Millions of Americans <br />Actually Don't Have a <br />Food Allergy, Says Study A survey of 40,000 Americans <br />was conducted between October <br />of 2015 and September of 2016. It found that 19% of <br />those surveyed reported <br />that they had a food allergy. Only 10.8% reported <br />actual symptoms consistent <br />with an actual food allergic reaction. True food allergies are <br />when the immune system has a fast <br />and specific overreaction to a particular food. Lactose intolerance and <br />celiac disease are common <br />examples of these. Researchers think that <br />those surveyed were <br />probably confusing a food <br />intolerance with an actual food allergy. Study authors warn <br />against making a self-diagnosis. Ruchi Gupta, lead study author, via Gizmodo
