Recipe Station

The scariest thing about food allergies is that they are always developing and becoming new. A lot of the times a person does not know they are having a serious allergic reaction until it is too late.

Instead of assuming that your guests at your next cook out are all-normal and do not have any issues it is always a good thing to ask… I mean a paramedic is just a party-pooper.

*** Remember that cross-contamination between foods can also cause a reaction as well.

According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), it’s estimated that 15 million Americans have food allergies. Children are more likely to experience food allergies. Approximately 1 in every 13 children in the United States lives with food allergies.

A food allergy may affect the skin, the gastrointestinal tract or the respiratory or cardiovascular systems. Many types of foods can be allergens, but certain foods are much more likely than others to trigger an allergic reaction.

According to FARE, eight foods are responsible for 90 percent of food allergies. They are:

• cow's milk
• eggs
• peanuts
• fish
• shellfish
• tree nuts (such as cashews or walnuts)
• wheat
• soy

Mild symptoms related to a food allergy may include:

• sneezing
• stuffy or runny nose
• itchy, watery eyes
• swelling
• rash
• stomach cramps
• diarrhea

Severe symptoms of an allergic reaction to food are:

• difficulty breathing, including wheezing
• swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• hives (an itchy, blotchy and raised rash)
• dizziness or faintness
• nausea or vomiting

I found this article really helpful. Such a eye opener, most of these foods are used in daily cooking and are so common. The scary thing is that food allergies can range in levels. It can be as simple as a upset stomach and minor swelling to a full fledged anaphylactic response.

In a anaphylactic response immediate emergency treatment is needed to save the persons life. Their entire airway can close off in a matter of minutes, this is not something I ever want to see! Typically people know if they have food allergies but there are cases where a adult suddenly develops a allergy to a food. You never know when you could save a life by simply asking questions and being able to identify if someone is having a adverse reaction to food.

What Are You Allergic To & How Do You Avoid It At BBQ's?

We would love to hear your thoughts on food allergies and your personal experience with it! This is something we can not afford to not share! Knowledge could save someones life!

For more information on food allergies and symptoms check out: Healthline.