Are autoimmune diseases the same as food allergies? ...

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  Are autoimmune diseases the same as food allergies?
 

Question 2

  Do I need to be worried about the mercury content of fish sticks and fast-food fish sandwiches?
 

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Answer to Question 1

Both autoimmune diseases and food allergies involve the bodys immune systemmore specifically, antibody production. However, with an autoimmune disease, the antibodies attack part of the body such as cells in the pancreas or thyroid gland. When this happens, the function of the assaulted cells can be altered or destroyed, as is the case with type 1 diabetes. With a food allergy, antibodies attack small polypeptides absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. This often causes a very rapid and often serious immune response, which can result in quite immediate consequences such as difficulty breathing.

Answer to Question 2

Fish sticks and fast-food sandwiches are commonly made from fish that are low in mercury. Thus, you do not need to be concerned about limiting your intake of these products. If you have specific questions about the safety of any fish, you can call the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations food information line toll-free at 1-888-SAFEFOOD or visit their website at http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/Seafood/default.htm.