According to statistics, 6% of children suffer from food allergies. Food allergies are an immune response to certain foods. The food allergy will vary from one child to the other with the reaction being mild, severe or life threating. It’s important to work with the allergist Manassas to establish the food that is causing and develop a mechanism to protect your child from the allergy-causing food. As the holiday approach, if your child is allergic to certain foods it’s important to ensure that they don’t eat the food. As you shop for food make sure those delicacies don’t contain the allergens that affect your child. In this article, we tell you how to ensure your child enjoys the holidays despite having food allergies.
How to Avoid Food Allergies During the Holidays
Below tips to help you avoid the different types of food allergies.
- Plan ahead and communicate
If you are attending an event with your child who is allergic to certain foods make sure you communicate what your child is allergic to. Inform them of what the child is allergic to and the main sources of allergens. Ask that they remove the allergens from the menu if its possible. If it’s not possible to remove the allergen from the menu come up with a way of avoiding the allergens. You can request for part of the kitchen to be reserved for the food without the allergens.
- Carry Safe Food as you Travel
To reduce the risk of eating foods with allergens or coming into contact with food that causes allergies carrying the right food as you travel will reduce the chances of food allergies. Its also makes traveling easier and fun because you don’t have to wander away looking for food.
- Monitor your child During events
If your child has food allergies, it’s important to ensure that you keep a close eye on them to prevent them from consuming allergens. A child may get over excited to see other consuming food that contains allergens and that may lead to food allergies. If your child is old enough train them on what causes allergies and how to avoid the allergens. The allergy doctor can train the child on how to avoid allergens. Inform the children to alert you before they take any food. Train older children on allergens that affect them and how to avoid the specific allergens.
- Offer to Host Gathering or Cook During Gatherings
The health and safety of your child are paramount. If you can host or cook the food the child that will ensure the safety of your child. Getting involved in the cooking process will ensure that your child is safe.
- Be ready in case of Emergencies
It’s important to ensure that family members understand your child allergy situation and what to do in case of severe allergies. Make sure they know what to do in case the child is in an environment which is not safe. You can request a different room for the child with allergies. You can also suggest that gathering be held in a more safe environment where they are not in contact with allergens.
- Choose the right Destination for your family
Before you travel to explore places that offer with no allergens. Travel to places where you can communicate clearly Explain the child need before travel and confirm that food with no allergens will be available.
- Always read the labels
Before you let the child indulge in snacks read the label and ensure there are allergens in the food. Even if you have previously bought the snack reread the label to avoid any surprises. The snack manufacturer may have introduced an allergen without prior notice.
Speak to Allergy Physician and Get a Meal Plan
The health of your child is important and it’s crucial to ensure that the child feeds on a balanced diet during the holidays. Speak to the allergy specialist on the best food supplement you can stock or carry as you travel. Consult the allergy specialist on ways to avoid the allergen. Ask for medications to use in case of an emergency
The above tips will help you and your child enjoy the holidays without developing severe allergies. Make the necessary arrangements before traveling to ensure the comfort of your child. Visit the allergy clinic and consult on any medication you can carry in case of an emergency.