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 MULTIPLE FOOD ALLERGIES - The Facts
1) The major eight food allergens include: dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts.
2) Multiple food allergies are common among children and adults. The eight major allergens are not all closely related; if you are allergic to one, it's likely you will not be allergic to all of them.
3) Consult an allergist to test for specific multiple food allergies.
4) The Federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) require all eight major allergens to be listed on the label of any food product containing these ingredients.
5) The top eight allergens can be found almost everywhere; always read labels before consuming packaged food and ask about ingredients while dining out. Presenting an allergy card to the chef considerably lowers the chance of an allergic reaction.
6) Many allergens can also be found in cosmetics, cleaners, detergents, and bath and body products. Always read the label before using any product, including hand soaps when possible. To be safe, carry your own hand wipes or antibacterial gel to cleanse hands while traveling.
7) One theory of multiple food allergies is "leaky gut." This is when small openings in the lining of the intestines allow large food particles to escape into the bloodstream. This can cause the body to produce antibodies against the particular food.
8) Another theory states that chemicals and pesticides in our food supply are responsible for the development of food allergies.
9) Unfortunately, there is yet to be a cure for single or multiple food allergies; strict avoidance is the only way to avoid an allergic reaction.
Tips and Tricks for Battling Multiple Allergies:
An allergic reaction can be caused by three different methods: direct contact, cross-contamination, or inhalation of allergenic particles.
Direct contact can be caused by ingesting allergens after forgetting to read a label or ingredient list. Cross-contamination happens when your food is cooked on the same surface as food containing allergens. Inhalation occurs when in close proximity to allergenic particles circulating in the air. The risk of all three happening is significantly higher at restaurants, bakeries, or anywhere else a predominance of allergens are served and/or cooked.
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| Starting in summer/fall 2009, our newsletters will supply quarterly issues of informative articles, allergy experiences, recipes, and more! |
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| At the Kids Korner, kids can play games, puzzles, and even meet characters with food allergies. No one above the age of 15 allowed! |
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| Read an assortment of restaurant reviews or post your own allergy dining experiences! |
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