Food Allergies & Food Intolerance

Recently Answered

• QHow can I help my child manage a food allergy?

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  A Ms. Vandana R. Sheth , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  As a registered dietitian specializing in food allergies and mother of a child with severe food allergies, here are some tips:

  • Start by educating your child on his/her specific food allergy.
  • Discuss "safe" foods and foods to avoid.
  • Practice label-reading and have a plan for parties, school holiday events, food-related projects, etc.
  • Depending upon the age of your child, consider doing a food allergy awareness program at the preschool/school to educate others in supporting your child. Involve friends and family members in the process to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for your child.
  • Consider scheduling a session for your child and you with a registered dietitian specializing in food allergies. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network is good resource.

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• QHow can I avoid foods I'm allergic to?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Avoiding foods you're allergic to is not an easy task, especially when eating prepared or restaurant food. The most common food allergens are milk, egg, peanut, wheat, soy, shellfish, fish and tree nuts. Following are tips for avoiding foods that you're allergic to:

  • At a restaurant ask your server about ingredients in menu items, but if he or she doesn't seem certain, ask to speak to the kitchen staff about the presence or absence or specific food allergens in the dishes you want to order.
  • Ask your healthcare provider for the various names of different forms of the food that you should avoid.
  • Read food ingredient labels closely to check for the presence of your trigger food substances. They are often found in places you wouldn't suspect.

  Beware of the hidden sources of your food allergens:

  • unlabeled ingredients in processed food
  • milk toppings on specialty drinks or bar drinks that can contain eggs
  • deli slicers used for both meat and cheese products
  • ethnic dishes that use peanuts and peanut oil
  • foods prepared without nuts contaminated by dishes using nuts
  • nutrition bars containing nuts or seeds
  • cakes or pies with hidden nuts in the crusts, batter or frosting

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• QIf I have a food allergy, how can I avoid having a reaction?

  5 Answers

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  A Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered

  If you or a loved one has a food allergy, here are a few tips to prevent an allergic reaction:
  
  

  • Meet with a registered dietitian (RD). An RD can help you understand which foods are safe to eat and how best to avoid items that may cause a reaction without short-changing yourself on important vitamins and minerals. An RD can help ensure you get the nutrition you need for your health and lifestyle.

  • Learn about ingredients in foods. Eggs, wheat, milk and other allergy-causing foods often are called by other names. To help you avoid allergens, the Food and Drug Administration has mandated food companies specify on product labels if any of the eight major allergens is contained in the food.

  • Alert your day care, school and workplace. Make sure teachers, nurse and administrators are aware of your child's food allergies and that they know how to respond to adverse reactions your child may experience. Similarly, inform your coworkers of allergies you have. Some people are familiar with food allergies and know what to do if a person has a reaction; others may not and will need your help in keeping your risk for exposure low.

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• QWhat disorders besides anaphylaxis can be triggered by food allergies?

  1 Answer

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  A Greenville Health System answered

  A third of patients who have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) have a food allergy trigger. Patients who suffer from eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (such as eosinophilic esophagitis) frequently have a food allergy component. Also, contact urticaria, contact dermatitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis all involve food allergies.
  The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
• QHow do I know if a food contains wheat?

  2 Answers

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  Current labeling laws require food manufacturers to tell on the product's label if it contains wheat. Wheat must be listed even if it is present in colors, flavors, or spice blends. You should read all labels and the ingredients list. Wheat is easy to spot in baked goods, breads, cereals, and crackers. Other foods such as bologna, imitation crab meat, luncheon meats, salad dressings, and some ice cream may have hidden wheat.

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• QWhat foods can I eat if I have multiple food allergies?

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  A Ms. Vandana R. Sheth , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  Being diagnosed with multiple food allergies can be challenging.  This said, there are many alternatives as far as food choices go to allow more flavor, texture and nutrients.  It is important that you schedule a session with a registered dietitian specializing if food allergies to assess your nutritional needs and help you individualize a meal plan that excludes foods that you are allergic to and adequately meets your needs.  Visit eatright.org to find a dietitian near you.

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• QHow can I help my child manage her food allergy in school?

  4 Answers

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You can help your child manage her food allergy in school by teaching her which foods to steer clear of and how and when to tell an adult if she’s having an allergic reaction. Make sure she understands what it feels like when an allergic reaction begins and, if she's old enough, how to read food labels to avoid allergens that are problematic for her.
  
  You should also make sure her teacher and the school nurse and other school personnel know about your child's food allergy and develop a plan for different environments, including the classroom, cafeteria and school bus for dealing with it. Provide any necessary medical documents, instructions and medications, such as an EpiPen (a one-shot dose of epinephrine).

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• QCan I eat non-dairy foods if I have a milk allergy?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  "Non-dairy" foods may still contain milk proteins, so if you have a milk allergy, take time to read labels. Many packaged meals, vegetables, gravies, sauces, soups, and salad mixes contain milk. Avoid foods that contain milk, milk products, milk casein, or caseinates. Use milk-free margarine when cooking, and soy formula, water, or juice as substitutes for liquids in baking.

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• QWhat foods should I avoid if I'm allergic to soy?

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  A Dr. Paul M. Ehrlich, MD , Allergy & Immunology, answered

  Anyone following a soy-free diet due to a soy allergy must avoid:
  
  

  •   Akara
  •   Hydrolyzed soy protein
  •   Miso
  •   Soy sauce
  •   Soy grit
  •   Soy nuts
  •   Soy sprouts
  •   Soy protein concentrates
  •   Soy protein isolate
  •   Tamari
  •   Tempeh
  •   Textured vegetable protein
  •   Tofu
  •   Vegetable oil

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• QWhat foods can I eat if I have a milk allergy?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Bruce L. Pfuetze, MD , Allergy & Immunology, answered on behalf of Overland Park Regional Medical Center

  Patients with severe milk allergy need to avoid all milk protein contained  in milk and milk products. It is essential to read labels (all foods are now labeled if they contain milk).