To finish off this month's exploration of handling your child's food allergies, I'm giving you a list of some of the top recipe sites for allergen-free cooking and baking. While all the parents I've spoken to over the past month have discussed the challenges of helping their children stay away from foods that are dangerous for them, not one complained about the work it took to protect their kiddos. So, in an effort to assist even further, here are some resources. There are many, many helpful sites, but I tried to pinpoint those that offered more than just a handful of recipes...
For a variety of food allergies...
Allergic Living Allergy Safe Recipes - This site has a large index of recipes covering every meal and occasion. It also offers information about food allergies and blogs that discuss common questions. You can also subscribe to the magazine.
Living Without - This site highlights living without gluten (wheat), but offers recipes that address multiple food allergies. It is also a magazine.
Kids With Food Allergies - This site allows you to select which allergen to avoid while searching for recipes, which is a nifty little feature!
Peanut-free (and nut-free) recipes...
PeanutAllergy.com Nut-Free Recipes
Food.com Nut-Free Recipes
Huffington Post Nut-Free Recipes
Milk-free recipes...
Allrecipes.com Dairy-Free Recipes
Go Dairy Free
Food.com Lactose-Free Recipes
Gluten-free recipes...
Simply Gluten-Free
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness Seasonal Recipes
Gluten-Free Goddess Recipes
Food.com Gluten-Free Recipes
Egg-free recipes...
Allrecipes.com Egg-Free Recipes
Elana's Pantry
Food.com Egg-Free Recipes
Always happy to add more, so please comment if you've found a similarly helpful site!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Food allergies...what's ahead
Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing information from other Edmond parents about their experiences with handling their children's food allergies. What I heard time and again was that parents are doing the best they can, but all wish (and hope) the food allergy would go away for their children.
The parents didn't complain about extra work or inconveniences to them. No, none of them minded caring for a child with a food allergy and ensuring his or her safety. The frustration with food allergies comes from the stigma parents believe it creates for their child.
Because of this, several parents were looking toward strides made in food allergy research. Carly Harris, an Edmond mom with a young son suffering from milk, egg, and peanut allergies, hopes her son will outgrow his allergies (and there's hope that he might, at least for the milk and egg allergies). However, she also anticipates strides in food allergy research may lead to better treatment. "I have heard that there is a program offered by local allergy doctors where they can challenge the allergens and eventually make the children build up a tolerance to the foods," Harris says. "I am very hopeful to look into this."
And her hopes are not off base. Dr. Tim Trojan of the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma says that treatment has become available (as well as more accepted) that exposes children to small amounts of the allergen, creating a tolerance to it over time. "This may be a treatment to pursue," says Dr. Trojan, "if the allergy is creating a very negative impact on a person's quality of life."
However, he warns, having an "EpiPen" (epinephrine) on hand is imperative, as those who have been exposed to any allergen are at greater risk for an allergic reaction (see symptoms here).
News about research on food allergy treatment can be found on the website for Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Currently, the only method known for preventing a reaction is avoiding the food to which the child is allergic. The organization's treatment page also lists medications used for treating reactions. The treatment Harris mentioned, immunotherapy (also known as "allergy shots"), is experimental at the moment, but it has been known to be effective. More information can be found on the website for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
If you are ready to get more aggressive about tackling a food allergy, Dr. Trojan strongly suggests getting a recommendation for a board certified allergist from your child's pediatrician (you can also search for one here). A doctor who specializes in food allergies should be up to date on what treatments are available and also what is appropriate for your child.
Well, that's all for this week. Check back next week when we take a lighter approach to food allergies and post some links to recipes that tackle cooking with missing ingredients!
The parents didn't complain about extra work or inconveniences to them. No, none of them minded caring for a child with a food allergy and ensuring his or her safety. The frustration with food allergies comes from the stigma parents believe it creates for their child.
