Adults with Food Allergies Support Group

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In the United States alone there are 15 million people diagnosed with one or more food allergies. In the world, there are over 220 million diagnosed cases of food allergies. 

Trending today, more and more Adults are being diagnosed with multiple food allergies. There is no cure for FOOD allergies. A true food allergy is an autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple parts of the body. 


Food Allergies can strike at any point in a person's life. Allergic reactions can be severe and sometimes are known to become more severe with age. 

While children are very supported are this subject and parents remain very active, there are few places adults can turn to for support. Food impacts every aspect of our lives. It's emotional, it's mental, it's physical and it's social.

Food Allergy Gal has been fortunate to hear 1000's of stories of adults dealing with multiple food allergies in her career and has searched high and low to find a group in the United States that is only devoted to creating solutions and focusing of managing food allergies as an adult. 

Starting this group is a foundation for other support groups to develop in local areas. The goal is to bring adults together not to complain (although it's totally normal to discuss the struggles and be emotional, because it is) but to help each other by talking about solutions, ways to promote and support change, share safe food products, recipes, experiences and much much more.

 The more we come together and unify in numbers, the more we can create a community that creates change. 

Food Allergy Gal will host an ONSITE and VIRTUAL support group for food allergic adults. You can see or hear from others managing the same disorder. Gain the strength and support from the numbers coming together and know you are not alone in a world that often times can feel isolating and misunderstood. 

Even if you don't feel you need support, someone else may need your support, so consider joining to help others. 


How to sign up for Adults with Food Allergies Support Group: 

1. Email: info@ilaraholland.com with subject: Adults with food allergies support group to be added to the group meeting list. 
2. Meetings are now Tuesday nights @8:30 PM EST) 1,3, 4th weeks of the month. (Subject to change- so please connect directly to confirm)
• Dial–in Number: (712) 432-1212
• Meeting ID: 270-856-126

Still not ready to join but want to stay connected to people with food allergies here are some suggestions. Like these pages or request to join these groups:

1. Food Allergy Gal Facebook Page

2. Food Allergies Group on Facebook

3. Food Allergy Network

4. Find Support Other Food Allergy Support Groups

5. SF Bay Food Allergy Support-
6. Adults with Food Allergies Support Group

Not a fan of Facebook and want other suggestions, e-mail us. 

Cross Reactivity in Food Allergies

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I recently interviewed a few board certified allergist about my specific food allergies. 
The doctor who diagnosed me is a board certified allergist and he talked in depth about cross reactivity of food allergies and recently I saw another allergist who backs up the same story on cross reactive or intolerance. 
I have an orange allergy as one of my 10 diagnosed food allergens. Doctors told me citric acid, lemon, lime and grapefruit might also be cross reactive to my orange allergy- so I followed this strict policy for over a year of avoiding all these foods and products made with citric acid.

Based on my interviews with a recent specialist who said it was "impossible to be allergic to citric acid," I went ahead and tried a product that was sent to me which contained citric acid.

Standing in the library 10 minutes after eating it, my chest was sore and my face felt like it was on fire- I forgot I had just eaten and kept thinking-"what the heck is wrong with me..." 

While I didn't go into anaphylaxis- the effects of eating citric acid lingered for over 3 hours. My kids love the product but this mommy now realizes these doctors who say citric acid is a cross reactive with a citrus allergy, may have been right.

Here is the original article I wrote: http://www.examiner.com/article/food-allergen-myths-dispelled

Read More about cross reactivity with food allergies

While the allergy specialist I interviewed say there is not enough information available to make 100% conclusions about anything in food allergies- every person reacts differently and no one is really uploading information to one medical database to help others who may experience the same things so other specialist and patients can learn and understand more to connect the dots.

Those suffering with the reactions are the experts on how their bodies respond, but doctors will still say, "the mind is a very powerful thing," meaning what we think or believe to be true may not always be real. It's still hard to say. I don't wish to have any food allergies or wish it upon those who are true food lovers, but it is difficult to argue with your body when it is reacting.  

