A food allergy, different from a food sensitivity, involves the immune system.
This is the system in the body that creates antibodies when the body encounters a "foreign" substance. Think of these as little warrior cells created to fight off a foreign invader!
In the case of an allergic reaction (where the substance is a harmful allergen to the body) the immune system's response could lead to itchy or inflamed skin, a tingling sensation in the mouth, digestive problems, and even affect the airways. The reaction may range from minor and short-lived to severe. In some individuals, ingesting certain foods leads to a reaction that results in death!
Anaphylaxis, the most serious (potentially fatal) allergic reaction, is a total-body chemical reaction to an allergen. You may have heard of this life-threatening reaction in reference to people who are allergic to bee stings, peanuts, or chemicals like latex.
According to the Center for Disease Control, food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylactic reactions, with more than 300,000 emergency room visits each year involving CHILDREN!
Avoiding the offending foods and adhering to our special diet is our best defense when it comes to food allergy! By steering clear of the allergens completely, we can avoid these harmful reactions completely. As parents, we must help our children learn to do the same...
This is the system in the body that creates antibodies when the body encounters a "foreign" substance. Think of these as little warrior cells created to fight off a foreign invader!
In the case of an allergic reaction (where the substance is a harmful allergen to the body) the immune system's response could lead to itchy or inflamed skin, a tingling sensation in the mouth, digestive problems, and even affect the airways. The reaction may range from minor and short-lived to severe. In some individuals, ingesting certain foods leads to a reaction that results in death!
Anaphylaxis, the most serious (potentially fatal) allergic reaction, is a total-body chemical reaction to an allergen. You may have heard of this life-threatening reaction in reference to people who are allergic to bee stings, peanuts, or chemicals like latex.
According to the Center for Disease Control, food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylactic reactions, with more than 300,000 emergency room visits each year involving CHILDREN!
Avoiding the offending foods and adhering to our special diet is our best defense when it comes to food allergy! By steering clear of the allergens completely, we can avoid these harmful reactions completely. As parents, we must help our children learn to do the same...
Allergens Affecting Our Children!
Ninety percent of food allergies in the U.S. are attributed to 8 foods: cow’s milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (like pecans, almonds, and walnuts), wheat, fish and crustaceans (shellfish).
This “Big 8” list is no problem at all here at GlutenFreeGigi.com!
With the exception of two seafood recipes, all my recipes are free from the "Big 8" allergens. ALL of the new recipes coming your way will also be “Big 8”-free! That means you can feel confident browsing my recipe index and selecting a dish to recreate for your family! Now, for a little more insight into food allergies, let’s take a look at...
This “Big 8” list is no problem at all here at GlutenFreeGigi.com!
With the exception of two seafood recipes, all my recipes are free from the "Big 8" allergens. ALL of the new recipes coming your way will also be “Big 8”-free! That means you can feel confident browsing my recipe index and selecting a dish to recreate for your family! Now, for a little more insight into food allergies, let’s take a look at...
Helpful Food Allergy Facts & Tips!
-An allergic reaction to food is not always instant. In fact, a reaction may take as long as a few days to manifest! A “mystery rash” that shows up on Wednesday could result from a food consumed on Monday!
Gluten Free Gigi Tip:If you suspect a particular food may be causing an allergic reaction, it is a great idea to keep a food journal. Documenting what you eat makes it much easier to trace reactions back to specific foods.
·Quantity matters! A small amount of an offending food may not cause a problem at all, while a large amount may trigger a full-blown reaction. For example, occasionally eating shellfish may not cause an obvious reaction, but shellfish every day could lead to a serious case of hives!
Gluten Free Gigi Tip: Talk to your allergist about a rotation diet, which can help you detect and avoid allergens. This involves eating similar foods for 4 days, then rotating to a different group of similar foods. Check out this excellent How-To on the Rotation Diet for Food Allergies!
-Your nutrition and health does NOT have to be affected by food allergies! For any food that causes an allergic reaction, there is typically another food that can fill the “nutritional gap”.
Gluten Free Gigi Tip: Don’t let your nutrition suffer just because you need to eliminate a particular food from your diet.
For example, eliminating dairy from the diet causes some parents to be concerned about adequate calcium for their children. The fact is that dark leafy greens are loaded with this bone-strengthening mineral... Why not try these tasty Kale Chips for a super-simple and terrific quick snack!
What about a peanut allergy? It is not uncommon for vegetarians to rely on peanut butter for a tasty dose of protein for the kiddos. Did you know that sunflower seed butter provides the same amount of protein as peanut butter?! It tastes wonderful, too! Watch my short How-To video to see how simple it is to make my Sunbutter Cookies for a quick weeknight dessert!