Because of this, several parents were looking toward strides made in food allergy research. Carly Harris, an Edmond mom with a young son suffering from milk, egg, and peanut allergies, hopes her son will outgrow his allergies (and there's hope that he might, at least for the milk and egg allergies). However, she also anticipates strides in food allergy research may lead to better treatment. "I have heard that there is a program offered by local allergy doctors where they can challenge the allergens and eventually make the children build up a tolerance to the foods," Harris says. "I am very hopeful to look into this."
And her hopes are not off base. Dr. Tim Trojan of the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma says that treatment has become available (as well as more accepted) that exposes children to small amounts of the allergen, creating a tolerance to it over time. "This may be a treatment to pursue," says Dr. Trojan, "if the allergy is creating a very negative impact on a person's quality of life."
However, he warns, having an "EpiPen" (epinephrine) on hand is imperative, as those who have been exposed to any allergen are at greater risk for an allergic reaction (see symptoms here).
News about research on food allergy treatment can be found on the website for Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Currently, the only method known for preventing a reaction is avoiding the food to which the child is allergic. The organization's treatment page also lists medications used for treating reactions. The treatment Harris mentioned, immunotherapy (also known as "allergy shots"), is experimental at the moment, but it has been known to be effective. More information can be found on the website for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
If you are ready to get more aggressive about tackling a food allergy, Dr. Trojan strongly suggests getting a recommendation for a board certified allergist from your child's pediatrician (you can also search for one here). A doctor who specializes in food allergies should be up to date on what treatments are available and also what is appropriate for your child.
Well, that's all for this week. Check back next week when we take a lighter approach to food allergies and post some links to recipes that tackle cooking with missing ingredients!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
From the frontline...Edmond parents share their food allergy struggles
This month, I've taken on the subject of food allergies in kids. So far, we've covered how these allergies make themselves known and how you as a parent can go about getting a proper diagnosis for your child. It's a frustrating, emotional battle, as I discovered while interviewing several parents who face these allergies on a daily basis.
So, if you or someone you know is facing the challenge of their child's food allergy, here are some others on the front line, parents taking on this diagnosis one day at a time...
Discovery...
Edmond mom Linda Fry learned her daughter had a food allergy when her daughter was five years old. "She went outside to feed squirrels some walnuts, and when she came back in, her face and hands were swollen twice their normal size. Her eyes were almost swollen shut." A visit to the doctor confirmed a nut allergy.
Two other Edmond moms, Carly Harris and Rachel Ambruso, both discovered their sons' food allergies before the boys turned a year old. Both mothers had breastfed, and it was only at the introduction of outside food when the truth was discovered.
Harris' son, a twin, was nursed for six months. "Though I consumed dairy," Harris explained, "he never had a problem vomiting until we started trying to feed him things directly such as cheese and yogurt. I remember feeding him yogurt and his face got so red and swollen that his eyes were almost shut." Skin prick tests done by a doctor confirmed a dairy allergy, as well as allergies to peanuts and eggs.
Ambruso's experience was similar. After her eight-month-old son started losing weight on a diet of breast milk and baby food, the pediatrician suggested supplementing with formula. "We tried it that evening. Having been exclusively breastfed, the bottle only touched his lips, and he refused to open his mouth for it. At the same time, my husband gave him a bite of his peach yogurt. Within a minute, his face started breaking out and just kept getting worse and worse." They had difficulty getting in to see an allergist due to their son's young age, but when he was finally seen at 13 months, the results of the skin test were extensive, with confirmation of allergies to milk, bananas, nuts, and eggs.
Managing the allergy...
All three parents named food avoidance as the number one strategy for avoiding allergic reactions and managing the food allergy(ies) successfully.
For Fry, the best course of action is being aware. "We’ve learned to avoid foods that we know cause allergic reactions. We’re very careful when trying new things and make sure the school knows about my daughter's allergies." She also mentioned that she checks at parties on food's ingredients.
Harris echoed this method. "To manage my son's food allergies, I have to modify foods. He will actually eat macaroni plain (without the cheese packet, milk, or butter). Several pizza places will make a cheese-less pizza. Often, we just avoid giving certain things to him and check ingredient labels."