What's Your Story with Food Allergies

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Stories like this (below from Iris Brown) come across my desk every day and while I try to keep up and publish special articles and share with the world, especially the food and medical world, it doesn't always happen in a timely fashion. 

These stories are what keep me running Food Allergy Gal and iLaraHolland, Special Dietary Needs Consultancy for restaurants, bakeries, cafeterias, etc. 

I don't know of a single food consultant in the world who does what I do exactly and is active in helping bridge the gap between medical and food industry by bringing real solutions to business, that actually work through education, technology and hands on solutions.  

I surround myself  with more than just other food allergics or food allergy support groups. I am in the face of the restaurants and businesses across the world. I am with the people, for the people on the ground floor of life and business, every single day. 

I don't sit in a fancy office making executive decisions. I am usually making executive decisions when I am on the road or in a restaurant kitchen and public dining rooms- not just my own kitchen. 

While food allergies are first world problems and the last thing someone can think about when they can't even put food on the table because they can't afford it (which I really understand, as I've been there many times) It's an issue that if not addressed can kill or make someone very sick and unable to function for weeks at a time. 

I share these stories to help others, help others and create a world where living life isn't just about food allergies, it goes back to being able to LIVE and ENJOY life again. 

Iris Brown writes and shares this story from an online Food Allergy Support Group. 
"I could use some support.
My allergies are: dairy, eggs, yeast, corn, pineapple, melons, all peppers, avocado, cranberry, clam, oysters, radish, scallops.
A couple of those produce severe reactions, some are delayed, most are minor, but uncomfortable. 
Needless to say I feel my best when I avoid them all. Yet, my menu is extremely limited and I'm finding it more and more depressing to eat dry plain salad every time I'm away from home. Not to mention some people just don't understand and I get so so so tired of explaining that I'm not picky, a food snob and yada yada.
So I've been eating some items more regularly and my health is getting poor and I've put on 10 pounds.
Due to the depression of feeling left out, misunderstood, and severe inconvenience I'm having trouble sticking with my desire to choose to better my health by saying no.
Does anyone else deal with this everyday?  Does anyone else deal with depression about food allergies?
If so do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!" 

E-mail me your story!

If you feel compelled to help Food Allergy Gal stay alive and active, please donate as every $1.25 goes a long way to making a BIG difference in 220 million peoples' lives, like Iris Brown. 

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Your stories make all the difference in the world to me. I want to know because I care and sharing your story helps others too. 
 I want to make a difference in your life and for those who come after you. I am interested in building a world where you can enjoy eating, shopping and cooking again so you can function doing the things you love. E-mail me your story: info@ilaraholland.com

A baby's cry for help

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Breast milk and Infant Allergies

By Debra Guckenheimer

Last August, my spouse and I got the call. There was a baby who needed a home. The next day, we drove to the hospital and picked up the newest addition to our family.  As a person with food allergies, I paid attention to his digestive troubles and the rash he got when I gave him a massage with coconut oil. His pediatrician diagnosed him as possibly having an allergy to cow’s milk and/or coconut, both ingredients in most infant formulas. While the doctor had previously said my baby just had colic and there was nothing to do to help him, I saw everything change for my baby when he started receiving breast milk from the Mother’s Milk Bank in San Jose.

The Mother’s Milk Bank of San Jose is the only nonprofit milk bank providing tested, pasteurized milk in California and much of the Western United States. Their supply is running dangerously low, and we often are delayed in receiving our shipment. Their milk is donated by generous moms who produce extra milk.  Their milk is available to babies like mine by prescription.  Many of the recipients are preemies in the hospital.

Breast milk helps babies like mine with food allergies. Formulas tend to contain common allergens including cow’s milk, soy, wheat, and GMO corn. By avoiding these, babies with sensitivities or even allergies have time to heal and potentially grow out of these food issues. Breast milk is thought to help protect babies from developing allergies as well. Breast milk is easier to digest and fights disease.

