Food Allergy Awareness: Raising Kids on a Special Diet

Isn’t it amazing how much child food allergy awareness there is in 2023? Well, kind of. While there are more resources now, such as the Food Allergy Research & Education Association, than perhaps 20 years ago, parents post diagnosis are often left wondering, what do we do now?

little one

When my 6 month old son was diagnosed with severe egg, wheat, and dairy allergies back in 2019, I was left completely blindsided and uneducated on the topic. Through this outlet, I hope to shed light on the statistical facts around food allergies, what causes them, and what can be done to combat them. Just in the United States, there are approximately 5.6 million children under the age of 18 who have food allergies with about 40% of them being allergic to more than one food (FARE, 2022).
Food Allergy Epidemic-Inforgraphic

Currently, there are nine major food allergens that are responsible for most of the serious food allergy reactions (FARE, 2022):

• Milk
• Egg
• Peanut
• Tree nuts
• Wheat
• Soy
• Fish
• Crustacean shellfish
• Sesame

For those wondering if there is a cure for food allergies, the simple answer is no. At this time, they are dealt with by avoiding the problem foods and learning how to treat them should reaction symptoms begin to occur (FARE, 2022). However, through food allergy therapies such as desensitization, small amounts of allergens can be introduced through oral challenges that over time can help alleviate serious reactions. My son just recently passed his baked milk challenge meaning he can now have dairy in a baked good form such as through cakes and muffins. Huge win!

For parents or caregivers new to this situation, those who have been dealing with it, or those who would just like to learn more, I will cover tips, allergen safe recipes that are vegan gluten-free, and more in future posts. However, it’s important that I leave you with some helpful information so that we may give those 1 in 13 children dealing with food allergies a voice (FARE, 2022).

Take Food Allergies Seriously
Whether it is someone you take care of or not, it is necessary to be respectful of those dealing with food allergies. Especially in children, never assume someone is being picky because they will not eat a certain food. This is most important in school, starting with PreK, that those with food allergies are given extra precaution.
Prevent Cross-Contamination
Preparing food for anyone with food allergies can seem like a difficult task but it doesn’t have to be. Being mindful of shared dishes and utensils, keeping problem foods separate, sanitizing shared surfaces and washing hands in between steps can make all the difference. Don’t forget, that spilled cow milk you forgot to sanitize could end up in a contact driven reaction!
Research Allergen Alternatives
Stores today have dedicated allergen-free aisles that have become a one-stop-shop for individuals with allergies or others choosing to avoid certain foods. For anyone with a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance, I strongly recommend anything by Bob’s Red Mill for they have many gluten-free options and take extra steps to avoid cross-contamination. Other substitutions will vary depending on an individual’s collective allergies but for getting started with children approved recipes, I went to the site of the Minimalist Baker. The author’s recipes can be sorted by special diet, require 10 ingredients or less,1 bowl, and about 30 minutes or less to prepare.

If you have made it this far, I can’t thank you enough for checking out my page. I sincerely hope you were able to learn a thing or two about food allergies and how it is so important that we come together to become advocates for children that cannot help themselves. In the meantime, let’s continue to support one another and I hope to see you back for more on Tiny Tummies, Big Taste!

References
FARE. (2022). Facts and Statistics. Food Allergy Research & Education. https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/facts-and-statistics

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Food Allergy Awareness: Raising Kids on a Special Diet
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