Ambruso also uses food avoidance to manage her son's allergies, saying, "We have found all kinds of alternative foods that resemble 'the real thing.' We started giving him Organic Soy to drink (once he stopped nursing), and we are now switching him to coconut milk." In addition, she reads the food label every time she purchases a product, because ingredients can change, and she keeps Benadryl and an epinephrine on hand for emergencies.
The impact of allergies...
All three moms said the worst part of their child having food allergies is being the odd-man out at so many events. As parents, they hate having their child left out or unable to enjoy family or cultural traditions. Also, a parent may have to take on the outcast role too. Sometimes, "There is the feeling that you are being picky or a nuisance," adds Harris.
Ambruso is worried about her son's change from a mother's day out program to regular school, where there will be less opportunity to help control what he's exposed to. She hopes her son will outgrow his allergies, and that hope has been strengthened by words from her doctor. "His allergist said there is an 80 percent chance he will outgrow the egg and dairy allergy by the age of 5." However, "The chances of outgrowing the peanut and tree nut allergies aren't nearly as high, and his allergist said he could possibly have them for life."
Harris also hopes her son will outgrow his allergies, but on the same note, she's excited about strides in food allergy research. "I have heard that there is a program offered by local allergy doctors where they can challenge the allergens and eventually make the children build up a tolerance to the foods. I am very hopeful to look into this."
Fry tries to stay positive as well, but in the short term, she knows the battle is up to them. "The best thing we can do is be knowledgeable about the allergies and take precautions."
Check back next week as we talk about those new strides in food allergies, and who you can speak with in Edmond about the latest treatments.
So, if you or someone you know is facing the challenge of their child's food allergy, here are some others on the front line, parents taking on this diagnosis one day at a time...
Discovery...
Edmond mom Linda Fry learned her daughter had a food allergy when her daughter was five years old. "She went outside to feed squirrels some walnuts, and when she came back in, her face and hands were swollen twice their normal size. Her eyes were almost swollen shut." A visit to the doctor confirmed a nut allergy.
Two other Edmond moms, Carly Harris and Rachel Ambruso, both discovered their sons' food allergies before the boys turned a year old. Both mothers had breastfed, and it was only at the introduction of outside food when the truth was discovered.
Harris' son, a twin, was nursed for six months. "Though I consumed dairy," Harris explained, "he never had a problem vomiting until we started trying to feed him things directly such as cheese and yogurt. I remember feeding him yogurt and his face got so red and swollen that his eyes were almost shut." Skin prick tests done by a doctor confirmed a dairy allergy, as well as allergies to peanuts and eggs.
Ambruso's experience was similar. After her eight-month-old son started losing weight on a diet of breast milk and baby food, the pediatrician suggested supplementing with formula. "We tried it that evening. Having been exclusively breastfed, the bottle only touched his lips, and he refused to open his mouth for it. At the same time, my husband gave him a bite of his peach yogurt. Within a minute, his face started breaking out and just kept getting worse and worse." They had difficulty getting in to see an allergist due to their son's young age, but when he was finally seen at 13 months, the results of the skin test were extensive, with confirmation of allergies to milk, bananas, nuts, and eggs.
Managing the allergy...
All three parents named food avoidance as the number one strategy for avoiding allergic reactions and managing the food allergy(ies) successfully.
For Fry, the best course of action is being aware. "We’ve learned to avoid foods that we know cause allergic reactions. We’re very careful when trying new things and make sure the school knows about my daughter's allergies." She also mentioned that she checks at parties on food's ingredients.
Harris echoed this method. "To manage my son's food allergies, I have to modify foods. He will actually eat macaroni plain (without the cheese packet, milk, or butter). Several pizza places will make a cheese-less pizza. Often, we just avoid giving certain things to him and check ingredient labels."
