(HealthDay News) -- If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, it means your immune system is reacting against a substance it believes could harm you.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers this advice for people with a food allergy or food sensitivity:

• Work with a registered dietitian to help figure out which foods you should avoid, while making sure you don't become malnourished.
• Read food labels carefully, checking for ingredients to avoid.
• Double-check ingredient labels even when you've purchased a food before, in case ingredients have changed.
• Check the labels on cosmetics and body care products, as they may contain allergy-causing ingredients.
• Make sure all child-care providers are informed of your child's food allergy, and that they know what to do if there is a reaction.