10 Causes of Inflammation

8. Food Allergies

Food allergies and inflammation are both overreactions of the immune system, but they differ in some respects. The symptoms of food allergies are brought about by IgE antibodies that form from previous exposure to an allergen. Allergies often show up early in life, although adults can develop them too. They often have a genetic component and are more likely to run in families.

Nuts, fish, and milk are common allergens, and in some, contact or ingestion can cause a life-threatening reaction. But people can also be sensitive to certain foods or dietary components without having a true allergy. For example, people with Celiac disease mount an immune response to gluten and develop inflammation as a result, though this is not a true food allergy. A doctor or nutritionist can help patients determine to which foods they are allergic through allergy tests and elimination diets.