Ambruso also uses food avoidance to manage her son's allergies, saying, "We have found all kinds of alternative foods that resemble 'the real thing.' We started giving him Organic Soy to drink (once he stopped nursing), and we are now switching him to coconut milk." In addition, she reads the food label every time she purchases a product, because ingredients can change, and she keeps Benadryl and an epinephrine on hand for emergencies.
The impact of allergies...
All three moms said the worst part of their child having food allergies is being the odd-man out at so many events. As parents, they hate having their child left out or unable to enjoy family or cultural traditions. Also, a parent may have to take on the outcast role too. Sometimes, "There is the feeling that you are being picky or a nuisance," adds Harris.
Ambruso is worried about her son's change from a mother's day out program to regular school, where there will be less opportunity to help control what he's exposed to. She hopes her son will outgrow his allergies, and that hope has been strengthened by words from her doctor. "His allergist said there is an 80 percent chance he will outgrow the egg and dairy allergy by the age of 5." However, "The chances of outgrowing the peanut and tree nut allergies aren't nearly as high, and his allergist said he could possibly have them for life."
Harris also hopes her son will outgrow his allergies, but on the same note, she's excited about strides in food allergy research. "I have heard that there is a program offered by local allergy doctors where they can challenge the allergens and eventually make the children build up a tolerance to the foods. I am very hopeful to look into this."
Fry tries to stay positive as well, but in the short term, she knows the battle is up to them. "The best thing we can do is be knowledgeable about the allergies and take precautions."
Check back next week as we talk about those new strides in food allergies, and who you can speak with in Edmond about the latest treatments.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Does my child have a food allergy? Getting the right answer for frustrating questions...
Food allergy. Say it around parents, and there's bound to be an opinion put forth shortly. Generally, it goes one of two ways.
"Gosh. Don't you think everyone's overacting to the whole thing? I can't even send a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to school! And my kids looove peanut butter!"
Or...
"Yeah. My kid's got them. We do the best we can."
Okay, so I'll admit that a few years ago, I may have fallen into the first camp. This may stem from an inordinate amount of adoration for all things Jiffy, but actually, my first experience with the subject came from working in public affairs at the National Center for Health Statistics. As a result of overseeing a TV interview with the statistician who had compiled a report on the increase of food allergies, I learned that the outlook for kids not developing food allergies wasn't so rosy.
When I became pregnant a year later, and eventually started my family, imagine my relief as my kids tried various foods with no adverse affects (beside the two-year-old saying, quite often and with great gusto, "Yucky").
But pretty soon, as a mother meeting other mothers in Edmond, I learned that dealing with the frustrating effects of food allergies is quite common. In fact, according to information from the National Center for Health Statistics, 5.6 percent of U.S. children (population under the age 18) have food allergies (that's 4.1 million kids!). And when I canvassed my friends for those who had children with food allergies, the percentage seemed like it could be even higher, at least in my circle.
One of my friends in Maryland, for example, discovered her son's food allergy before the age of one, when he couldn't consume things like cheese and yogurt. In fact, he had difficulty keeping food down, and what at first they thought was acid reflux, ended up being a milk allergy. An allergist soon confirmed that her son was allergic not only to milk, but also eggs and nuts.
In fact, food allergies at an early age is not so uncommon anymore. Dr. Tim Trojan of the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma said that some prevailing theories for an increase are related to our stringent hygiene, or even the antibiotics used in foods that we consume. While researchers debate how to combat the rise, those children who already have allergies (and their parents) must continue to battle for normalcy and proper nutrition on a daily basis.
So, how do you know if your child is battling a food allergy? Well, the symptoms can vary, but as a parent, you know better than anyone what seems strange in your child. However, Dr. Trojan stated that common signs of an allergic reaction to food can include swelling of the lips, hives, nausea and diarrhea. Furthermore, an article from WebMD describes an allergic reaction as follows:
"If people are allergic to a particular food, for example, they may first experience itching in the mouth as they start to eat the food. After the food is digested in the stomach, abdominal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or pain may start. When the food allergens enter and travel through the bloodstream, they can cause a drop in blood pressure. As the allergens reach the skin, they can induce hives or eczema, or when they reach the lungs, they may cause bronchospasm (wheezing or constriction of the lungs). All of this takes place within a few minutes to an hour."
