Do you have food allergies too? (Food Allergies) Let's know these things to live without fear!

Do you also experience discomfort when you eat certain foods? Perhaps a doctor has told you that you have a foodallergy . If so, the doctor may have also told you how to prevent that allergic reaction from occurring. But, there are a few things that are important to all of us when living with these food allergies . Let's talk about them in a little more detail today, shall we? This is like talking to a friend, read it slowly.

How to avoid having an allergic reaction?

Simply put, the only thing you can do is to completely avoid the food you know you're allergic to. Just think, sometimes even a small, really small piece can cause an unimaginably severe allergic reaction (Serious Reaction). So this is not something to take lightly.

When we say "avoid," it doesn't just mean not eating that food. Some people can get allergic even just by touching that food or smelling it. Also, sometimes non-food items like cosmetics that we use can contain things that you are allergic to. So you need to be very careful.

Now let's look at some important ways to avoid coming into contact with foods you may be allergic to.

1. Read food labels carefully!

This is very important. Almost every food package we buy from the store has a label. We should make it a habit to read it carefully. In countries like the United States, food manufacturers are required by law to clearly list the common allergens in their products. These common allergens are:

• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts (for example, walnuts, cashews)
• Shellfish (e.g. shrimp, crabs, mussels)
• Fish
• Wheat
• Milk
• Sesame
• Eggs
• Soy

Information about these allergens can be found on the label in two ways:

• One is that the type of food is mentioned in the ingredients list.
• The other is that there is a special warning, like "This contains peanuts," somewhere on the label, that is, an 'Alert.'

But, here's another thing. Not all allergens are always clearly listed on the label like this. Especially if they don't fall into the major allergen categories I mentioned earlier, they can be a little hard to find. Sometimes they can be hidden behind a lot of scientific-sounding ingredients, or under common terms like "natural flavors," "coloring," or " spices ."

So, always read the label on every package carefully . Because the ingredients in products can change from time to time. Sometimes, even different sizes of the same product may contain different ingredients. So don't think, "Oh, it wasn't in the previous one." Check every time.

2. Be aware of cross-contamination!

This is also a very important point. Another thing that may not be shown on a label is the risk of cross-contamination. "What is this cross-contamination?" you may be wondering. Simply put, this happens when a food that you are not allergic to comes into contact with a food that you are allergic to. Imagine, if you grind different types of food in the same machine (equipment), there is this risk. For example, if you grind something else in the same machine that grinds peanuts, a little peanut can get into it.

Some companies use labels to warn consumers about this risk, such as "May contain peanuts," "Processed in a facility that also processes nuts," or "Manufactured on equipment also used for shellfish ." If you have a food allergy to a food , you should definitely avoid products that have such a label.

However, not all companies are required by law to put warnings about cross-contamination on their labels. So, if you have any concerns about a food, the best thing to do is to contact the company and ask if the product may cross-contaminate with a food you are allergic to. Sometimes you can find this information on their website. Or you can call them and ask. Don't worry, it's your right to know your safety.

How to be safe when eating out?

Now let's look at how to be careful when eating out, that is, in a restaurant, cafeteria, or food court. In fact, many places now take care of people with allergies. However, the risk of cross-contamination mentioned earlier is also present when eating out. When the kitchen staff uses the same utensils, surfaces, and oil to prepare different types of food, things that you are allergic to can get into your food.

So, what can be done?

• Be sure to ask what the food you are planning to eat contains, how it is cooked, and clearly state what you are allergic to.
• Many people say that the best thing to do is to bring safe food from home , or eat at home before going out. Then you can feel at ease.
• If you're going to eat at a friend's house or with them, tell them about your allergies in advance so they can prepare accordingly.
• If your friends are allergic to food, don't share drinks or cutlery with them. Don't even go try their food, okay? It may seem like a small thing, but it can be a big problem.
• Another thing is that you can carry a personalized 'chef card' with details of your allergies. When you show this to the restaurant staff, it will be easier for them to prepare a safe meal for you.
• Most importantly, if the manager or owner of the restaurant is not very interested in your request, that is, in preparing food for you safely, it is best not to eat there . Your health is what matters.

It's better to avoid shops like this!

There are some shops that are a bit more risky for people with allergies. It's wise to avoid such places as much as possible.

• If you are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts , it is best to avoid places that use a lot of those types of nuts or places that use peanut oil. These are often used in some Asian restaurants.
• If you are allergic to fish or shellfish , it can be risky to eat at places with open stovetops or where fish or shellfish are steamed. This can also cause allergies.
• Buffets and salad bars are also a bit risky because people are likely to share food from the same spoon. Then you could mix something you're allergic to with something you're eating.
• The risk of cross-contamination is also high in places like bakeries, ice cream parlors, and candy shops, as the same equipment, for example, shared scoops or machinery, may be used.
• When eating in restaurants,Avoid fried foods as much as possible. Many places fry different types of food in the same oil. So, if you fry your food in the same oil that you are allergic to, it could be a problem.

What to do if you have a sudden allergic reaction?

Okay, so we've been talking about how to prevent allergies for a long time. But, no matter how careful you are, sometimes an allergy can come on unexpectedly. What do you do if that happens? This is something very important and something to keep in mind.

• If your doctor has given you epinephrine (this usually comes in a pen-like injection - an auto-injector), always keep two doses of it with you . Even if you use one, you may need a second one, or you may need to wait until you get to the hospital.
• Your doctor may have given you an Allergy Action Plan . It clearly states when you should use epinephrine, and what to do next. Make sure you understand it and follow it carefully.
• Tell your family, close friends, and teachers at school about your allergy . If you need to, show them where your epinephrine is. It would be great if you could also teach them how to use it.
• Tell an adult as soon as you start to experience allergy symptoms, even if they seem minor (e.g., a little itching, a little swelling of the lips) . Don't be alone. That person can then help you treat them according to your Allergy Action Plan.

Remember, sometimes severe allergies (like anaphylaxis) start with very minor, common symptoms. So don't ignore even the smallest thing.

So, what are the most important things we learned from this story? (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so let's remind you again of the most important points from what we've talked about:

1. Know exactly what foods you are allergic to and avoid them completely .

2. Always read food labels carefully . Whether you buy a new package or a previously purchased one, always check it.

3. Be careful about cross-contamination , especially when eating out.

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions when eating out. Your safety is important.

5. If your doctor has given you epinephrine, always carry two doses with you and know exactly how to use it.

6. Get an Allergy Action Plan from your doctor and share it with family and friends.

7. If you experience even the slightest symptom of an allergy, tell an adult about it immediately .

So, by avoiding the foods you are allergic to and being prepared, you can protect yourself. This may seem a little difficult, but once you get used to it, it's not that difficult. Remember, you are not alone . Your doctor, family, and friends are all there to help you. Live without fear and be careful!

If you want to learn more about this, you can visit the websites of reputable organizations like Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). However, no matter what you do, it's always best to talk to your doctor about this . He or she can give you the advice that's right for you.

Food Allergies, Allergic Reaction, Epinephrine, Cross-Contamination, Food Labels, Allergy Management