Since my baby started receiving breast milk, he sleeps better; has less gas; when he has gas, it is no longer painful; and he cries less. This change happened like magic, immediate and long lasting. We have tried so many formulas that did not work for him. 

It is so heartbreaking when the bank does not have enough milk for him. So many of my friends who previously breastfed their children told me they were not aware of milk banks. 

Please help me spread the word so that babies like mine can overcome their food allergies or food sensitivities. 

Contact Debra: 

debraguckenheimer@gmail.com
Twitter: @dguckenheimer


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Dining Tips for a Food Allergic

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Eating out

Some people with severe food allergies feel it is too risky to eat out, but some food facilities have good allergy controls in place and can offer accurate ingredient information.  

By taking care and asking direct questions, you won’t have to be denied the pleasure of going out for a meal.

Some helpful tips for eating out:

• Call the restaurant in advance. Ask whether they will help you choose a suitable meal.
• If a group is dining out, bring a snack from home for the food allergic to start eating while their meal is being prepared.  (It could take longer than normal.)  This will give the staff time to be extra careful without having to watch everyone else eat.  
• Be clear in explaining the risks and how serious the food allergy is.  
• Question staff very directly.  It may be necessary to speak to a Manager or Chef when possible.
• If something looks suspicious, or if the information you have been given seems inadequate, don’t be embarrassed to mention it and find out more.
• People who are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts often choose to avoid Thai, Chinese and Indian restaurants altogether.
• If you have multiple food allergies, have them written down in your phone or on a chef card. Having chef cards in multiple languages can be very helpful. (Include latex if you have a latex allergy, to ensure latex gloves and instruments are not being used in the kitchen) (https://www.brokerfish.com/food-allergy-translation-cards)

These are examples of "Chef Cards"

Cooking

Preparing food for someone with a severe food allergy can be challenging, but managing the risk is a matter of common sense.

Sometimes it is impossible to ban certain foods from public food facilities therefore, be scrupulous about keeping risky foods apart from the safe ones by practicing these techniques. 

• Wash your hands before preparing a food allergics meal. We don't recommend latex gloves be used due to high number of people diagnosed with latex allergy.  
• Use separate cutlery, chopping boards and utensils to prevent cross-contact.  Purple is the recognized allergen friendly color in the kitchen. You can purchase safe kits online or from a distributor like Sysco or US Foodservice. 
• Use plenty of hot, soapy water to clean the area around where food is being prepped.
• Avoid splatters and spillages by covering food up.
• If you are a food facility that caters to the public it is a good idea to have all ingredients and sub-ingredients listed. If you don't use an electronic system such as AllerSmartMenu then keep updating an ingredient book. You never know when someone is going to come in who has a food allergy or food intolerance. If you are unsure what ingredients are in a product and need a quick reference, you may also use Fooducate.com

Shopping

• Food labeling laws state that food companies must always declare the presence of 8 major allergens when they appear in pre-packed food (Milk, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Shellfish, Fish, Soy, Wheat (not gluten) and Egg).   The place where they must appear is the ingredient list.  
• People with food allergies must read the ingredient list every time they buy a product, even if they have bought it before.  Recipes sometimes change and no notice is given. 
• Warning labels stating that a product “may contain” a particular allergen, such as nuts, are infuriating because they limit choice and make shopping complicated, but often these warnings are there for a reason because of the risks of cross-contamination during the production chain.  Don’t ignore these warnings.  You may eat a product numerous times without having a reaction but the next time you may not be so lucky.  Cross-contamination can be intermittent.

• Be careful of the words "Natural flavoring" and "Spices" if you have a food allergy that is not one of the Big 8, as many people who have been diagnosed with multiple food allergies now have a list that goes far beyond the big 8. 

Food Allergy Gal to the Rescue

• Shopping for food is going to take much longer than normal, always. Once you become familiar with a store and certain products it will become easier but it will also take a lot of creativity to adjust and modify meals. 

For a list of alternative cooking products or to customize recipes, 
please contact a Food Allergy Gal, AllerCoach. 

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