Once you suspect something like a food allergy, a conversation with your pediatrician would be your next step. Your child's doctor may be able to point you to a board certified allergist (you can also search for one here), who can walk you through the tests and help you understand the probability of your child having an actual food allergy and the next steps toward treating it. For more on that, check back May 22.
Finally, food allergies aren't something to fear. Basically, "A food allergy is a diagnosis that can be managed and managed quite well; it is important to seek out resources (like recipes) and a community of support to find out how other people deal with it, as well as learn how to minimize social stigma and reduce risks," said Dr. Trojan.
Words to take to heart, for sure. Check back next week as I have the opportunity to chat with parents in the community about dealing with their children's food allergies.
And for another helpful reference from Healthline, check out The Effects of Anaphylaxis on the Body.
"Gosh. Don't you think everyone's overacting to the whole thing? I can't even send a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to school! And my kids looove peanut butter!"
Or...
"Yeah. My kid's got them. We do the best we can."
Okay, so I'll admit that a few years ago, I may have fallen into the first camp. This may stem from an inordinate amount of adoration for all things Jiffy, but actually, my first experience with the subject came from working in public affairs at the National Center for Health Statistics. As a result of overseeing a TV interview with the statistician who had compiled a report on the increase of food allergies, I learned that the outlook for kids not developing food allergies wasn't so rosy.
When I became pregnant a year later, and eventually started my family, imagine my relief as my kids tried various foods with no adverse affects (beside the two-year-old saying, quite often and with great gusto, "Yucky").
But pretty soon, as a mother meeting other mothers in Edmond, I learned that dealing with the frustrating effects of food allergies is quite common. In fact, according to information from the National Center for Health Statistics, 5.6 percent of U.S. children (population under the age 18) have food allergies (that's 4.1 million kids!). And when I canvassed my friends for those who had children with food allergies, the percentage seemed like it could be even higher, at least in my circle.
One of my friends in Maryland, for example, discovered her son's food allergy before the age of one, when he couldn't consume things like cheese and yogurt. In fact, he had difficulty keeping food down, and what at first they thought was acid reflux, ended up being a milk allergy. An allergist soon confirmed that her son was allergic not only to milk, but also eggs and nuts.
In fact, food allergies at an early age is not so uncommon anymore. Dr. Tim Trojan of the Oklahoma Institute of Allergy and Asthma said that some prevailing theories for an increase are related to our stringent hygiene, or even the antibiotics used in foods that we consume. While researchers debate how to combat the rise, those children who already have allergies (and their parents) must continue to battle for normalcy and proper nutrition on a daily basis.
So, how do you know if your child is battling a food allergy? Well, the symptoms can vary, but as a parent, you know better than anyone what seems strange in your child. However, Dr. Trojan stated that common signs of an allergic reaction to food can include swelling of the lips, hives, nausea and diarrhea. Furthermore, an article from WebMD describes an allergic reaction as follows:
"If people are allergic to a particular food, for example, they may first experience itching in the mouth as they start to eat the food. After the food is digested in the stomach, abdominal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or pain may start. When the food allergens enter and travel through the bloodstream, they can cause a drop in blood pressure. As the allergens reach the skin, they can induce hives or eczema, or when they reach the lungs, they may cause bronchospasm (wheezing or constriction of the lungs). All of this takes place within a few minutes to an hour."
Once you suspect something like a food allergy, a conversation with your pediatrician would be your next step. Your child's doctor may be able to point you to a board certified allergist (you can also search for one here), who can walk you through the tests and help you understand the probability of your child having an actual food allergy and the next steps toward treating it. For more on that, check back May 22.
Finally, food allergies aren't something to fear. Basically, "A food allergy is a diagnosis that can be managed and managed quite well; it is important to seek out resources (like recipes) and a community of support to find out how other people deal with it, as well as learn how to minimize social stigma and reduce risks," said Dr. Trojan.
