Food and Beverage
People can have food sensitivities without noticeable symptoms – long-term consumption of food allergens may lead to behavior and mood changes
Food Sensitivities: Food allergies affect about 10% of the U.S. population, leading to various symptoms. Recent research indicates asymptomatic individuals may still experience neurological effects from food allergens, resulting in behavioral changes like anxiety and depression. Chronic inflammation from allergens may contribute to long-term brain issues, highlighting the need for further study on food hypersensitivity’s impact on mental health.
Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Daily News Staff
People can have food sensitivities without noticeable symptoms – long-term consumption of food allergens may lead to behavior and mood changes
Kumi Nagamoto-Combs, University of North Dakota
The prevalence of food allergies is increasing worldwide, approaching an epidemic level in some regions. In the U.S. alone, approximately 10% of children and adults suffer from food allergies, with allergies to cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts being the most common. Some patients have mild symptoms that might not need medical attention, leaving these cases unreported.
Food allergies, or food hypersensitivities, result from the overreaction of the immune system to typically harmless proteins in food. They can manifest as a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from itching, redness and swelling for milder reactions, to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and other potentially life-threatening symptoms for severe reactions.
Besides self-reporting, food allergies can be diagnosed by exposing patients to trace amounts of offending proteins, or allergens, via their mouth or skin and observing their immediate reactions. More commonly, doctors use blood tests to measure the levels of immunoglobulin E, or IgE, a specialized antibody that the immune system uses to identify allergens and trigger a response. Although healthy individuals may have low levels of IgE in the blood, patients with food allergies have much higher levels that increase their risk of having severe allergic reactions.
But some people who test positive on skin-prick allergy tests with moderate increases in IgE don’t notice any allergy-related symptoms when they eat the allergen. This condition is sometimes referred to as asymptomatic sensitization. In many cases, people with this condition may not even be aware that they have a food hypersensitivity.
Are they truly asymptomatic, though? Or are there effects within their body that they aren’t aware of?
I am a neuroscientist studying how the brain is affected by food allergies. I became interested in this topic when I found that some of my family members had a hypersensitivity to cow’s milk. Some totally avoid dairy products because they have experienced severe, life-threatening symptoms. Those who don’t have typical allergic reactions occasionally eat dairy, but appear to develop seemingly unrelated illnesses a day or two later.
What I and other researchers have found is that food allergens can affect your brain and behavior if you’re hypersensitized, even if you don’t have typical food allergy symptoms.
Food allergies linked to behavioral disorders
Researchers have suspected food hypersensitivities to be a potential cause for behavioral disorders for decades.
A 1949 case report described behavioral and mood disturbances in patients after they ate certain foods, such as milk and eggs. Their symptoms improved after removing the suspected foods from their diet, suggesting that a food hypersensitivity was the likely culprit. However, I was intrigued that the patients had been able to eat the offending foods up until they chose to avoid them. In other words, they were asymptomatically sensitized, or tolerant, to the allergens.
Several recent studies in people have supported the association between food allergies and various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. They strengthen the possibility that some reactions to food allergens could involve the nervous system and manifest as behavioral disorders. https://www.youtube.com/embed/xyQY8a-ng6g?wmode=transparent&start=0 The food you eat can affect your brain in many ways.
However, the idea of food hypersensitivity causing neuropsychiatric disorders is still controversial because of inconsistencies across studies. Differences in the types of allergies, ethnic backgrounds, dietary habits and other factors among the study participants can produce conflicting results. More importantly, some studies included those with self-reported food allergies, while others included only those with lab-confirmed food allergies. This limited investigations to only symptomatic individuals.
Food hypersensitivity, brain and behavior
My laboratory tested whether food allergens could manifest as behavioral symptoms, particularly in asymptomatically sensitized individuals. We wanted to find out whether eating offending foods could lead to brain inflammation and behavioral changes after sensitization, even in the absence of other obvious severe reactions.
To minimize the individual differences found in human studies, we decided to work with mice. We sensitized mice of the same age and genetic background to the common milk allergen β-lactoglobulin, or BLG, and fed them the same diet in the same room. We found that while BLG-sensitized mice produced moderately but significantly elevated levels of IgE, they did not show immediate allergic reactions. They could even eat food containing the milk allergen for two weeks without showing any obvious symptoms, despite maintaining elevated levels of IgE. This indicated that they were asymptomatically sensitized.
We then observed whether they showed any changes in emotionally driven behavior. Because we could not ask mice how they felt, we deduced their “feelings” by noting changes from their normal, survival-oriented behavior. Mice instinctively explore their environment to search for food and shelter while avoiding potential danger. However, “anxious” mice tend to spend more time hiding to play it safe. We identified “depressed” mice by briefly holding them by the tail. Most mice will keep fighting to get out of the uncomfortable predicament, while depressed mice quickly give up.
Our experiments were designed to simulate situations where asymptomatically sensitized individuals would eat either a large amount of an offending food in one day or small amounts every day for a few weeks. We mimicked these situations by placing a large amount of the milk allergen directly into the stomach of sensitized mice with a feeding tube, or giving them an allergen-containing mouse chow to eat the allergen a little at a time.
