There is certainly no cure for food allergies. It’s crucial to introduce your baby to allergens early to know which food items they can have appropriately. They can avoid specific foods that the babies are allergic to. Having food allergies doesn’t mean you can’t eat something healthy with friends and families. Likewise, every 1 in 10 have a food allergy, making them stress out whenever dining out. Food allergies can be life-threatening that triggers a reaction in the body. Some signs are swelling of the tongue, lips, stomach pain, shortness of breath, etc.Â
Tips for overcoming food allergies
Take care while cooking
If the people in the household not following an allergy-free diet, be sure to avoid cross-contamination. Besides, it is really healthy to have two sets of cooking utensils. One only for the allergic person so that his food habits don’t mix with others. For instance, the knife used for cutting peanut butter sandwiches is not used to butter toast of someone allergic to peanuts. All the dishes should be washed thoroughly with hot water and soap. The water needs to be soapy at all times while cleaning utensils.Â
Read all the labels carefully.
All the food packets nowadays come with food labels with allergic information. Since 1 in 10 have a food allergy, it’s indispensable to read the food labels before purchasing. Know whether the items contain any additives like milk proteins or by-products. Read every label every time you go out to buy something. Manufacturers keep on changing the ingredients frequently, and it’s essential you know what you are consuming.Â
Plan of dining out thoroughly
When planning to dine out, let the chef know in advance the food items you are allergic to. Further, introduce your baby to allergens early to distinguish between what they can have and what they need to avoid. You can customize a template of a card for people with allergies. All coffee shops and fast-food restaurants are doing it to understand their customers well. Read all the labels and ask questions before deciding what to eat or drink.Â
Make a list of foods you are allergic to
It’s always good to carry a printed copy of all the food items you are allergic to. This way, you will not have anything dangerous, even accidentally. You will be more cautious while dining out.Â
Know all the risks
Peanuts are from the legume family, but they are different from tree nuts. So, developing allergies in both cases is different. Some people can tolerate cooked foods though raw or partially cooked foods can cause symptoms. Besides, cooked food can taste different to the immune system. While traveling abroad, learn the language so that you can identify the allergens on the menus.Â
What are the common food allergies?
Top 9 allergens account for 90% of the food allergy reactions. Some of the foods are peanuts, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, eggs, etc. Every 1 in 10 have a food allergy from foods like peanuts, shellfishes, and tree nuts. Most adults and children suffer from such allergens that can be life-threatening. Be sure of the food terms for the specific allergies. For example, if you are allergic to milk protein, stay away from cheese, half cream, yogurt, etc. Also, look carefully at butter, cakes, sorbets, puddings, etc., having milk substitutes.Â
Can children outgrow food allergies?
Most allergies start from childhood only. When introducing solids, introduce your baby to allergens early so that you can prevent a food allergy. If having a milk allergy, infants and toddlers become allergic that can outgrow by 3 years. But allergies like peanuts, tree nuts, etc., tend to be lifelong.Â
Conclusion
The best way to avoid food allergies is to know what you are eating and what food substances you are allergic to. Further, if you are facing mild allergic reactions, it’s best to see a doctor. Your responses can be mild this time, but next time they might not be. Each reaction can be worse than the last one. So, consult a physician if you don’t know the precautions. Stay safe and try coping with the food allergy.Â