Words to take to heart, for sure. Check back next week as I have the opportunity to chat with parents in the community about dealing with their children's food allergies.
And for another helpful reference from Healthline, check out The Effects of Anaphylaxis on the Body.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
The thing about kids and food allergies...
I recently had a conversation with a friend about her kid's food allergies. I sat with wide eyes as she explained all the measures she takes to ensure her two-year-old isn't exposed to milk, nuts, or eggs, which can have scary consequences.
It made me grateful that my kids seem to be able to eat everything (even though they won't). However, it doesn't mean they can't develop allergies later, or that kiddos with food allergies won't outgrow them.
So I gave myself a mission. A mission to learn as much as possible about what's going on with food allergies and kids these days, and what's available in Edmond to handle the situation.
According to the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, a food allergy results "when the immune system mistakenly targets a harmless food protein - an allergen - as a threat and attacks it."
The problem with food allergies in kids is pretty big--and growing. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 5.6 percent of U.S. children (population under the age 18) have food allergies (that's 4.1 million kids). The highest percentage (6.3 percent) is for kids ages 5 through 11. The prevalence of food allergies in 1997 was 3.4 percent, so obviously, it's on an uphill trend.
WebMD says that "Food allergies often occur in people who have a family history of asthma, atopic dermatitis, or allergies to pollen, mold, or other substances. These people are said to be atopic, meaning they have an inherited tendency to have allergic conditions. Allergies cannot be prevented in these people."
However, plenty of debate exists as to why there's an increase. Better diagnoses? Environmental factors?
Well, there's no straight answer. And really, preventing food allergies doesn't help those who already have it.
So, over the next four weeks, we're going to take a look at kids with food allergies and what you can do as a parent in Edmond to help your kid if he or she gets diagnosed.
Here's the breakdown:
May 8 - We'll take a look at the symptoms of food allergies and how you go about getting your child diagnosed.
May 15 - Several parents will share their experiences of having a kid with food allergies.
May 22 - We'll talk about strides in food allergy treatment, what's proven or not proven.
May 29 - The blog will feature the best websites for recipes that address certain food allergies.
So stay tuned! The fun has just begun...
It made me grateful that my kids seem to be able to eat everything (even though they won't). However, it doesn't mean they can't develop allergies later, or that kiddos with food allergies won't outgrow them.
So I gave myself a mission. A mission to learn as much as possible about what's going on with food allergies and kids these days, and what's available in Edmond to handle the situation.
According to the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, a food allergy results "when the immune system mistakenly targets a harmless food protein - an allergen - as a threat and attacks it."
The problem with food allergies in kids is pretty big--and growing. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 5.6 percent of U.S. children (population under the age 18) have food allergies (that's 4.1 million kids). The highest percentage (6.3 percent) is for kids ages 5 through 11. The prevalence of food allergies in 1997 was 3.4 percent, so obviously, it's on an uphill trend.
WebMD says that "Food allergies often occur in people who have a family history of asthma, atopic dermatitis, or allergies to pollen, mold, or other substances. These people are said to be atopic, meaning they have an inherited tendency to have allergic conditions. Allergies cannot be prevented in these people."
However, plenty of debate exists as to why there's an increase. Better diagnoses? Environmental factors?
Well, there's no straight answer. And really, preventing food allergies doesn't help those who already have it.
So, over the next four weeks, we're going to take a look at kids with food allergies and what you can do as a parent in Edmond to help your kid if he or she gets diagnosed.
Here's the breakdown:
May 8 - We'll take a look at the symptoms of food allergies and how you go about getting your child diagnosed.
May 15 - Several parents will share their experiences of having a kid with food allergies.
May 22 - We'll talk about strides in food allergy treatment, what's proven or not proven.
May 29 - The blog will feature the best websites for recipes that address certain food allergies.
So stay tuned! The fun has just begun...
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