Family

Tips On Understanding And Managing Food Allergies

With the high likelihood that multiple members of one family all suffer from an allergy, it is important to understand allergies and how to manage them together as a family.

cooking-eggs-milk-honey-webOne in ten Australian babies will develop an allergy, with 60 per cent of allergies appearing within the first year of life. Allergies can be hereditary; children with one family member with allergic diseases such as asthma and eczema have a 20-40 per cent higher risk of developing allergies. Children with two or more members have a risk of 50-80 per cent. With the high likelihood that multiple members of one family all suffer from an allergy, it is important to understand allergies and how to manage them together as a family.

If ingested, a food that triggers an allergic reaction can seriously harm the body. Any food can cause an allergic reaction; however the top eight allergens which make up 90 per cent of all food allergies include:

  1. Eggs
  2. Milk
  3. Peanuts
  4. Tree Nuts
  5. Soy
  6. Wheat
  7. Shellfish
  8. Fish

“The only way to deal with food allergies is to completely avoid the allergens,” explains Frank Buontempo, Director, Orgran Health & Nutrition. “Peanut, tree nut and seafood allergies, for many sufferers, are allergies for life. If an allergen comes into contact with the skin or is ingested, sufferers can show both physical and internal symptoms. These include itching, burning, swelling, runny nose, skin rash, hives, diarrhoea, cramping, breathing difficulties, vomiting and nausea. In the most severe cases, a food allergy can be life threatening if anaphylaxis occurs. As a leading brand in allergen free products, Orgran focuses on health and nutrition. Orgran develops food products to assist people to improve their health and provide nutritional alternatives for those with special dietary requirements.”

Food Allergy Awareness Week, (17-23rd May) is the perfect opportunity to sample some allergen free foods or, if someone in your household suffers with a food allergy, make a lifestyle change and use only products that are suitable for the whole family. Use allergy friendly products to create meals that are extremely nutrient dense, even when other food groups are excluded. Create recipes that are full of flavour that the whole family can enjoy, without the risk of one member becoming ill.

If you have a family member that suffers from a food allergy, Orgran offers these tips for avoiding allergens and staying safe:

1. Read all food labels

It may sound simple, but reading ALL food labels is the most important step in avoiding allergens. If a product says it has been made in a facility that contains the allergen, avoid the product.

2. Choose a specialised brand

Look for specialised brands that manufacture in allergen free environments. Specialist manufacturers have stringent quality control measures to reduce the chance of cross contamination at all stages of the supply chain and manufacturing process.

3. Understand your allergy

Understanding ingredients that contain your specific allergen or that commonly cause a reaction in people with similar allergies is essential. For example lupin is not a nut, but can cause anaphylactic reactions in some people with nut allergies while gluten is not just found in wheat, but also barley, rye, oats and is used as an additive in many products from condiments to lipstick.

4. Ask before you eat

If a product isn’t packaged or you are eating at a restaurant, enquire as to whether the product contains the allergen you are looking to avoid. Most people are very understanding of the need to avoid allergens and will try to be as hospitable and accommodating as possible.

For more information on allergies, great recipes and products available, visit www.orgran.com

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