Does your friend also have a food allergy? Let's see how we can help!

Food allergies are very common these days. It's very likely that one of our friends or family members has one. So, if your friend has one of these food allergies, today we're going to talk about how you can help them and make their life a little easier. This will not only make it easier for you to talk about allergies when you're together, but your support will be a great help to them.

What exactly are food allergies?

Simply put, a food allergy is an overreaction of our immune system to certain foods. The substance in the food that causes this reaction is called an allergen .

Now, look, often these allergens can be hidden as ingredients in foods we don't even think about. That's the trickiest part of it. For example:

• Some soy- containing foods can be found in some breakfast cereals or in things like canned tuna.
• Some store-bought deli meats, such as sausages and ham, use a milk protein called casein to bind them together.
• Have you ever thought that even your favorite ice cream might contain wheat ?

The most common food allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts (such as cashews and almonds), milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish (such as shrimp and crab), and sesame. However, severe allergic reactions can occur to any number of foods.

Another thing is that even foods that don't list an allergen on the ingredients list can sometimes be cross-contaminated . That is, if someone who has handled a food that causes an allergy touches the food with the same hands, or if the food is prepared on the same equipment that prepared the food that contains the allergen, that food can also cause an allergy. Imagine what would happen if you cut a slice of bread with peanut butter with the same knife you used to cut a sandwich for a friend who has a peanut allergy.

Because of all this, being careful about foods that cause allergies is a really big responsibility and effort.

Why is a friend's help so valuable?

This is when the support of friends is invaluable. For someone with a food allergy, it is a great mental boost to have friends who understand and support you. Also, sometimes the support you get from friends can be life-saving .

Even a small amount of support you give to a friend with a food allergy can make a big difference to them. It makes them feel like they're not alone.

What can you do as a friend?

Okay, so now let's talk about some things you can do to help your friend.

1. Know the details exactly

This is the first and most important thing.

• Find out exactly what foods your friend is allergic to . Don't just assume "it's just lunch." It's possible that in addition to the type of food, they may also be allergic to something else in it.
• Ask about the symptoms of an allergy. Some people may experience skin rashes, itching, vomiting, stomach cramps, or trouble breathing . These symptoms may occur shortly after eating the food, or they may appear several hours later.
• Ask how they have reacted in the past . The important thing is that sometimes the same allergy can come back in different forms . Maybe it was just a little itchy the first time, but the next time it could be so bad that you can't breathe.
• The more you are aware of these things, the faster you will be able to recognize when something is wrong with your friend and take the necessary action without panicking . Got it?

2. Two heads are better than one (stay alert)

Sometimes your friend may not realize that their symptoms are due to a food allergy. Then you can help.

• For example, imagine that when you're going to class after lunch, your friend suddenly feels dizzy and lightheaded. Don't dismiss it as just a cold or some other illness. Just remind them, "Maybe it's something they ate for lunch?"

3. This is not a game, think seriously!

Food allergies can be life-threatening, so don't take this lightly.

• If you see your friend trying to eat something they're allergic to without realizing it, definitely tell them . Don't worry about "what will they think?" Your friend's safety is more important.
• This is especially important when your friend is distracted or not fully conscious (e.g., under the influence of alcohol) , as it can be difficult for them to think clearly and make decisions.

4. If symptoms begin, act quickly and get help!

This is a very important thing.

• If your friend starts experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fainting, or a feeling of choking , these could be signs of a very severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis .
• Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If not treated properly, it can even lead to death! So if you experience these symptoms , seek medical advice immediately, or take yourself to the nearest hospital. Don't panic, but act quickly.

5. Know what to do in an emergency.

• Ask if your friend has an epinephrine auto-injector (often called an EpiPen) to use in case they have a severe allergic reaction. This is a life-saving medication.
• Also find out where it is usually kept (e.g. in a bag, pocket).
• Ask a friend or someone you trust (e.g. a doctor) what it's like and how to use it . Then, God willing, if something happens and your friend is unable to use it, you can help.

6. Don't share food!

This is also an important point that many people don't consider.

• People with severe allergies need to be very careful about how they prepare and cook their food. Even a small thing can cause a big problem.
• For example, if you use the same knife you used to make your brother's peanut butter sandwich, thinking that nothing was wrong, and then make a cheese sandwich for a friend who has a peanut allergy, even a little peanut butter left on the knife could cause the friend to develop an allergy. This is what we call cross-contamination .
• So, be very careful when sharing food, especially with a friend who has allergies . It's also a good idea to use your own utensils, so that you're less likely to inadvertently pass on an allergen to a friend.

7. Wash your hands with soap after eating.

• We all know that it's important to wash your hands before eating. But if you have a friend who has a food allergy, it's even more important to wash your hands after eating . Especially if you've eaten something that your friend is allergic to, the allergens may be lingering on your hands and around your mouth.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of soap and hot water (if available) for at least 20 seconds.
• The most important thing is that hand sanitizers, gels, and sprays do not remove allergens . While they kill germs, they do not remove proteins in food (allergens are often proteins). So, if soap and water are not available, at least use a hand wipe.

8. Find out what your friend likes by chatting.

Sometimes, trying to help can end up embarrassing the other person. So, the best thing to do is talk to your friend.

• For some people, it's not easy to look at the labels on every food item and ask, "What's in this?" when they go to the store. It can be a lot of pressure for them.
• They may feel uncomfortable asking, "Is there anything special in this?" at a friend's table. Or they may feel like they're stuck in line at the cafeteria, and they just want to get their food quickly and have fun with their friends.
• So, ask questions like , "How can I help you?" "What kind of things would you like me to focus on for you?" and support your friend in whatever way they want. This will also strengthen your friendship.

The most important things to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

Living with a food allergy is not easy, but as a good friend, you can be a great support to them.

• Be informed: Know exactly what your friend's allergies are, their symptoms, and emergency treatment.
• Be careful: Pay attention to what your friend eats and drinks. If symptoms occur, consider whether it is due to food.
• Think seriously: This is a life-threatening situation. If you see someone eating something that could cause an allergic reaction, speak up.
• Be prepared for emergencies: Act quickly if signs of anaphylaxis appear. Be aware of epinephrine.
• Don't share food, wash your hands: Be careful about cross-contamination.
• Have a conversation: Ask your friend how they like it and help them accordingly.

This little bit of help, attention, and understanding from you will mean the world to your friend. It will not only give them a lot of strength to deal with their allergy, but it will also make your friendship even more beautiful.

Food Allergy, Allergen, Anaphylaxis, Epinephrine, Helping Friends, Food Safety, Health Awareness