The industrialization of food has changed the situation ... beware of allergens

Today we find in our biscuits much more than flour, eggs and butter ... and in prepared dishes too. The regulation has therefore imposed a list of 14 ingredients with mandatory labeling because their presence can lead to an allergic reaction in sensitive people.

And additives in all that?

What about various additives in our food including the Circle of Clinical and Biological Investigations in Food Allergy (CICBAA) recalls that they are responsible for 4.3% of food allergies ?
"Allergy is a complex phenomenon where the similarities of molecules play a lot, but the additives are not allergens, they do not have the physicochemical criteria. So, when we are not allergic, they can not alone sensitize a person, "says Dr. Isabelle Bossé . Reassuring. But if chemicals have invested our plates, it's not their only terrain.

Still according to the CICBAA, one would find milk proteins (highly allergenic for those who are sensitive to it) in certain mattresses of children ... Look for the error. "Our way of life has really changed in a few decades," says Dr. Sapène . In homes, ventilation is poorer, the presence of carpets promotes the capture of allergens and the furniture releases VOCs (volatile organic compounds) aggressive for the respiratory tract. They create inflammation and allergens then enter the body more easily. "

What can we do in case of sensitivity?

Learn how to decipher labels and choose the most natural or least processed products possible , whether food or environmental. As guides, we read Ma maison écologique, by Catherine Levesque (Eyrolles ed.), To track all sources of toxic molecules around us, and My dietary prescriptions, by Dr. Laurent Chevallier (LLL ed.), Which lists all "suspect" food additives. And, in case of proven allergy, surf the site of the French Association for the prevention of allergy ( allergies.afpral.fr ) and www.asthme-allergies.org .

To read on the same subject:

The BA-BA on allergies!

Am I allergic without knowing it?
Soft pedal on new allergies!