Allergies, Asthma and Food Intolerance: It's NOT All in Your Head (continued)

Here are a few potential offenders:

• Endocrine disruptors. Hormone-like compounds found in pesticides and plastics can increase our immune system's sensitivity, and heighten our body's  reaction to common allergens. (6,7)  
• Everyday American diets. The omega-6 fatty acids prevalent in corn and soy oils promote inflammation. We find the less common, but more healthful, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil, walnuts, flax, wild-caught salmon and organically raised, grass-fed beef and dairy. 
• Genetically modified crops. Created by inserting the DNA from a different organism into the original crops' genetic material (8), there is growing concern about the potential allergenicity and health risks associated with genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. (8,9,10) We don't fully understand the allergenic potential of GMOs, or how to best measure it. (11)

Rather than abiding by the precautionary principle to protect American children from possible harm, the U.S. agreed to deem genetically modified foods as "substantially equivalent" to their non genetically-engineered counterparts. (8,12) GMO crops were first planted commercially in 1995, and their use has since increased exponentially. (12,13) Today, 90% of soy and more than 80% of corn is bioengineered, but unlike the European Union, foods containing genetically modified ingredients in the U.S. are not legally required to carry an identifying label. (8). Buyer beware.