Synthesis

Our Collaborative Synthesis:

Following our research on food allergies, we were able to determine the impact that they had from a biological, social, and cultural perspective. Although food allergies are an individual biological response to a certain food allergen, they are able to impact one’s social life throughout the world.  Although specific food allergens among countries may be different, it is important to understand the cultural-connection that may contribute to the rise in food allergies, and how differences among countries may contribute to treatment research. Therefore, food allergies should be understood from a biological, social, and cultural perspective in order to gain a deeper understanding of the disease and how it should be managed or treated.

In understanding food allergies, it becomes imperative to look at both the biology and social aspects that affect the individual. Food allergies often lead to a multitude of reactions ranging from mild to severe symptoms, with the most severe being life threatening. Although different among individuals, all of these symptoms often lead to complete avoidance of the food. As a result, the individual not only misses out on the taste of these foods, but also of the social experience involved in eating. In this way, individuals often become isolated and depressed, as they are unable to contribute to food-related events. Therefore, the biological response of food allergies can have social consequences for the individual and their families.

In addition, it is important to understand how popular culture affects perceptions of food allergies.  We found that representations of food allergies in the media are often not realistic and can misinform viewers.  This becomes dangerous and perpetuates common myths about food allergies.  In addition to how society maintains misconceptions through popular culture, we found that certain societal structures can influence the biology of food allergies.  Socioeconomic status was shown to be a factor in how food allergies develop.  The resources available to people suffering from food allergies also appears to be dictated by socioeconomic status.  It is important to recognize how these social factors shape and affect how allergies are understood.  Knowing how important social factors are to food allergies is important in developing treatment plans and educating the general public.  

After understanding the importance of food allergies from an individual and societal perspective, it becomes important to look from a global perspective. Globally, the rate of allergies to different foods changes across countries and cultures. Despite the global impact, many cultures often perceive food allergies as preferences rather than medical implications. As a result, many individuals do not identify as suffering from food allergies, and oftentimes, are underrepresented by research studies in countries other than the United States. Those that are diagnosed however, oftentimes show food allergies that are uncommon in America. Therefore, the variances among food allergies should also be studied from a global perspective.

Through understanding the biological, social, and cultural aspects of food allergies, more reactions can be prevented and/or treated. Understanding the biology behind food allergies has allowed researchers to begin to develop treatments that could eventually cure those afflicted, despite very few treatment options currently being available and no cure. While those with mild symptoms often rely on antihistamines to control reactions, those with more severe symptoms oftentimes are forced to rely on injections of epinephrine (adrenaline) during a life threatening reaction. Similarly, understanding the social implications has also allowed the development of support groups for individuals and their families that have been afflicted with this disease. These support groups have been able to enhance the sociality of these children and individuals that oftentimes are isolated from food-related events. They may also provide suggestions for other parents that may enhance their child’s social life through making fun allergy-friendly foods for the class, or by setting up special non-food related events for their child and friends. At the same time, understanding the cultural side of food allergies is important when diagnosing them. Therefore, understanding the biological, social, and cultural aspects of food allergies are not only important to the development of treatments and the prevention of allergic reactions, but also to the social lives of those afflicted with food allergies.

Understanding the biological, social, and cultural aspects of food allergies may also be used to find a cure for the disease. While the social implication serves as the drive to find a cure for this disease, both biological and cultural aspects need to be understood in order to do so. Through understanding the biology and chemistry behind food allergies, researchers are able to develop clinical trials based on oral immunotherapy and anti-IgE therapy, treatments that could eventually be approved for the cure of food allergies. On the other hand, from a cultural perspective, it is important to understand how the crossing of borders affects the rise of food allergens and why each country has different common food allergens. For example, certain foods are introduced into the diet earlier in some countries than others.  In these countries where certain foods are introduced earlier it appears that there is a lower prevalence of allergies to these foods.  Through using cultural information, researchers can develop a biological cure that will enhance the social lives of many individuals.

Using this information, we were able to put together a blog which contains information about the biological, social, and cultural aspects of food allergies. While each of us focused on a different topic, we were able to incorporate our findings and demonstrate how each issue influenced the other. Not only were we able to provide this information, but also do so in a manner that could be applied globally. In this way, we hope our blog is able to touch some lives and increase the awareness around food allergies and how they affect the public. We hope to shed some light on the symptoms of food allergies and their treatments, so that there is a better understanding around the use of epi-pens and antihistamines. We also hope to give some insight on the role of parents with food allergic children regarding the precautionary measures that should be taken to avoid reactions once a food allergy has been developed. Overall, an increased, general awareness of food allergies could improve the rates of bullying and social isolation individuals with food allergies experience; creating a safer, more educated environment for those involved. Because food is such a central aspect to human life, food allergies are an important issue that deserves attention. Even if our research is only able to contribute to the bigger picture in a small way; it will be significant if it is able to impact the life of just one person suffering from food allergies.