LIVING WITH FOOD ALLERGY/INTOLERANCE

• Having to restrict your diet can be particularly stressful because you can’t eat anything that you want and you also have to make others aware of your dietary needs if attending a dinner party or whenever you eat out. Nevertheless, these special diets need to be heeded because of the consequences. Here’s some helpful advice on food allergy prevention:
  The most effective method of prevention is to never eat the offending food again.
  - Remember to read food labels very carefully and try and avoid additives and preservatives.
  - Highly allergenic foods should be avoided during the second half of pregnancy.
  - When introducing babies to solid foods try and delay doing so until at least 6 months old. The baby’s first foods should then be restricted to lamb, chicken, rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and pears. For the first year, do avoid feeding cows milk, eggs, wheat, fish, soya, citrus. Nuts and peanuts should be introduced at the age of three.
  - Be careful when dining out or eating at a party as an invited guest. Make them aware of your dietary requirements in case a suitable alternative can be offered.
  - Consult with your GP before using an antihistamine to counter a reaction.
  - If you are at risk of going into anaphylactic shock as a consequence of an allergy be sure to carry an adrenaline injection with you. Tell your friends how to inject in case of an emergency.
  - Always consult your dietician for advice on what you can and can’t eat. This diet will have to be very strictly adhered to.


• There are several types of conditions that are a result of a food allergy or intolerance, for example:
  - Coeliac Disease: this is a reaction to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Foods must be substituted with naturally gluten-free produce or specially made gluten-free produce. Gluten is present in a lot of food so it’s important for you to seek advice from a qualified dietician.
  - Lactose Intolerance: this is where people lack the enzyme that digests the sugar in milk. Sufferers also have to watch out for whey, whey powder and whey solids.


• Some foods are responsible for triggering skin disorders such as dermatitis and eczema, whilst, in some cases, an asthma attack could be triggered by certain types of food. In all cases, special diets need to be observed in order for the sufferer to lead as normal a life as possible.