Gluten Free Gigi Tip:If you suspect a particular food may be causing an allergic reaction, it is a great idea to keep a food journal. Documenting what you eat makes it much easier to trace reactions back to specific foods.
·Quantity matters! A small amount of an offending food may not cause a problem at all, while a large amount may trigger a full-blown reaction. For example, occasionally eating shellfish may not cause an obvious reaction, but shellfish every day could lead to a serious case of hives!
Gluten Free Gigi Tip: Talk to your allergist about a rotation diet, which can help you detect and avoid allergens. This involves eating similar foods for 4 days, then rotating to a different group of similar foods. Check out this excellent How-To on the Rotation Diet for Food Allergies!
-Your nutrition and health does NOT have to be affected by food allergies! For any food that causes an allergic reaction, there is typically another food that can fill the “nutritional gap”.
Gluten Free Gigi Tip: Don’t let your nutrition suffer just because you need to eliminate a particular food from your diet.
For example, eliminating dairy from the diet causes some parents to be concerned about adequate calcium for their children. The fact is that dark leafy greens are loaded with this bone-strengthening mineral... Why not try these tasty Kale Chips for a super-simple and terrific quick snack!
What about a peanut allergy? It is not uncommon for vegetarians to rely on peanut butter for a tasty dose of protein for the kiddos. Did you know that sunflower seed butter provides the same amount of protein as peanut butter?! It tastes wonderful, too! Watch my short How-To video to see how simple it is to make my Sunbutter Cookies for a quick weeknight dessert!
This last point is the most important. If you have a food allergy, or even multiple food allergies, you can still be healthy and eat great-tasting nutritious food. The same is true for your children. I promise... I do it with my family every day and I keep it simple and affordable.
You'll find everything we eat in my complete recipe index. Go ahead and take a look around. If you have any questions, let me know by leaving a comment below. You can also find me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
And now... If you prefer direct email you can drop me a line in my NEW mailbox! I look forward to hearing from you! Every couple of weeks I will send a Q&A email with the new insights we discover. My address is mailbox (at) glutenfreegigi (dot) com.
~g~
This Week’s Trivia Question... Answered!
This Week’s Trivia Question... Answered!
The Question: What is the most challenging withdrawal symptom for individuals on an elimination diet for a food allergy?
The Answer: Cravings for the offending food! It is common for the body to go through a type of withdrawal when a particular food is removed from the diet. This can lead to cravings for the food that is removed, even when that food is not good for you! Overcoming these cravings is difficult. It helps to keep in mind that in order to heal your body and for your health long term, you must adhere to your special diet.
If cravings for foods that aren’t on your special diet are haunting you, drop me a line and let me know about it. Perhaps I can adapt a recipe containing your offending food to one that fits with your special diet. I’d love to help if I can! This is the perfect sort of thing for my new mailbox!
The Answer: Cravings for the offending food! It is common for the body to go through a type of withdrawal when a particular food is removed from the diet. This can lead to cravings for the food that is removed, even when that food is not good for you! Overcoming these cravings is difficult. It helps to keep in mind that in order to heal your body and for your health long term, you must adhere to your special diet.
If cravings for foods that aren’t on your special diet are haunting you, drop me a line and let me know about it. Perhaps I can adapt a recipe containing your offending food to one that fits with your special diet. I’d love to help if I can! This is the perfect sort of thing for my new mailbox!
~g~
Up Next on GlutenFreeGigi.com...
Up Next on GlutenFreeGigi.com...
Tuesday wraps up our series of Gluten Free Gigi’s How-To Videos for my Top 12 Gluten Free Recipes for Special Diets from Year 1! I’ll have the “Final 3”, featuring more simple, affordable recipes that everyone will love!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Regardless of your food allergy or health goals, know that what I’m doing here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is for YOU because I understand what being on a special diet means!
Have a look around, get comfortable here, and come back often to check out new information and recipes each Tuesday and Thursday. Please feel free to leave a comment or question. I’ll always get back to you!
Thanks for being a part of my extended gluten free family!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Thanks so much for stopping by! Regardless of your food allergy or health goals, know that what I’m doing here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is for YOU because I understand what being on a special diet means!
Have a look around, get comfortable here, and come back often to check out new information and recipes each Tuesday and Thursday. Please feel free to leave a comment or question. I’ll always get back to you!
Thanks for being a part of my extended gluten free family!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Don’t take my word for it... Check my sources!
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