Food allergies are a prevalent
health condition where the body mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful.
According to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), approximately 15
million Americans have food allergies, and the numbers are continuously rising.
Steering clear of foods that can trigger allergic reaction can be tough, so
it’s important to educate yourself on what causes the allergy and how to avoid
them. Here are several tips that can help in avoiding mild to life-threatening
allergic food reactions:
Know the allergens
There are numerous foods that can
cause allergic reactions, however, 90% of all recorded food allergies comes
from eggs, milk, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans and
wheat. For some people, they can be allergic to one food, while others tend to
have more than one food allergen. Knowing which food allergen to avoid is the
best way to stop the occurrence of an allergic reaction. It is also essential
to consult a doctor or an allergist so they can evaluate the severity of the
condition and on how to manage it properly.
Check out your family history
Doctors believe that allergies can
be hereditary, thus knowing your family history can also help in determining
the possibility of acquiring any food allergy. It is wise to discuss your
allergies with those around you, not only with the immediate family, but also
with other family members, friends and colleagues so everyone who spends time
with you can better understand your risks.
Read food labels
Learning how to shop for food is
important, especially if you or someone you live with has food allergies. When
buying packaged food in a grocery, make sure you read the ingredients on the
labels carefully. In some cases, ingredients are pooled and listed in generic
terms such as artificial flavors, seasonings or colors. If you’re unsure about
any of the ingredients, call or write the manufacturer. Not knowing the
ingredients in the food you’ll be eating can be dangerous and in some cases,
life threatening.
Have an allergy action plan
Having an action plan is very
important as well, especially for children who have severe allergies. It is
best to consult a doctor or an allergist with regard to planning strategies in
the event of a reaction, so you will be able to consider all likely allergic
reactions and what should be done in an emergency. A strong allergy action plan
includes when to take medication, when to increase medication, and when is it
necessary to call a doctor. Wearing a
medical bracelet or necklace is also important, especially if you’re going out.
This will help responders to quickly identify your condition and history during
an emergency.
Cook your own food instead of dining out
Eating out can be risky for a
person with food allergies since most restaurants and food chains don’t usually
provide detailed ingredient lists for the food they serve. Food preparation is
also done in an open kitchen, where cross contact and contamination of foods
can occur. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to cook your own food
instead of dining out. Try to enroll in cooking classes to learn a variety of
dishes, and to learn more about local and fresh ingredients.
Bring your own meals
There are also times when bringing
your own food is much safer than risking your life in eating food prepared by
other people. Sure, this might not be the most socially acceptable thing to do,
but it could save your life. There are some establishments or events that don’t
offer allergy-safe food, so it’s best that you’re ready when such situation
arises.
Keep medications on hand
Always have allergy medications,
like antihistamine and epinephrine injector, on hand at all times. These
medications can be your life saver, especially in emergency situations.
Antihistamines are best for mild allergies, but they shouldn’t be used as a
substitute for epinephrine. For severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, a shot of epinephrine is needed
as well as a strongly-advised trip to the hospital for monitoring.
Be prepared for emergency situations
Food allergies have no known cure,
so avoidance is the most effective way to evade an allergic reaction. Make sure
that you and your family are always prepared when an emergency situation
arises. Keep all emergency numbers listed on your speed dial, and make sure
that a copy is also posted near all other telephones in your home. All
medications should be easily accessible and make sure to keep a dose or two of
all your medications with you at all times, especially if you’re going out.
David
Novak’s byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world. He’s an avid health enthusiast, and
frequently is featured in regional and national health publications. He is also
a weekly writer for Healthline. To visit
his other stories on Healthline, visit
http://www.healthline.com/.
