According to the Food Standards Agency UK - In the UK an estimated 2 million people are living with a diagnosed food allergy and 600,000 (1 in 100) with coeliac disease.
It’s May and it is Food Allergy Awareness Month!
Did you know that 8 foods account for 90% of all food allergy reactions?
These are:
-Peanuts
-Treenuts
-Dairy
-Eggs
-Soy
-Shellfish
-Wheat
-Fish
In the UK as with most cultures worldwide food is the centre of life, celebrations, gatherings, outings and social experiences so it is pretty hard to avoid.
Being a mum of a child with multiple food allergies I have learned to be extra vigilant over the years here are some of my top tips!
- Always read the label
- Always inform people you're with of the allergies
-Don't be afraid to wipe and clean surfaces and surroundings when you're out
-Watch out for cross contamination
-Don't share drinks or utensils
-Inform staff when eating out
-Always bring medical bag as accidents can happen
-Always wash your hands - Hand sanitizer does NOT remove allergens
If you suspect you or you child has a food allergy here are some things to watch out for
-Nausea
-Itchy Throat
-Eczema
-Bloating (unexplained)
-Headaches
-Phlegm
-Irritability
-Night Terrors (not medically proven but in our experience).
-ANAPHYLAXIS - ring 999 and state ANAPHYLAXIS use Adrenaline injectors if you have them.
*Disclaimer - I am not medically trained the advice and tips are based on my own experience managing my daughters condition.*
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