A record of what you eat, how much you eat and how you feel afterward can signal what you’re allergic to – especially if you symptoms come and go unpredictably (as symptoms are wont to do). The accompanying sample diary shows you how to correctly record entries. Your diary will be most helpful if you keep a few basic rules in mind.

1. List all ingredients of mixed dishes and combination foods. If you eat a ham sandwich, for instance, note the kind of bread and dressing.
2. Don’t rely on your memory. Fill in the information just before or after you eat. Carry the diary with you in purse, pocket or attache case to record meals eaten away from home. Or jot down some notes and add them later.
3. Rate your symptoms on a scale of one to four to distinguish between mild and severe reactions. For example, a mildly unpleasant or slightly noticeable symptom would get a one; an extremely unpleasant or very marked reaction would rate a four.
4. Weigh your self every morning after going to the bathroom. A sudden weight gain plus increase thirst, decreased urine output, tighter shoes or tight ring are all signs of edema, or fluid retention – a common food reaction.
5. Note any foods you crave.

Symptoms to Look For

James C. Breneman, M.D., chairman of the Food Allergy Committee of the American College of Allergists, has noticed that the food allergy symptoms often fall into certain patterns:

• Hives, runny nose, asthma, heartburn, sleepiness or drowsiness can occur within 1 hour;
• Abdominal cramps, gas pain or headaches may occur within 2 to 4 hours;
• Delayed hives may appear 6 to 12 hours later;
• A weight gain or water retention can occur within 12 to 15 hours;
• Confusion, forgetfulness, depression, inability to concentrate or other mental symptoms may appear within 12 to 24 hours; and
• Canker (cold) sores, aching joints, muscles or back can occur after 3 or 5 days.

Other symptoms to note included rashes, itching or burning skin, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, constipation or bloating: weeping or itchy eyes, sore throat, hoarseness or cough; unexplainable fatigue; nervousness, tension or anxiety; a floating feeling; insomnia, dark, puffy circle under the eyes – or any of the signs of allergy Are You Allergic?

It goes without saying that there can be other medical reasons for all of those complaints. But if you’ve already seen a doctor, and he or she cannot explain why you are sick, food allergy should be considered. As a matter of fact, people with food allergy often have a long history of undiagnosed health problems – backed up by a slew of x-rays and gastrointestinal tests that don’t explain their problems.

Note: Chronic infection in infants and young children can mimic gastrointestinal problems associated with milk and wheat allergies. In the case of child who is vomiting or choking, or who has diarrhea or difficulty in swallowing, consult a doctor without delay. After you’ve kept a dairy for a week or two, you can use it to help recognize problem foods.

Doris J. Rapp, M.D., a pediatrician and allergist in Buffalo, New York, suggests that you make a list of all foods eaten on a day you felt well. Compare that list to a list of foods eaten on a day you felt terrible. Cross out all foods which appear on both lists. The foods left on the second lists are your prime suspects. Then you eliminate them.