Controversial and Unproven Disorders
There are several disorders that are popularly thought by some to be caused by food allergies. Either there is not enough scientific evidence to support those claims, or there is evidence that goes against such claims.
Migraine headaches
There is controversy about whether migraine headaches can be caused by food allergy. Studies show people who are prone to migraines can have their headaches brought on by histamine and other substances in foods. The more difficult issue is whether food allergies actually cause migraines in such people.
Arthritis
There is virtually no evidence that most rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can be made worse by foods, despite claims to the contrary.
Allergic tension fatigue syndrome
There is no evidence that food allergies can cause a disorder called the allergic tension fatigue syndrome, in which people are tired, nervous, and may have problems concentrating or have headaches.
Cerebral allergy
Cerebral allergy is a term that has been given to people who have trouble concentrating and have headaches as well as other complaints. These symptoms are sometimes blamed on mast cells activated in the brain but no other place in the body. Researchers have found no evidence that such a scenario can happen. Most health experts do not recognize cerebral allergy as a disorder.
Environmental illness
In a seemingly pristine environment, some people have many nonspecific complaints such as problems concentrating or depression. Sometimes this is blamed on small amounts of allergens or toxins in the environment. There is no evidence that these problems are due to food allergies.
Childhood hyperactivity
Some people believe hyperactivity in children is caused by food allergies. Researchers, however, have found that this behavioral disorder in children is only occasionally associated with food additives, and then only when such additives are consumed in large amounts.
There is no evidence that a true food allergy can affect a child’s activity except for the possibility that if a child itches and sneezes and wheezes a lot, the child may be uncomfortable and therefore more difficult to guide. Also, children who are on anti-allergy medicines that cause drowsiness may get sleepy in school or at home.
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