Interestingly, BLG-sensitized mice showed anxiety-like behavior one day after receiving a large amount of the allergen. Another group of sensitized mice developed depression-like behavior after eating small amounts of allergen for two weeks. In addition, BLG-sensitized mice showed signs of brain inflammation and neuronal damage, suggesting that changes in the brain may be responsible for their behavioral symptoms.
We also investigated the long-term effect of allergen consumption by keeping BLG-sensitized mice on the allergen-containing diet for one month. We found that IgE levels declined in sensitized mice by the end of the month, indicating that continually eating small amounts of the allergen led to decreased immune responses, or “desensitization.” In contrast, signs of brain inflammation remained, suggesting that the harmful effect of allergens persisted in the brain.
Chronic brain inflammation
Researchers have yet to study prolonged brain inflammation, or neuroinflammation, in people who are asymptomatically sensitized. In general, though, chronic neuroinflammation is a known contributor to neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, although the exact causes of these diseases are unknown. A better understanding of the role allergens play in neuroinflammation can help researchers clarify whether food allergens trigger chronic inflammation that can lead to these diseases.
This knowledge could be especially important for patients undergoing oral immunotherapy, an approach to allergy treatment that involves incrementally ingesting small amounts of allergens over time. The goal is to desensitize the immune system and reduce the incidence of anaphylaxis, or life-threatening allergic reactions. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a standardized form of peanut allergens to prevent anaphylaxis in eligible pediatric patients. However, its possible long-term effect on the nervous system is unknown.
Food allergens can affect the brain and behavior of seemingly asymptomatic people, making them not so asymptomatic neurologically. Considering how your brain responds to the food you eat puts a whole new meaning to the phrase “you are what you eat.”
Kumi Nagamoto-Combs, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Food and Beverage
5 Tips to Make Hosting Easy and Fun
From celebratory parties to casual get-togethers, hosting is a wonderful way to bring people together, share laughs and make memories. Of course, planning and hosting can be quite a bit of work, so a little preparation can go a long way to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone, including the host.
5 Tips to Make Hosting Easy and Fun
(Feature Impact) From celebratory parties to casual get-togethers, hosting is a wonderful way to bring people together, share laughs and make memories. Of course, planning and hosting can be quite a bit of work, so a little preparation can go a long way to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone, including the host.
Follow these tips from the hosting experts at Bravo, makers of eco-friendly, high-performance paper towels, to plan your next gathering so it goes off without a hitch.
Keep the Menu Simple
Naturally, you want to make sure your guests are well-fed and happy, but trying to achieve a Michelin-star rating in your home kitchen is usually just a recipe for stressing yourself out. If you’re serving a meal, stick to some tried-and-true crowd-pleasers you can make in your sleep. Cook or bake in advance as much as possible so you’ll have less to worry about on the day itself.
Let Guests Know What to Bring
Good houseguests often enjoy contributing something, so make it easy for them – and yourself – by letting them know how they can help. You could ask one person to bring snacks, another to pick up beverages and a third to cover dessert. Potluck-style lunches or dinners are a great way to make sure everyone has enough to eat and drink while taking the pressure off just one person’s shoulders.
Have a Backup Plan
In case you’re arranging an outdoor get-together, remember the weather can betray you. Keep alternative plans on standby in case you need to move the party indoors. Tidy up your living areas and ensure there is enough seating for everyone attending. It doesn’t hurt to have indoor-friendly entertainment options available too – often, people are content to just sit and chat with one another, but depending on the crowd, classic party games can still be a hit.
Set Up Kids’ Zones
If you’ll be welcoming children to your home, provide one or two dedicated areas where they can safely play and enjoy themselves away from the rest of the action. Having an assortment of toys, games, coloring books, chalk, bubble wands and other sources of kid-friendly fun makes it easy for the whole family to have a great time.
Make Prep and Cleanup a Breeze
Keeping quality cleaning supplies on hand like Bravo paper towels means you can quickly wipe up spills and messes while you’re prepping. Then, after your guests depart, the strong, absorbent sheets make it easy to get your countertops sparkling again. They’re made with 75% curbside recycled paper and cardboard, making them sustainable-household-approved. Use them with water or your go-to cleaning solution before enjoying some well-deserved post-hosting relaxation in your fresh, clean home.
“Hosting can put paper towels to work, from quick countertop wipes to stuck-on foods and bigger cleanup jobs,” said chef and lifestyle expert Jamie Gwen. “Bravo has a clothlike feel that is soft on your hands, but it is still durable enough for scrubbing and strong enough to rinse and reuse.”
Find more smart cleaning tips at BravoTowel.com.
SOURCE:
Bravo
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recipes
The Nutrient-Packed Fruit Families are Adding to Their Fruit Bowls
Busy families are looking for snacks that do more than simply satisfy hunger – they want foods that deliver great taste along with meaningful nutrition. Nutrient-Packed Fruit? For a fresh twist on breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack, try this Kiwi and Whipped Feta Toast.
