To eat or not to eat: Allergen menu dilemma

It happens to be my Mom's birthday and as usual, all celebration menus get decided on what I can eat. Not because I am that special ( would be nice if I was) but because I can't eat at all the places due to my allergies. It has become a second habit to carry Benadryl and Epipen whenever I go out to eat.

A food allergy is a medical condition in which exposure to a food triggers a harmful immune response triggered by proteins in the food called allergens. The symptoms can range from mild (itchy mouth, a few hives) to severe (throat tightening, difficulty breathing). Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is sudden and can cause death.

You would be surprised to know that researchers estimate that 32 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.6 million children under age 18. That’s one in 13 children! And interestingly 40% have more than one food allergy. Nine major food allergens that cause most reactions are – milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean shellfish, and sesame.

I can tell you that I am allergic to 5 of them!

Here are some tips that I use when dining out and I would love to hear what you do. While growing up my mom helped, but I like to do things on my own, so here is my take on it.

• I always check for online allergen menus directly from the restaurant's website. there are actually many apps that can help you choose but I find this the most reliable.

• I call the restaurant directly ahead of time to see their policies about people with allergies and if they can accommodate special requests.

• While traveling I stick to "tried and tested" and mostly "chain restaurants" so I don't take risks out of town.

• Know your ingredients. My passion for food and cooking has made me better at knowing what ingredients go into most food. I always have a conversation with the "chef", you can always request to speak to one directly. Take a "Chef Card" with all your allergies written. If traveling internationally, then take it translated into the local language.

• Beware of the sauces! Surprisingly eggs, nuts, and anchovies are part of a lot of sauces and dressings. So I stick to a vinaigrette dressing or ketchup as my preferred condiment if unsure.

• Always take your Benadryl and Epipen if you have one with you when you go to eat out.

Okay, I got to go for the dinner that's waiting and celebrate the most special person, my mom today! I promise I will be back talking more about food allergies another day.

1. https://www.foodallergy.org/ . Accessed April 15, 2023

2. Branum AM, Lukacs SL. Food allergy among children in the United States. Pediatrics. 2009 Dec;124(6):1549-55. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-1210. Epub 2009 Nov 16. PMID: 19917585.

3. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/index.htm. Accessed April 15, 2023