How to Care for Yourself or a Loved One With a Food Allergy

If you or a loved one has a food allergy, being prepared is essential for managing the challenges that may arise. While food allergies can be challenging, with the right education and preparation, you or your loved one can lead a safe and fulfilling life, just like anyone without an allergy. Although some situations may be beyond your control, there are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction and ensure that, if one does happen, you're equipped to respond quickly. In this blog, we’ll explore key tips to help you and your loved ones live with confidence and peace of mind, minimizing the worry that comes with managing food allergies.

10 Food Allergy Self Care Tips

For individuals living with allergies, or those caring for someone with allergies, two key themes stand out: planning and communication. Creating a solid plan and effectively communicating your needs to others are essential steps in ensuring safety for you or your child when managing allergies. Here are 10 key tips to help keep you and your family safe from potential allergens:

1. Communicate Your Needs

The most important thing you can do is communicate. Tell decision-makers around you about you or your child’s allergy and find out what steps are being taken to reduce the risk of a reaction.

For example…

• If your kid with an allergy is in class, make sure the teachers and faculty know so they can plan as needed.
• If you have an allergy and you’re going camping, inform your fellow campers (especially if you’re sharing food!) and tell them how to help in the event that you experience a reaction.
• If you’re at a restaurant, make sure the wait staff and chefs know so they can prepare the food accordingly.

Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel someone else’s knowledge of the situation could make a difference.

2. Read Labels

Fortunately for people living with allergies, the Food and Drug Administration mandates that all products must clearly state whether it contains an allergen (or could contain traces due to cross-contamination). Make a habit of closely reading food and beverage labels before consumption so you can make educated decisions about what to consume.

3. Have a Plan

If you experience severe allergic reactions, it's crucial to always carry your epinephrine injector or any other prescribed medication to manage them. Ensure your medication is not expired and keep it in an easily accessible location. When traveling with friends or family, inform them of where your medication is and how to administer it in case you're unable to do so yourself. Work with your doctor to develop a personalized action plan for managing exposure and reactions. Ensure that others that will be around you or your child can recognize the symptoms of a reaction and know how to help in an emergency.

4. Plan Your Meals

Plan ahead by researching menus at restaurants before trips or outings. This will help you identify places that offer allergy-friendly food options. If you’re visiting friends or family who are preparing food, communicate with them to find out if they are using potential allergens or if they are taking the proper steps to avoid cross-contamination. When in doubt, have a backup plan – pack an easy meal that you can eat in the event that the hosts cannot accommodate your needs.

5. Understand Cross-contamination

Understand the risks posed by cross-contamination and what you can do to prevent it. Depending on the severity of your or your child’s allergy, even small traces of an allergen could trigger a reaction.

6. Pack Safe Snacks

If you’re going on a trip, pack allergy-friendly snacks so you’re prepared if you or your child is hungry and there aren’t allergy-friendly options readily available. Know which snacks are allergy-friendly so you can make a quick, informed purchase if you’re in a pinch.

7. Stay Educated

Staying informed is one of the most important aspects of managing food allergies. Since food products, manufacturing processes, and medical knowledge are constantly evolving, it’s essential to regularly update your knowledge about allergens and food safety. Monitor food recalls and follow research on hidden allergens to stay informed.

8. Wear Medical Alert Indicators

Allergy bracelets are invaluable in emergencies because they clearly inform medical professionals about your allergies during a severe reaction. This critical information can make all the difference in how quickly and effectively you’re treated, making allergy bracelets a vital tool for your safety. Many companies offer stylish allergy bracelets for both adults and children, so they can look like ordinary accessories while still serving a crucial medical purpose.

9. Control What You Can, Plan Around What You Can’t

Take steps to control the factors that you can, while accepting that there are some things that are unchangeable, and thus you may have to plan around them. For example, if you’re at a wedding, the food served simply might not be inclusive to your allergy. Adequately preparing for these situations will help you overcome the anxiety that comes with factors you can’t control.

10. Stay Calm

If you've effectively communicated your needs and developed a solid plan, you can feel confident that you're doing everything possible to ensure the best outcome for you or your child. Living with allergies presents its own challenges, but it doesn't mean you or your child can't enjoy life and share joyful moments with others. Take a deep breath—you’re doing an amazing job!