The Nutrient-Packed Fruit Families are Adding to Their Fruit Bowls
(Feature Impact) Busy families are looking for snacks that do more than simply satisfy hunger – they want foods that deliver great taste along with meaningful nutrition. That’s one reason kiwifruit has become one of the fastest-growing fruits in the produce department with more shoppers discovering its sweet taste and impressive nutritional benefits.
With its vibrant golden flesh, smooth skin and juicy tropical-sweet flavor, an option like Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit makes it easy to enjoy a snack that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. Whether packed into lunchboxes, sliced over breakfast or enjoyed straight from the fruit bowl, it’s a simple way to add more nutrition to everyday routines.
Why Every Bite Matters
Kiwifruit is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits available, making it an ideal choice for busy families looking to maximize nutrition with minimal effort. When time is tight, choosing foods that deliver whole food nutrition becomes essential.
Naturally packed with vitamins and minerals, Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit provides 100% of your daily vitamin C needs in just one fruit. They also provide potassium to support normal muscle and nerve function, vitamin E to help protect cells from everyday damage and folate to support healthy cell growth and development.
Sweet Flavor, Endless Possibilities
The versatility of sweet kiwifruit allows it to pair beautifully with everything from smoothies and yogurt bowls to salads, desserts and savory dishes.
For a fresh twist on breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack, try this Kiwi and Whipped Feta Toast. Creamy whipped feta, ripe avocado and slices of sweet kiwi come together for a delicious balance of vitamins, minerals and vibrant flavor that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Discover more delicious ways to get more nutrition from every bite, including recipes, at Zespri.com.
Kiwi and Whipped Feta Toast
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 8 small rustic bread slices, 3/4-inch thick, toasted
- 2 Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 firm but ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
- extra-virgin olive oil
- fresh basil
- In small food processor, process crumbled feta cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Spread equal amounts onto bread slices and top with alternating slices of kiwi and avocado.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with basil before serving.
Optional: Add 1 tablespoon tahini sauce to feta for richer flavor.
Variation: Omit avocado and use three kiwis. Sprinkle lightly with chopped Kalamata olives. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with snipped fresh oregano and crushed red pepper flakes.
SOURCE:
Zespri
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
(Family Features) Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hitting the trails for a family hike or bike ride, exposure to summer heat can leave you feeling dehydrated and fatigued.
Comprised of nearly 90% water and delivering essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, 100% orange juice can serve as a healthy complement to your hydration routine. These electrolytes are crucial in helping to maintain fluid balance and muscle function regardless of the time of year, but they’re especially important during the warmer summer months when you are exerting more.
Consider these unexpected ways Florida Orange Juice can help power your summer.
Support Immunity
100% orange juice isn’t just a tasty drink; it’s also packed with essential nutrients that support your immune system. An 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, plus it provides key nutrients such as folate, potassium and thiamin, as well as vitamin D and calcium (in fortified juices), that help support the immune system all year long.
Add Healthy Flavor to Meals
Fat-free, cholesterol-free and sodium-free with no added sugar, 100% orange juice is a healthy addition to any diet, adding a burst of flavor to favorite dishes. Consider using Florida Orange Juice as part of the marinade in these Orange Juice Citrus Chicken Kebabs or as a base for salad dressings to create a perfect balance that will delight your taste buds.
Electrolyte and Hydration Support
With many kids participating in summer sports and other outdoor demands on families during the warmer months, it can be difficult to provide your family with healthy, hydrating beverages. However, an option like this On-the-Go Orange Juice Sports Drink helps to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes during and after physical activity, such as running, biking, exercising or playing sports.
Find more nutritious and delicious recipes to keep your family energized during summer activities at FloridaJuice.com.
Orange Juice Citrus Chicken Kebabs
Recipe courtesy of Aaron Himrod on behalf of the Florida Department of Citrus
Servings: 8 (2 kebabs per serving)
- 1 large Florida Orange, zest only
- 1 lime, zest only
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- white pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 8 wooden skewers
- To make marinade: In medium mixing bowl, combine orange zest; lime zest; thyme; oil; garlic; salt; white pepper, to taste; orange juice; and soda.
- Add chicken and completely coat with marinade. Cover bowl and place in refrigerator at least 1 hour.
- Soak wooden skewers in water 20-30 minutes.
- To make kebabs: Remove chicken from fridge and lace through each skewer using weaving motion. Repeat for all chicken tenders and set aside.
- When skewers are prepared, drizzle extra marinade over chicken.
- Heat grill to medium. Place chicken on grill. Cover and cook 3 minutes per side, or until center of meat reaches internal temperature of 170 F.
- Remove from grill and serve immediately, or cover with foil and serve later.
Tips: Cover kebabs with foil for at least 20 minutes after cooking to trap in flavor and juices.
Add vegetables to kebabs, if desired, to increase flavor
On-the-Go Orange Juice Sports Drink
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus
Servings: 1
- 8 ounces Florida Orange Juice
- 8 ounces water
- 1 pinch salt
- Mix orange juice and water.
- Add pinch of salt.
- Pour into small bottle or reusable pouch.
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