An estimated 11 million Americans have a food allergies, for which there are no cures, according to FAAN.
A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system overreacts, treating a particular food as if it were a foreign invader. The body releases chemicals that trigger a range of symptoms, including itching, swelling, hives and difficulty breathing.
Some food-induced allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Those account for approximately 30,000 emergency room visits and 200 deaths each year, according to FAAN. Eight foods-milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat-account for 900/o of all food-allergic reactions.
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