and take actionable steps to reclaim better digestive, immune, and neurological health.