| et evening meal of an old family recipe of your | | | | Take the time to go through each labeled product in |
| aunt’s infamous lasagna has just turned into a | | | | the house and locate the food trigger. Try and |
| very scary situation. Your child turns to you and | | | | become familiar with as many names of |
| complains of an itchy mouth. As you are fumbling | | | | preservatives of possible. Preservatives and additives |
| with the phone to dial his pediatrician he suddenly | | | | are listed under a variety of names. In addition, be |
| progresses to worse as his tongue and throat begin | | | | wary of food items that have the words, |
| to rapidly swell up. His arms are covered with hives | | | | “natural flavors” in it. This term can |
| that seem to have come to life and an angry red | | | | hide a variety of hidden allergens to the |
| rash has covered his little face. The ambulance sirens | | | | non-suspecting person. If necessary, call the company |
| are wailing as your child gasps for air in your arms. | | | | and try to find out what exactly these natural flavors |
| This is an example of how your loved one could be | | | | are. |
| afflicted by a food allergen. His symptoms are shared | | | | It is worth the trouble if it saves your loved one |
| by thousands of Americans that suffer from a food | | | | from a ride in an ambulance suffering a reaction. The |
| allergy. Food allergies are a nightmare for the average | | | | next step after you have finished scouring your |
| allergy sufferer. In essence, it is the immune system | | | | cabinets is to purchase allergen free cookbooks. |
| that goes into battle mode to attack what is | | | | These are very helpful in finding recipes that omit |
| normally a harmless ingredient. Thousands of hospital | | | | major food allergens. They are resourceful in finding |
| visits each year are attributed to this condition. Many | | | | alternative ingredients to substitute in your cooking |
| other allergic episodes are quietly treated at home | | | | recipes. Learn to modify your favorite recipes with |
| with over-the-counter antihistamines such as | | | | an alternate food item. For example, yogurt can be |
| Benadryl. | | | | substituted for mayonnaise in many recipes. |
| Parents should be aware that soy, eggs, wheat, and | | | | A trip to your local grocery store may be |
| peanuts are just some of the most deadly allergens | | | | disappointing for you, as it is virtually impossible to |
| that can have devastating consequences once | | | | find anything with organic ingredients these days. It is |
| ingested. On the rise is a hypersensitivity to | | | | best to start your grocery stopping at a health food |
| preservatives and additives. Food dyes can cause a | | | | store. Many are happy to direct you to other organic |
| range of health ailments such as vomiting, shock, or | | | | sources that can easily be contacted online or by |
| cardiac arrhythmias. Almost every type of packaged | | | | telephone. It may be difficult to organize a menu |
| or prepared food comes with at least one | | | | suitable for someone with food allergies but it can be |
| preservative. For those afflicted with food allergies, | | | | done. A dietician can also be extremely valuable to |
| eating a simple meal can turn into a battleground. | | | | ensure that your loved one receives proper nutrition |
| How can you cook safely for someone with food | | | | in his diet. An allergic reaction can be avoided and |
| allergies? It is important to analyze what exactly they | | | | your loved one can eat safely by taking those few |
| can and can not eat. | | | | special precautions. |